The Gopher GazettePACSTC ANNUAL NEWSLETTER

FINAL EDITION - 2014

THE FINAL SUNSET

he setting sun barely peeked out of the clouds as Drill and Ceremonial Instructor and Music Training Wing cadets prepared to perform the final Sunset Ceremony for Penhold Air Cadet Summer Traning Centre’s (PACSTC) closing year. The uncertain weather relocated the cadets inside for their performance, but they didn’t falter.

Commanding Officer of PACSTC Lieutenant -Colonel Allan Dengis had a front row seat as the Reviewing Officer on the Dais—a raised platform—as the ceremony went underway with five distinct parts: the Beating Retreat and Tattoo, The Feu De Joie, The March Past, The Evening Hymn, and Sunset.

“While performing in the bugle line, it was an honour to be chosen and to be one of the few to be right in front of the Commanding Officer,” said Cadet Robert Human from 77 RCSCC Daerwood in Selkirk, Manitoba.

The ceremony had a variety of special guests including Lieutenant-Colonel Tami Marchinko,

Commanding Officer of Cold Lake Air Cadet Summer Training Centre who also sat on the Dais and over 50 PACSTC alumni who were visiting from the weekend.

Also making a special appearance at the ceremony was the esteemed RCAC banner that was personally consecrated by Queen Elizabeth II. The banner, which is the only one of its kind in Canada, was transported from Cold Lake for the ceremony. Cadet Nicholas Hayes from 742 National Capital Squadron in Ottawa was selected to carry the banner.

“To carry a banner with so much history behind it was an amazing, pride-filled moment. To know I was carrying “the jewel” of the parade was great. This has by far been one of the highlights of my summer and my cadet career at that.”

The ceremony ended well into the sunset after crowd pleasing, harmonized displays of the bugle line, drummers call, and a variety of songs from Music Training Wing cadets. Equally as synchronized were the Drill and Ceremonial

Instructor cadets with their precision rifle and flag movements. Cadet Maxwell Burke from 832 Twillick Squadron in Rockland, ON says he is proud of how himself and the other cadets performed.

“I feel accomplished after all the hard work we put into practicing and I have a feeling of remembrance for what the true meaning of the sunset is all about.”

The sunset ceremony is a display which combines elements of the Retreat, Tattoo and other ceremonial procedures. Field guns and a rifle Feu de Joie are fired to symbolize the origins of these ceremonies when evening guns were fired and the night watch proved their weapons and cleared damp charges for the night. The ceremony was created based on naval battalion and naval field battery drills, and eventually evolved to what it is today.

“It is important for cadets to participate in events such as sunset because it will give cadets the experience of hard work, self-discipline, respect and a sense of accomplishment,” said Cadet Burke.

After the ceremony, there was just enough sunlight from the setting sun to take a few photos against the bright orange sky before the cadets marched back to their barracks full of post-performance triumph.

BY: UNIT PUBLIC AFFAIRS REP SARA WASIUTA

Advanced Band and Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Cadets show off what they`ve been practising for weeks in the Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre`s Sunset Ceremony.

T

photo credit: SLt Jamie Tallmann

It is such a pleasure to be back at Penhold this year. Being the close out year, it was an exhilarating and difficult summer. The cadets worked so hard, and I am proud to capture the final summer of training at PACSTC.

My goal this summer was to highlight as much of Penhold life as possible. That means exploring all the different courses, training and parades while showcasing the amazing young talent that comes to our centre and flourishes while the cadets are here. But also, showing moments of cadets just being cadets and enjoying their summer in their own, candid fashion. Portraying the cadets finding joy in their daily activities is just as important as showcasing their talents and accomplishments. Special thanks to my staff cadet Sergeant Clae Brown-Sinha for taking some amazing photographs.

When I was working in the orderly room this summer, I came across an issue of the Gopher Gazette from many years ago. It was printed on newspaper with thick, smudgy ink and it was filled with stories and photos of cadets in summers past. I am so pleased to continue this heritage and present you the final edition of the Gopher Gazette. The stories squeezed into these eight pages don’t begin to come close to the magnificent stories that have unfolded here and will be passed on for years to come. Thankfully, since a picture is worth a thousand words, our photo site may do this amazing summer a little more justice.

