18 July 2006 Vernon

Friday, 18 Aug 2006 (120 photos)

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Buglar and the flag raising... one last time for the summer. Bugler Cdt Jim Yu 2472 15th Field Artillery Regiment RC(Army)CC Vancouver BC, C/WO Ailicia Staub 1809 Loyal Edmonton Regiment RC(Army)CC Edmonton AB, C/Sgt Brent Fedyk 2295 Royal Winnipeg Rifles RC(Army)CC Winnipeg, MB (VACSTC, F. Arseneault)

(VACSTC, F. Arseneault)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

Quarter guard arriving on Coutts Common for the arrival of Basic Grad parade's reviewing officer (VACSTC, W. Emde)

MGen (ret'd) Brian Vernon CD, president Army Cadet League of Canada BC Branch (VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

The Basic Grad parade, OC Maj Rob Chamberlain commanding (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Inspecting the parade (VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

Top Cadet Basic Course 3rd intake 26 Platoon Cdt Mickellie Kaminsky 1292 Lord Strathcona Horse (Royal Canadians) RC(Army)CC, Calgary, AB (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Top Cadet Basic Course 3rd intake 27 Platoon Cdt Justin Horvath 3125 Calgary Highlanders RC(Army)CC, Chestermere, AB (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Top Cadet Basic Course 3rd intake 28 Platoon Cdt Shaun Cole 2305 Rocky Mountain Rangers RC(Army)CC, Kamloops BC (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Top Cadet Basic Course 3rd intake 29 Platoon Cdt Shane Sahaidak 407 Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders RC(Army)CC Winnipeg MB (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Top Cadet Basic Course 3rd intake 30 Platoon Cdt Mason Hin Wan Lee 2381 British Columbia Regiment (Irish Fusiliers) RC(Army)CC, Richmond, BC (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Top Cadet Basic Course 3rd intake 31 Platoon Cdt Joel Moorman 788 British Columbia Dragoons RC(Army)CC Penticton, BC (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Basic Course 3rd intake Top Shot Cdt Rebecca Messer 2901 Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry RC(Army)CC Estevan, SK (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Basic Course 3rd intake Top Cadet Cdt Blaine Adamson 2305 Rocky Mountain Rangers RC(Army)CC Kamloops, BC (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Top Shot 2nd intake Basic Marksman Course Cdt Krysten Downham 788 British Columbia Dragoons RC(Army)CC Penticton, BC (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Top Cadet 2nd intake Basic Marksman Course Cdt Dagan Thomas 2941 Rocky Mountain Rangers RC(Army)CC Clearwater, BC (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Top Shot 2nd intake Basic Band Cdt Marlisa Vergara 407 Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders RC(Army)CC Winnipeg MB (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Top Cadet Basic Mil Band Cdt Naia Pennington 2458 Rocky Mountain Rangers RC(Army)CC Revelstoke, BC (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Top Cadet Basic Basic P&D Cdt Alexa Hall 407 Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders RC(Army)CC Winnipeg MB (VACSTC, W. Emde)

MGen Brian Vernon addresses the audience... (VACSTC, W. Emde)

...and the cadets (VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

Final salute (VACSTC, W. Emde)

A concert in Coutts Common post parade (VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

CI Zoltan Virag (VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

Drum Line (VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

Getting the boots ready for final parade, Cdt Tyrell Sagmeon 2313 South Alberta Light Horse RC(Army)CC Medicine Hat AB and Cdt Elliott Rainger-Lepage 1922 Royal Westminster Regiment RC(Arrmy)CC Abbotsford BC show off their boots (VACSTC, F. Arseneault)

The camp is still very busy, cadets are now just working on their boots and sewing their CL, CLI or specialty course badge on their tunics (VACSTC, F. Arseneault)

