Cadet Annual Parade

Waiting For the Parade

A couple weeks ago, our older boys, Colt and Dane, had their Cadet Annual Review. This is when they are inspected by regional officers, and awards and promotions are given out. On our way to the Parade it was raining. The little ones and I prayed that the rain would stop. Well, as we got out of the car it did not stop; it came down harder! We all stood inside and hoped it would stop. We had ten minutes to show time. Moments before we had to go outside, the rain stopped! It continued to hold off for the next hour and a half!

Regional Officer

The regional officer was very impressed with our small towns cadets. He could see the committment and the effort and community spirit that our small corps exhibits.

In the beginning of the ceremony the flag was marched out. Dane is on the flag committee and very proud of his responsibility.

Flag Committee

Inspection

Our boys did a wonderful job. There were only five promotions handed out that day and our boys got two of them. As well as that they both passed their levels. Colt moved from a Silver Star to a Gold Star, and Dane from a Red Star to a Silver Star!

Gold Star

Master Corporal

When a cadet gets a promotion to a new rank it does not mean that they will also pass to a new level. Our boys have worked very hard and this showed by the fact that both of them got promotions *and* new ranks on the same day!

Silver Star

Corporal


Colt was surprised (not that his face showed it; as he told me, 'we are not allowed to show emotion') when his name was called for the 'Obstacle Award'. This award is given to a teen that has shown outstanding efforts while encountering an obstacle(s) in his or her life. Colt has struggled his whole life with learning disabilties, but through it all he has always persevered and reached for the stars. Some of the requirements that are needed to pass from rank to rank are very demanding in language arts and written work. Colt worked night and day to get his speeches and lesson plans written, even though it was very hard for him. He was commended as having an 'outstanding' lesson plan.

They also acknowledged him for having done very well in public school, after having homeschooled for the last eleven years.

As well as this, just this week, he was recognized at his school for his achievements lately. They will be having a 'Recognition Assembly' and kids that have been noticed as doing outstanding 'efforts' are being 'recognized'. Colt has been nominated for his achievements in cadets and working-out in the gym on a regular basis at school. We have yet to hear if there will be other things; that is just what he has been told to date.

Recipient of the Obstacle Award

Right at the end of the ceremonies it began to rain again. But that was okay - the cadets were done. We all ran for cover.

Biggest and Littlest Brothers

After the ceremony there was a banquet inside. When this was done the drill team performed for us. One of the cadets formed this team for interested cadets. Colt meets with the other team members after school on Mondays, and they practice their drill. It was bucketing down rain and the drill had been cancelled. This was very disappointing as they had been working very hard on their routine. One of the officers said that if four parents wanted to see the drill the cadets would perform. I immediately put up my hand, as did a number of other people. We all trooped outside and the cadets formed up. Within a minute of starting the rain stopped and the sun came out! They did a fabulous job and it was very impressive!

Drill Team