Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, June 4, 2008

RANKIN INLET - The final parade and awards ceremony for the Rankin Inlet cadet corps was held at the forward operating location site in Rankin this past month.

Deputy premier Levinia Brown was so determined to attend the event as the review officer, she flew standby to Rankin after her regular flight went mechanical.

Civilian instructor Nellie Ussak said this year's program was a successful one.

She said the cadets were well mannered, respectful and good to work with.

"The kids really listened this year when you told them what they had to do," said Ussak.

"I was also impressed with how hard they tried when they were in a competition.

"Sometimes I'd bring some pop and chocolate along to give to the cadets who got the highest score, and that would encourage them to do even better in the competition.

"It was all a lot of fun and I really enjoyed working with the kids."

Ussak said there are many, many benefits for kids involved in the cadet program.

She said she notices many positive changes in the youth after they've been in the corps for a while.

"There's a lot of discipline involved, but there's a lot of fun and other benefits, too.

"They learn to respect others, follow instructions and get along better with other kids.

"The youth get a real sense of belonging at cadets, and there's also opportunity to travel for drill, marksmanship, biathlon and camps.

"It would be really nice to see more kids join the cadets instead of just hanging around the streets."

Ussak has three of her own children in the Rankin cadet corps.

Christopher is one of the senior cadets and holds the rank of warrant officer, while Clarissa is a master corporal and Adam is a private.

Nellie said kids who join the cadets learn how to be part of a team and how to compete hard, but fairly.

"When we have a trip coming up, whoever scores the highest in our corps gets to go and that really encourages the kids to try harder.

"My son (Christopher) has been with the cadets since he was 12 and he'll soon be turning 18.

"He's going to the Whitehorse camp a week early this summer for staff training.The cadets provide a lot of opportunity for kids who stick with it and really try to do well."