Enjoy,

Unit Public Affairs RepresentativeSara Wasiuta

www.penholdcadets.smugmug.com

‘Penhold Cadets’

Youtube channel:

Photosite:

CLOSING REMARKS FROM THE

COMMANDING OFFICER

As we look back and reflect on another outstanding summer at the Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre, we can be proud of the values upheld by each and every cadet, staff cadet and member of the adult staff, and in your significant accomplishments.

To the officers of the Cadet Instructors Cadre, members of the regular forces, primary reserve and civilian staff employed here, I thank you for your dedication to engage with the cadets in a meaningful way to create a learning environment that is safe, challenging and fun. We upheld the fine traditions established here in 1966 and provided the cadets with dynamic instruction and mentorship. We compelled the cadets to bring out the greatness that lies in every one of them. The values that you instilled in these young minds will be a part of them as they grow into fine young citizens of Canada.

To the cadets who have attended training at PACSTC this year, I thank you for your energy and enthusiasm this summer. Some of you are came back for your second or third or even fourth summer, some of you are staff here now, and some of you experienced a cadet summer training centre for the first time. Whether your biggest accomplishment this summer was mastering a new drill maneuver on the parade square, perfecting a challenging piece of music, or just making the perfect bed to help achieve a positive room

standard, you contributed to the success of the training centre simply by learning. The challenges you faced will instill in you new skills that will prepare you for adulthood and the opportunities that were offered to are yours to treasure long after your time here.

With the closing of the Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre comes the end of a sad chapter, but also the beginning of a positive one. Change is not a bad thing and the changes happening here are for good reasons. We can continue to write the history and the benefits to the Cadet program in a different environment after this summer comes to an end. Penhold is simply stone, brick and mortar and the real value of the facility is the people who populate this centre. From cadets to adults, by moving our practices, our ideals, and our virtues into a new environment, we can expect nothing but a positive outcome. That is what is going to foster the spirit that is Penhold into other parts of this world class program.

Thank you to everyone involved in what was nothing less than an exceptional summer. In our final year of training operations, we lived our motto: Our Future in Youth.

Cheers,

Allan

FROM THE EDITOR:

“It’s the first time in many years that we’ve done a parade commemorating something so momentous. We don’t do events like this in such a large scale with cadets at the centre of the show, so it’s really neat to see,” said Officer in Command of the cadets Captain John Michael Boothby.

While in formation, the cadets overtook much of the plaza adjacent to City Hall. They were involved with most elements of the ceremony which began with March on the Flags by the Kiowa cadets, O’Canada by Mynarski cadets and the raising of a commemorative flag.

“We are marching awayyy!”

After a brief dress rehearsal outside of Barrack Block 12 at the Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre (PACSTC), 52 excited cadets chanted as they boarded two bright orange school busses headed to Calgary.

Mynarski flight from the Music Training Wing, Kiowa flight from Basic and Advanced Training Wing and a selection of staff cadets were invited by 783 Wing RCAFA to participate in the 90th Anniversary celebration of the Royal Canadian Air Force in downtown Calgary.

“My job was to escort a Veteran who gave the flag to the Mayor of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi, who I got to talk to which was awesome. We marched over to the flagpole and raised the RCAF ensign over city hall,” said Warrant Officer Second Class Evan MacDonald, a PACSTC staff cadet in the ceremony.

“It was a cool experience. It made me feel very proud of the organization I’m a part of and Canada.”

Other elements of the ceremony that drew loud applause from the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd surrounding the plaza were the well-rehearsed movements of the rifle drill, and the band’s trumpet fanfare, drummers call and performances of Holy Rood and RAF March Past.

The ceremony was capped with speeches by Mayor Naheed Nenshi and the Master of Ceremonies, along with a crowd pleasing interruption of a symmetrical ‘V’ formation of five Snowbirds who did a Fly Past.

“An amazing, amazing job done by some of the finest cadets from Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre. You all did an impressive job today and we thank you for being here,” said Master of Ceremonies Mr. Ron Guidinger.

The cadets were full of post-performance adrenaline as they enjoyed a celebratory lunch provided by the 285 Royal Canadian Legion Centennial Calgary Branch before heading back to PACSTC. After a long day and a successful performance, there was a little more snoozing on the bus home than on the ride there.

“It was a beautiful day and a great event. Watching the cadets take this ceremony so seriously and really get in the zone is amazing to see. That, along with the support we got from PACSTC and the city of Calgary really made the day spectacular,” said Captain Boothby.

