After 27 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)—and a lifelong dedication to the cadet program—Connie Hagel is retiring with a heart full of gratitude and memories shaped by mentorship and leadership.
Her journey began not in uniform, but as a cadet. From 1977 to 1983, she was part of a pioneering generation of young women in Saskatchewan breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated program.
“There were no uniforms for female cadets when I started,” she recalled. “My parents had to buy me a wool skirt. But shortly after, things began to change.”
Hagel officially joined the CAF in 1998 and received her commission as an officer in 2000. She then spent 14 years with the Army Cadets before transferring to the Air Cadets in 2017.
“For me, it was never about being a member of the Canadian Forces,” she said. “I always did everything for the cadets.”
Throughout her career, helping youth grow into strong, confident leaders was her driving purpose.
“There are things you learn as a cadet that carry through your life—as an officer and beyond,” she said.
One of the most valuable skills she gained was public speaking, something she said has helped her in every facet of life.
Over the years, Hagel took part in a wide range of activities through the cadet program—glider flights, helicopter and tank rides in Edmonton, a tour inside a missile silo in Minot, and exchange trips across Canada.
“As an Air Cadet, you still learn your drills, physical fitness, marksmanship—all of that,” Hagel said. “But I also had experiences that most people never get. I probably wouldn’t have done half those things if I wasn’t in the program.”
A highlight was an exchange trip to Newfoundland.
“We went there for a week, and then they came back for a week,” Hagel said. “It’s one of many incredible opportunities that made the program so special.”
In addition to her own memorable experiences, Hagel took pride in mentoring the next generation of cadets. While she became a role model for many, she said she also benefited from strong mentorship along the way. She credits Commander Ken Turner and Captain Craig Bird for helping shape her leadership style and career.
“Between those two commanding officers, I can say that their mentorship helped me become the officer I was."
Hagel served in the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC), a specialized branch of the Canadian Forces made up of officers dedicated to training and mentoring cadets across the country.
“Commissioned members hold a rank higher than, say, a corporal or a sergeant. So when you're commissioned, you take on a lot more responsibility.”
Now officially retired and recognized as a veteran, Hagel plans to spend more time with her family and look toward the next chapter of her life.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than doing that job. If you want to help shape the young minds of tomorrow, this is a great way to do it.”
