Flight Sergeant Nigal Smith was presented with the Air Cadet Long Service medal on Monday, October 28th. He qualified by serving with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Air Cadets for a combined period of 4 years.

During that time he has attended general, intermediate and advanced cadet summer training courses at Comox BC, Cold Lake AB, Gimli MB, and Penhold AB. He was previously awarded the Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Medal in June 2013. He was appointed as the Squadron Warrant Officer, the most senior cadet with 859 Crowsnest Military Police Squadron. The cadet program is open to youth between 12-18 years of age, so his service includes about 25% of his life so far!

Wayne Shaw, representing the Bellevue Legion and Paul Kenny, representing the Blairmore Legion, attended the cadet parade to assist with presentations. Corporal William Van Buskirk was promoted in rank to Flight Corporal, and many of the cadets were presented with their name tags and commemorative War of 1812 pins. The 1812 pins are authorized for wear on the cadet uniform into 2015, corresponding with the 200th anniversary of the end of the war.

Royal Canadian Air Cadet training focuses on leadership, citizenship, fitness and aviation. Cadets are not members of the military and have no obligation to join the Canadian Forces. 859 Crowsnest Military Police Squadron trains every Monday night at the Elks Hall in Blairmore from 6:30 PM to 9:15 PM, September through June. New recruits are always welcome.

There is no cost to join and uniforms are provided free of charge. Royal Canadian Air Cadet training focuses on citizenship, leadership, fitness and aviation. 859 Crowsnest Military Police Squadron trains every Monday night at the Elks Hall in Blairmore from 6:30 PM to 9:15 PM, September through June. New recruits are always welcome.

There is no cost to join and uniforms are provided free of charge.