The 2023 Hubbell Awards Recipients


The Hubbell Awards Recipients, June 13, 2023.

At a formal ceremony on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, the 2023 Hubbell Awards were presented to twelve Manitoba Cadets. These Cadets, three Sea Cadets, two Army Cadet and seven Air Cadets, were chosen from many highly qualified applicants. The Hubbell Award recipients; their families; the host, Mr. Len Isleifson, MLA; guest speaker, MGen Iain Huddleston, OMM, CD; and other dignitaries, attended the ceremony in the Manitoba Legislative Building.

This year's ceremony began with introductory remarks from MGen Dennis Tabbernor, CMM, MSM, CD (Retd), President, Hubbell Awards Incorporated, Gen Raymond Henault, CMM, MSC, CD (Retd), Patron, Hubbell Awards Inc. and Mr. Len Isleifson, Member of The Legislative Assembly for Brandon East and Manitoba’s Special Envoy for Military Affairs. These remarks were followed by a keynote address from MGen Iain Huddleston, OMM, CD, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region.

After the speeches, the Hubbell Awards were presented to the Cadets. In addition to The Hubbell Awards, each of the Cadets received a bursary from the Manitoba Government. Presenting those bursaries, on behalf of the Manitoba Government, was Mr. Len Isleifson, MLA for Brandon East and Manitoba’s Special Envoy for Military Affairs. The three Sea Cadets received an additional honorarium from The White Ensign Club of Manitoba. Presenting these honorariums, on behalf of The White Ensign Club, were SLt Alan Smith (Retd) and LCdr Jerry Dawson (Retd).

A reception, in the Rotunda of the Manitoba Legislative Building, followed the presentation of the scholarships.

View the programme and all the pictures from the 2023 Awards Ceremony. (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging)

2023 Guest Speaker

Major-General Iain Huddleston, OMM, CD
Commander 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region

Major-General (MGen) Iain Huddleston enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1989, graduating with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Military College in 1994. After completing wings training in 1995, he flew with both 415 Maritime Patrol and 404 Maritime Patrol and Training Squadron flying the CP-140 Aurora at 14 Wing Greenwood in Nova Scotia.

In late 2002, he was posted on exchange with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in Scotland, where he flew the Nimrod MR2 with 206 and then CXX Squadron. Promoted to Major in 2003, MGen Huddleston deployed to the Middle East twice with the RAF, operating from Muscat, Oman and Basrah, Iraq in an Overland Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance role. Returning to Canada in August 2006, he was selected as aide-de-camp to the Chief of the Defence Staff, General (retired) Rick Hillier.

Completing the Canadian Joint Command and Staff Program in 2009, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer 429 Transport Squadron, operating the CC-177 Globemaster III at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario and supporting global CAF operations. MGen Huddleston deployed to Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan as the Joint Headquarters Plans Officer, serving thereafter at the RCAF Aerospace Warfare Centre in Trenton, the Strategic Joint Staff and then the Defence Renewal Team in Ottawa. He was promoted to Colonel in June 2013 and appointed Commanding Officer 14 Wing Greenwood where he led the Long Range Patrol Force in operationalizing and deploying the modernized Block III CP-140 Aurora on Operation IMPACT.

MGen Huddleston was selected in 2015 to attend the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, UK and returned to Canada in 2016 to become Director Fleet Readiness at 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In June 2018, he was promoted to Brigadier-General and served as the 1 Canadian Air Division Deputy Commander Force Generation and then as the Deputy Commander. Posted to the Air Staff in Ottawa in July 2020, he became the Director General Air and Space Readiness and upon his promotion to Major-General in May 2021 he was appointed as Chief of Staff for the Canadian Joint Operations Command Headquarters.

In July 2022 MGen Huddleston assumed command of 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg.

To view all pictures with MGen Huddleston click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2023 Surgeon Captain Gordon P. Fahrni, DSC, MD Award Recipient

Cadet CPO2 Gael Margaret Maramot
49 RCSCC John Travers Cornwell, VC

Cadet CPO2 Gael Maramot hopes to attend McMaster University this Fall to pursue a Degree in Nursing with the aim of becoming a Pediatric Nurse. As a kinesthetic learner, the clinical placements and the innovative simulation experiences offered by McMaster University will provide her a quality education that will prepare her for her career as a nurse.