Lt Kevin Seal an officer with 2887 Rocky Mountain Rangers RC(Army)CC 100 Mile House made his 200th blood donation on the 2nd of Aug 2006. Lt Seal was on his way home from employment at VACSTC and stopped in Kamloops at the local Canadian Blood Services clinic to make the donation. Lt Seal has been a regular blood donator since 1981 when his wife was denied a second unit of blood after the birth of his son due to a shortage of blood in the hospital. Lt Seal plans to keep on donating blood although he has to travel two hours to Kamloops every 56 days in order to donate. Approximately 52% of Canadians have needed a blood or blood products for themselves or a family member. Wouldn't it be interesting to now the percentage of CIC and CI members that give blood? This is a great citizenship activity for all members. (VACSTC, F./ Arseneault)

Cool tattoos (VACSTC, F. Arseneault)

With the end of camp, it's time to clean up the offices, 2Lt Aimee Procyk starts taking down posters (VACSTC, F. Arseneault)

...while Capt Mike Mah and staff cadet sort out the platoon photos for the cadets and staff. As long as there has been a camera, there has been platoon photos, usually with signatures and addresses of friends scribbled on the back, an important keepsake for will ending up being an important memory for so many cadets (VACSTC, F. Arseneault)

In one of the female barracks, the cadets are packing for the trip home... (VACSTC, F. Arseneault)

(VACSTC, F. Arseneault)

...though it looks like a disaster all will be organized and packed within a few hours (VACSTC, F. Arseneault)

Kit bags and suitcases wait outside for cadets to move to other barracks for the last night of camp, designated by serial it will be easier for cadets to be woken for whatever late night trip they are on (VACSTC, F. Arseneault)

The CSMs walk up from the NCMs mess after dinner, the parade is just an hour away now (VACSTC, W. Emde)

The Final Parade & Sunset Ceremony

In April of this year, British Columbia declared 2006 “The Year of the War Bride”. This was an event that VACSTC recognized and acknowledged at our Drumhead Service.
The term "war bride" refers to the thousands of young women who met and married Canadian servicemen during the Second World War. These war brides were mostly from Britain, but a few thousand were also from other areas of Europe: the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy and Germany. During the Second World War, there were an estimated 48,000 war brides and, when the war ended, most of these young women and their children (nearly 22,000) followed their husbands to a new life in Canada.
In 2006, 60 years will have passed since the vast majority of the Second World War brides first traveled to Canada.
We salute this remarkable group of Canadian citizens who, for love, followed their husbands. Where their returning Veterans went, these young women followed – and made their new homes in their young and growing land. These women were welcomed to their new communities and new families. The contributions of these new Canadians would soon extend far beyond the walls of their homes as they entered into the life of their communities and enriched it with their many abilities and hard work. The years following the Second World War were ones of unprecedented change for Canada and our country's war brides have played an important part in the growth and development of the free and peaceful Canada that we enjoy today.
Many Canadian families and communities count themselves the richer for the contributions of the thousands of war brides, both of the First and the Second World War, who have made Canada their home.

The band warms up the audience with a pre parade concert under a smoky sky, the result of forest fires burning out of control for weeks in Washington State (VACSTC, W. Emde)

The crowds begin to arrive (VACSTC, W. Emde)

The Pioneers sweep the parade in advance of the battalion. The pioneer Skirmish is an old tradition in which Pioneers would clear the fields of hazards in front of the advancing infantry Battalion. The pioneers sweep the parade square twice, then peel off and encircle the parade Square, leaving axmen to guard the square, and two other axmen to secure near the dais with the PNR commander taking up post behind the dais as an advisor to the CO, as done in the field. The pioneer Regalia, which is worn on ceremonial parades, is represented by a split apron to identify chaps worn in the field, and a two bladed axe which represent and identifies all pioneer field units
(VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

Former VACSTC CO LCol Terry Kopan and his wife Lt Kathi Kopan chat with RCSU Pacific Commanding Officer Cdr Richard Mountford (VACSTC, W. Emde)

...as does MGen Brian Vernon (ret'd) president Army Cadet League of Canada (BC Branch) and Col Bill Fletcher (ret'd) president Army Cadet League of Canada (Alberta Branch). Both gentlemen are representing their respective branchs for this very important annual parade. (VACSTC, W. Emde)

At long last, the parade begins with RSM Al Williams calling for the battalion to form up (VACSTC, W. Emde)

