Cadet troop seeks more members

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Michelle Nash

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EMC news - The newest cadet troop in the east end hosted an open house on Jan. 16 to encourage more students aged 12 to 18 to come out and join their fun.

The 3018 Cadet Troop is only three months old and currently has 12 members. Troop leaders are looking to expand the group to about 25 members and the open house at Ashbury College was an opportunity for students to meet the troop.

"It is a great way to learn about leadership and there are a bunch of opportunities once you are in the troop," said Jeff Mierins, one of the troop's organizers.

Mierins' daughter, Brooke joined the troop and she said she was unsure of becoming a cadet, but so far has been amazed by the amount of opportunities she has had.

"I really enjoyed the snowshoeing, it was really cool, you can use them as snowshoes or as a shovel," Brooke said.

Being a cadet has given her the chance to learn skills she probably would not learn in school, she added.

Brooke's friend Jordyn Leighton was also excited to join the troop.

"This brings me one step closer to becoming a military doctor," Leighton said.

Inspired by television show about health care workers in the military, Leighton said she had to convince her parents to let her join the troop.

"They were unsure at first, but now they see how great it is," she said.

More than one student said they joined the troop because of the extra-curricular opportunities being a cadet offer.

Working as a satellite operation of the Orleans Royal Canadian Cadet Troop, the new Rockcliffe Park Cadet Troop is nicknamed the Rowley Troop in honour of Roger Rowley and his brother, John Rowley, who were Ashbury graduates who went on to serve as officers in the Canadian military.

The army cadets is a free program run through the Canadian government and the newest troop is available for all interested youth in the Vanier, New Edinburgh, Lindenlea, Manor Park, Lowertown, Sandy Hill and Overbrook areas. Royal Canadian Dragoons, Orleans Corps, agreed to help Ashbury reinstate the corps in the Rockcliffe Park village. Simon Perrier has been a cadet for the past three years, attending the Orleans troop meetings. He now comes to the Ashbury College meetings to help the new cadets learn the ropes.

"I started cadets just to see what it was about and it has become more and more fun since," Perrier said. "There are just so many things to learn and so many things you can do."

Some of the younger cadets do look up to Perrier and Mierins said having some older cadets in the troop was important for the new group to set examples.

The first official meeting of the new cadet troop was on Oct. 3 and since then the group has met every Monday from 6:15 to 9 p.m. during the school year.

Mierins said any one who is interested in joining or learning about Army Cadets is encouraged to drop by. Parents can also call 613-841-8092 for more information.

michelle.nash@metroland.com




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