From the desk of the Cadet Unit Commander:
Unit Commander’s Update – July 2011
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
First and foremost I must announce the resignation of our Unit Commander, Pilot Officer Wayne Pelvin. His resignation came as a surprise, however we wish him all the best in the future.
As a result I am now acting Unit Commander of No. 27 (Blenheim) Squadron, and will continue in this position until New Zealand Cadet Forces have officially signed off handover of the Unit. This does leave us in a position where we have significantly less staff than before, so if you or anybody you know is interested in helping with training, administration or activities I would love to hear from you.
I would like to request in future that absences are reported via the Unit’s main phone number (577 1510) or emailed to notices@27sqn.org.nz. That address should also be used for general enquiries or feedback as it can be accessed by all staff. Alternatively if you would like to speak to me personally you can email me directly at jeremy.lamb@27sqn.org.nz.
In other news, unfortunately we have had to postpone our camp planned for this weekend due to bad weather. This is still planned to go ahead and I expect that this will happen early next term.
On a more positive note, our Norinco rifles have been given the all clear so we will get back into shooting beginning next term. Late last term a defect was discovered in a rifle by another cadet unit and as a precaution all rifles were recalled by the NZCF pending further investigation. The problem only affected a very small number of rifles and was easy to rectify. Ours were not among those affected.
I am also very pleased to announce that four cadets have been selected for courses over the coming holiday break; I hope you enjoy yourselves and am sure you will do the Unit proud. In addition to this I am very happy to report that all of the cadets who received promotions this term have stepped up into their new roles and are performing very well. Well done to you all!
Finally I would like to extend my thanks to the support committe for their continual efforts and all the parents who have helped with exercises and events this year. Your help goes a long way and the feedback I have had from those who have attended weekend activities has been very positive.
Regards,
Jeremy Lamb
Flying Officer NZCF
Unit Commander (Acting)
No. 27 (Blenheim) Squadron ATC
Unfortunately only one activity was held this term (Okiwi Bay Tramp), due to a variety of circumstances. The staff have a lot of activities planned for next term, of which Exercise FRIGID MERMAID is only the first. On that note, the current pencil date is Friday 29th July to Sunday 31st July – the last weekend of the holidays. This will be confirmed as soon as possible. Cadets who now wish to attend and had not previously handed in a permission slip need to download and complete one from our Facebook page or bring a signed note from their parent/caregiver stating their name, the parent’s name, the date and the activity. In the unlikely event that is insufficent transport or accommodation room, Cadets who have already handed in a permission slip will have priority.
On a negative note, Cadets need to fix a number of issues for next term, including remembering to bring writing materials and their past notes, improving the state of their uniform on parade and showing appropriate respect for their superiors as instructed by the New Zealand Cadet Forces Code of Behaviour, found in Cadets’ NZCF 3822 and mentioned in Tuesday 12th July’s Routine Orders:
Cadets are reminded that they are to show respect to NCOs and Officers as per the New Zealand Cadet Forces Code of Behaviour, contained in the NZCF 3822.
“All members of the New Zealand Cadet Forces including Supplementary Staff MUST while in uniform or engaged in a New Zealand Cadet Forces Activity:
Ø PAY compliments and show respect to superiors, by either saluting or standing to attention when talking to them or standing if seated when they enter a room.”
Any Cadet unsure as to their obligations regarding respect and paying compliments should speak to any Non-Commissioned Officer.
From all the staff at No. 27 (Blenheim) Squadron, ATC, have a great break and we look forward to seeing you next term!