HONOURING THE PAST BY THE PRESENT AND OUR FUTURE

The Royal Canadian Air Force celebrates its 90th anniversary in Calgary with a ceremony held outside City Hall featuring a selection of PACSTC cadets.

BY: UNIT PUBLIC AFFAIRS REP SARA WASIUTA

The House of Music echoed with the sound of music on the last Tuesday of training as the Music Training Wing cadets played their final performance. Rows of cadets with instruments in hand lined the unmistakable red and blue carpet of the reformed church to hear their peers play the last band concert of the summer.

The concert consisted of flight performances from the cadets’ concert band repertoire. The intermediate and advanced bands showed off music they have been working on over the entire summer and the basic band cadets for the last three weeks.

“I think the cadets did amazing this year. They worked really hard and they always surprise me at how quickly they improve,” said Officer in Command of the Music Training Wing Major Bart Hasselfield.

Each flight played two to three songs each. Their eyes squinted as light poured through the tall, chapel windows and onto their music stands. The room was so packed full of guests, officers and cadets that it was well above regular room temperature.

“All the cadets shone brightly during their concert, they played beautifully and they had a look of pride and self-confidence. House of Music creates such a close knit feel and really has made for a great concert venue over the years,” said Sub-Lieutenant Shona Reilly, squadron commander of Bishop flight.

Throughout the summer, the five flights in the music training wing compete each week to earn the prized Immunity Horn—a worn and crumpled trumpet with a legendary past. Along with the House of Music hosting its last cadet performance, the Immunity Horn will also retire as the cadets in future years will experience new traditions in Quadra where the music program plans to relocate upon PACSTC’s closure.

CLOSING DOWN THE HOUSE

BY: UNIT PUBLIC AFFAIRS REP SARA WASIUTA

THE TWO TESTS OF SUMMER BIATHLON

BY: UNIT PUBLIC AFFAIRS REP SARA WASIUTA

The parade square at Hangar 6 sees plenty of action over the course of the summer at the Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre. However the biathlon on August ninth featuring Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor (ARMIC) and Basic Drill and Ceremonial (BDC) cadets was full of much more cheering, sprinting and blaring music than usual.

As energetic beats blasted over the loudspeakers, ARMIC cadets coached BDC cadets in their end of course biathlon.

“I’ve never shot a biathlon target before, so it was pretty cool,” said Cadet Domenic Desgagné from 395 Squadron in Edmonton, AB. “My squadron actually has a biathlon program, so shooting a daisy air rifle was good practice for that.”

Unlike the targets the cadets usually practice on, the biathlon targets consist of five black dots in a horizontal row. The entire process includes shooting five times, with a lap of running in between each shot.

One of the performance objectives the ARMIC cadets achieved as part of their

course was coaching, officialing and scoring the BDC cadets in the event. They also formed up a huge cheering section halfway through the track to support the cadets participating.

“My favourite part of biathlon was all of the support and help from the other cadets. They really encouraged me to continue trying my hardest,” said Cadet Tyson Bennett from 41 Hercules Squadron in Regina, SK.

Though some of the cadets got excited and shot at the wrong targets, energy was high and the biathlon ended on a positive note.

“It went really well today because absolutely everyone participated. Even our kids with injuries completed the whole thing which was great,” said Sergeant Michaela Johnson, a staff cadet for BDC.

Just as the hot sun approached noon hour, all the cadets completed the course in under seven minutes. They marched away shouting attitude checks and proceeded onto a full afternoon of more training.

As described by GT cadets: intake 3

from the General Training Wing

Cadet Majorsmith meets Major Smith.

HABITS of HIGHLYEFFECTIVE

CADETS

7 GENERAL TRAINING

Cadets like Cadet Ham experience gliding with

Netook Famil Pilots.

Cadet Bolt was one of a few lucky cadets who got to sit in a

C-FYZR Griffon helicopter.

GT cadets learn new skills in air rifle marksmanship.

SNAPSHOTS

Whatever you do, don’t throw up in a glider.

Why walk when you can march?

If your water bottle isn’t within reach at all times, you’re not doing it right.

Don`t over soap the washing machine unless you want a soap covered floor.

We didn`t believe it at first, but we can go a whole day without a cellphone.

Iron like you mean it. But don`t forget to rotate the iron on your clothes.

