The Royal Canadian Air Cadets 858 Skookumchuk Squadron proudly held its 26th annual ceremonial review on June 8 at Elphinstone Secondary School. This significant event celebrated the achievements of cadets over the past training year and welcomed several distinguished guests and supporters from the community.
In attendance were deputy mayor Annemarie De Andrade (on behalf of Mayor Silas White), Lions Club president and vice president Bill Conway and Cyril Perpet, founding member Joan Thibault, and Air Cadet League representative Marcus Sim from the BC Provincial Committee. Representatives from partner youth programs also joined, including Army Cadets Capt. Shiloh Gregorchuk and Navy League Officer Lt(NL) Alta Skellenger. Former commanding officers of the 858 Squadron — Capt. David Douglas, Capt. Russell Crum, and Capt. Kidd — were also present. This year’s reviewing officer was Gary Singbeil, youth liaison officer for Gibsons Legion Branch 109.
Ceremonial highlights
Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2) Jäger Rosenberg served as the master of ceremonies, while WO2 Bradley Thomas commanded the parade and was presented with the prestigious Russell Crum Parade Commander Award by Capt. Russell Crum himself.
This year also marked the debut of the squadron’s very own band, led by WO2 Mervy Mingo and featuring Sgt. Avery Tymoschuk, Sgt. Nolan Magnusson and Cpl. Zadok Defries. The Flag Party was led by Cpl. Ashley Kingsley, joined by Sgt. Dominic Law and Cpl. Wyatt Law.
WO2 Mervy Mingo received the Lord Strathcona Medal — the highest award a cadet can earn — for outstanding physical fitness and overall excellence, presented by League Rep Marcus Sim. Mingo also received an educational bursary from the Gibsons Legion, presented by Gary Singbeil.
Flight Sergeant (FSgt) Cole Turner was awarded the Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence, recognizing his exemplary community service and dedication to cadet responsibilities.
Achievement awards
Top Cadet, Level 1: LAC Zadok Defries; Top Cadet, Level 2: Cpl Ashley Kingsley; Top Cadet, Level 3: Sgt Nolan Magnussen; Top Cadet, Level 4: FSgt Cole Turner; Top Junior Marksmanship: FCpl Lochlan Reed; Top Senior Marksmanship: WO2 Bradley Thomas; Most Improved in Marksmanship: Cpl Wyatt Law; Joan Thibault Award: LAC Zadok Defries; Dave Douglas “Awesomeness” Award: FSgt Rowan Rody
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed static displays prepared by cadets highlighting skills in aviation, leadership, marksmanship and drill. A community potluck and Starbucks coffee — generously donated by the Gibsons Starbucks — rounded out the day.
Summer training
Congratulations to the following cadets selected for summer training:
Sgt. Nolan Magnusson – Vernon CTC: Introduction to Fitness & Sports (two weeks); FSgt. Dominic Law – HMCS Quadra CTC: Advanced Aviation (four weeks); FSgt. Cole Turner – Cold Lake CTC: Survival Instructor (four weeks)
Looking ahead
The 858 Skookumchuk Squadron extends heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, supporting organizations, School District 46, and the Gibsons Legion for their ongoing support. Youth aged 12 to 18 are encouraged to join the program, which resumes in September at West Sechelt Elementary.
Save the date! The squadron will host a free event, All About Flight, at the Sechelt Airport on Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, contact: [email protected].
