Expanding horizons
Summerside teen selected for International Air Cadet Exchange
A local air cadet has been accepted into a prestigious international program designed to expand horizons. Dylan Corbett, 17, from Summerside, has been chosen to represent Canada and the national air cadet movement abroad. He will be part of the Canadian delegations to the United States.
“While in the United States we are guests of the U.S. civil air patrol and the United States Air Force,” explained Corbett. “We get to hang out with them, possibly visit some of their bases, and learn about the military, as well as share our experiences.” Corbett was one out of 20 Canadian Air Cadets selected nationwide to participate in the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) program.
He will be one of just 36 ambassadors from around the world between the ages of 17 to 20 going to the United States to represent Canada.
“It’s important that goodwill and good ambassadors can be promoted across the world,” he said.
The IACE is designed to foster goodwill, exchange ideas and opinions, and promote an appreciation and understanding of other cultures. In the process, life-long friendships are built among young people who find a common ground in aviation.
“I’m sure on this journey I will be able to form strong bonds with these good Canadians that are going and they will probably become some of my best friends,” he said. The adventure in friendship will start in Ottawa and continue to Washington, D.C. The trip is just over two weeks.
“There’s a whole bunch of people involved, from Israel to Africa, the States and Canada, and they only send the best cadets to act as ambassadors for their countries,” explained Corbett. Helping in the community was a stride in the right direction for him and one that led to his being chosen.
“I work with the Kin family during Christmas time preparing food, and I work with the cadets a lot when it comes to volunteering or, working with the community in some sort of capacity. This is important because it’s what defines a Canadian, and that’s what they are looking for.”
Corbett will leave on July 15.