The echoes of boots hitting the ground in unison could be heard within the walls of the Bradford and District Community Centre on Sunday afternoon as cadets marched together.
It was a special day for the 37 Orville Hand Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, as the cadets participated in their annual review, the fifth in the squadron’s young history.
In attendance to mark the occasion were Major Ryan Schwarz, the reviewing officer, and Mike Giovanetti, Director for the Ontario Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada.
Growing up in Aurora, Schwarz joined the Air Cadets in 1989 as part of the 140 Aurora Squadron.
“I have a special place in my heart for new squadrons,” he said. “When I first joined Air Cadets as a 12-year-old, my squadron in Aurora was a brand new squadron. I congratulate the cadets in the squadron for making the choice to serve in your community. You will continuously learn new skills over the course of your time in the squadron. You’ll bring the skills that you learn here into your careers as adults and professionals in the future.”
Schwarz, who spent 22 years in military service, was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration medal in 2010.
“The Air Cadet program can be very challenging but also very rewarding,” he said. “A challenge means to step outside our comfort zone and take on a new task, role, or experience that tests our skills and resilience. It means to try something different, something that we may not be good at or comfortable with, but it’ll be something we learn from.”
With over 1,600 adult volunteers supporting over 8,000 cadets, the mission of the Air Cadets Ontario Provincial Committee since 1941, has been to support and enable youth to meet the challenges of modern society, through a dynamic, community-based program that is accessible to all young citizens of Ontario.
“The main purpose of the Air Cadet training is to produce good Canadian citizens through leadership training, self-discipline, and the discovery of individual potential,” said Giovanetti. “Through programs like the Air Cadets, we look forward to the eminence of a new generation of leaders in Canadian society.”
The vision of the Air Cadets is to prepare youth to become the leaders of tomorrow through programs and activities that teach the value of loyalty, professionalism, mutual respect, and integrity.
“You learn many essential skills such as leadership, survival, first aid, athletics, and elements of skills associated with aviation and aerospace,” said Giovanetti. “37 Squadron has offered each cadet the opportunity to work hard in pursuit of reaching their own potential while playing an important role in the community.”
The 37 Squadron has also helped to support Royal Canadian Legion Branch 521 in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
“You cadets should all be really proud of your performance this afternoon,” said Anne Silvey, Vice President of RCL Branch 521. “You have proven yourselves and you will continue to learn and grow into responsible leaders in this world.”
Nobody was prouder of the Air Cadets for their performance during the annual review than Lynda Holowatyj, Captain of the 37 Squadron.
“You’ve already made best buddies in this squadron and in another 10, 20, 40 years, you’ll still be in contact with some of these people and still be friends with them,” she said.
“That’s something the program offers to everybody, friendship and camaraderie," said Holowatyj. "One of the great opportunities of the program is all the people you meet. Be proud of what you have accomplished, keep up your spirits, and congratulations.”