A pioneer cadet standing guard (VACSTC, W. Emde)

While the officers wait on the edge of the parade square (VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

The flag party marches on (VACSTC, W. Emde)

The reviewing officer Col Alex Patch CD, Commander 1 ASG (Area Support Group), takes the salute. Colonel Alexander Patch was raised and educated in Montreal. He holds a Bachelor's degree Mechanical Engineering, and joined the Canadian Forces in 1983. On completion of officer training as an Electrical Mechanical Engineer, he served in a variety of appointments as a junior officer in Petawawa with 2 Service Battalion, The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD), and the Special Service Force Headquarters. He was promoted to Major in 1991, and served in Land Force Atlantic Area followed by 1 Service Battalion.

In 1997, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and appointed G4 Land Force Western Area Headquarters, and then Commanding Officer 1 Service Battalion (1999-2001). Colonel Patch was promoted to his current rank in 2001, and was appointed Director Armoured Vehicle Program Management and Project Manager Light Armoured Vehicle. In 2004 he was appointed Director Land Personnel Management.

Colonel Patch is a graduate of the Advanced Military Studies Course and the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College. His operational experience includes service with The RCD in Cyprus (1989), UNTAC HQ in Cambodia (1993), CANLOGBAT in Croatia (1995), the National Support Element in Bosnia-Herzegovina (2000), and the International Security and Assistance Force in Afghanistan (2004). (VACSTC, W. Emde)

LCol Al Dengis (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Inspecting the guard (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Also assisting with the inspection Superintendent Don Harrison, Officer-In-Charge, Southeast District RCMP (VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

March Past (VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, Capt George Picken)

Cdt Samantha Nutbrown 2645 Loyal Edmonton Regiment RC(Army)CC, Vermillion, AB awarded the MGen Howard Award for the top cadet on a Cadet Leader Course. (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Cdt Vanessa Wu 2947 Service Battalion RC(Army)CC, Richmond, BC awarded the LGen JE Vance Leadership Award. (VACSTC, W. Emde)

ANAVets Cadet Medal of Merit CLI Drill and Ceremonial Cdt Anna Bachmier 1726 Canadian Scottish Regiment RC(Army)CC, Lazo, BC
(VACSTC, W. Emde)

ANAVets Cadet Medal of Merit CLI Physical Education and Recreation Training Cdt Alexandra Blackburn 2820 5e Ambulance de Campagne RC(Army)CC, Charny, QC (VACSTC, W. Emde)

ANAVets Cadet Medal of Merit CLI Rifle Coach, Cdt Shamus Rainford 2309 Royal Canadian Artillery RC(Army)CC, Fort MacLeod, AB (VACSTC, W. Emde)

ANAVets Cadet Medal of Merit CLI Military Band, Cdt Blythe Heywood 3063 Rocky Mountain Rangers RC(Army)CC, Enderby, BC (VACSTC, W. Emde)

ANAVets Cadet Medal of Merit CLI Adventure, Cdt Daniel Major 1292 Lord Strathcona Horse (Royal Canadians) RC(Army)CC, Calgary, Alta (VACSTC, W. Emde)

ANAVets Cadet Medal of Merit CLI Pipes and Drums, Cdt Brandon Zehanoviz 2422 Canadian Scottish Regiment RC(Army)CC, Nanaimo, BC (VACSTC, W. Emde)

The ANAVets Cadet Medal of Merit winners. The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada, or ANAVETS is Canada’s oldest Veterans association with its proud history dating back to 1840. It is a national association with provincial commands and local units in many towns and cities across Canada.

ANAVETS draws its membership from CF Veterans, current members of the Canadian Forces, and any Canadian who wishes to support members of the Canadian armed forces past and present, their local communities, and this wonderful country of ours, Canada.

This is the tenth anniversary of awarding the ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit, which recognizes the top Cadet during their summer training. Consideration is given to overall achievement, leadership qualities, instructional abilities, dress and deportment, motivation and cooperation with others.

