Bradford 37 Flight Air Cadets held its first full-uniform parade and promotions night in the gym at Fieldcrest Elementary School on Thursday.
With parents looking on, the young cadets – all between the ages of 12 and 18 - formed up for inspection by Commanding Officer Maj. Steve Case and special guests that included Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Rob Keffer, Coun. Gary Baynes, and Bradford Legion President Mike Giovanetti.
The Flight has come a long way, said legionnaire and cadet liaison George Neilson.
“A bunch of kids that had no idea – and now they’ve formed up. It’s really nice to see,” he said.
“It’s the first time they’ve ever done it,” said Case, calling the parade “outstanding,” especially since a number of cadets were unable to attend. “You guys really did a good job,” he told the cadets.
It was also Promotions Night. Those cadets who successfully completed the training required received their badges as Leading Air Cadets (LAC).
A smaller number of cadets, who participated in accelerated training, were promoted to corporal.
“Every rank has requirements that have to be met,” said Case, noting that some of the cadets, not yet promoted, are still in training and will move ahead as soon as possible.
“Congratulations, everybody who was promoted,” said the major, calling it a real accomplishment “when you think that you only started a few months ago. People are already talking about Bradford – and we just got started.”
“You made us very proud tonight,” Giovanetti told the air cadets, speaking on behalf of the legion.
Parents and supporters were asked to help fundraise for 37 Flight, which will become the fully-fledged Bradford Orville Hand 37 Squadron Air Cadets later this spring.
