Capt. Morton, during his closing speech, primarily thanked numerous people who helped the organization over the past year, although he did touch on his 24-plus years of service to the organization.

“The greatest award that I have received is to watch a cadet of age 12 progress to graduation and see how many of them become such outstanding citizens at such a young age.”

He has been the Commanding Officer for 13 years, an officer of the unit since 1983, and a civilian instructor before then.

He added his wife, Shirley Morton, who joined the program 12 years ago, has “been my partner also as a cadet leader and my constant cadet assistant. We ate and slept discussing the Cadet Program.”

He said they both have mixed feelings about leaving but hope they have helped many cadets make some positive decisions in life.

To the cadets, he said, “You are at the Y in the road of life and it is easy to be persuaded to take the wrong road, so please remember you have only one life. Live it wisely.”

George Mitchell, chair of the sponsors, the Tri Service Club, noted the thanks-filled speech.

“I think it’s time we should thank them for their years of service.”

As cakes, lit up by sparklers, were brought out, Shirley Morton openly wept while Capt. Morton appeared to be fighting to keep his composure. The applause was deafening.

Earlier, South Shore-St. Margarets MP and Reviewing Officer, Gerald Keddy said organizations such as the cadets and scouts create good citizens.

“They have poise and self-confidence and a kind of maturity other kids don’t have.”

He said community service is important to the cadet organization. “It means quite simply making the world a better place. You quickly realize you get far more out of it than you put into it. It’s the boots on the ground that shake the future of our community.”

He, like everyone who spoke discussed Captain And Shirley Morton. “That is a record of service that is inspiring.”

Earl Lantz, Director for 545 Squadron and N.S. division, Air Cadet League of Canada, echoed Keddy’s praise.

He also advised the cadets to have objectives and to recognize and use their talents.

AWARDS

The Jack Dyson Shield for the Best Groomed Cadet went to LAC Mikayla Oickle, the Sponsoring Committee Trophy for Most Improved Cadet went to Cpl. Nathan Godfrey, the Alan’s Upholstery Music Plaque for musical interest went to Cpl. Nicholas Samson, the Branch 38, Royal Canadian Legion Trophy for First Year Leadership went to LAC Jennifer Samson, the Whynot Services Plaque for Second-Year Leadership went to Cpl. Rebecca Conrad. The George C. Mitchell Insurance Plaque for Third-Year Leadership went to Cpl. Kellen Oickle and Cpl. Benjamin Samson. The Charles Gallant Scroll for Fourth-Year Leadership went to Sgt. Kirsten Briand and Sgt. Krista Moreau.

The Branch 38 Royal Canadian Legion Trophy for Senior Leadership went to FT/Sgt. Cody Hatt and FT/Sgt. Crystal Weagle. The Ralph and Shirley Morton Paintball Park Award for athletic sportsmanship went to FT/Sgt. Cody Hatt, as did the Liverpool Kinsmen Club Award for highest average air rifle shooting for the year. The Ron’s Chain Saw Sales and Service Shield for Best All-Round Cadet went to FT/Sgt. Crystal Weagle. Cpl. Coby Joudrey won for achieving the highest sales in fundraising. The award was presented in memory of Private Richard A. (Ricky) Green, who died in Afghanistan April 17, 2002.

The Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence, awarded in recognition of individual endeavours in citizenship, went to FT/Sgt. Cody Hatt.

The Lord Strathcona Medal is the highest award that can be bestowed on a Canadian cadet and recognizes “exemplary performance” in physical, intellectual and military training. FT/Sgt. Crystal Weagle received the award from Reviewing Officer, Gerald Keddy.