Marches and inspections were made, awards were presented and stationary displays were set up for visitors to see during the 3064 Rocky Mountain Rangers Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps 17th annual Ceremonial Review held Saturday at the Cariboo Memorial Complex.
Insp. Jeff Pelley, officer in charge of the Williams Lake RCMP detachment, was the reviewing officer and presented the Lord Strathcona Medal to Sgt. Chance Ward.
The Lord Strathcona Medal is granted to one cadet in each corps or squadron annually in recognition of high performance in physical and military training.
Ward also earned the Eric Rowe Memorial Trophy which recognizes strong proficiency in all aspects of leadership, citizenship, dress, deportment, community activities and physical fitness. This award was also presented by Insp. Pelley.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 139 representatives Gordon Keener and branch president Joyce Norberg presented the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence to Sgt. Braeden Thiessen.
Other awards were presented as follows:
Best Green Star (first year cadet): LCpl Michael Maxwell.
Best Red Star (second year cadet): LCpl Nevaeh Wycotte.
Best Silver Star (third year cadet): MCpl Stephanie Conway.
Best Gold Star (fourth year cadet): Sgt. Chance Ward.
Top Master Cadet: WO Michael Bailey.
Best Dressed Cadet: Sgt. Angelica Hyde.
Most Improved Cadet: Sgt. Andy Dyck.
Attendance Award: Sgt. Braeden Thiessen.
Marksmanship Award: WO Michael Bailey and MCpl Kiersten Sheridan.
Biathlon Award: WO Michael Bailey.
Volunteer Award: Sgt. Andy Dyck.
Top Musician Award (new): M/Cpl Kiersten Sheridan.
Following the awards, 3064 Commanding Officer Williams Sheridan made a few special presentations. He awarded unit coins to LCpl Michael Maxwell for his efforts in recruiting during the Williams Lake Children’s Festival on May 28.
Two retired members of the Canadian Army were also presented with coins. Retired Private David Brideau and retired Sergeant James Way helped out the cadets by setting up for the event.
Both men did so out of kindness and respect for the program, Sheridan said.
Sheridan also presented a large bouquet of flowers to 3064 sponsoring committee chair Crystal Sheridan for all of her hard work.
The army cadets will conclude their training later in the month when they take to the field for a training exercise in navigation before heading off to summer camps across BC.
For more information about the army cadets contact their office at 3064Army@cadets.gc.ca or 250-305-1299.
