By Sungwon Kim
Cadets from 169 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Columbia recently made handwritten cards for Canadian Armed Forces members deployed overseas who will not be home this holiday season.
The cadets thoughtfully wrote to unidentified members in the Canadian Armed Forces, expressing gratitude for their service to our country.
“It’s a tiny thing that we can always do, but it is so meaningful for our soldiers overseas,” said Kyle Wadella, a Leading Seaman from RCSCC 169 Columbia.
Lt. Navy Vanessa Stewart, Commanding Officer of the Aldergrove Sea Cadet group, said that the training program introduces cadets to the Sea, Army, and/or Air elements of the Canadian Armed Forces and exposes cadets to certain traditions.
“This Holiday Card initiative was important for our cadets because it highlights that our Armed Forces members are not always safe at home during the Christmas season. Hopefully these messages will bring comfort to those individuals serving our country, and lets them know that we are grateful for their service.”
The cadets were eager to send messages of appreciation and gratitude to our troops overseas.
“The letters would certainly give support to the CAF members deployed overseas and it is an honour to have our corps do the least we can to support them,” said Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Samantha Hession, the coxswain of RCSCC Columbia.
Based in Aldergrove, cadets in 169 Columbia regularly participate in services for veterans and past members of the Canadian Armed Forces. They also participate in poppy sales in support of the Aldergrove Legion.
The 169 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Columbia parades on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 3900 272nd St. in Aldergrove. For more information, call 604-814-6014 or email columbiavoicepipe@gmail.com. You can also check their Facebook page: 169 Columbia - Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, their website: www.fraservalleyseacadets.com or their instagram account: @rcscccolumbia.
- Sea Cadet Sungwon Kim, 16, is a student at Langley Fine Arts, currently enrolled as a writing major