OLDS – Sgt. E. Bird was named the outstanding cadet of the year and received the President’s trophy, sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 105 during the 185 Olds Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron’s annual banquet and awards.
The banquet and awards were held in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 105 May 29, following the squadron’s annual inspection, held as always, in the auxiliary surface of the Olds Sportsplex.
During the inspection, the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence was awarded to Sgt. E. Bird, and the Lord Strathcona Medal was presented to Sgt. R. Ibbotson.
The guest reviewing officer for the inspection this year was Olds RCMP Cpl. Leif Svendsen.
Following are other awards presented after the banquet:
The reviewing officer’s plaque was presented to Cpl. Svendsen.
The warrant officer plaque, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Olds, was awarded to WO1 E. Pieper.
The best dress and deportment award, sponsored by 185 Olds civilian committee, went to to F/Cpl. K. Thompson.
The award for best squadron shot, sponsored by Olds Green Wing, was presented to F/Sgt. Y. Wiper.
Most improved band cadet, sponsored by Sundre Branch #223 Royal Canadian Legion, went to LAC P. Verhaeghe.
LAC E. Verhaeghe received the top band cadet award, sponsored by Sundre Branch #223 Royal Canadian Legion.
The award for best first-year cadet, sponsored by Carstairs Branch #53 Royal Canadian Legion, went to LAC M. Whittle.
The award for best second or third-year cadet (dedication and enthusiasm), sponsored by the Olds RCMP Detachment, was presented to Cpl. N. Quantz.
The top instructor award, sponsored by 185 Olds civilian committee, was awarded to F/Sgt T. Shamvu.
F/Cpl. W. Whittle received the Best junior NCO award, sponsored by the Town of Olds.
The award for best senior NCO, the Brian Leatherdale Award, was given to F/Sgt T. Shamvu.
Graduation certificates were presented to WO1 E. Pieper and former WO2 B. Damant.
Pins were also awarded to those cadets who had achieved perfect attendance throughout the year.
“The annual inspection, banquet and awards are held to celebrate our cadets and their successful year of training, activities, and fundraising,” said Teena Thompson, chair of the No. 185 Cadet Parents Association.
“Their success is due to the dedication of our officers, sponsors, parents, guardians, and all of our volunteers.”
"A special thank you to all the parents and guardians of our cadets that give of their time, their commitment and support for our fundraising events and cadet activities, which greatly contributes to the success of our squadron.”
Information and photography for this story was provided by Teena Thompson.
