The Cadets hold their positions while they are being greeted and inspected at the 50th annual Navy League Cadets inspection. Photo by Tommy Wong.
Saturday was a special day for young cadets in the Navy League Cadets program. The Cadets range from ages 9 to 12 and some were honoured for their commitment to the program while others enjoyed the their last annual inspection and awards ceremony with their family and friends.
For Keyan Breault has been in the Navy League Cadet program for three years now and this was his last full year in the program. Although, he wasn't sure what he wanted to do after, he revealed the program has helped him in many aspects of life.
“Well, at first, I used to get into a lot of trouble at my school,” said Keyan after the 50th annual inspection.
“So, when I turned nine, my mother signed me up for the Cadets. Then I started to learn and develop. I started learning from the officers, the NCOs(non-commissioned officers) and they just helped me out. Now that I am where I am today, I don't make trouble and I have lots of friends.”
Keyan's mother was in attendance for the event and she remembered how shy Keyan used to be prior to joining the Cadets. She noted that he has learned to overcome his shyness. She also pointed out that he made a PowerPoint presentation about the program and now, he goes around to classes presenting it to other students.
Not only was it a proud day for the family members, the officials and officers who attended the event felt a sense of pride as well.
Jamie Andreyechen is the branch president and he said the day was a tribute towards the young cadets.
“This is really the time when they get to shine,” stated Andreyechen.
“All their hard work gets shown off at this time of the year. Some of the cadets will receive awards later on tonight as well at our awards banquet, the ones who's earned it. They really take a lot of pride in receiving those awards.”
Andreyechen said that three of his kids are in the Navy League Cadet program and noted, that's one of the reasons he's a part of it as well.
One of the main things the program teaches is safety and winter survival skills. The Cadets are taught how to prevent hypothermia, how to build shelters if they are ever lost in the woods and much more. Those are crucial skills to learn at a young age, considering how brutal the winters can get up here.
