Our favorite air cadet WO2  Alex Bekkers has completed his final year with the 652 Milford and District Lions Air Cadet Squadron and has again walked away with several major awards AND a paid college education and a Canadian Forces flying career as well.

Alex has been accepted as a pilot candidate in the Canadian Armed Forces and is being sent to the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario this fall to pursue an engineering degree.  After his third year at RMC he will begin pilot training in the forces.

Today at the squadron's annual inspection Alex was awarded the top honor, the Lord Strathcona Trust Medal.  The photo shows him receiving  the medal from reviewing officer Lieutenant Colonel Donald Waldock.

The Lord Strathcona Medal, is the highest award which can be bestowed upon a Canadian cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training.
Lord Strathcona's objectives in establishing his endowment were to:
encourage the improvement of the physical and intellectual capabilities of cadets; and
foster patriotism in cadets through the acquisition of a good knowledge of military matters.

Alex also received the Heritage Credit Union Top Cadet of the Year and the Musquodoboit Lions Trophy for Best Cadet as voted by his peers (Alex was most proud of this one as the winner is selected by fellow cadets)  and the Christoper Van Driel Leadership Trophy.

He has also been selected for a cadet three week exchange trip to turkey this summer.

Following the Turkey trip, Alex has five days at home before heading off to RMC. 

Congrats and best wishes Alex!   All the best.

Congratulations Alex – Your dedication and hard work is inspiring. 

Wear your gongs with pride