60th anniversary

Squadron graduate returns as reviewing officer

West Prince 641 Air Cadet Squadron welcomed back a squadron graduate as its reviewing officer Saturday. “I remember how proud I was wearing my uniform and standing on parade, and I’m still proud of my time that I spent in cadets,” Master Corporal Landon Yuill, a military police officer at CFB Greenwood, told the cadets. The squadron’s 60th annual review and awards program was held at the O’Leary Legion. The O’Leary, St. Anthony’s and Tignish Legions are the squadron’s sponsors. Yuill said his time in the cadet program has served him well in his adult life.

“At a young age I was able to learn responsibility and commitment,” he told the cadets.

Later, when he joined the Atlantic Police Academy and subsequently the Canadian Armed Forces, he already had the marching training as well as the general knowledge of military structure.

But what M/Cpl. Yuill said he values most from his time with the cadet squadron are the fond memories and strong friendships.

Having worked on Army, Navy and Air Force bases, Yuill told the cadets each of the Canadian Armed Forces’ elements offer their own rewarding experiences. He encouraged them to consider a career in the Forces. “The opportunities are endless,” he said.

One of the opportunities Alex Trail likes best about air cadets is flight school.

This year’s recipient of the E.P. Tremblay Award as the squadron’s best overall cadet, Trail, who was also promoted from Flight Corporal to Sergeant during the awards program, said he’d like to become a pilot and fly for a commercial airline. Sgt. Trail who is 14 and in Grade 8, has been in cadets for three years.

Captain Marc Doucette, commanding officer for the 641 squadron, called it a “very rewarding endeavour,” watching the cadets grow into young men and women. He suggested opportunities available through cadets are unmatched in other youth movements. He is looking forward to welcoming back this year’s cadets as well as a new group of first-year cadets in the fall.

“I never expect cadets to be the best at any one thing, but I do expect them to be the best that they, themselves, can be,” Doucette said of his philosophy.

“The more you put into something, the more you’ll get out of it, so, always do your best,” he advised.

ERIC MCCARTHY/JOURNAL PIONEER Flight Sergeant Julie Gallant, parade commander for the 641 West Prince Air Cadet Squadron, looks on as Master Corporal Landon Yuill conducts the squadron’s annual parade inspection. He stops to speak with Corporal Jayden Doucette, right. During the...

ERIC MCCARTHY/JOURNAL PIONEER Master Corporal Landon Yuill from CFB Greenwood, reviewing officer for the West Prince 641 Air Cadet Squadron’s annual awards ceremony, presents Flight Corporal Alex Trail with the E.P. Tremblay Award as the squadron’s best overall cadet.