As a CPO2 at Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps John Travers Cornwell, VC, she has been a member of the band since 2017 and is now the Drum Major and Chief of Band as well as a member of the Drill Team. An avid sailor, she placed third in the Northwest Regional Regatta. She attended Summer Training every year since 2018 and completed her Sail II at HMCS Quadra in 2022. She has received numerous awards and Qualifications including Music level II, Communications Level III , Marksmanship Level I SCOP Modules 1-4, CANSail Level IV, Top Junior Cadet Award, Lord Strathcona Medal, Navy League Medal of Excellence Manitoba Division Sea Cadet of the Year, National Royal Canadian Sea Cadet of the Year (2023) and many more.

She is co-head of the Human Rights Team at school helping to execute campaigns to educate the student body on prevalent social justice issues. She spearheaded the Asian Heritage Month Celebrations, teaches Catechism at her church and volunteers with the Navy League Cadet Corps JRK Millen. Through her volunteering she hopes to help shape young minds.

She is intimately involved in the development of the Cadets in her Corps and is Chief of Training, helping to ensure training runs smoothly. During COVID she helped develop a positive and welcoming online environment. She has a Blackbelt in taekwondo (with many awards), plays competitive Volleyball and has achieved the Gold Level Fitness Award.

To view all pictures with Cadet CPO2 Gael Margaret Maramot click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2023 Manitoba Navy League Division Award Recipient

Cadet CPO1 Emma Austin
60 RCSCC Swiftsure

Cadet CPO1 Emma Austin will be attending Assiniboine College for the Agribusiness Program with the aim of a good job and her name known in agribusiness community. Having grown up on a farm, her education will help her to help others in this field. She hopes to gain knowledge to assist farmers with making decisions on what crops to plant and how to manage diseases and pests, all while being seen as a kind and approachable individual who can help the team.

She has been a dedicated Cadet for six years, attained 100% attendance, her four-year service medal and the five and six-year service bar. She has received the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence and the Lord Strathcona Medal. She attended HMCS Quadra for general training, basic seamanship and was a member of the staff in Summer 2022. She has also participated in Brandon’s Remembrance Day services and for four years was a member of the cenotaph Guard in Minnedosa. She also led her Cadet Corps at the Brandon Winter Fair in 2023.

She has been a role model to the Junior Cadets in the Corps and has worked with them to help them become influential leaders in the future. As she told them, “If you are worried about something or don’t know what something is, then it is best to ask, because there is probably someone else wondering the same thing”.

She has participated in dance, soccer, volleyball, softball, track, hockey and rugby with her team winning provincial and league championships 4 years in a row. Throughout high school she was actively involved in scorekeeping basketball games and coaching young individuals in flag rugby. With her first year of College completed, she will be working for Shur-Gro over the Summer.

To view all pictures with Cadet CPO1 Emma Austin click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2023 Naval Officers' Association of Canada - Winnipeg Branch Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet CPO2 Zoë Judson
350 RCSCC Transcona

Cadet CPO2 Zoë Judson plans to attend the University of Manitoba to complete a Bachelor of Science, earn her Ph.D., and then become an MD, with the hope of becoming either a practicing neuro or trauma surgeon.

In Cadets, she attended HMCS Quadra for Basic Drill and Ceremonial as well as the Drill and Ceremonial Instructor courses and served on staff as the Operations Petty Officer. She has achieved the: (Online) Radio Operators Certificate – Maritime; Pleasure Craft Operator’s Certificate; Distinguished Marksmanship Badge; Basic First Aid and CPR certificate; Canadian Sail level 1; Phase 5 qualifications; 5-Year Service Medal; Award of Merit; Navy League Medal of Excellence; Commander Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Coin and was the Divisional Petty Officer on the CAP Staff.

As a member of Volunteen, she planted trees, volunteered at local food banks, helped find individuals to donate to the Canadian Blood Services. With Cadets she participated in garbage clean-up activities and volunteered with the Navy League Women’s Tea. In school she was active in educating the public on the world’s current climate crisis. With the Youth Aid Society, she raised money for local charities and organized events helping to define feminism. Through Ethics Bowl she has educated herself and others on world issues, participating in regional and national competitions.

Knowing that being a good follower is a fundamental piece of being a good leader she has advanced in her Cadet Corps to the position of guard commander, corps gunner, and Regulating Petty Officer and Chief.

She has participated in volleyball, does individual fitness working on her overall endurance, and hopes to complete a marathon this summer. She enjoys sailing, which requires strength and balance, another reason she worked hard to become stronger.

