From the CO's Desk...

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 we start this training year a bit later than other years, we need to reflect on the past several months.  I have a number of people to thank that have helped my transition as the new Commanding Officer go smoother than I had anticipated through this global pandemic.
I would like to personally thank all of the cadets whom have taken the initiative to be available virtually each week.  Thank you to the parents of our cadets whom have taken a greater role in the virtual training to ensure that their cadet(s) had the technology available to them to be a part of the unit during this stand-down.

Thank you to the communities of West Niagara with your on-going support which has helped our unit so many times this year.  Without your help, we would not be the active and strong youth program we have become.

A special thank you to our Support Committee members whom have tirelessly and continually worked so hard to keep our unit going through innovative and creative ways to fundraise on their own.  These members have not taken any time away from their volunteer duties at all!  They have singlehandedly kept our unit running during this crisis and I want each of them to know that they are true heroes in all of our hearts.  THANK YOU!

Another appreciative note goes to my officer/volunteer staff whom go above an beyond the call of duty, time and again rearranging their work scehdules to make time to be on Zoom to help train our cadets.  The countless number of staff meetings these past few months and the reassurance when I took over the unit that they would continue to be by my side assisting, you are all wonderful people!  You make this unit so special to serve alongside of each of you.

I want to also thank Major Robinson and Support Committee Chair Dave Leonard of the 62 Phathom Air Cadet Squadron for reaching out to our unit in the time of need to secure 1626 West Niagara Army Cadets a stable home to call their own.  We look forward to train alongside our Air Cadet friends for the duration of the 2020/2021 training year and beyond!

When I was asked to take on the role of the new Commanding Officer, I had no reservations at all.  I knew there would be hard work ahead of me; but I also knew that I was inheritting a Cadet Corps built on excellent values.  I was given the reins by an outstanding officer who set this corps on its foundation to continue a path of excellence.  We all owe a great amount of gratitude to Captain Cel Petrini who I consider a great mentor of mine and a true dedicated leader of wisdom and passion for the Canadian Cadet Organization.  Thank you sir for being by my side!

If this pandemic has taught me one thing; it has taught me how resilient we all are when we work as a team.  We will continue this hard work and we will become a stronger Army Cadet Unit for our cadets and for our community.  Our work is never truly over and this pandemic will not conquere our spirit or our resillence!

Velox, Versutus, Vigilins - "Swift, Skilled, Alert"

Captain Matthew Tremblay
Commanding Officer
1626 West Niagara Army Cadet Corps

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