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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Two members of Yellowknife's army reserve company attended their graduation from Sir John Franklin High School in dress uniform June 25.

Privates Ryan Collier and Shaun Thagard, the fourth and fifth Yellowknife-raised men to have completed a basic military qualification course and join the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Yellowknife Company decided to wear their uniforms to their graduation ceremony at the Yellowknife Community Arena after the suggestion was made by their commanding officer, Capt. Conrad Schubert.

"Capt. Schubert approached Ryan and I. We thought it would be cool to wear it and he authorized and supported us in wearing our uniforms during grad," said Thagard.

To be eligible to join the regular forces or the reserves, one has to be at least 17 and have completed Grade 10.

Thagard said there is a strong military tradition in his family and he plans on a career in the Canadian Forces.

"I was in the cadets for three years. Both of my grandparents were in the army," said Thagard. "I have strong support of the military in my family and the military always seemed like a logical choice for me. That's what I'm doing once I finish my post-secondary education, going full-time in the army."

Collier said he joined the reserves for a new experience and challenge.

"I wanted to try something new, experience army life," he said. "I wanted a challenge and considered other part-time work but this was the only one that was a real challenge and turned out to be very interesting."

Collier and Thagard completed their basic military qualification courses together in Yellowknife, through training sessions held every second weekend for the last six months.

Thagard said the entire reserve unit helped them learn the ropes.

"They do their best to teach you everything they can," said Thagard. "They did our entire course and these guys know all of us and they did their best to make sure we were as squared away as possible."

The reservists of the Yellowknife Company were recently put on warning for active duty to respond to flooding in Alberta.

"We had been put on warning for a month, which is essentially to have your bags packed. We don't get sent out for much unless something or someone is seriously, seriously needing our help," said Thagard.

Schubert said the reserve company was well-represented by the two young men.

"The two members are proud of their uniforms and are both super young men. I knew they would represent the company very well," said Schubert.

-please see page 21

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