Manitoulin Sea Cadet Corps recognized for efforts at annual ceremonial review

M’CHIGEENG—Members of the 348 Manitoulin Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps were recognized for their tremendous efforts over the past year at the 19th annual ceremonial review held at Manitoulin Secondary School last Saturday.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant (Navy) Sylvain Boucher stated, “I would like to thank all of you (cadets) for doing such a great job in this review and over the past year. And to the newer cadets who have had to put in so much work over the past few weeks you should all be proud of yourselves as well. To all our senior cadets you have grown so much and have shown such growth in leadership and skill development. And Rhys Allison (Chief Petty Officer second class [CPO2]) we are so happy for you as you take the step into the Canadian Armed Forces. On behalf of everyone here today congratulations.”

Reviewing Officer Roy Eaton said, “First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to all the cadets who have worked tirelessly to reach this moment where you can proudly showcase the remarkable progress you have made. I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude for inviting me to be a part of this remarkable occasion. As we gather here to celebrate the achievements of these young men and women, we must also recognize the invaluable contributions made by the dedicated staff, instructors, and volunteers who have selflessly guided and mentored them along this journey.”

Mr. Eaton noted that the skills the cadets have acquired extend far beyond their naval training, having learned leadership, teamwork and resilience. “To the cadets, I urge you to carry the lessons you have learned here with you throughout your lives. Embrace the challenges that come your way, for they will only strengthen your character and forge the path to your success. Whether you choose to pursue a career in the military or venture into other fields, I have no doubt that you will make a difference and inspire those around you.”

“We are very proud to have Roy Eaton as today’s reviewing officer,” said sub-lieutenant Tina Davidson, who served as master of ceremonies for the review. “Mr. Eaton is no stranger to our Corps. He has been a faithful supporter and friendly face at community functions for many years. While in university, Roy joined the Royal Canadian Electrical, Mechanical Engineers Reserves to respect to both his father’s and his uncle’s service during World War II.”

“After graduation, Roy spent his entire 34-year teaching career on Manitoulin Island, first at Gore Bay High School and then here at Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS). He was head of the guidance department, vice-principal and retired as principal of MSS in 2000. Roy and wife Margaret celebrated their 55th anniversary earlier this month.”

“While principal, Roy was a member of Manitoulin Cenotaph Committee which built the Youth in Partnership with Veterans Memorial and then the Women’s Memorial at the Island Cenotaph in Spring Bay. The Youth Memorial was a first of its kind in Canada, RCL Branch 177 presented Roy with the 75th anniversary medallion for his work as a coordinator of the Island schools in the project,” said Ms. Davidson.

From 2007-2009 Mr. Eaton served a two-year term as the president of the RCL Branch #177, in Little Current, and in 2008 he was awarded the Branch 177 Legionnaire of the Year plaque.

“Roy has served in several offices in Branch 177 including 15 years as its public relations officer. He also held this office at zone level and for the last 14 years at district level. In 2015, he was appointed an Ontario Command Officer, editor of the provincial newsletter.”

The ceremony began with the corps being marched on by its Regulating Chief Petty Officer second (RCPO2) class Savannah Crack. Coxswain and Chief Petty Officer (CPO2) Rhys Allison prepared the Corps for opening colours.

The national anthem was then played, followed by a moment of silence for Canadian Forces, and the arrival of the reviewing officer, the general salute and inspection followed by the march past and the march off.

SLt Davidson explained, “our demonstrations today are two different forms of drill (with arms demonstration and without arms demonstration). “Drill is an integral part of the cadet program. It encourages teamwork, deportment, self-discipline. From basic everyday parade movements to ceremonial drill sequences, cadets learn new drill movements every year.”

During the review SLt Davidson explained, “this year we are very proud to announce on behalf of his family and his Corps that our Coxswain (CPO2) Rhys Allison has not only been accepted into the Canadian Armed Forces Officers program but has also been accepted to the Royal Miliary College in Kingston this fall. With only 1,100 students and approximately 325 graduating officers per year RMC is the elite of military and university education.”

The cadet awards and presentations were then made.

