A Change of Command ceremony was held for the Weyburn 2302 Army Cadet Corps on Sept. 12, as Capt. Connie Hagel stepped down after five years, and Capt. Nick Haines took over.
The ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant Commander Rick Perras of Regina, representing the commanding officer for the Regional Cadet Support Unit North West, based in Winnipeg.
Capt. Haines was the training officer for the corps, and previously served as the commanding officer for the 2370 RCACC in Regina.
After the ceremony, including signing over of command and presenting of the flag to the new CO, Capt. Hagel told the cadets, staff and parents she was proud of the work they had done.
“You guys have done a lot of hard work to get the achievements you have. Without a great staff, we wouldn’t be able to run the corps the way it needs to be run,” she said, adding a note of thanks for the Weyburn branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, which serves as the home of the cadet corps, including providing them with their own office.
“Without community support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” she added. “We participate in Poppy Day and are out in the community being involved in different things.”
She noted she will still be with the cadets program, working with the Air Cadet Corps in Estevan.
Capt. Haines thanked her for helping him as the training officer. “You allowed me to do my job and to flourish. The opportunities I’ve had with your support have been outstanding.”
He added, “I am ready to assume command, and to continue to lead the corps in a positive direction, as did Capt. Hagel.”
The aim of the cadet program is to develop in youth attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness, and to stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Armed Forces. Youth aged 12 to 18 can join the program free of charge, and uniforms, training manuals and instruction are provided.
There are a number of optional training programs available through the cadets program, including marksmanship, biathlon, drill team and orienteering.
The Weyburn Legion Cadet Corps have been active for 70 years, and recently saw one of their cadets attend an international exchange in the United Kingdom for six weeks, one of 60 cadets from across Canada chosen to represent the Cadet Corps.
The Weyburn 2302 Army Cadet Corps parades every Tuesday evening from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. at the Legion Hall. For information on how to join, a person could attend one of their sessions at the Legion, or call Capt. Haines at 1-306-596-7342.
