Three years ago when I first took at look at what was to be my new command I found 20 cadets, a very serious, brand new OCdt and a small staff with an average age of 59 or so, and a Support Committee of 4. My objective for my tour of command was to rebuild and effect some cultural changes to revitalize the unit.
This past Saturday I handed over command of the Squadron to the same young lady, now a Lieutenant. After three years of anxiety, self-doubt and constantly thinking that I've messed up, I realized that I had achieved all of my strategic goals, and many tactical objectives too. The Squadron has now 39 cadets on strength, more, younger staff and an engaged enthusiastic Support Committee of 11 for fundraising.
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| As usual, the Squadron was well turned out and made me look good. |
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| Signing the official documents |
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| Handing the Squadron banner to the Area OC is the symbolic moment |
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| My successor takes the responsibility |
The Area Commander gave me this nice tangible recognition of a job well done.
From the cadets a nice picture of a Spitfire for me and a bouquet of Air Cadet blue and yellow flowers for the patiently supportive Mrs. Rabbitman .
I'm staying with the Squadron for at least a year. I'm just switching desks and hats to DCO and help train our young staff. Hopefully more time working directly with the cadets and less time in meetings will revitalize me too.
Well done sir! I have fond memories of and owe much to those generous officers who gave so much to us during my 5 years as a cadet with the Black Watch in Montreal
ReplyDeleteBZ! Air cadets were instrumental in making me who I am today. The work of the staff is often unrecognized, but your efforts will have lasting impact in the lives of the cadets you mentored.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Helping get young people off to do really cool stuff is what it's all about.
DeleteIt's defintiely been an eye opener working behind the curtain.
Well done. I'm sure your cadets will have fond memories of you.
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