By S.L. Furedi

The Elk Valley Air Cadets celebrated a special milestone this training year. On Oct. 15, the squadron was granted official status, after having been a flight of 859 Squadron, Crowsnest Pass in Blairmore, Alta.

For its 30th anniversary, the squadron intends to host an alumni reunion.

“It’s a proud achievement for a small squadron like ours, with our cadets spread over three communities, and we have to celebrate this,” said Parent Sponsoring Committee Chair Roger Fairhurst. “Our squadron is very strong right now, with the highest membership we’ve had in years, and we’ve been blessed to have had a strong parent committee for the last few years to help support our staff and cadets.”

There are other things to celebrate as well, Fairhurst said.

“We have a new commanding officer. Our previous captain, Murray Clow, did a great job and we know he’s turning over command to an officer who has proven herself very capable. Captain Sherri Shaw, who has been an officer with the squadron for the last 10 years, has a lot of energy and fresh ideas.”

The training year just started a few weeks ago, and already the squadron has participated in a fall training exercise in Trail with other squadrons from across the Kootenays, enjoyed a day of flying in the valley, provided a colour party for the Regional Legion Annual General Meeting and helped with the Shoreline Clean-up project.

“We always have things on the go,” says Fairhurst. “The cadets will be starting range in a couple of weeks, and of course will assist with poppy sales for the Legion, and march with the Remembrance Day parades in Sparwood and Elkford.”

Other planned training and activities include first aid and effective speaking competitions, volunteering with the Toys for Tots Food Drive, a spring break trip, the annual trip to Nanton’s Air Museum, and a full mess dinner.

“There isn’t another program like it,” said Fairhurst. “The focus it has on community involvement, physical fitness and leadership is just extraordinary. It really changes the young men and women who join, and in such positive ways; I’m always impressed by their behaviour and maturity.”

Air Cadets is for teens age 12-18. There is a $100 registration fee, and all uniforms, travel and training are covered by the Department of National Defense. Other activities and supplies are funded through the Parent Sponsoring Committee. The Elk Valley squadron meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Eagles Hall in Sparwood.

For more information, please contact Shaw at (250) 423-6224 or email [email protected].

Lead image: The Elk Valley Air Cadets enjoyed a day of flying from the Elk Valley Airport in Sparwood, thanks to pilot Brent Bidston. The cadets were taken up for flights around the valley in a four-seater Cessna to familiarize themselves with aircraft controls. (Photo S. Furedi)

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