1944 Army Cadets welcome new commanding officer
After an incredible year of growth, the 1944 RCEME Creemore Army Cadets Corps marked a Change of Command on April 6.
Outgoing Commanding Officer (CO), Capt. Jason Higgins’s considerable contributions to the corps were honoured during an evening ceremony at Legion Branch 397, Creemore.
When Higgins walked through the Creemore Army Cadet office doors last year after a pandemic-forced two- year closure, the corps had zero staff, zero returning cadets and one support committee member.
“In one year, we have grown to 30-plus cadets, a full staff, and a full and active support committee,” said Higgins.
He noted Creemore cadets had won prestigious awards, including the General Howard Award and the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence, and the biathlon and marksmanship teams achieved medals and entry to the regional championships in one year.
As his final act as CO, Higgins handed corps command to newly promoted Capt. Chris Whatley.
Higgins said Whatley’s contributions to reinvigorating the corps were admirable, given he was staffing the 2408 Army Cadets and volunteering significant time to Creemore.
“It is because of that dedication and commitment to the cadets that I know 1944 is in great hands with him as the new Commanding Officer,” said Higgins.
He quickly acknowledged the support from the corps sponsor Legion Branches, 397 Creemore, 457 Stayner, and 516 New Lowell, CFB Borden’s RCEME School, and the Support Committee in making it possible for local youth to access the program.
Maj. Peter Westlake expounded on Higgins’ stellar record despite the retiring CO’s modesty regarding his legacy.
“You have once again stepped in and assisted a Corps experiencing difficulties, implemented an effective recruiting campaign, and returned the Corps to a strong, viable status,” said Westlake. “I believe this was your fifth or sixth command, and I want to thank you for your continued dedication to the cadet program.”
The connection between Higgins, Whatley and Westlake extends several decades back to when the men met as cadets, highlighting the lifelong relationships made within the program. Westlake said he met Whatley at his first cadet corps, under the command of retired Capt. Gordon Whatley, Chris’s father.
“The Commanding Officer of a Cadet Corps or Squadron is a tireless endeavour that requires dedication, enthusiasm, and vision,” Westlake said. “These are three traits that I know Chris has in spades, and I know he will serve the cadets, parents, staff, volunteers and community well.”
Higgins attributes much of his success in life to the opportunities cadets provided, including acquiring life-long friends like Whatley and Westlake, meeting his wife, building a family with a strong cadet legacy, and furthering his career.
“Some of my fondest memories are from my time as a cadet,” said Higgins. “My message is to take advantage of the opportunities the cadet program offers you and enjoy yourself.”
The 1944 RCEME Creemore Army Cadets is free and open for all youth aged 12-18 from Creemore, Stayner, Wasaga Beach, Shelburne, New Lowell, Dundalk, Flesherton, Alliston, Lisle, Everett, and surrounding areas.
For more information, email the cadet corps at 1944army@cadets.gc.ca or visit Creemorearmycadets.com, or stop in at the Legion on any Thursday night in September through June, from 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Diana Martin photo: Capt. Chris Whatley, incoming Commanding Officer of the 1944 RCEME Creemore Army Cadets Corps, is flanked by outgoing Commanding Officer Capt. Jason Higgins (left) and Presiding Officer Maj. Peter Westlake during a Change of Command ceremony at Legion Branch 397 Creemore on April 6.
