Cadets rise through the ranks ahead of weekend open house

September 18, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Chris McGowan

The latest crop of the Queen’s York Rangers Army Cadets has risen through the ranks.

Cadets held their annual parade and promotions before their Commanding Officer Sue Lusk, staff of Queen’s York Rangers 2799 Army Cadet Corp, as well as parents and friends on Friday September 13 at the Simcoe Armoury on Industrial Parkway South.

The evening was filled with pride as Cadets received recognition through promotions within ranks.

The young men and women in the Cadet Corp. range in ages from 12 to 18 and ranks include Cadet, Trooper, Corporal, Master Corporal, Sergeant, Warrant Officer, Master Warrant Officer.

Cadets are promoted to higher rank levels by participation, good attendance, training, and each rank must be attended a minimum of six months. More leadership is given to the higher ranks in the Corp through training, and assigned responsibility.

Bert and Brenda Wiker have three children in the Cadet Corp, Victoria 18, Natalie 16, and Mattias 13 and said they are very pleased with the results.

“They get involved with summer camp programs including white water rafting and community service work where they learn discipline and confidence,” said Bert as the family waited for the parade and promotions to begin. “It’s definitely positive.”

The Cadets were in their full dress uniform for this special evening and proudly stood at attention waiting commands from their officers. It was all spit and polish to be sure as their uniforms and overall appearance were inspected by their Commanding Officer, and Hon. Lt. Col. Len Whines.
Uniform inspections are done on a weekly basis and as Lusk explained “All Cadets are given guidance and direction to achieve success with this program”.

Whines has been involved with the Queens York Rangers for over 40 years. He recommended this program to the Police in relation to the Young Offenders Act.

“Don’t charge them, send them to the Cadet Corp” said Whines. “The program teaches Cadets about respect, leadership, and self reliance, while learning physical fitness and valuable life skills.”

Aiden Slind, last year’s Chief Warrant Officer spent six years in the program and said the program made him who he is today.

“I would not be in Trinity College, U of T if it was not for the Queens York Rangers,” he said.

Slind was there to support his friends, and his brother, who were being promoted that evening. Slind smiled and clapped with pride as the promoted names were being called. His replacement for Chief Warrant Officer this year is Ilja Semikolennihs.

On Friday, September 20, at 7.00 p.m. the Queen’s York Rangers is hosting an Open House at their Industrial Parkway South location where you can learn more about the program. You can also visit their website at www.Rangers2799.com to determine if this program would be something that you feel your child or children could benefit from.