The #553 Sherlock Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron welcomed a small group of supporters to Davidson Town Hall last Monday for their annual review.

The family and friends were greeted to a display of finely pressed uniforms and newly shined shoes worn with pride by cadets F/Sgt. Andrew Sperling, F/Sgt. Balin Mazur, F/Sgt. Austin Van Damme, F/Cpl. Danielle Elliott and Sgt. Jake Korchinski as they were inspected by reviewing officer Captain Wayne Morrison.

Morrison, a former commanding officer with the Sherlock Squadron who now occupies that position with #797 Lanigan Squadron, said it is sad to see the small number of young people taking advantage of the cadet program in Davidson and area. He said watching the numbers improve with the Lanigan Squadron since he became their commanding officer in 2012 gives him hope the same would occur in Davidson.

“As a bus driver sitting in front of Davidson School, I’ve noticed a lot of kids coming up,” said Morrison, noting attracting these younger people to join as first year cadets is needed to help Sherlock Squadron remain in the area. “This means the future is bright for a lot of clubs in Davidson.”

Gord McRae, president of the Davidson branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, said the amount of kids in the program may be low, but believes the lessons learned through participating in cadets is beneficial to its members and hopes more young people join Sherlock Squadron this September.

“I want to congratulate these cadets on completing another great year,” said McRae to the five young people standing in attention before him. “In the fall we’ll give it one hell of a good go (to raise numbers).”

Captain Krystal Klenk, current commanding officer of #553 Sherlock Squadron, said the five cadets who participated in the program this year and their families all devoted their time and ability to make the squadron a positive and enjoyable experience. She said the cadets took part in many memorable activities this year including power familiarization flying in Saskatoon, zone shooting in Moose Jaw, going on a trip to Jasper, learning about the Second World War-era Mustang P-51 D fighter aircraft and how they are currently being restored at Terry Dieno’s airplane hanger in Davidson, gliding in Moose Jaw and participating in survival weekends at Thompson Lake and Nokomis.

“We may be small, but we are filled with the most dedicated cadets,” said Klenk. “Remember the lessons you have learned and the experiences you’ve had. Let these experiences guide you in the future.”

To read more please see the June 2 print edition of The Davidson Leader.