Royal Canadian Air Cadets?
To all the cadets of Canada I bring you a short message. I am who I am today largely thanks to 699 Jasper Place Squadron. Some of you may have heard of the Woods Canada Dream Job and many of you know of the Trans Canada Trail as I’m sure you’ve all taken a part in helping develop this heritage trail. 5 months ago I was hired by Woods Canada to highlight coast to coast, sections of the TCT and because I was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets I succeeded against over 3800 other applicants.
To see my application video for the Woods Canada Dream job click: HERE
I am hoping to inspire and illustrate to you all that there is value in your training and experience. Mind you, you still have to go out and grab the things you want but be proud of where you came from and be proud of the accomplishments you have achieved via the RCACS.
Here is a little insight to who I was as a cadet.
Cpl Seto
I started just before I was 12. Both my brothers were members at 699 and I couldn’t wait to be a part of it, so Captain Lindley Scott, my commanding officer let me join a little early. (I will have a whole post on how amazing Captain Lindley Scott is so stay tuned.)
From there I learned that I was passionate about drill, leadership, athletics and well pretty much everything. I was part of the range team, sport teams, drill team, flag party, and even biathlon.
By the time I was 15 I was a Flight Sergeant and Drill Team commanding 2IC. That was the year we won Silver in compulsory and Gold in Precision in the Provincial Drill Competition. Crazy. I will never forget that moment in my life when they called out 699 Jasper Place. My ears where ringing and everyone was screaming and I don’t think I even knew what was happening. Treasure these moments.
I remember basic training in Penhold, Ab. That was the first year I ever received an award and I think from there it changed the way I pursued my cadet career. Top Cadet. Next to two of my friends who are still my friends to this day. Adam and Blake Thomas. There were other awards but I’ll save that for another post.
Some of the other courses I did were Intro to Leadership (I.L.C), Physical Education and Recreational Training (P.E.R.T), Athletic Instructor Course (A.I.C), and Instructeur En Survie (I.E.S) Survival Instructor Course (S.I.C) in Bagotville, QC.
I am so grateful for the opportunities and experiences I was given through the RCACS. I mean my first time camping was backcountry in a parachute tent. I never even used so called “camping gear” until I was 18 or camped at a “camp site”. Everything I learned was from the basics and it taught me how to be resourceful. That’s why I guess I don’t need all these gadgets to have a good time in the bush.
I made friends that even to this day are my closest and dearest friends though many of them may live across the country and many I haven’t spoken to in years but I always know that we will be friends for life.
Great to learn this background information about you. It explains alot of how and why you are so awesome today! Friends made in these circumstances are always the best friends ever eh? There is just such an incredible bond that holds you all together. It’s refreshing that you cherish that and value it so much and can recognize how this experience has made you so much of who you are today! Great post Melba! Looking forward to learning more about you! Happy blogging! CamperChristina.com
your amazing.
What a great post! I learned so much about your childhood . The cadet years really help you stayed grounded through tough times. That sounds like a great organization.
Thanks Guma, it really did. It gave me friends and a community and an outlet to express myself. It also gave me so many opportunities achieve things and develop confidence where I wasn’t able to in my home and school life.