(Ottawa)- August 2023 – The Army Cadet League of Canada (ACLC) and The Royal Canadian Legion (Legion) Dominion Command are pleased to announce that Canada’s outstanding Army Cadet and recipient of the 2023 General Walsh Commemorative Sword is Cadet Chief Warrant Officer Carmina Gismondi, from Grande Prairie, AB, and member of the 2850 Grande Prairie, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. An official award presentation ceremony will be organized by the Alberta Branch of the ACLC at an appropriate time.
The General Walsh Memorial Sword is the highest national award for any Army Cadet. The award was created by the ACLC in honour of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Walsh, CBE, DSO, CD, who served as Colonel Command of the Army Cadets and is a founding member of the ACLC. In 2004, The Royal Canadian Legion established an award for “Outstanding Cadets” selected from each of the three cadet elements, Sea, Army and Air. In 2005, it was decided to combine the two awards.
As she proudly wears her Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (AB), the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence, the Order of St. George Cadet Medal, and the Army Cadet Service Medal, Cadet Gismondi has certainly proven to be an outstanding cadet. Not only does she perform well at her corps but she also became involved with the National Cadet Advisory Council in 2022, and was named Council Leader in 2023, where she is working closely with the Commander of the Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers, the Senior Formation staff and senior cadets from across the country on a variety of Cadet Program-related topics.
“CWO Gismondi is a model cadet who is physically fit (excellence on the Cadet fitness test), a stellar student, is fully bilingual (English & French) and speaks Spanish. She is an amazing example for all cadets (especially younger female cadets),” says her Commanding Officer, Capt Hagarty of the award recipient. She also adds, “Coming from mixed ethnic background she has witnessed and experienced racism and bullying and she has proven to be an amazing role model / educator against these behaviours making her a strong advocate for inclusiveness.” A trait that is certainly looked at as a strength considering that the cadet program continually promotes inclusivity and diversity in its teaching approach.
“Cadet Gismondi has achieved an impressive number of successes in a wide range of disciplines, and we congratulate her on this latest award,” says Legion Dominion President Bruce Julian. “We also commend her for her resilience in standing up against discrimination and hope that others will learn from her example. We wish her continuing greatness as she pursues her future goals.”
At her corps, she demonstrates the utmost level of leadership and stands as an excellent example of a well-rounded individual who performs well in each sphere of her life. In cadets she has attained a near perfect attendance record, has competed and won several Marksmanship & Biathlon competitions. She has participated in the National Expedition program, the Regional Cadet Band, has been presented several medals and awards recognizing her for her involvement & outstanding leadership skills and is always ready to volunteer when needed. Academically she is a remarkable student, plays in the school band and the rugby team and plans on studying nursing at John Abbott College in the fall.
Cadet Gismondi demonstrates all the attributes of a well-rounded individual, which is the essence of this award and recognition. As part of the responsibilities of receiving this title and award, Cadet Gismondi could be called upon, from time to time, to represent Army Cadets in some events throughout this upcoming 2023-2024 cadet training year.
As the recipient of the Walsh Memorial Sword, Cadet Gismondi will travel to Ottawa, as the guest of the Royal Canadian Legion and to attend the November 11th Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial. As part of the Vice-Regal Party, she will also be representing Army Cadets from across the country. Following the ceremony, she will also have the opportunity to meet both the Governor General and the Chief of the Defence Staff at the Luncheon for the National Silver Cross Mother hosted by the Governor General at Rideau Hall.
For more information about this award and other ACLC awards and scholarship opportunities, visit: https://www.armycadetleague.ca/awards-grants-and-bursaries/
