This past June would have marked our 72nd Annual Ceremonial Review.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the cadets, staff, league members anv sponsors of 2313 SALH (Kiwanis) RCACC for your dedication and support through this difficult year.
These are unprecedented and trying times for many. Perspective is a powerful thing. When faced with adversity, regardless of how it presents itself, we must deal with it. Quite often, difficulty arrives on our doorstep, in an unfamiliar or unexpected manner. Adversity is almost always stressful and chaotic at first, but it is also an opportunity for each of us to learn and grow, allowing us all to emerge stronger.
After extended difficult periods, challenges or moments, we develop a resiliency that helps us deal with other problems in life. Hardship can hurt, but it can also bring out the best in us. We see this in how each of you has demonstrated caring for each other.
Although these moments of hardship take their toll on us, some suffer from mental, physical, and emotional pain, that suffering or period of discomfort helps us to develop a greater understanding of adversity and makes us more prepared for when it comes again. Until we get through all of this, I encourage you to continue to look after one another and stay connected.
We cannot control the situation we are currently faced with nor the challenges that are associated with it, but we can control our responses and have more courage and strength in the face of it.
As the economy continues to reopen, it is easy to become complacent. I encourage all you to stay vigilante, stay safe, and stay connected with each other.
Early this year, I spent several weeks working out of town. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers for stepping up to the plate when needed. This corps only operates well when we are all on the same page and working together towards the same goal. You all have the same goal of ensuring the cadets have the very best possible experience. Thank you.
I need to take a moment to recognize some important individuals.
CWO Callum Richardson and MWO Graeme Heidinger both aged out, or will before we return in September.
MWO Graeme Heidinger joined cadets on September 12, 2013. He aged out on April 18, 2020. While he was unable to attend CTC, he played an important leadership role on the drill team, helping to lead the team to a first place finish at the Spielman cup in 2019, and a third place finish at the Kozar Cup that same year. He held the position as Drill Sergeant Major, and aged out as Squadron Sergeant Major.
His awards include:
Cpl Craig Batsel Award for Most Improved – 2017
Army Cadet Service Medal – 2017
Army Cadet Service Medal 1st clasp – 2018
LCol Doug Heine Award for Exemplary Service – 2019
Army Cadet Service Medal 2nd clasp – 2019
Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence – 2019
CWO Richardson joined cadets on September 12, 2013. He ages out on August 9, 2020. During his cadet career, CWO Richardson, attended General Training and Basic Marksman CTCs in Vernon, BC, attended Fullbore Marksman Phase I in Connaught, ON, and has been a Distinguished Marksman since 2015. He has played an important role in coaching others on the marksmanship team. He aged out as the Regimental Sergeant Major.
His awards include:
Cpl Craig Batsel Award for Most Improved – 2015
MCpl Pam Johnson Award for Best All Round Silver Star – 2016
Cpl Amber M.L. Dickson Award for Best Marksman (Jr) – 2016
Army Cadet Service Medal – 2017
Best All Round Gold Star – 2017
Army Cadet Service Medal 1st clasp – 2018
Cpl Amber M.L. Dickson Award for Best Marksman (Sr) -2019
LCol Doug Heine Award for Exemplary Service – 2019
Army Cadet Service Medal 2nd clasp – 2019
Captain Girling joined the Cadet Instructor Cadre in August 1996, receiving his Commission as a CIC officer in October of 1997, serving two terms as Commanding Officer, and being a pillar of leadership and sensibility for many years. This year marks his retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces. I still remember one of my earliest moments with Captain Girling. I was still a new cadet and had gone to the bathroom after opening parade. I came out to no one on the parade square, and I was late for first period. I figured I could just dart across the square really quick to get to class, but Captain Girling was chatting in a corner where I couldn’t see, and yelled “March across the parade square!” I nearly had to change my shorts, and I admit that I had a healthy fear of him for many years after that. Upon getting to know Don as an officer, I’ve come to know him as a kind hearted, caring person with a great sense of humor, and I imagine he was probably chuckling to himself after I quickly marched off the parade square with a scared look on my face.
I wish Captain Girling, CWO Richardson, and MWO Heidinger the very best in this next chapter of your lives. I look forward to meeting again with you when we can to give you a proper send off.
K.F. Bradley
Captain
Commanding Officer
2313 SALH (Kiwanis) RCACC