It is Monday evening and a frigid wind sweeps through Griffith’s Pioneer Park, yet the city’s 15 teenage Air Force cadets are participating in a dedicated drill activity outside.
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Since the squadron formed a little over a year ago 15-year-old Sam Ryan has been one of its most devoted members.
For him, the chance to participate in cadets was an opportunity to finally do something different.
“I was always interested in the defence force and had always wanted to do cadets so when I heard this was starting here I was so excited,” he said.
“I sent the Commanding Officer an email straight away as soon as I heard.”
As commanding officer of the 340 Squadron AAFC Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) Michael Borg, said while has been impressed with the calibre of the cadets who have come on board, he is not surprised by their enthusiasm.
“It is something to do for these young people, those who aren’t sports minded there is not always enough to do,” he said.
“Cadets give them a sense of discipline and leadership, it teaches them a lot about themselves and gets them out of their comfort zone.
“I am very proud of them.”
As a result of their dedication a cadet has already had the opportunity to be selected to walk the Kokoda Track, while others visited Temora’s aviation museum and can apply for life-changing scholarships to help them learn to fly.
“You can make great friends, see different places and it is just a great learning curve,” Sam said.
Griffith’s Air Force cadets will hold their next recruitment on July 15 at 1.30pm at the Griffith Aeroclub.
All are welcome.
You can find details on Griffith’s Air Force cadets on their Facebook page 340 Squadron, Griffith Australian Air Force Cadets.
