The sound of marching air cadets echoed through the former Penhold Canadian Forces Base (CFB) at Springbrook as the 48th and final Air Cadet Summer Training Centre (PACSTC) unfurled the Canadian flag for opening day on July 4.
Home to the largest training centre in the Northwest Region, the PACSTC has been in operation since 1966. After the final parade sounds fade away on Aug. 15, the Department of National Defence will disappear from CFB Penhold forever.
“The ceremony today is about the cadets,” said Sara Wasiuta, unit public affairs representative for PACSTC. “Throughout the next eight weeks, from July 1 to Aug. 31, we will be home to 1,250 cadets from air, land, and sea cadet squadrons. The first intake will be 500 individuals and the remaining 750 will come in over the course of summer.”
Led by Lt.-Col. Allen Gregory Dengis, the cadets marched towards the centre flagpole accompanied by the sounds of military music where the Canadian flag hang at low mast.
Strains of O'Canada and God Save the Queen filled CFB Penhold after the flag was raised and PACSTC officers and cadets saluted the flag, then pledged allegiance to Canada and Queen Elizabeth and her heirs.
“It is our privilege to support all that you will do here at cadet camp,” said Dengis, prior to dismissing more than 200 officers and cadets for room assignment.
Dengis has been Commanding Officer of PACST since 2011. He was appointed to the position after serving with the RCMP for 34 years, the sea cadets (since 1972), two United Nations peacekeeping missions, as well as extensive public service to the Department of National Defense's cadet program.
Training is comprised of three wings—basic and advanced training, general training and music training. Within these areas, PACSTC offers the following courses: general training, basic drill and ceremonial, drill and ceremonial instructor, air rifle marksmanship instructor, basic military band, intermediate military band, and advanced military band.
“Our focus at PACSTC is primarily citizenship and leadership skills with a little bit of military thrown in,” said Wasiuta. “Gliding is an option for cadets, with Sky Wings providing flight training for those who have been awarded aviation scholarships.”
Wasiuta added that part of the opening ceremony included staff cadets receiving their jobs for the camp. She noted that roughly 275 staff members and 15 training courses are provided for cadets aged 15 to 18.
Calgary Squadron 781 cadet Scott Fisher was named Warrant Officer (WO) First Class by the staff.
“Warrant Officer First Class is basically the cadet equivalent of Commanding Officer for the cadets,” said the 18-year-old Fisher. “My role will be the liaison between the officers and cadets, and I look forward to giving back to the cadets. In my home squadron in Calgary, I have not had the opportunity to be warrant officer. have been here two years as a cadet, and now I do.”
While the final year of PACSTC begins, a flurry of activity is ahead for the more than 1,250 cadets who will be sure to build a summer of memories. The agenda for PACSTC includes dates from July 4th to August 15th for band concerts and drill parades. A sunset ceremony will be held on Aug. 8, and the final graduation parade is scheduled one week later on Aug. 15.
