The Strathmore 903 Air Cadets held a special Commanding Officers' parade on Wednesday (Nov. 13).
Dozens of young Cadets stood at attention inside the Remuda Building at the Strathmore Ag Grounds as several of them were decorated and awarded for their efforts.
"Normally we'll have a Commanding Officers' parade every four to six weeks," said Cheryl Libby, deputy commanding officer of the Cadets. "At the parades, we do special presentations."
Cadets Kuntz, Norell, Seeger, Gillespie, Thompson, Bullivant, Orr, Morden, Hryhoriev, and Metz were all promoted to their next ranks. Other awards included Long Service Bars presented to Warrant Officer First Class Graham and Flight Sergeant Johnson, and a Marksmanship Award handed out to Corporal Woods.
Flight Sergeant Stuart-Berry was one of the most decorated from the event, being given the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and a tie for Fundraiser of the Year went to Stuart-Berry and Flight Sergeant Coroy.
"It's just to recognize the Cadets in a special way while their parents and other vested members of the unit are there."
Libby herself also received an award recognizing her service with the Cadets.
"I was very surprised and excited by it. This job doesn't come with a lot of accolades, and I've been doing it for a really long time," said Libby, adding that Doug Eaglesham from the Air Cadet League of Canada attended to present the award.
Eaglesham also presented a plaque celebrating 25 years of the Air Cadets in Strathmore to James Gosteli of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee.
Also in attendance was Donovan Arnaud, president of the Strathmore Legion, who received a certificate of appreciation for the Legion's support of donations to the squadron.
"My favourite part of doing this is seeing the cadets get recognized for their awards and achievements, and their parents seeing them get these awards," added Libby. "I'd say a large number of our cadets aren't in school winning academic and sports awards, so seeing them somewhere they can excel with their own skills, that's why I do the program."
Strathmore's Air Cadets are accepting new members all year round, although the group is not active during the summer.
You can see a full gallery from the Commanding Officers' parade below: