On September 11, I had the pleasure of attending the 2332 Major Holland VC RCACC/Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers annual BBQ in Ottawa I was an unforgettable event where I got my first experience of the incredible spirit of the cadet program.
Upon arrival, it was clear that this was going to be an evening filled with energy and enthusiasm. The space was immediately filled with returning cadets, their families and potential new recruits all coming together for an evening of festivities. I was particularly excited about the chance to meet some of the cadets and learn more about their experiences.
One of the standout moments of the day was meeting Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Gabriel Diaz Guerrero. At just 18 years old, Diaz was not only a commanding presence but also incredibly welcoming. He took us on a tour of the cadet facility, providing fascinating insights into the various program and activities that make the 2332 Cadet Corp so special, including lesson plans and team meetings with their biathlon teams, drill teams and their shooting teams. One fact I found particularly interesting was their specific Star levels to differentiate cadets. They start with Green Stars (the lowest level) and then follow with Red, Silver, Gold and end with Master Cadet. Each Star Level can be looked at as a grade, it’s not primarily based on rank, it’s more based on what point cadets are at in the cadet program. I also learned that they have a “Fast Track System” where they fast track some cadets who have joined the program at a later age and they are brought up in an environment where they can be comfortable around other youth their same age.
Chatting with Diaz, you can immediately see and hear his enthusiasm for the cadet program. “The reason I started with cadets was I was actually following brothers’ footsteps,” said Diaz. “But through what I saw in what he experienced, the main reason I actually wanted to join cadets, especially army cadets, was the expedition program. The expedition program is what drew me to it and made me want to join and also the physical aspect of the Army Cadet Corps, those were the main reasons I wanted to join”.
The BBQ itself was a fantastic time and a blend of a classic summer get-together and community spirit. Volunteers were busy cooking burgers and hotdogs, while the popcorn machine outside added a touch of nostalgia. It wasn’t just about the food though, it was the gathering of friends, families and cadets that truly made the evening special.
Amid all the festivities, I also had the opportunity to connect with two exceptional volunteers: Susan Joao and Michelle Ménard. Susan is a dedicated support committee member for the Corp and one of the volunteers that assisted in putting this event together, among many other fundraising events. As a token of our appreciation, she received a coin from us at the Army Cadet League of Canada for her hard work, while Michelle, the support committee president, showcased her incredible leadership throughout the event. Even as she was getting pulled in multiple directions she took time out of a busy evening to give me a brief lesson on all the great opportunities cadets have in the program and what her role within the Corp involved. Their contributions exemplify the spirit of teamwork that drives the cadet program forward.
Another highlight of the event was the exciting raffle for tickets to an Ottawa Red Blacks game. Although our office sadly didn’t snag a win, the raffle added an extra layer of anticipation and fun to the day. The chance to win but also assist in raising funds was a great aspect and kept the mood upbeat as everyone eagerly awaited the drawing.
Outside the facility, the energy was equally vibrant as a few friends threw a football around. Their laughter and playful shouts adding to the lively atmosphere. The sight of kids running around, carefree and full of joy, perfectly captured the essence of the day—fun and community. It was heartwarming to see how the event not only brought people together but also created a space where everyone, especially the returning cadets, could fully engage and enjoy themselves.
Overall, the 2332 Major Holland VC RCACC/Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers annual BBQ was a success! It highlighted the strength of the community, the dedication of the cadets, and the welcoming spirit of the program. If you’re considering joining or supporting the cadet program, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Events like this show just how impactful and enjoyable being part of the cadet family can be.
