The 2384 Kainai Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps salute as they march past reviewing officer Jim Bennett.
The 2384 Kainai Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps looked sharp Thursday as they put the finishing touches on their training year.
The cadets earned praise from reviewing officer Jim Bennett and other guests during their annual ceremonial review at the Fort Macleod and District Community Hall.
“None of us can know with certainty what the next decades will bring,” said reviewing officer Jim Bennett, who had a distinguished career during more than 16 years of front line policing with Blood Tribe Police. “There will be challenges, there will be setbacks, but there will also be opportunities of real consequence for those who are prepared to meet them.”
“If you want to succeed, if you want to truly survive and thrive, remember this: prepare early, work consistently, be ready when opportunity presents itself.”
“Because when that moment comes, do not merely wish you were ready, stand knowing that you are. So, cadets, continue to carry yourself with purpose, continue preparing, continue improving, continue earning the stress that leadership requires. If you do so, you will be ready not only to meet the future but to lead within it.”
The evening opened with a prayer by elder Wylie Weasel Moccasin, an honour song by Shane Across the Mountain and DJ Jacobs of the drum group Yellowtail, and the singing of O Canada.
Capt. Susan Bruised Head praised the cadets for their hard work and perseverance throughout the training year.
The cadets earned many compliments for their dress and deportment when serving at events such as the Remembrance Day ceremonies in Fort Macleod and Granum.
“I have seen nothing but growth in them this year,” said Capt. Bruised Head, who thanked the cadets’ parents for their support.
Fort Macleod Mayor Brent Feyter brought greetings on behalf of his council, congratulating the cadets on a successful year.
The mayor praised the cadets for their discipline in attending training and putting in the hard work to develop their skills.
“We want to encourage you on your journey in the cadet corps to keep going,” Feyter said. “Sometimes it may feel like there’s too much work or too much going on, but . . . the skills you’re learning, you’ll be able to use for years to come.”
Feyter also praised Capt. Bruised Head for her commitment to working with the cadets and helping them develop.
“I’m sure your troop appreciates all the work you put into encouraging them and supporting them as they move along,” Feyter said.
Blood Tribe Coun. Maria Russell also congratulated the cadets and their captain on their hard work and dedication.
“I know that they have had a busy year, and they kept going no matter what,” Russell said, adding the corps has a long and proud tradition in the community
“I was thinking about this group, and in the years to come they will be part of this history and I know that they will do good things,” Russell said.
After Bennett and the other dignitaries carried out the ceremonial review, the following awards were presented Thursday:
Marksmanship Award — Warrant Officer Levi Slingerland.
Gold Star Dress and Deportment Award — Warrant Officer Levi Slingerland and Warrant Officer Emerald Day Chief.
Silver Star Dress and Deportment Award — Sgt. Jordan Guliker, Bombardier Kendra Klaassen, and Gunner Jensen Martin.
Green Star Dress and Deportment Award — Master Bombardier Kendra Klaassen, Gunner Kimberly Jensen, and Gunner Arianna Klaassen.
Top Green Star Award — Gunner Kimberly Jensen.
Top Red Star Award — Master Bombarder Liam Klaassen.
Top Silver Star Award — Sgt. Jordan Guliker.
Top Gold Star Award — Warrant Officer Levi Slingerland.