To view all pictures with Cadet CPO2 Zoë Judson click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2023 Lieutenant Laurence Gillmor Sherman Award Recipient

Cadet MWO Arabelle Kaye Balmana
526 Winnipeg Grenadiers RCACC

Cadet MWO Arabelle Balmana will be pursuing an Engineering Degree at the University of Alberta, in mechanical and structural engineering, and to pursue her fascination with aerodynamics and space design in the field of aerospace engineering. Going to the U of A provides her the opportunity to take a major step towards her desired career and provide the opportunity to see and learn new perspectives, experience new things, and make new friends.

She took her General Training at Vernon CTC in 2019, and the Mountain Bike Instructor course at HMCS Quadra in 2022. She was the best Green Star Cadet in her Corps in in 2018/19 and the best Gold Star Cadet and best Corps NCO in 2021/22.

She has volunteered with Winnipeg Harvest, the Heart and Stoke Foundation of Canada, the Siloam Mission and at a Seniors Home. In High School, she was a mentor for grade 9 students and all other new students, helping them make the transition to a new school environment. Volunteering with the West-Broadway Youth Outreach, she helps inner city children to reach their potential whether that be in schoolwork or outdoor activities.

As a Company Sergeant Major, her leadership responsibilities included leading field training exercises, training lessons and working with the Commissioned and Non- Commissioned leadership of the Corps to ensure things ran smoothly. Appointed Regimental Sergeant Major, the highest-ranking Cadet in the Corps, she is a role model and strives to be a supportive leader for the Cadets in her Corps.

As a Green Star Cadet, she was awarded the Excellence level in fitness and as a Red Star Cadet she is now at the Bronze level. She has swum competitively since 2015 and is a qualified lifeguard. She also joined her school’s track team in 2021. She enjoys doing fitness training on her own, especially cycling and calisthenics.

To view all pictures with Cadet MWO Arabelle Kaye Balmana click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2023 Honorary Colonels' Army Cadet Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet CWO Reinzel Venice Mallari Banayad
1226 Fort Garry Horse RCACC

Cadet CWO Reinzel Banayad’s goal is to become a healthcare provider for the public so she can continue to give support and care to others. She has enrolled in the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology's Medical Office Assistant (MOA) Certificate Program with the goal of building skills that will serve as a starting point for her career in healthcare.

She is the current RSM of her Cadet Corps and has received the Lord Strathcona Medal, Army Cadet Service Medal (6 years), National Star of Excellence Level 3, 1226 FGH RCACC Most Outstanding Cadet award, Robert Hansen Memorial Trophy, Top Basic Drill and Ceremonial Course Award, VCTC Top Cadet in Platoon, Top Level Two Cadet (Air), Certification for a Restricted Radio Operator License. She has completed Basic Drill and Ceremonial Course (Air) and Expedition Instructor Course (Army) and participated in a PSRY Leadership course. She was a staff Cadet for Effective Communications Course (virtual), RSM for the 17 Wing & South Osbourne CAP, RSM for the Winnipeg & Shilo Level Five Training, Field RSM for a FTX with 737 Thompson Air Cadets & 38 Cross Lake Army Cadets and was Parade Commander for the Vimy Parade in 2023 in Winnipeg. She is also an active member in the Regional Cadet Advisory Council.

She has volunteered to work with other Cadet units, especially in areas dealing with leadership training and to help others further expand their leadership skills. Working with Cadets in Thompson, she helped improve their leadership cadre which in turn helped to improve their units. Being a mentor to other Cadets is the leadership style in which she personally thrives as a leader. She has made it her goal to keep sharing her knowledge to benefit the leadership development of other Cadets.

She has earned the Cadet Fitness Excellence Level twice and has completed the expedition instructor course in Whitehorse. This course challenged her physically and, since then, she has ensured that she has prioritized her well-being, including an exercise routine, which makes her stronger and more confident as a person.

To view all pictures with Cadet CWO Reinzel Venice Mallari Banayad click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2023 Janice and Barry Rempel Honorary Colonel's Air Cadet Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet WO1 Ariel Gur Luquer
220 Red River RCACS

Cadet WO1 Ariel Luquer’s most immediate career goal is to attain an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at McGill University. He then plans to study to be a doctor and surgeon and be accepted into the combined MDCM-PhD program (Combined Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery with Doctor of Philosophy). His ultimate career goal is to become an astronaut.

Some of his achievements through Cadets are: General Training Summer Camp; accepted to the 2023 Power Pilot Training Course; acted as staff Cadet at two tier 5 Workshops; staff Cadet for biathlon; participated in Honour Band; 2022 Top Performing NCO; Marksmanship level 4 badge (Distinguished Marksman); and 100% on the Power Pilot Training Course entrance exam. He was awarded the Lord Strathcona Medal, Mel Johnson Award, Long Service Medal and COs Commendation for 2018-2022.

