It was a special night for the cadets of Barrhead Air Cadet Squadron 526.
On Wednesday more than 20 cadets gathered in the East gymnasium of Barrhead Composite High School for their annual inspection.
Under the watchful eye of reviewing officer Capt. Pete Musters from 408 Squadron in Edmonton, dignitaries, and friends and family of the squadron completed its season-ending inspection, and handed out a number of awards.
Squadron Commander Capt. Susan Peters said the cadets have come a long way since September.
“I am so proud of our members and our recruitment drive. At the beginning of the year we only had nine recruits and today we have 22,” she said, adding that even though some of the members have only been cadets for as little as two months, they have progressed to the point of becoming full first year cadets. “Let’s all give them a hand for all the hard work they have done.”
Muster agreed with Peters, saying he was impressed with the progress the squadron made over such a short period of time.
“It wasn’t too long ago when I was a 12-year-old cadet standing at attention for inspection for my first annual review, trying to maintain a proper set of boots and uniform, not to pass out in the heat or say something stupid to the reviewing officer.
Muster told the cadets that he first joined the cadets because he wanted to get a chance to fly.
“Something I was happy to have been able to accomplish,” he said, adding that being part of the cadets gave him so much more than learning how to fly. “Being a cadet gave me the confidence to take on the world. Keep up the hard work 526, train hard and you too will gain the skills and confidence to take on the world.”
Roy Ulmer, Town of Barrhead deputy mayor, was also on hand to congratulate the cadets.
“The Town of Barrhead and I have so much respect for the cadet movement,” he said. “Cadets teaches you respect for your leadership, respect for authority and respect for people and it shows up all the time in all the things that you do for our community.”
Rebecca Lonsdale, Barrhead Legion first vice-president, told the cadets she has been part of the cadet movement in some form for more than 30 years.
“I know the last couple of years have been difficult, but I am very proud of each and everyone of you,” she said, adding that the squadron has the support of the Legion. “As long as you (Squadron 526) exist and as long as the Legion exists, we will be here to be your supporters.”
