CORPS STAFF AND HISTORY
2966 Corps Appointments and Positions
CORPS' OFFICERS:
Commanding Officer: Captain J. Carthew Deputy Commanding Officer: 2Lt R. Michaud Training Officer: CI C. Putney A/Training Officer: CI T. Rowling Administration Officer: 2Lt R. Michaud A/Administration Officer: CI K. Elliott Supply Officer: CI (ret Capt) T. McGregor, CD A/Supply Officer: CV M. Mott Sponsor Liaison: Major (ret) W. Pearce, CD Army Cadet League Representative: Vacant Support Chair: Mr J. Mollicone |
CORPS' SENIOR CADETS
Regimental Sergeant Major: CWO Shedlowich Battery Sergeant Major: TBD Troop Sergeant Major: TBD Troop Sergeant(s): TBD Flag Party Commander: TBD |
2966 RCACC Corps History
2966 ROYAL CANADIAN ARTILLERY CADET CORPS
CHARTERED 1 June 1979 (Royal Canadian Army Cadets) LOCATION Town of Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada SPONSORS Department of National Defence; Army Cadet League of Canada; and Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 71 UNIT CREST Crest of the Royal Canadian Artillery MOTTO “Virium Per Prudentia” (“Strength Through Knowledge”) SUPPORT UNIT Regional Cadet Support Unit (Central) – Niagara-Greater Toronto Area (NGTA), Toronto, Ontario, Canada AFFILIATED UNIT 56th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery (Canadian Armed Forces – Reserve Forces) Brantford, Ontario, Canada |
PREVIOUS COMMANDING OFFICERS
Captain Terry Dilts, CD 1979-1983 Captain Glen Hutton, CD 1983-1989 Lieutenant Karry Woods 1989 Captain Stan Conron 1989-1995 Lieutenant Scott Koole 1995-1997 Captain O. Hilpka 1997-1998 Captain George Ledwon, CD 1998-2003 Captain John Wayne Allen, CD1 2003-2006 Captain Sandie Vermulen 2006-2010 Captain Dana Butler, CD 2010-2012 Lieutenant (N) T.J.E. Reilly, CD 2012-2016 Captain T.R. Harry, CD 2016-2020, 2020-2023 Captain E. Tarzwell, CD 2020 Captain J. Carthew 2023-Present |
REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJOR
(NOTE: This section requires expansion. Anyone with information is asked to contact the corps) Sergeant J. Howard Warrant Officer J. Vivian Chief Warrant Officer C. Schinkel Chief Warrant Officer S. Yaki Warrant Officer C. McMillian Chief Warrant Officer E. Babcock Warrant Officer B. Worenchuck Warrant Officer D. Cameron Master Warrant Officer M. Blair Chief Warrant Officer T. Rowling Chief Warrant Officer J. Czuba Chief Warrant Officer C. Putney Chief Warrant Officer O. Carthew Chief Warrant Officer J. Bateman Chief Warrant Officer M. Deguire Chief Warrant Officer M. Mott Chief Warrant Officer B. Shedlowich |
2966 RCACC Corps History
The cadet program can trace its history to the creation of Drill Associations in 1861, pre-dating confederation by 6 years. These associations (precursors to the Royal Canadian Army Cadets) were linked to local schools.
2966 Royal Canadian Artillery Cadet Corps was chartered on 1 June 1979 in the Town of Fort Erie, ON. However, the history of the corps can be traced to earlier than that. The corps began as a satellite unit (Bravo Company) of 2848 RCACC Centennial Highlanders, Beamsville, ON on 6 January 1976. The first, unofficial, parade night witnessed 12 cadets parade in the garage of Captain Dilts in the town of Fort Erie, Ontario. As the weather got colder, the unit also moved into the laundry room and kitchen of the house. By the end of the training year in 1977 the corps increased its number to 25. Also in the spring, Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 71 consented to sponsor the cadet unit.
Shortly thereafter, logistical problems and the distance between Beamsville to Fort Erie led the unit to re-affiliate the satellite with 2835 RCACC 56th Field Artillery Regiment, Niagara Falls, ON. The corps took the name “2835 RCACC – 171 Battery” to honor the old artillery battery that used to exist in Fort Erie – 171 Battery.