He has volunteered with Winnipeg Harvest and assisted in the establishment of the Wish Youth Network Society chapter at school. He has been volunteering with an online tutoring platform called Learn To Be, mentoring and teaching students from around the world. He also works with the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 63 where he helps run the Young Eagles program, a program offering free airplane rides for kids aged twelve to seventeen. This summer, he will get his pilot wings and hopes to be a familiarization pilot for this program.

He was selected as his Squadron’s Drum Major and, during the pandemic, he helped his CO create and run a summer ground school for the Squadron. In 2021 he was appointed Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) of the Squadron and is responsible for communication with the CO to ensure the CO’s vision of the Squadron is reflected.

He has achieved excellence on his Cadet physical fitness assessment. He played for the South End United Soccer Club, winning the 2019 and 2020 Golden Boy Championship and with his school, won the provincial championships. He completed much of his Duke of Edinburgh award requisites through soccer practice. He has been training in gymnastics twelve hours a week. His goal is to compete nationally and make his parents proud that he did not give up on his passion.

To view all pictures with Cadet WO1 Ariel Gur Luquer click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2023 Flight Sergeant Fred Marean Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Lexi Arianna Niemczyk
249 Beausejour RCACS

Cadet WO2 Lexi Niemczyk will be attending the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Science and plans to pursue a career in a health- related field, as Registered Dietician, Physician Assistant or Physiotherapist. The knowledge she obtains from her degree will help her provide care to her future patients or clients. Attending the U of M allows her to complete her final year with the Air Cadets, as well as be involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer within her community.

She attended two summer camps including General Training in 2018 and Basic Musician and Military Band in 2019, where she was awarded Top Cadet of the Week and Top Cadet of her Division, as well as a virtual Music camp in 2020. She has applied for the International Air Cadet Exchange to the United Kingdom, and as a staff Cadet at HMCS Quadra as her second choice. She participated in programs through her Squadron including FTXs, physical fitness, the Effective Speaking Program and local competitions. She received a number of awards, including best dressed Cadet (twice), the Golden Boot Award, and the Garth Lowery Award for community service.

She sings with the Music Ministry at church, is a board member for the Brokenhead River Recreation Commission and served as the Student Representative/Liaison between community programs and her school. She volunteers at Winterfest, Daylily Gardens, and the Beausejour Lions Food Drive. At school, she coaches Special Olympics athletes and Chairs the ‘Communications and Social Media Committee’ on the Student Leadership Council. She has spoken at Remembrance Day ceremonies, supports the Beausejour Legion Poppy Drive and assists the Veterans at their Gala dinners.

She completed Level 5 Leadership training and uses the skills learned to teach younger Cadets about aviation, survival, and leadership, focusing on goal setting and teamwork. She sets the example for younger Cadets in her squadron to emulate, with her deportment, pride in uniform and respect for her fellow Cadets and staff.

Participating in ringette as a player and coach, coaching Special Olympics, running a multi-sport program group for kids living in lower income households helped her receive the Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards and she is working towards the Gold. She has run 5 and 10 Km races, was awarded the Excellence in the Cadet Fitness assessment, was the Female Athlete of the Year for her school in 2018, 2019, and received the 2020 Sportsmanship Award for her school.

To view all pictures with Cadet WO2 Lexi Arianna Niemczyk click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2023 Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) James Randolph Popplow, SBStJ, CD, BSc, BEd, MD, MSc, ABPM (AM), FACPM Award Recipient

Cadet FSgt Quinton Chi-Him Cheung
199 St Vital RCACS

Cadet FSgt Quinton Cheung will attend the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Engineering with the intent to become a mechanical engineer and intends to pursue post-graduate studies. His biggest goal in life is to support his parents as much as they have supported him. Being presented this Scholarship will make them very proud.

He has completed his General Training and Basic Drill and Ceremonial and earned his Wings at Power Pilot Training Camp in Steinbach, an honour and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. During Basic Drill and Ceremonial, he learned the intricacies of the Cadet program and enjoyed aspects of drill, uniform standards, and discipline. The life lessons, knowledge and skills developed have allowed him to mentor Junior Cadets.