A total of 67 ANAVET Cadet medals of Merit will be presented this year for the Army, Sea and Air Cadet courses. The recipients are in a very select group and should take pride in this significant achievement.
(VACSTC, W. Emde)

Staff Cadet, C/Sgt Brittany St Jules 2302 Royal Regina Rifles RC(Army)CC, Weyburn, SK awarded the Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Annual Summer Training Centre Achievement Award for the most outstanding Section Commander or Staff Cadet Sergeant in a direct supervisory role. This award is presented to a cadet who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, promoting drill and physical fitness, with exemplary dress and deportment, loyalty and instructional ability. (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Staff Cadet, C/Sgt Pablo Benavente 2827 British Columbia Regiment RC(Army)CC, Port Moody, BC presented with the Blayne Materi Citizenship Award. This award is presented by Miss Blaire Materi in memory of her sister, Cadet MWO Blayne Materi. The award is presented to the cadet who has participated in or supported activities with the local community, who has taken a personal interest in the well being and morale of his cadets, who respects and used authority properly and maintains outstanding personal conduct. (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Staff Cadet, C/WO Fiona Fung 180 Royal Canadian Artillery RC(Army)CC, Edmonton, AB presented with the RSM’s pace stick. The pace stick was presented to Vernon Army Cadet Camp by Camp Sergeants Major and Regimental Support Staff of the VACC Instructors Course of 1984. This award is presented by the Reviewing Officer to the outstanding Staff Cadet, based upon performance throughout the summer. (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Staff Cadet C/MWO Tammy Nilsson 2850 Loyal Edmonton Regiment RC(Army)CC, Grande Prairie, AB awarded the VACSTC Sword of Honour. The Sword of Honour was presented to the 8th Reconnaissance Regiment (14 Canadian Hussars) and is now presented to the outstanding Company Sergeant Major, based upon performance throughout the summer. C/MWO Nilsson is the Company Sergeant Major for Guard Company, which trained a six-week course in the Cadet Leader Instructor – Drill and Ceremonial program. C/MWO Tammy Nilsson joins a very select group of just 32 winners of the sword since 1976. (VACSTC, W. Emde)

2Lt Aimee Procyk 2296 Royal Canadian Artillery RC(Army)CC, Lethbridge, AB is awarded the Jr. Officer’s Sword of Excellence. The Sword is awarded to the officer who is exemplary in his or her dress and deportment, conduct as an officer, achievement, leadership abilities, physical fitness, a commitment to the Canadian Cadet Organization, the adherence to the rules, regulations and policies and who has the respect of his or her peers. (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Mrs Leslie Kinloch 2Lt Aimee Procyk and Norm Sanderson Past President VACC Alumni Association. 2Lt Aimee Procyk previously won the Sword of Honour as a staff cadet in 2003 and is the first winner of both awards. (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Col Alex Patch addresses the audience and cadets (VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

The fue-de-joi (VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, Capt George Picken)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, Capt George Picken)

(VACSTC, F. Arseneault)

The final march off for 2006 (VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

The CO & RSM (VACSTC, W. Emde)

(VACSTC, W. Emde)

Ken Barwise, MM, CD, a WWII and Korean War PPCLI veteran watches as the cadets march back onto camp. Ken Barwise won the Military Medal for recovering a Vickers medium machine gun under enemy fire during the Battle of Kapyong in 1951. (VACSTC, W. Emde)

Just before final dismissal on Sicily Square, pure joy! (VACSTC, W. Emde)

It's been fun, the first serial home leaves on busses for the airport... (VACSTC, W. Emde)

... it all ends so quickly (VACSTC, W. Emde)

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Battalion - in Camp

Today's weather: Max Temp. 31c Min Temp. 14c sunny and hazy

This day in Canadian Military History...

18 August 1711
A large British flotilla, en route to capture Quebec, gets lost in the fog near Anticosti Island. Seven transports of the "Walker Expedition" run aground, entailing the loss of over 1000 men, before the rest of the fleet loses heart and returns to New England.

18 August 1917
The fighting for Hill 70 ends at dawn today with the Canadians driving off the 21st and final German attempt to regain the high ground.