Finally, it was realized that an army cadet unit would be a viable option in Fort Erie. A charter was granted on 1 June 1979 to form an independent cadet unit titled “2966 Royal Canadian Artillery Cadet Corps 171 Battery”. The corps was granted its independence and kept its affiliation with the reserve military unit – 56th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, Brantford, ON
Over the next few years the corps had its ups and downs as attendance grew then declined. 2966 was placed on probation by Toronto cadet detachment a number of times for low attendance and staffing. During these years the corps moved from Fort Erie-proper to the suburb of Ridgeway and then Crystal Beach and into its own building.
The corps continued and worked diligently to deliver the best program to the community’s young adults. The unit even changed its name from “171 Battery” to “71 Legion” as a better representation of its sponsor – Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 – Fort Erie. Every year the corps would compete in drill and marksmanship competitions bringing home several awards and continues that trend even today. Summer time would see numerous cadets travel to “camps” (properly known as Army Cadet Training Centres) all across Canada to gain valuable experience and build a better corps.
1993 saw the introduction of a new cadet program for all three elements of the Canadian Cadet Movement and refocused the training army cadets completed. The program also kept its traditional “green” uniform as the sea and air cadets switched from green to their environmental colours.
In 2000 the corps moved from its home in Crystal Beach to Jarvis Street in old-downtown Fort Erie. 2966 located itself into the second floor of the Fort Erie Credit Union (Formally Niagara Cadet Union) building and quickly set up shop to operate effectively again.
Beginning in 2007 the Department of National Defence began a structural downsizing that included the Canadian Cadet Movement. Units across the country cadet units were closed and resources focused on greater delivery of the program more effectively. Fort Erie Army Cadets always paraded a smaller number of cadets and worked to keep the cadet strength strong. The staff and cadets continued to find ways to keep the doors open for the youth of the community.
The downsizing led the way for the 2008 Cadet Program Update (CPU) for all three elements. A greater emphasis was placed on expedition training and expanding marksmanship, orienteering, and bushcraft. The program delivered a more robust adventure training structure. This allowed the corps to create and encourage new initiatives while keeping its traditions and key training aspects. In addition, an altered rank structure was introduced as well as cadet summer training centres restructured their courses.
In February 2010 the corps participated in the Inter-Provincial Cadet Exchange (ICE) and hosted 6 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Jim Whitecross from Winnipeg, MB. The corps once again participated in the ICE program in March 2011. The unit traveled to 2449 Rock Forest-St-Elie-Deauville Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, Sherbrook, PQ.
The 2010-2011 training year saw the end of the National Star Certification Exam for the Army Cadet program as it was transitioning to the new training program. The corps successfully passed every cadet who underwent the final examination with flying colours. In its place the CCM introduced the National Star of Excellence (NSE) which has cadets earn points based on their ability and contributions to the CCM and the community.
During 2012, the corps participated in numerous community activities and ceremonies dedicated to the bi-centennial of the War of 1812. They were also awarded the Cadet Population Growth Initiative - Director's (Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers) Seal of Excellence for increasing their cadets strength by almost 200% over the course of one year. Beginning in early 2013 the corps found a new training location when St Andrew's-Knox Church opened its doors for the cadet corps. While it maintained its administration headquarters at the Jarvis Street location, the church served the purpose of being the Wednesday night training location.
During the 35th Anniversary, the corps competed in the upgraded Marksmanship Championship (incorporating prone and standing disciplines). The corps managed to come in second overall (of 18 units) in the entire Niagara Region and 11th overall for all of Western Ontario. In addition, the corps was again awarded the Cadet Population Growth Initiative - Director's (Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers) Seal of Excellence for increasing their corps strength by over 100+%. This award has been presented twice to the corps in the span of three years.
In September 2014, 2966 RCACC finally said good bye to the Fort Erie Credit Union building as it moved full time into the St Andrews-Knox Church. In marksmanship, the range team again finished 2nd in their Zone, however, went up the standings to 8th in Western Ontario. The summer of 2015 witnessed MWO J. Czuba travel to Bisley, England to participate as part of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet National Rifle Team, representing Canada in the yearly international competition. He placed 5th overall.
The 2015-2016 Training year began with the corps participating in the Niagara Bivouac FTX with all the other Army Cadets Units in Niagara Region. Also, the corps competed at the WOA Cadet Orienteering Competition where Sgt K. Hewitt won bronze in the Individual Male (Intermediate Age) Orienteering Course Run. In February 2016, the corps once again competed in the Zone Marksmanship Championship. The corps finished in first Place for Zone 7 (Central Region) and 2nd place for top overall team in Niagara Region. Individual Awards were: Sgt Putney - 2nd Place Overall Shot; MWO Czuba - 3rd Place Overall Shot; Bdr Larocque - 1st Place Junior Shot; Bdr Donohue - 3rd Place Junior Shot. The corps completed the year with another successful milestone of hitting 50 cadets for three of the past four years.