The Lieutenant Commander Roger Szydziak outstanding first year cadet award was presented by Lieutenant Sylvain Boucher to Able Cadet Elaina Peltier. The award is for the demonstration of proficiency in dress, deportment, drill, and self-discipline; The Manitoulin Navy League branch outstanding second year cadet award was presented by Naval Cadet (NCDT) Daniel Bussieres to Leading Cadet Austin Flikweert; The Manitoulin Navy League branch outstanding third year cadet award was presented by acting sub-lieutenant Miranda Mackay to Petty Officer First Class Elizabeth Hazlitt; The outstanding fourth year cadet award was presented by sub-lieutenant Tina Davidson to Petty Officer First class Landon Aelick; the commanding officer outstanding fifth year cadet award was presented by RCSCC Manitoulin’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant Sylvain Boucher to chief petty officer second class Rhys Allison.

“Little Current resident and supporter of the cadets, Retired Colonel George Bury was a veteran of World War II,” said Ms. Davidson. “Colonel Bury was a true gentleman and a positive influence not only with the corps but in the Manitoulin community as well. The George Bury Memorial Award will be presented to the cadet who exemplifies the Latin phrase “Fidus Amicus” which means “a true friend.” This award will be presented by this daughter Sue Morin to Chief Petty Officer second class Savannah Crack.

The Fred Nesbitt Memorial Award is presented to the cadet who has shown the most overall improvement. Ncdt Daniel Bussieres presented this award to Petty Officer 1st class Benjamin Pangowish.

SLt Tina Davidson presented the Bryan Chapelle outstanding citizenship award to Petty Officer second class Samuel Pennings. The award goes to the cadet who is a good citizen and who strives to make a worthwhile contribution that benefits the country as a whole and not just themselves.

“The Ed Kift Esprit de Corps Award is a special award,” said Ms. Davidson. The selection is done by secret ballot by the cadets themselves and goes to the cadet that significantly contributes to the feeling of pride, fellowship, and loyalty shared by the cadets at RCSCC Manitoulin. The award was presented by John Kift to CPO2 class Rhys Allison.

The top marksmanship award which goes to the cadet who consistently achieved the top score in both practice and competition was presented by CI Marksmanship coach Denis Blake to PO2 Elizabeth Hazlitt.

The sportsmanship award is given to the cadet who exemplifies the characteristics of leadership, teamwork, perseverance and hard work. A/SLt Miranda Mackay presented this award to CPO2 Lydia Pennings.

The four-year service medal for completing four years of continuous service with RCSCC Manitoulin was presented by Richard Stephens, Mayor of Central Manitoulin to Petty Officer 1st class Landon Aelick.

The Legion medal of excellence is donated by Branch 177 RCL in Little Current. Mr. Eaton presented the medal to CPO2 Savannah Crack.

The outstanding top cadet award was presented by Commanding Officer LT Boucher to CPO2 Rhys Allison. This award is presented to the cadet who best exemplify the cadet movements.

Commanding Officer Lt Boucher then presented certificates to all cadets who had perfect attendance records for the entire cadet year. They included CPO2 Rhys Allison, CPO2 Savannah Crack, CPO2 Lydia Pennings, PO1 Landon Aelick, PO2 Elizabeth Hazlitt and PO2 Samuel Pennings, Leading Cadets Austin Flickweert and Liam McLean, and Able Cadets Sawyer Aelick, Noah DeForge, Elaina Peltier.

Ms. Davidson explained, “The end of career award is usually presented to a cadet who turned 19 during the cadet year. However, this year our recipient will be unable to complete his final year as he will be leaving for basic training shortly and then on to RCM this fall. I would like to invite the entire officer staff of RCSCC Manitoulin to proudly present the end of career plaque and gifts to CPO2 Rhys Allison.”

The Lord Strathcona Trust Fund medal is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training. Mr. Eaton was asked to present the award to CPO2 Lydia Pennings.

“I would like to say congratulations to all of this year’s cadets,” said Bob Jewell, president of the Manitoulin Navy League. “You did a wonderful job today, and we are all very proud of you. I would also like to recognize all the officers and for all their dedication and hard work, and all of the volunteers.

Brad and Chrisanne Mackay were also recognized with special gifts for all their volunteer efforts in giving back to the corps. “Thank you to the Mackays for their 10 years of dedication and service to RCSCC Manitoulin,” said Ms. Davidson.

SLt Davidson then made a special presentation, “to our commanding officer. This medal originates from the United Kingdom and is the Commonwealth Cadet Officer Medal. I am pleased to be able to present this medal to Co Lt. Sylvain Boucher for all the hard work and dedication he has had to the cadet organization for many years and our Corp in particular.”

Coxswain Allison then presented a customary decorative paddle to Mr. Eaton as a thank you for joining the corps for the annual review.