If you think you don`t have to wash your socks, think again.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Of the 1250 cadets that cycled through Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre this summer, fourteen were a bit more elusive. If you’re lucky, you may have spotted them marching to supper in their flight suits or shuffling their way into the Wednesday night cadet dance. It’s no wonder they’re hard to spot, these cadets are tucked away at Sky Wings Flight Academy training to get their Private Pilot’s license through the Power Pilot Scholarship Program.

The cadets go through a rigorous screening process to get accepted into the program through their home corps.

“Attending ground school, practicing exams and being interviewed all paid off in the end. Being chosen for this scholarship is a great accomplishment.” said cadet pilot Emni Eltassi from 34 Roland J Groome Squadron in Regina, SK.

Once they’re in, it means seven weeks of challenges. For cadet pilot Elizabeth Ng from 810 Grant McConachie Squadron in Edmonton, it meant getting a bit of a reputation.

“Everyone in my flight jokes about the time I came back with a deflated tire. Ever since then, after every landing I check my tires to ensure they are inflated,” said cadet Ng.

One of the most exciting accomplishments the cadets will experience in their seven week summer training program is flying solo

WITH FLYING COLOURS

Select cadets at PACSTC work through the challenges of receiving their pilot wings.

BY: UNIT PUBLIC AFFAIRS REP SARA WASIUTA&

CADET SERGEANT CLAE BROWN-SINHA

in the Cessna 172 planes for the first time.

“Solo flight is the most memorable part of this course because it is the definition of freedom,” said Tayla Sturrock from 185 Olds Squadron.

“Flying solo is exhilarating because the instructor is no longer in the plane to fix

or correct your mistakes. But after the initial fear, being in the air by yourself is an indescribable feeling,” said cadet Ng.

After the cadets do their first solo flight, there is plenty more training ahead. They have at least one hour of flying and three to four hours of ground school every day. They’ll have to complete their duel cross-country and solo border tours, among many other challenges. Near the end of training, they also have to pass a Transports Canada Aviation Exam that requires hours of studying.

The Power Pilot cadets come from a mixture of provinces across Canada. From joining the Canadian Forces one day to becoming aircraft mechanics, they each have different goals for where this accomplishment will take them.

“I want to continue flying Cessna 172’s and work my way up to multi engine and IFK rating. I enrolled in engineering at the U of A.” said Cadet Ng.

“I hope to go home and get my fam rating. Someday I would like to fly as a bush pilot in Canada’s north. Or a cropduster. Or pretty much anything in a plane,” said cadet pilot Simeon Alexander from 903 Strathmore squadron in Rocky View, Ab.

It is not currently known whether or not the program will continue at Sky Wings when PACSTC closes this summer. However, similar programs are offered in other parts of the country including locations in Medicine Hat, Steinbach and St. Andrews.

CADETS LEND A HELPING HAND AT LOCAL FOOD BANK

As part of their course, Basic Drill and Ceremonial cadets participate in community service at the Red Deer & District Food Bank.

BY: UNIT PUBLIC AFFAIRS REP SARA WASIUTA&

CADET SERGEANT CLAE BROWN-SINHA

Taking a break from their usual duties of drill practise and parade procedure, Halifax flight from the Basic Drill and Ceremonial (BDC) course spent a sunny Tuesday morning volunteering at the Red Deer & District Food Bank.

With smiles on their faces, the cadets were given tasks to clean cans of soda, move furniture, and tight wrap five giant crates of food. They even found some time to tight wrap their officer OCdt Aiello to keep the atmosphere fun.

“They worked so hard this morning. There wasn’t

a single cadet who didn’t have a cloth in their hand or a job to do. But we also had some fun and I think the Food Bank staff loved our enthusiasm,” said OCdt Aiello who supervised the cadets.

The food bank, located in North Red Deer, works with volunteers and staff on a daily basis to meet the immediate food requirements of the people in need in Red Deer and surrounding area, while working toward long term solutions to hunger and poverty.

Food Bank Manager Bird Simmons says it feels

great to have the cadets help out in their facility.

“The cadets help the staff tremendously in the aspect of getting ready for camps and other tasks our staff cannot do alone.”

All three BDC flights spent a morning volunteering at the Food Bank. It’s a requirement that many cadets learn they really enjoy.

“I always feel fantastic after volunteering because I know I just helped a bunch of people who probably don’t get helped very often,” said BDC Cadet Faith Hopkins, who is from Innisfail AB.

