Innisfail's Royal Canadian Legion #104 celebrated the accomplishments of cadets from Penhold Air Cadet Squadron #7 while expressing concern over the branch's diminishing membership interest.
“The Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion has the third-highest membership in Canada at 2,067, yet only 40 are attending this meeting,” said Chris Strong, member of the legion's Alberta's North West Command, who received a lifetime membership to Branch #104 in recognition of his service. “We must find a way to engage our membership in a meaningful way.”
Legion manager Arno Glover echoed that sentiment, noting that throughout the course of any year they see close to 500 members, despite the signed list that is four times as large.
“We want to expand how our legion is used,” said Glover. “While we have sports events, bingos, and offer our auditorium to the community for fundraising activities, we want to change the perception that the legion is just for veterans. In reality, our legion is Innisfail's legion and we want to serve the community at large, whether they are members or not.”
The comments by Strong and Glover were made on Sept. 23 at the legion's annual general meeting, which featured the handing out of bursaries to four members of the Penhold Air Cadet Squadron #7.
The cadets were recipients of Doug and Joyce Whorrall's annual scholarships worth a total of $3,000.
“This is the fifth year we have given out our scholarships to deserving candidates from Penhold,” said Whorrall, an 83-year-old retired Korean War veteran. “Originally my wife and I wanted to help cadets recruit more members, and also wanted to help with their education.”
Whorrall noted the bursaries represent their commitment to the youth of today through the Penhold Squadron #7 air cadet program, and recognize performance excellence.
Sgt. Brett Bailey won the Doug Whorrall Scholarship that was worth $1,000 in addition to the Legion Medal of Honour. Flt. Sgt. Jarrod Crashley was given the Joyce Whorrall bursary, worth $1,000. He also earned the Lord Strathcona Medal earlier this year.
Flt. Sgt. Haley Helset won $500 for being top cadet and Sgt. Katrina Pannennbecker won $500 for the Staff Appreciation Award for the cadet who makes a special effort to being the best.
Jarrod Crashley, a Grade 11 student at Red Deer's Notre Dame High School, was pleased to be awarded the Joyce Whorrall Scholarship.
“I'm saving to go to university to become a psychologist,” said Crashley who also won a scholarship in 2013.
Glover added that Penhold Air Cadet Squadron #7 is an integral part of the Royal Canadian Legion and their efforts to build for the future.
Information on the Royal Canadian Legion can be found by calling 403-227-3622.
