Leaving on a C-130 Jet Plane

I want to thank the officers, cadets and parent of 41 Hercules Squadron, past and present for an amazing 25+ years as an officer in the squadron.  I did Admin, Range, Supply and Commanding Officer.  I have taken the shooting teams to Ottawa (many times), Regina, Quebec City and Nunavut.  Taken cadets to France, England, and across Canada and the USA.  As a cadet I focused on marksmanship and not so much the finer aspects of the program, but as an officer I got to take in more of the program and train some pretty amazing people.  Three graduated from RMC, one was a tank commander and is now a LCol and base commander.  Two work in the Sqn and one is at region HQ and was Command at Cold Lake Air Cadet camp this year.  One is a doctor in the US.  Another is a helicopter pilot in the air force and another flies for a domestic airline.  One is professional chef (Culinary Institute of America).  Many others very successful.  My career was long and had many positive successes.  I have no regrets retiring now.  It is for a younger group with more vision to carry this program forward.

To the older cadets (level two and up) it was an honour and pleasure to have known you and to have worked with you.  You will do this city and country proud.  For the new cadets, I hope to get to know you over the next few weeks and will regret not getting to share this experience with you.  I have been with 41 for over 28 consecutive years and can tell you there is a lot to learn and to be proud of.  Focus, be disciplined and open minded.  Learn all you can. Trust me, it will pay off when you get older.

All the best to you all, good luck in your futures and have fun!

Captain Jeff Sweitzer (CD)

Where Flags Lie Row on Row

 

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This past Sunday concluded the last cadet activity of the year. The cadets of 41 Hercules participated in the squadron’s annual grave cleaning at the Broad Street Cemetery.

Equipped with brushes and tools, each cadet got right to work. After each grave stone was cleaned, a flag, provided by the Royal Canadian Legion, was placed beside, in preparation for the D-Day ceremony. The flags added to a very beautiful sight and was a great way to admire a job well done.

IMG_1861.JPG41 Hercules is very proud with the task given. The cadets enjoyed giving back to the men and women who have given up their lives for the freedom we have today. Lest we forget the sacrifices they have made.

To all cadets, have a safe and wonderful summer! (Here is a comparison of a grave stone before it was cleaned and cleaning.)

 

The Great Gingerbread Take Down

This past Wednesday concluded the last cadet night of the calendar year. The cadets finished out the year with a bang by participating in the activities conducted for the Christmas party. Letting their creative side emerge, each team of cadets battled each other in hopes of gaining the title for the Ultimate Ginger Bread house. 

Filled with determination, each team quickly got to work. Watching each team come together to achieve a goal was a phenomenal sight and a great reminder as to what the Air Cadet program is truly about. Within minutes, the cadets’ amazing creations filled the room. Each ginger bread house ranged from a runway for an aircraft, a vacation destination, amongst several other designs. 

It was a very memorable event. In the end, only one team could be crowned with the title but all had fun!

To all cadets and their families, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and see you again on January 6th!

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Lest We Forget

November 11th presented another Remembrance day. It was celebrated at various locations around the City including the Brandt Center and the Cenotaph with thousands of people in attendance. Once again the cadets of 41 Hercules were given the honour to participate in both programs. While some cadets were given the task of offertory, others were given the privilege to be on parade at the Brandt Center. The senior ranking cadets attended an outdoor parade at the Cenotaph. The cadets were on their very best behaviour and represented the squadron in a very respectable manner. The cadets appreciated the opportunity to express their appreciation to the men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces. It was an experience that was second to none.

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