Sea Cadets hold annual review

The Fort Frances Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps (#144) held its annual ceremonial review last Wednesday evening (May 23) at the Emo-La Vallee Community Centre with 30 cadets participating.
Training Officer SLT C. Lavigne welcomed everyone to this occasion and presented division information.
Prior to the program, COX, N:CPO1 D. Scott began assembling cadets in their division formation, assisted by Divisional POs P02 R. Taylor and C. Edwards.
The corps proudly stood at attention on the arrival of reviewing officer, Major T.R. Forsythe CD, after which the inspection of the corp followed.
Maj. Forsythe offered advice and also commented on the corps’ achievements, congratulating them on a fine job.
“I am honoured to be here,” he said. “You cadets and staff have successfully performed everything with pride, including volunteers whose help is never ending and welcomed.”
He congratulated the cadets on qualifying for awards received and wished the corps much success in future endeavours. He then presented awards to cadets promoted in ranks.
Presentations were as follows:
•Top Recruit Award–OC Shane Ikert (presented by Bill McCready from Legion Br. #99 in Emo) as the new recruit showing above average interest and has progressed most during their first year of service);
•Top Cadet–P02 Ryan Newman (presented by Roly Crawford of Legion Br. #29 in Fort Frances) as the cadet who has shown devotion and interest in the cadet movement;
•Top Physical Fitness Athlete–OC Nikita Mansbridge (CI Rachelle Lavigne presented the trophy donated by Kentucky Fried Chicken of Fort Frances);
•The Strathcona Trust Medal–LC Kaleb Firth (presented by Maj. Forsythe). This is the highest civilian award that can be granted to a cadet in recognition of a high performance in physical and military training.
An appreciation gift (canoe paddle) was presented to Maj. Forsythe, for coming here to take part in the ceremonial review, and to CPO1 D. Scott for her being part of the corps faithfully for seven years.
This completes her term with the cadets, although she could keep on training to be an officer or serving on staff in other capacities. But when asked, Scott replied, “I do not think I’ll try to advance into other departments of the corps.”
The officers and executive have worked very well together to provide interesting and exciting experiences to the cadets, noted Betty Grynol, president of the Navy League of Canada (Emo branch).
“I would like to compliment my executive for the many volunteer hours that they sacrificed for this worthy cause,” she added. “The dedication of the officers is also to be commented upon.”
Afterwards, refreshments were served at the centre. “This is the most people I have seen come and view the cadets,” noted Training Officer C. Lavigne.
Tables also were set up on the arena surface that provided information on the various activities the cadets had taken part in over the past year.
Demonstrations were on biathlon at Canmore, a trip to Bermuda, rifle range accomplishments, and two outdoor adventure training weekends (Operation Swamp Donkey and Snowshoe Hare).
Other areas the cadets had participated in included Adopt-a-Highway cleanup, sailing weekend in Kenora, gymnastics sports night, the Remembrance Day service, and the Battle of the Atlantic parade at Knox United Church in Fort Frances earlier this month.
They also took part in the walk-a-thon, winter games, music concentration, tag day, and decoration day in Emo, and helped manned the Salvation Army kettles at Christmas.
Several of the cadets will be attending three to six-week summer camps in July and August.