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For the past six years, 19 Portage Royal Canadian Artillery Cadet Corps have been under the same Commanding Officer (CO). On June 4th,2023, all of that changed.
Captian Sean Robertshaw handed the corps over to Captian Richard Alexander at the cadet's final parade and could not be happier with how the past six years have played out.
"I met these kids when they were when they were 12. Being able to see where and who they are now is such a cool experience. All of them developed and became young leaders and learned more about their community and became young adults."
The previous CO also says he has no intention of being less involved with the corps.
"My plan is to help out in any and all ways that I can."
The new CO Capt. Alexander says that becoming the CO is just another way to give back, as he has been affiliated with the corps since 1986.
"I am looking forward to this new three years. We'll see what transpires, got good staff, got good support from the supporting committee, got a great community."
He mentions that he has one person to thank for where he is today. This comes after ten years of being a Primary Reservist, then signing in with the Canadian Instructors Cadre when Major Terrence Henry asked him if he would ever put a unifrom back on.
"For Major Henry I will be forever thankful. As he has helped me get to where I am today."
He notes that the Major swore him in on November 2nd, 2011.
Capt. Alexander says he has one hope for the cadet corps in the coming years.
"I would love to see the corps like I did in 1990s, the unit used to be 60 to 80 strong and we're nowhere near those numbers this year. But, of course, COVID had an effect on that."
He hopes to see the corps grow, not only in numbers but also in public knowledge, over the course of the next three years.
To learn more about 19 Portage RCACC click here.