Hard work pays off for local cadets

PARADE: Pat Cooney WO1 presents the Central North Island Efficiency Trophy to acting unit commander Kevin Corbett. PHOTO/ PAUL TAYLOR

There was an extra spring in the step of the well-drilled cadets of the Hastings District 11 Squadron Air Training Corps at their weekly parade last night.

Of the 25 cadet force units across the central region, the Hastings unit came out top of the class - picking up the Central North Island Efficiency Trophy which acting Unit Commander Flying Officer Kevin Corbett accepted at a presentation ceremony at the Defence Force's Trentham base last week.

His fellow officers and the more than 50 young cadets of the unit were thrilled to receive the award, and the acclaim, he said. "It was a fine reflection of the work of the whole team - everybody has worked hard for this."

For the Bridge Pa Aerodrome-based unit, it has been a long time between drinks.

"Way back, we held the award for six years in a row, but this is the first time we've been awarded it since the late 90s - so it is really something special and shows the amount of work we've been putting in."

The annual award criteria is wide-ranging and challenging.

It focuses on standard of dress and bearing, abiding to the Cadet Force code of behaviour, the overall atmosphere within the unit, the forging of equal opportunities and prevention of any harassment and the overall dedication of the officers and the enthusiasm of the cadets.

"This is quite an achievement and we are very proud of them."

Mr Corbett said there were currently just over 50 young males and females aged between 13 and 19 turning out for 11 Squadron.

"We teach a range of skills from camp and bush craft through to learning to fly, and most of all we develop good, respectful youth that the community can be proud of."

He said one of the unit's former members who spent five years with them, James Patrick, was now a Flying Officer with the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

"He's loving it."

His own daughter, 18-year-old Aaisha, is part of the unit and is looking to move into a travel or aviation role.

"That's how I got into this myself," Mr Corbett said.

"Through my daughter's involvement."

He started as part of the parent support group but eventually decided to put his hand up to become an officer - which he has been for the past three years.

As part of its ongoing programme as well as encourage recruitment the unit will be staging a flying and gliding camp at Bridge Pa Aerodrome in November.