MILITARY traditions were reflected upon as the Australian Airforce Cadets 612 Squadron members celebrated the end of training activities for 2018.
Held at the Mount Gambier Community RSL, the squadron first attended the Dining In Night event, which can be traced back to the 18th Century British Army with records showing formal feasts were held as far back as Roman and Viking times.
The training allowed cadets to experience inherited customs, including loyal toasts, speeches and formal presentations they are likely to encounter if they join the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The Dining in Night was sponsored by the Mount Gambier RSL museum and attended by museum representatives Malcolm Driscoll and Lyndon Manser.
RSL president Bob Sandow delivered a speech on the history of locally recruited aircrew.
The squadron then held its end of year parade at its headquarters at the Mount Gambier Airport, where it has been based for over 60 years.
The parade is the culmination of the year’s work and achievements, including activities such as powered aircraft experience flights, bivouacs and visits to RAAF Edinburgh for general service training camps.
Newly promoted leading cadets included Hudson Terek, Daisy Yates and Keean Ferguson.
During the parade, those passing training stages were recognised and trophies were presented for six different awards.
The final award is made in memory of former squadron member Lieutenant Anthony Casadio, who made the ultimate sacrifice on August 21, 1968, while serving in Vietnam.
A trophy in his honour is presented to the cadet who has persisted consistently to achieve high academic standards, develop leadership qualities of humility and determination and has excelled in communication at all levels.
Acting Cadet Sergeant Breyden Verryt-Reid received the award.
Throughout 2018, Breyden attained the substantive rank of CCPL at the JNCO course at RAAF Edinburgh, regularly achieved credits and distinctions academically and was awarded the individual proficiency badge for commitment and service to the AAFC.
Breyden attended 15 separate activities over the year and acted as an ambassador for the AAFC, winning one of five coveted spots to travel to France and attend the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Amiens commemoration.
Breyden also fulfills responsibilities of a part-time job, has been involved in the Youth Parliament in Adelaide, continues to excel in his school studies and found time to assist Tenison Woods College in honouring Lieutenant Casadio in a documentary video for a Shining Light award.
The video and his Amiens diary are both consistently earning praise from all levels for his professional and mature outlook and ability to communicate.
The squadron is reaching out to interested community members for new recruits aged 13-17.
The Squadron meets on Friday nights between 6.45pm and 10pm at Mount Gambier Airport during the school term.
Visit www.aafc.org.au for more information or email the administration officer at admino.612sqn@airforcecadets.gov.au or call on 0418 804 113.
The unit is also looking for staff who may have a military background or aviation industry knowledge to assist with the training program.
