Earlier today the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) – Arkansas Division held their 2023 Annual Inspection at U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco on Yerba Buena Island.  As one of the sponsors of this cadet corps, Branch President Michael Barbour – as well as Comrades Christopher Hogue and Siefken Krieger – were on hand for the event.

The event began with the formal annual inspection of the cadets.

Once the inspection concluded, the colours were presented and the more celebratory portion of the event began. There were remarks from Commanding Officer Gabriel Mikulich, followed by comments about each of the cadets from Chief Olivia Kessor.

The event then transitioned to the awards, which began with Commander Raymond Wong from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4618 91st Division/Chinatown San Francisco – who awarded their Citation and Medal Award to PO2 Samantha Rold.

It was then the Royal Canadian Legion’s turn to step to the podium. Comrade Barbour gave a brief history and context of the branch’s involvement with the Arkansas cadets, as well as the Legion’s involvement in the cadet moment in general. Comrade Krieger then presented a cheque for the Legion’s annual donation to the group. Comrade Hogue also handed out this year’s Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence to SN Catherine Rold. In making the award, the Arkansas leadership indicated that:

• SN Catherine Rold has mentored and supported new incoming Cadets, increasing unit cohesion, belonging, and increasing cooperation;
• SN Catherine Rold has met all requirements of the Corps annual mandatory and optional training programs;
• SN Catherine Rold has pursued promotion this year and completed required course work;
• SN Catherine Rold has participated in community service events including all Royal Canadian Legion events supported by the cadet corps;
• SN Catherine Rold is regarded by peers and superiors as model cadet, recognized as an honor Cadet multiple times in training and consistently providing creative insight during unit activities.

The event concluded with comments from Lieutenant Commander Jeff Dao and the retiring of the colours.

Most of these photos were provided by Dara Wong (and our branch thanks her for being the unofficial photographer for the event).

Earlier today the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) – Arkansas Division held their 2023 Annual Inspection aboard the liberty ship SS Jeremiah O’Brien.  As one of the sponsors of this cadet corps, Branch President Michael Barbour – as well as Comrades Trevor Page, Christopher Hogue, Siefken Krieger, and Lisa Barbour – were on hand for the event. Prior to the actual annual inspection, there was a special ceremony to promote one of their own.

As a part of the festivities, Comrade Krieger presented their Commanding Officer, LTJG Gabriel Mikulich, a cheque for the Legion’s annual donation to the group.
Comrade Hogue also handed out this year’s Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence, which is awarded annually to the cadet having shown a high degree of participation and leadership in the area of citizenship and in meeting and enhancing the aims and objectives of the cadet organization. While the specific criteria for the award are developed by the cadet leadership, the broad view of the award is that the individual must be seen by peers and superiors to exemplify the model cadet and enhance his/her corps status by cooperation with peers and superiors, comradeship, promotion of goodwill and morale within the corps, supporting and assisting corps members, and enhancing the image of cadets in the local community. This year’s recipient of the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence was Cadet Mackenzie Mikulich.

Pictures from the event are below.

Earlier today the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) – Arkansas Division held their 2023 Annual Inspection aboard the liberty ship SS Jeremiah O’Brien.  As one of the sponsors of this cadet corps, Branch President Michael Barbour was on hand for the event. As a part of the festivities, Comrade Barbour presented their Commanding Officer, LTJG Gabriel Mikulich, a cheque for the Legion’s annual donation to the group.

Comrade Trevor Page also handed out this year’s Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence, which is awarded annually to the cadet having shown a high degree of participation and leadership in the area of citizenship and in meeting and enhancing the aims and objectives of the cadet organization. While the specific criteria for the award are developed by the cadet leadership, the broad view of the award is that the individual must be seen by peers and superiors to exemplify the model cadet and enhance his/her corps status by cooperation with peers and superiors, comradeship, promotion of goodwill and morale within the corps, supporting and assisting corps members, and enhancing the image of cadets in the local community. This year’s recipient of the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence was Seaman Apprentice Xavier Mendoza.

Pictures from the event are below.

Earlier today the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) – Arkansas Division held their 2022 Annual Inspection of the Pacific Central Region in Building 2 of the US Coast Guard on Yerba Buena Island.  As one of the sponsors of this cadet corps, President Michael Barbour was on hand for the event. As a part of the festivities, Comrade Barbour presented their Commanding Officer, LTJG Gabriel Mikulich, a cheque for the Legion’s annual donation to the group.

Comrade Barbour also handed out this year’s Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence, which is awarded annually to the cadet having shown a high degree of participation and leadership in the area of citizenship and in meeting and enhancing the aims and objectives of the cadet organization. While the specific criteria for the award are developed by the cadet leadership, the broad view of the award is that the individual must be seen by peers and superiors to exemplify the model cadet and enhance his/her corps status by cooperation with peers and superiors, comradeship, promotion of goodwill and morale within the corps, supporting and assisting corps members, and enhancing the image of cadets in the local community. This year’s recipient of the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence was Seaman Olivia Kessor.

Pictures from the event are below.