During 2017 the corps competed in Orienteering Competition and the Zone Marksmanship Championship. MBdr Elliot was the top Junior Aged Shooter for the competition and the corps came in 3rd overall for the Zone. April/May 2017 will see the cadet corps travel to England and France in part of the services of the 100th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge (1917). Beginning in July 2017, the corps was remustered under an new area called Niagara-Greater Toronto Area (NGTA) within Central Region. Also during the summer, MWO Putney was selected to participate as part of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet National Rifle Team representing Canada in the yearly international competition. Then in the fall, MWO Putney won 1st place Senior Individual Female Cadet at the 2017 NGTA Orienteering Competition and followed that up by placing third at the regional competition in the same category. Not to be outdone, the Marksmanship Team placed first in their Zone, with CWO Putney being top overall shot, Sgt Elliot 2nd overall shot, Bdr Cook as the top junior shot, Bdr Deguire-Hall as the 2nd junior shot and Gnr VanVlack as the 3rd junior shot. The summer of 2018 witnessed CWO C. Putney travel to Bisley, England to participate as part of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet National Rifle Team, representing Canada in the yearly international competition.
The 2020 year started with the Canadian Cadet Organizations (CCO) shutting down across Canada due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The corps wasted no time in placing their entire training year online and finishing strong. Due to the nature of the pandemic, the corps had to move its parade location to the former Fort Erie Welcome Centre on Bertie St while keeping their offices at St Andrews Knox Church.
2966 Royal Canadian Artillery Cadet Corps was chartered on 1 June 1979 in the Town of Fort Erie, ON. However, the history of the corps can be traced to earlier than that. The corps began as a satellite unit (Bravo Company) of 2848 RCACC Centennial Highlanders, Beamsville, ON on 6 January 1976. The first, unofficial, parade night witnessed 12 cadets parade in the garage of Captain Dilts in the town of Fort Erie, Ontario. As the weather got colder, the unit also moved into the laundry room and kitchen of the house. By the end of the training year in 1977 the corps increased its number to 25. Also in the spring, Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 71 consented to sponsor the cadet unit.
Shortly thereafter, logistical problems and the distance between Beamsville to Fort Erie led the unit to re-affiliate the satellite with 2835 RCACC 56th Field Artillery Regiment, Niagara Falls, ON. The corps took the name “2835 RCACC – 171 Battery” to honor the old artillery battery that used to exist in Fort Erie – 171 Battery.
Finally, it was realized that an army cadet unit would be a viable option in Fort Erie. A charter was granted on 1 June 1979 to form an independent cadet unit titled “2966 Royal Canadian Artillery Cadet Corps 171 Battery”. The corps was granted its independence and kept its affiliation with the reserve military unit – 56th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, Brantford, ON
Over the next few years the corps had its ups and downs as attendance grew then declined. 2966 was placed on probation by Toronto cadet detachment a number of times for low attendance and staffing. During these years the corps moved from Fort Erie-proper to the suburb of Ridgeway and then Crystal Beach and into its own building.
The corps continued and worked diligently to deliver the best program to the community’s young adults. The unit even changed its name from “171 Battery” to “71 Legion” as a better representation of its sponsor – Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 – Fort Erie. Every year the corps would compete in drill and marksmanship competitions bringing home several awards and continues that trend even today. Summer time would see numerous cadets travel to “camps” (properly known as Army Cadet Training Centres) all across Canada to gain valuable experience and build a better corps.
1993 saw the introduction of a new cadet program for all three elements of the Canadian Cadet Movement and refocused the training army cadets completed. The program also kept its traditional “green” uniform as the sea and air cadets switched from green to their environmental colours.
In 2000 the corps moved from its home in Crystal Beach to Jarvis Street in old-downtown Fort Erie. 2966 located itself into the second floor of the Fort Erie Credit Union (Formally Niagara Cadet Union) building and quickly set up shop to operate effectively again.
Beginning in 2007 the Department of National Defence began a structural downsizing that included the Canadian Cadet Movement. Units across the country cadet units were closed and resources focused on greater delivery of the program more effectively. Fort Erie Army Cadets always paraded a smaller number of cadets and worked to keep the cadet strength strong. The staff and cadets continued to find ways to keep the doors open for the youth of the community.
