It was a 鈥渕ajor鈥� surprise.
Last week, 撸奶社区Air Cadets were in for a treat, cadets鈥� spokesperson Judy Goodwin said. The troupe is currently out of a home. They usually practice at Don Ross Secondary School, but with the teachers鈥� strike in full swing the cadets have been using Brennan Park Recreation Centre parking lot to practice their drills.
On Sept. 10, while parading on the pavement, the cadets had a visit from the cadet area officer, Major Tim Alguire. Alguire was on hand to award the founder of Squamish鈥檚 air cadets, Major David Timms with a Canadian Medal of Distinction.
鈥淭imms started the [Squamish] air cadets 12 years ago,鈥� Goodwin said.
撸奶社区is one of the newest communities to join the Canadian program, which formed in 1940. Timms鈥檚 son was one of eight youths travelling to North and West Vancouver for cadets. In 2000, Timms set up a local committee to explore beginning a squadron in Squamish.
Even though Timms is no longer with the 撸奶社区Squadron, his reach is felt, Goodwin said. Most recently he stepped into command for several weeks when the new commanding officer, Lieutenant Angela Sargent, was away.
鈥淗e is still there when we need him,鈥� she noted.
Sargent was also in for a surprise. The lieutenant, who has been the commanding officer of the squadron for the past year, was promoted to the rank of captain.
The day was a big one for many of the cadets, Sargent noted in a press release.
鈥淭he new senior cadets, taking their first tentative steps as squadron leaders, were nervous to be calling parade commands in front of two majors,鈥� she said.
Officers in charge of air cadets are members of the Canadian Forces Reserves and belong to the Cadet Instructor Cadre. They receive special training in dealing with youth and teaching a challenging program, Sargent stated.
Last weekend, the cadets hit the Pitt Meadows Airport. For more information on the squadron visit .
