Miltonian Darren Lee Wo won the Cadet-of-the-Year Award presented to the Top Air Cadet for Leadership in Ontario. Darren said: “I felt honoured to be recognized for what I have been able to do, however I also feel like there should be many more opportunities for other Cadets to be recognized for the work that they do and their excellence!”
19 year old Darren joined the 820 Chris Hadfield Milton Air Cadets when he was 12 years old. His older brother Gregory was an air cadet and Darren wanted to be just like him.
A few people over the years have especially inspired him: “Chris Hadfield, and his ability to never give up and always try to contribute; Robert Bennett, the former managing director of the Burlington Teen Tour Band who led with compassion and understanding; James Jardine MMM CD, an excellent mentor and role model.
Being a Cadet helped to kindle Darren’s interest in music and playing the flute. He participated in music and bands and travelled to Trenton, Ontario for music courses. He participated on the National Cadet Advisory Council (NCAC) in Ottawa and Quebec City. He also participated on the Regional Cadet Advisory Council (RCAC) to produce recommendations for Central Region.
“The NCAC” Darren explained, “is a group of 16 senior cadets from across Canada who come together to create recommendations for and engage with the Commander of the Cadet Program and other Senior Formation Staff Working in the summers as a member of the NCAC, we got to experience: flying in the CH-146 Griffon, touring the Diefenbunker, Rideau Hall, and museums in Ottawa, the Quebec National Assembly and other parts of historic Quebec City. I also was able to visit and interact with many other cadet units near me to better represent them on the di erent councils I was on. I met some of my closest,
very memorable friends in Cadets across Canada as we accomplished the planning and administration required of our duties.” “Being a Cadet has given me greater awareness of myself and the world around me.”
His older brother, Gregory is now a pilot! Their younger sister is also in Cadets now. Darren said “She is more interested in the marksmanship side of cadets and with Greg specializing in aviation and me in music we have explored all of the areas of air cadets!” Darren plans to study Music in university and hopes to return to the Cadet program as an Ocer in the future so that he can continue to work with the incredibly talented youth in the program.
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