The 2303 Weyburn Legion Army Cadets met Tuesday night at Weyburn's Royal Legion to observe the change of command for the Weyburn Corps.

"A little sad because I'm leaving these guys here, I've been with them for five years there's been a lot of history. But it's just another chapter and I have to move on," said Captain Connie Hagel CD, Outgoing Commanding Officer with the Weyburn Cadets, when asked if she is looking forward to the next chapter of her life. Hagel will be with the Air Cadets in Estevan as one of their officers.

The new CO for Weyburn is Captain Nicholas Haines, Royal Canadian Army Corps.

"With the program itself I've been ten years, and with the Weyburn Cadets this is my fourth year," said Haines, when asked how long he has been in the Cadets.

"I was the previous commanding officer in Regina in one of the cadet corps there. Once I was done that term I stayed on as a training officer and then I branched out and looked for another corp. I saw Weyburn needed some help so I came down. The commanding officer at the time took me on as a training officer. I spent three years there as a training officer and now I'm stepping into the role of commanding officer."

Haines said this new role is more of a management and staff role. It is his responsibility to make sure the activities are all planned, over see the safety of the cadets and to encourage more children to join the cadet program. 

"Come on out and try it. The program has a lot to offer. There are lots of travel opportunities, lots of good team skills, problem-solving skills, leadership skills that we can teach. It's a free program, there's nothing else out there," added Haines. "They can come down to the Legion office on a Tuesday night between 6-9pm."

The Cadets is open to youth aged 12-19. There are currently 12 cadets in the Weyburn Corps but Captain Haines is hoping to add to this number.

Lt. Commander Rick Perras, CD, presided over the Change of Command ceremony on behalf of Lt. Col. Letellier, Commanding Officer Regional Cadet Support Unit North West.

Perras spoke about the highlight of his experiences as a Cadet Instructors Cadre Officer for 33 years.

"The highlight of my career was just this spring, I escorted a group of cadets over to Vimy (Ridge) for the Centennial." 

He added that he has just handed in his notice of retirement and as he looks back over his time with the Cadets, that was his proudest moment. He took ten Cadets from Moose Jaw and saw how important Vimy Ridge was strategically for both sides.

Mayor Marcel Roy was also in attendance on behalf of the City of Weyburn.

"I was with the Regina Rifles as a young man through my 30-35 years there and served five years. With the cadets, they are an intricate part of the military reserve. at one time we even had the Regina Rifles come down here and they were parading here at the same time."

Mayor Roy also said that how the Cadet corps is a stepping stone towards the military if they are interested in a military career.

Roy has seen a few Change of Command ceremonies.

"When I was with the Regina Rifles, we had a Change of Command there and it was quite a large event." "It's a very important event for the Regiment."

"It's a very important event for the Regiment."

Legion President Fran Oudot was also in attendance on behalf of the Weyburn Royal Legion.

The ceremony involved the cadets taking part in parade exercises around the Legion Hall.

Certificates and documents were signed in the transfer of command. 

Captains Haines and Hagel gave speeches as well as Lt. Cdr. Perras.

More information about the Cadets program can be found here. Weyburn Cadets information can be found here.  

Marcel Roy congratulates Captain Nicholas Haines

Weyburn Mayor Marcel Roy congratulates Captain Nicholas Haines, the new Commanding Officer for Weyburns Cadets.