Standard of Excellence

Times Contributor

 

There are 50,000 young men and women age 12-18 involved in the Canada Air Cadet program.

On Nov. 30, at the Strathmore Civic Centre, Sr. Warrant Officer Philip Wahl gained The Alberta Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada, Southern Wing Outstanding Cadet Award for 2011. It is awarded once a year, to the cadet that exceeds expectations within his unit, the community and interests outside that community. 

“Philip was selected by me, our Squadron Sponsoring Committee Chair person and our Air Cadet League Representative as the best candidate from our squadron to be submitted to the Air Cadet League for consideration. The selection is on the cadets’ personal achievements in the cadet program and in their day-to-day life, letters of recommendation and merit within the unit. A board of Air Cadet League members then selects the most appropriate recipient. We are so proud of everything that Philip has accomplished,” said Captain Tara McPherson, Commanding Officer 903 RCACS.

“Cadet Wahl has had a very distinguished career, gaining top awards in all that he has done. He has embraced the Air Cadet Unit and if you needed a role model, this young man is one you can look up to,” said Ron Bauhuis, who presented the award.

Wahl is indeed a top gun of the class. He was Top Overall cadet in Squadron 903 for three years in a row. In the summers of 2008 and 2009, he competed nationally against candidates from all across Canada, in the Athletic Instructor course held in Kingston, Ont. 

While there, he obtained the ANAVETs medal for the top athletic instructor.  It is a huge achievement to gain the award twice. At the 2008 Survival Instructor Course at CFB Cold Lake, he competed for selection to attend. While there, he received his first ANAVETs medal for top survival instructor. Wahl is also the recipient of the Legion Medal of Excellence for leadership and community service, as well as the Air Cadet League of Canada Long Service Medal for four years plus continual service and has had a perfect attendance six years running in the Cadet program. 

He expanded his accomplishments this year to include a top test flight score of 98 per cent in the Power Pilot Scholarship program, where he obtained his private pilot’s licence from Transport Canada. 

Wahl’s brothers were previously cadets and he said it definitely encouraged him to be competitive.

He is now a regular pilot with the Cadet Gliding program, assisting others to obtain their flight goals.

“Set goals. Shoot to achieve them and put everything you have into it,” Wahl said to encourage other cadets.

He said that when he came into the program he was a shy, quiet young man. He feels it has improved his self-confidence and leadership skills. The discipline has helped him interact with people. He liked that the program allowed different personalities to attain common goals. He now presents as a well-groomed, well-spoken, outgoing, enthusiastic young adult.

 “What you learn is not just used here, it carries on later in life too,” said Wahl.