He has volunteered as a camp counselor at Southlands Community Church, Fort Whyte Alive and at Riverwood Square Retirement Living. He was a volunteer instructor for Spirit One Taekwondo in 2021 and 2022 and had the opportunity to impart his ten-plus years of knowledge and experience to the students. Giving back to the community is extremely important to him and volunteering is something that he intends to continue in the future.

As a Senior Cadet in his Squadron, he is entrusted with a great deal of responsibility that entails teaching Junior Cadets and supporting other Senior Cadets with their lessons. As the only Cadet in his Squadron with Wings, this brings a level of expectation to be a role model, especially in standards of drill, uniform, and many other aspects of the Cadet program. He was a supervising Cadet on a level two field training exercise in the fall of 2022 and the drill mentor for the newly reinstated flag party. He holds himself to the highest standards, which he hopes to continue throughout his life.

He started Tae Kwon Do when he was three years old, which developed a solid base of discipline as well as physical fitness for the majority of his life and now holds a third-degree black belt. He plays badminton competitively, placing eighth in the 2022 MHSAA provincial tournament and won the zone twelve high school tournament earlier this year. He competed in the Provincial Badminton tournament on May 4th and ran the Winnipeg half-marathon in June.

To view all pictures with Cadet FSgt Quinton Chi-Him Cheung click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2023 Honorary Colonel Ben Van Ruiten, MSM, CD Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Malia Maciuszonek
249 Beausejour RCACS

Cadet WO2 Malia Maciuszonek will attend the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Arts undergraduate program, majoring either in criminology or sociology, with the intention of applying to law school. Through her university degrees she hopes to gain professional knowledge and experience to benefit her future career.

She is a Flight Commander and, having completed the Cadet Correspondent course, is now Squadron Cadet Correspondent. She has participated in a Basic Fitness and Sports camp, Iron Stag, and a Fitness and Sports camp/Build a Rope Bridge Challenge, placing second. She was awarded the Golden Boot numerous times, the Garth Lowry - most community involved Cadet, and is a level 3 marksman. She completed the level 5 training workshops and attended an Enhanced Staff Cadet training workshop.

She is the Chair of the Student Leadership Council, chairs a sub-committee - the Culture and Awareness Committee - developing an Indigenous perspectives mental health mural, core leader of her school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance, and Chief Editor of the Literary Arts Magazine, successfully publishing 3 editions. She volunteers at Personal Care Homes - East Gate Lodge and Holy Family Home.

She is the Squadron’s Warrant of Training and works with the CO to assign instructors to required classes, instructs classes, and mentors future instructors. She aims to make topics interesting to keep every Cadet engaged. As the Cadet Correspondent, she is the liaison between the Squadron and the community and also captures moments that only Cadets experience and is creating an Instagram Account as a modern link to the community, Cadets, and parents. Her Cadet experience has led her to become the person she is today, and she hopes to spark that in future community leaders.

She achieved the Bronze and Silver Levels of the Duke of Edinburgh award and is working to achieve the Gold Level. She has achieved Excellence in fitness and attended Basic Fitness and Sports camp. She has participated in badminton, cheerleading, soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming, jogging, has her Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and helps the lower belts improve their skills. During COVID, she made her own exercise regimes and stayed active through biking, weightlifting, home workouts, and walking/jogging.

To view all pictures with Cadet WO2 Malia Maciuszonek click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2023 Honorary Colonel (Retired) George E. Chapman Q.C. Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Payton Gilhooly
191 West Winnipeg RCACS

Cadet WO2 Payton Gilhooly will attend Mount Royal University in their aviation program, which is partnered with West Jet, and hopes to fly for West Jet on graduation. The program also provides a business diploma which provides an extra challenge, as well as a formal education outside of aviation.

He has tried almost everything in Cadets, starting with band, biathlon and marksmanship, participating in biathlon at the Nationals. He was the top biathlete (2022) and most improved biathlete (2020) in his Squadron, and in marksmanship, helped his Squadron get back to competing at the provincial level. He was awarded top level 1 (2018), top level 2(2019), top band (2019), Warrant Officers Shield (2020), top level 4 (2021), and top-level 5 (2022) and the Lord Strathcona Medal in 2022. He has attended General Training and Basic Aviation Glider which has given him a good base to complete Power Training this year.

In his community he helps his neighbours with their yard work throughout the year. He volunteers with Winnipeg Harvest, especially at Christmas. At school, he is in a leadership class that volunteer as a group and is helping organize a school charity event to raise money and have fun while doing so. With Cadets, he spends as much time at the gliding helping out with all the ground crew tasks, as well as teaching other Cadets about gliders.