The downsizing led the way for the 2008 Cadet Program Update (CPU) for all three elements. A greater emphasis was placed on expedition training and expanding marksmanship, orienteering, and bushcraft. The program delivered a more robust adventure training structure. This allowed the corps to create and encourage new initiatives while keeping its traditions and key training aspects. In addition, an altered rank structure was introduced as well as cadet summer training centres restructured their courses.
In February 2010 the corps participated in the Inter-Provincial Cadet Exchange (ICE) and hosted 6 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Jim Whitecross from Winnipeg, MB. The corps once again participated in the ICE program in March 2011. The unit traveled to 2449 Rock Forest-St-Elie-Deauville Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, Sherbrook, PQ.
The 2010-2011 training year saw the end of the National Star Certification Exam for the Army Cadet program as it was transitioning to the new training program. The corps successfully passed every cadet who underwent the final examination with flying colours. In its place the CCM introduced the National Star of Excellence (NSE) which has cadets earn points based on their ability and contributions to the CCM and the community.
During 2012, the corps participated in numerous community activities and ceremonies dedicated to the bi-centennial of the War of 1812. They were also awarded the Cadet Population Growth Initiative - Director's (Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers) Seal of Excellence for increasing their cadets strength by almost 200% over the course of one year. Beginning in early 2013 the corps found a new training location when St Andrew's-Knox Church opened its doors for the cadet corps. While it maintained its administration headquarters at the Jarvis Street location, the church served the purpose of being the Wednesday night training location.
During the 35th Anniversary, the corps competed in the upgraded Marksmanship Championship (incorporating prone and standing disciplines). The corps managed to come in second overall (of 18 units) in the entire Niagara Region and 11th overall for all of Western Ontario. In addition, the corps was again awarded the Cadet Population Growth Initiative - Director's (Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers) Seal of Excellence for increasing their corps strength by over 100+%. This award has been presented twice to the corps in the span of three years.
In September 2014, 2966 RCACC finally said good bye to the Fort Erie Credit Union building as it moved full time into the St Andrews-Knox Church. In marksmanship, the range team again finished 2nd in their Zone, however, went up the standings to 8th in Western Ontario. The summer of 2015 witnessed MWO J. Czuba travel to Bisley, England to participate as part of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet National Rifle Team, representing Canada in the yearly international competition. He placed 5th overall.
The 2015-2016 Training year began with the corps participating in the Niagara Bivouac FTX with all the other Army Cadets Units in Niagara Region. Also, the corps competed at the WOA Cadet Orienteering Competition where Sgt K. Hewitt won bronze in the Individual Male (Intermediate Age) Orienteering Course Run. In February 2016, the corps once again competed in the Zone Marksmanship Championship. The corps finished in first Place for Zone 7 (Central Region) and 2nd place for top overall team in Niagara Region. Individual Awards were: Sgt Putney - 2nd Place Overall Shot; MWO Czuba - 3rd Place Overall Shot; Bdr Larocque - 1st Place Junior Shot; Bdr Donohue - 3rd Place Junior Shot. The corps completed the year with another successful milestone of hitting 50 cadets for three of the past four years.
During 2017 the corps competed in Orienteering Competition and the Zone Marksmanship Championship. MBdr Elliot was the top Junior Aged Shooter for the competition and the corps came in 3rd overall for the Zone. April/May 2017 will see the cadet corps travel to England and France in part of the services of the 100th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge (1917). Beginning in July 2017, the corps was remustered under an new area called Niagara-Greater Toronto Area (NGTA) within Central Region. Also during the summer, MWO Putney was selected to participate as part of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet National Rifle Team representing Canada in the yearly international competition. Then in the fall, MWO Putney won 1st place Senior Individual Female Cadet at the 2017 NGTA Orienteering Competition and followed that up by placing third at the regional competition in the same category. Not to be outdone, the Marksmanship Team placed first in their Zone, with CWO Putney being top overall shot, Sgt Elliot 2nd overall shot, Bdr Cook as the top junior shot, Bdr Deguire-Hall as the 2nd junior shot and Gnr VanVlack as the 3rd junior shot. The summer of 2018 witnessed CWO C. Putney travel to Bisley, England to participate as part of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet National Rifle Team, representing Canada in the yearly international competition.
The 2020 year started with the Canadian Cadet Organizations (CCO) shutting down across Canada due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The corps wasted no time in placing their entire training year online and finishing strong. Due to the nature of the pandemic, the corps had to move its parade location to the former Fort Erie Welcome Centre on Bertie St while keeping their offices at St Andrews Knox Church.
Unit Crest (Royal Canadian Artillery)