INUVIK - When 16-year-old Sgt. Connor McLeod met the man in charge of Canadian Forces operations in the North he was so in awe he held his salute part way through the friendly conversation.

"It was a little intimidating at first. I was trying to think of words. It meant a lot to meet him, that's for sure," he said.

A few cadets pose with Brig.-Gen. David Millar at Samuel Hearne Secondary School during his visit to Inuvik on Wednesday, Sept 9. From left, Cpl. Don Gruben, Sgt. Laura O'Connor, Sgt. Danielle Deslauriers, Sgt. Lydia O'Connor and Sgt. Connor McLeod. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

Brig.-Gen. David Millar, commander of Joint Task Force North, who oversees Canadian Forces operations in all three Northern territories arrived in Inuvik on Wednesday, Sept. 9 to meet with local cadet members.

For the Yellowknife resident it was a chance to get to know some of Inuvik's most committed teenagers as well as keep abreast of an organization under his responsibility. Earlier in the day he met with Canadian Ranger Patrol members from Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk.

Cadets got to share an evening with the brigadier general and Mayor Derek Lindsay, and shared a meal together at Tonimoes Restaurant. Millar was then escorted to the cadets' home base at Samuel Hearne Secondary School (SHSS), where he was treated to a tour, a slide show presentation and was also presented with parting gifts.

He said he was impressed by what he saw.

"It's important that I get out and encourage and discuss with them some of their needs," he said. "I'm proud of what they do. It's been a very, very positive experience.

"When you go up to a young 12-year-old ... and see the confidence, leadership and self esteem, it makes you feel good," he said.

With a focus on instilling discipline and leadership skills in youth between 12 and 18, the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps program offers a wide range of activities and programs, including summer and winter survival camps that teach participants navigation and orientation skills; public speaking training and other leadership programs that take participants across the country.

The cadets will be holding a recruiting drive on Sept. 30 at SHSS.

McLeod said he has never regretted joining cadets since being pressured into it by friends.

"It's been really fun," he said. "I've had so many opportunities. I've learned to be a better student. I've been able to go to a lot of places."

Bonnie Beaumont, cadet civilian instructor, hosted the brigadier general's visit and had nothing but praise for the way the cadets conducted themselves.

"They were polished, intelligent, bright, articulate kids," she said. "I can't help but be so proud of helping them become good adults. It's been very, very satisfying to work with them."

Beaumont was quick to give credit to the group's commanding officer, Lt. Paul MacDonald, who was away for the event. She said he has worked tirelessly with the cadets for the past few years.

"When he started only a few years ago, we had six cadets. Now we're up to 20," said Beaumont. "It's been phenomenal the leadership he has shown."