The 552 Key City Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron marked its 10-year anniversary in February, holding an anniversary parade and presenting awards to cadets and unit leaders.
A certificate commemorating the occassion was presented by Lorenza Saule on behalf of the British Columbia Provincial Committee Air Cadet League of Canada.
Major Scott Bissell, J3 Officer In Charge (Interior), Regional Cadet Support Unit, Pacific, served as the reviewing officer during the parade and also assisted Commanding Officer Dorothy Palmer with a few cadet promotions and fitness badges.
Major Bissell also recognized and honoured Captain Rob Bott on achieving his ‘CD2’ (Canadian Decoration 2), which represents 32 years of military service. Bott has served for 22.5 years with the Royal Canadian Navy in Esquimalt, and is a member of the Canadian reserves, Cadet Instructor Cadre, for over 10 years.
Though the 552 Key City Air Cadet Squadron is celebrating 10 years, there were two other squadrons in Cranbrook in years past, both only lasting for five years — the 322 Cranbrook in 1940s and the 552 Kiwanis in the 1950s.
In 2006, the 266 Kimberley Squadron Cranbrook Flight began the process of standing on their own and becoming the fourth squadron in the East Kootenay. The flight faced several challenges, and it looked like it would not be able to continue on the path to earning a charter.
However, with renewed interest and a team of dedicated parents, officers, and community support, the Cranbrook Flight was formally presented with their Charter in 2009, becoming 552 Key City Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.
552 Key City Squadron appreciates all of the support from the community, parents and staff. Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 24, and Ladies Auxiliary have been very generous in assisting the squadron over the years.
trevor.crawley@cranbrooktownsman.com
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