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Chilliwack cadet takes staff position in Comox

Air cadet one of about 20,000 youth enrolled in programs across Canada this summer
17701102_web1_Ian-LeesSUBMITTED
Flight Sergeant Ian Lees sizes clothes before issuing it to cadets at Comox Cadet Flying Training Centre. Cadet Flight Sergeant Ian lees prepares to issue field clothing to cadets at Comox Cadet Flying Training Centre where he is working as a staff cadet this summer. (Captain A. Sargent/ Submitted)

A Chilliwack cadet has taken on a working role this summer, as part of his summer training experience.

Cadet Flight Sergeant Ian Lees, 16, is working as a staff cadet in the supply department of Comox Cadet Flying Training Centre. Throughout the year, he’s a part of Chilliwack’s 147 Airwolf Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, which meets and trains at the Princess Armories during the school year.

But this summer, Lees has been working with all the supplies and equipment needed to keep the training centre running, and he was excited to take the position when it was offered to him.

He smiles from behind a pile of cadet field uniforms ready to be issued, proud of his work.

“I said ‘I’ll do it!’ I love organizing things and there is a lot to do here,” he says. “I have a lot to learn though. Like the sizing labels. They are different from the ones you usually see, but I know how to read them now.”

This is just one of the great opportunities Lees has had with the Cadet program. In previous summers, he’s attended basic Aviation Course and the Basic Survival Course, which are both popular with cadets. And he even had the chance to visit the Evergreen Aviation Museum in Oregon, where he was excited to see the Hughes H-4, popularly known as the ‘Spruce Goose’.

Joining cadets has had a purpose for Lees — he wanted to be a pilot. But after a while he realized there were many opportunities available to him while in the program. For example, back in Chilliwack he runs the model club at 147 Airwolf Squadron and he also organized the cadets to volunteer at the museum where they helped pack up artifacts for a move.

He’s just one of about 20,000 Sea, Army and Air Cadets who are enrolled in all types of programs across Canada this summer.

The Cadet Program is for youth 12-18 years of age. The aim of the Cadet Program are to install in youth the attributes of leadership, citizenship, physical fitness and an interest in the air, land and sea activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The 147 Airwolf Squadron meets on Tuesday nights starting in September.

READ MORE: Chilliwack cadets soaring after summer camps

READ MORE: Local Sea Cadets display accomplishments, with video

READ MORE: Chilliwack Army Cadets heading to Vimy Ridge


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jpeters@theprogress.com

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