The Wynyard Air Cadet Squadron held its Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR) on Wednesday, May 16.2018
The Parade, which includes drill and inspection, kicked
off at 6 p.m. at the Wynyard Composite High School gym.
During that time, commanding officer Evelyn Sebastian
announced that the squadron has been officially renamed in honour of late World
War II veteran Barry Needham, who had served as the reviewing officer for the
Wynyard squadron’s ACR in 2016.
“At that time, (Barry Needham) was presented with a plaque
from our organization with the intent of renaming the squadron after him,” said
Sebastian. “Unfortunately, due to Air Cadet League of Canada regulations, we
could not name the squadron to honour him until after he passed. W.B. Needham
passed away July 17, 2017 - 22 days
short of his 97th birthday. Tonight, draws the end of 568 Wynyard Royal
Canadian Air Cadet Squadron with the official renaming… to the 568 W.B. Needham
Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron,” said Sebastian.
In honour of Needham, the squadron’s insignia has been
redesigned by cadet Shantel Gusdal. It now features an illustration of the
spitfire aircraft that Needham flew during the war.
Appropriately, the reviewing party for the ACR included
Needham’s son and daughter, Scott Needham and Debra Needham Moshurchak.
While conducting an inspection of the squadron, reviewing
officer Scott Needham took the time to shake the hand of, and speak with, every
single cadet.
Needham Moshurchak shared the reviewing officer duties
with her brother, following close behind him to inspect the squadron.
Following the Parade, the cadets and their guests headed
over to the Civic Centre for the banquet. Award presentations took place after
the meal had been served. This year’s award winners include the following:
• Junior Merit Award: LAC Tristan Quist
• Junior Proficiency Award: FCpl Ellian Singkala
• Senior Merit Award: FSgt Tyson Stutt
• Senior Proficiency: Sgt Tristan Bergquist
• Most Dedicated Cadet: FSgt Maegen Howden
• Lord Strathcona Award: Sgt Tristan Bergquist. This is
the highest award which can be bestowed upon a Canadian cadet in recognition of
exemplary performance in physical and military training.
The squadron also congratulated cadets Shantel Gusdal and
Tyson Stutt, who are graduating from high school this June. Captain Duane
Kirstein presented certificates to the graduates, marveling at how far they
have come since their first days in the Air Cadet program.
“Their first day through the door, they were very nervous
and they’ve both turned into very good cadets, and very good people. Wherever
your adventures take you, keep us informed. You are welcome back anytime. If
you need us, call us,” said Kirstein.
CO Sebastian then presented responsible attendance
certificates to all of the cadets who have attended 90 percent or more of the
squadron’s activities for the 2017/18 season.
These included Sgt Tristan Bergquist, FSgt Shantel Gusdal, FSgt Maegen
Howden, LAC Tristan Quist, and FSgt Tyson Stutt.
The squadron also handed out some hardware in appreciation
for all that the Wynyard Composite High School and the Wynyard Legion have done
for the squadron. Parent Committee chair Shelley Quist presented plaques to
Wayne Sadler (accepting on behalf of the Legion) and Terry Leibel (accepting
for WCHS).
After all of the awards had been handed out, speakers
rounded out the evening. Councillor Greg Kostyk brought greetings on behalf of
the Town of Wynyard.
“I would like to thank the cadet organization for a job
well done in our community,” he said.
Provincial league director Jason Howden was unable to
attend the Wynyard banquet. Paige Sebastian, acting as MC for the evening, read
a statement that Howden had provided to be read in his absence.
“I would like to thank the cadets for their participation
in the squadron. The benefits that you can achieve from the Air Cadets program
will stay with you for a lifetime. Be proud that you are an Air Cadet. Work
hard and take advantage of all the program has to offer. Congratulations to all
involved on a very successful year,” read Howden’s statement.
CO Evelyn Sebastian had the final say for the evening.
During her speech, she recapped the squadron’s year. Throughout the season the
cadets kept busy, helping out with the Legion’s poppy drive and Remembrance Day
Service, and attending Camp Saskadet.
The squadron will be wrapping up its season with events
that include a year-end trip to Grasslands National Park which kicked off on
May 18, and a gliding day in Tisdale on June 2. They will also participate in
the Legion’s Decoration Day at the cemetery on June 3.
A few students will continue their season this summer by
attending camp in Cold Lake. These include Troy Linklater, Tyler Schraa, Cindy
Singkala, James Schraa, and Ellian Singkala.
Thank you to Denise Mozel and the Wynyard Advance
