2Lt Charles Maier (First CO 2804), Hon Pierre Lemieux (MP), Capt Bergevin (former CO 2627), Capt Pierre Cournoyer (current CO 2804), Maj Drouin (last CO 2627) and Hon Jean-Marc Lalonde
(MPP)
(Lt Rob Gill)
Members of 2804 Royal Canadian Army Cadets Corps attended a guest speaker night on 7 November, in honour of our Canadian Forces veterans. Guest speakers included:
1. Mr. John Marini, a teenager in Luxembourg during WW2 and a former member of the Canadian Forces;
2. Sergeant (retired) Normand Bedard, a veteran of several United Nations’ missions; and,
3. Major Andre Berdais, Senior Public Affairs Officer for the Canadian Forces Health Services Group, himself a veteran of Bosnia and Afghanistan
The highlight of the evening was at the end, where several key presentations were made.
(photo
by RW Gill)
2804 RCACC presented Major Berdais with a banner, prepared and signed in support of our troops overseas. Major Berdais announced that the banner would be sent to the Canadian Forces Medical Team at the Multinational Hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Members of the community and cadets signed the banner. Mr. Lamadelaine, Casselman’s mayor, even took the time to sign the banner. “The
Canadian Forces is sending military doctors and nurses to parts of
Afghanistan
which have not seen medical
assistance in over 30 years,” Major Berdais told cadets.
The Health Services Group does not see nationality, it does not see
politics, it only sees a need to heal. 2804
RCACC is affiliated with 28 Field Ambulance in
Ottawa
.
The banner was created to show the men and women of the Canadian Forces, specifically the members of the Medical Branch that we support them. Mr. Robert Gill, a local business operator and volunteer with the Cadet Corps, conceived the project. The project is not yet completed. The Cadet Corps is waiting for word that the banner has arrived in Kandahar and the Cadet Corps will also be sending Christmas cards to soldiers over seas in the coming days.
The Cadet Corps Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Morreau, presented Mr. Andre Ferland from Casselman’s Giant Tiger with a plaque of appreciation. Andre Ferland has been a great asset to the Cadet Corps by donating money, food and his store to assist with Cadet Corps’ fundraising.
(photo
by RW Gill)
Second Lieutenant Charles Maier (on right) was presented the Canadian Forces Decoration for 12 years of loyal service in Her Majesty’s Canadian Forces. The decoration was presented my Lieutenant-General Evraire, Honourary Colonel of the Canadian Forces Music Branch. 2Lt Maier was the founding commanding officer of 2804
RCACC. (photo
by RW Gill)
2006-2007 Training year brought about several positive changes.
Under Capt Cournoyer’s direction, the LHQ became more like home for the cadets.
Office signs were made, in the Medical Branch’s colours.
With a generous donation from the Baron of Slain Hon Col of the PWOR Cyril Woods, the Corps shooting team was able to purchase new shooting jackets, gloves, mats and scopes.
The shooting team received excellent coaching from Capt Cournoyer, but most especially Capt Hailstone, a new addition to the Cadet Corps’ staff
The Cadet Corps also received some encouragement from local businesses, prior to the 2007 Ontario Zone Shooting Competition.
(Good Luck Casselman Cadets)
In 2006, at the same competition, the team placed a disappointing last place. With plenty of hard work, encouragement and support, the team placed 1st in 2007. Pictured from left Capt Cournoyer (CO and Coach), Cpl I Bruyere (4th Top Junior), MCpl FX Wathier (8th Top Junior), WO G Gagnon (Overall 2nd Top Shot),Argus the Dog (replica of true team mascot) Sgt K Wathier (Overall Top Shot), Cpl K Templeton (3rd Top Junior)
Sgt K Wathier with her
shooting jacket,
1st Place
Team Medal and Top Shot Medal.
The Cadet Corps also
created an unofficial logo, to be used for T-Shirts and competition uniforms.