“I think it’s important for cadets to volunteer because it’s a great way to show what cadets do, and volunteering is just a great thing to do in general,” said Hopkins.

BDC cadets participate in volunteering as part of their course to learn teamwork, create a positive impact on the community and to promote virtues of selflessness and a dedication to helping others.

August 4, 2014 was a significant day at the Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre (PACSTC). Cadet Crystal Smith from 606 Squadron in Preeceville, SK was the last cadet to ever be kitted in supply at CSG Penhold. Smith was the last of close to 100,000 cadets that have been supplied with uniforms, supplies and instruments since PACSTC’s inception in 1966.

PACSTC’s closure is part of a decision made by the Department of National Defence as a measure to reduce costs and meet the requirements of the Strategic Review.

Six weeks of training went on as usual this summer as cadets learned new skills and made friendships and memories. With three graduation parades already complete, the final graduation parade was the largest and most momentous of the summer.

“I’m quite honoured and privileged because being the close out year, the military has provided us Lieutenant General Blondin, the Chief of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who is a significant personage to have here as the Reviewing Officer for our close out parade,” said Commanding

Officer of PACSTC Lieutenant Colonel Allan Dengis.

The final grad parade, which celebrated the accomplishments of over 600 cadets on the ground, also included a ceremonious retiring of the CSTC banner.

“The banner is no longer required to oversee or fly over the operations that we conduct here. It is a small ceremony, but it is significant in what it is acknowledging,” said LCol Dengis.

Another measure in place to commemorate Penhold’s last year is a brass plaque that will be mounted outside the facility owners’ headquarters building which is the formers officers’ mess at CFB. The plaque includes a message about the activities the grounds hosted between 1966-2014 and concludes with PACSTC’s official motto “Our Future in Youth”.

PACTSC’s final year was also celebrated by the alumni association with a reunion. According to alumni member Linda Lohmaier, who spent 19 summers working at PACSTC in various positions including DCO, this reunion is the first and last of its kind.

“Once the announcement of the closure was made, some ex-staff floated the idea of a get together for old staff members to see each other again,” said Lohmaier.

The reunion was comprised of a series of events including two brunches, and open house for attendees to see each other, training centre tours, and a dinner dance taking place in Red Deer.

“There are people attending this reunion from all over the country and even Europe,” said Lohmaier before the event.

Upon PACSTC’s closure, the courses currently offered will be dispersed, along with their direct instructional and support staff positions, to other cadet summer training centres including locations in Vernon, Quadra, Cold Lake and Whitehorse.

“Change is not a bad thing, and the changes that are coming around are all for good reasons. It is going to give unique opportunities in other venues that the cadets would not normally have explored had we continued to operate out of this facility,” said LCol Dengis.

Though there will be new opportunities and experiences available to the cadets in years to come, their presence will be missed in some local communities where they’ve made appearances over the years.

One community that grew accustomed to having the PACSTC cadets march in their annual parade is the town of Bowden, Alberta.

“I was never more proud of being

WE LIVED OUR MOTTO: OUR FUTURE IN YOUTH

an ex-service member of the Canadian Armed Forces than I was on Saturday, July 26, 2014. The entire rodeo community and those who took in the performance in the afternoon were in awe of these professional young men and women,” said Patrick Doll, Bowden Daze Committee member after this year’s parade.

“BRAVO ZULU” to the cadets, their NCO’s and Officers. They all will be sorely be missed in the years to come by our community.”

After operating for 48 years in the community, PACSTC had an impact on generations of cadets and staff that spent their summers training.

“It is a very special place where I learned many things from some great mentors and hopefully I got to mentor some others as well. I will miss it. My friends will miss it. The staff and cadets of today will miss it. But mostly, the Air Cadet Movement will miss it” said Lohmaier.

The facilities will likely become home to new tenants after the summer winds down. Cadets and staff who are still involved with Cadets will be able to take what they’ve learned at PACSTC and apply it to their new ventures.

“Recognizing that Penhold is only bricks, stones and mortar and knowing that the spirit of the training and the activities that happened here will carry on to other CSTCs, the real spirit of this training centre is the people who populated it over the years. We will perpetuate that spirit at other CSTCs in years to come.” said LCol Dengis.

BY: UNIT PUBLIC AFFAIRS REP SARA WASIUTA

Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre retires its banner as the final summer of training comes to a close.