Submitted by Cadet Warrant Officer Emma McIntyre
Special to The Record
Master Warrant Officers (MWO) Declan Vandervaate and Katie deBoer are the new leadership team at 1726 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Courtenay, taking on the titles of Regimental Sergeant Major and Company Sergeant Major, respectively.
MWO Vandervaate joined cadets at age 13 and says his cadet experience has been amazing. He has made friends that have lasted him for years, and has had experiences that he wouldn’t get anywhere else.
He wants to pass down a sense of drive that helps cadets push through any hardship in order to attain their goals and become stronger and more capable people later in life. Cadets has given him confidence in his abilities, as well as much needed camaraderie.
MWO deBoer joined cadets because she wanted to learn more about the wilderness and experience it with people, along with trying new things.
“I realized I really like military life and cadets is for me,” she said.
deBoer wants to teach cadets to be good leaders and to pass down all the fun, memories and experiences.
The cadet program develops self-sufficient leaders who make lasting friendships and are active members of their community, while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and an interest in the activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.