He is the Squadron Deputy Commander and a role model for the younger Cadets maintaining a high standard in dress and deportment. He is responsible for all three levels of training in the Squadron and assists the Level Officer ensuring instructors are prepared to teach the Cadets to the best of their ability.

Cadets have had a massive impact on his physical fitness through biathlon and he has represented Manitoba at biathlon nationals. During COVID, he started running and strength training to keep in shape, completing his first half marathon in 2021 and the Manitoba Marathon this year. He is now concentrating on biathlon, hoping to represent Manitoba at the Canada Games and plans to continue racing against the best in Canada. This past season he was the third-best biathlete in Manitoba and hopes to continue to improve next season.

To view all pictures with Cadet WO2 Payton Gilhooly click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2023 Royal Military Institute of Manitoba Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Reetinder Singh Maur
191 West Winnipeg RCACS

Cadet WO2 Reetinder Maur plans to attend the University of Manitoba, majoring in aerospace engineering, with the aim of entering the aerospace industry. Having a post-secondary education in this area will allow him to adapt to new technologies and industry trends and provide him opportunities to make a positive impact on society through his work.

In Cadets he has been involved in biathlon, marksmanship, and volunteering, which helped develop his skills and abilities and build his confidence and self-esteem. He has completed the Power Pilot program and received his Wings. He was selected for the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) to the United States this summer, providing him the opportunity to meet Cadets from other countries, experience a new culture, and learn new skills.

He gives back to his community by volunteering at events and participating in community service projects, including the daycare in La Salle, which provided an opportunity to work with children and provide them with a safe and fun environment. He also helps his neighbours with snow shoveling and lawn mowing. He will continue to actively participate in his community and contribute to the betterment of society.

As a WO2 and the only pilot in the Squadron, he has been able to demonstrate to the Squadron Cadets the importance of hard work, dedication, and commitment. He has also emphasized the importance of leadership and teamwork, encouraging the Cadets to work together to achieve their goals. Overall, his leadership skills have been instrumental in the success of the Squadron.

Playing sports at a young age, his interest in fitness and athletics intensified as he grew. In Cadets he discovered biathlon and had the opportunity to compete at the Canada Games. He has run two half marathons, and will run the Manitoba Marathon this summer. He has also participated in basketball, soccer and track and field. Biathlon, running, and participating in school sports has given him the opportunity to push himself to new heights, both physically and mentally.

To view all pictures with Cadet Cadet WO2 Reetinder Singh Maur click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2023 Manitoba Moose Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet WO1 Leonard Yoo
199 St Vital RCACS

Cadet WO1 Leonard Yoo will attend the University of Manitoba in the Bachelor of Kinesiology Program to pursue his studies with the aim of becoming a doctor. Becoming a doctor is by no means an easy path to walk, but by the end of his studies he believes he will be prepared to improve his community and save lives.

He has attended General Training, Basic Drill and Ceremonial, Advanced Aviation and Technology - Airport Operations, was a Staff Cadet at Cold Lake CTC (2022), was a part of the Precision Drill Team at BDC, where the top 30 Cadets in Army, Air and Sea were selected. He has earned his ROC-A through Airport Ops, and was a part of the Marksmanship team (2019-2020). He was awarded Top Junior NCO(2019) and will be receiving the Duke Of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

He was a peer tutor at School and is working as a personal tutor outside of school. He was the Student Council Treasurer, was part of the Youth Student Council as Vice-President in 2022, is a leader at his church, a Co-Leader for the Youth’s Worship Team for the past two years and also serves the team as a bassist.

He was awarded the Top Junior NCO as he stepped up to fill the position of Flight Sergeant and lead his flight Pre-pandemic. As the Chief of his Squadron, he is encouraging the Seniors Cadets to be role models as a whole for the rest of the Squadron. During Covid, the Cadets did not have a normal Cadet experience, which means that they had to set new standards and expectations. He has worked with the CO to create a flag that will be given to the top flight in the Squadron so that they have a goal to work towards. The Squadron had to split into A Squadron and B Squadron to manage the large number of cadets within their limited space. Splitting up the Warrants, as well as making a system of rotation and placement within the building were issues he had to deal with.

He has completed the Bronze level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. He exercises independently three-four times a week, losing nearly twenty pounds while gaining flexibility and strength. He is still on the path of self-improvement in fitness and health. He will pursue personal fitness throughout his post-secondary studies, as he believes it is beneficial to help with stress and staying healthy.

To view all pictures with Cadet Cadet WO1 Leonard Yoo click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).