The 2512 Kings Own Calgary Cadet Corps located in Cochrane celebrated its 40th anniversary on November 1st.

Looking back over the past 40 years, one of the KOCR’s most respected accomplishments is giving back to the community through volunteer work.

Don Richards, Assistant Training Officer and One Troop Commander, says they do a large amount of volunteering for the veterans.

“Remembrance Day is a really big one. We’ve had the cadets helping the Legion sell poppies over the last couple of weeks. The ‘No Stone Left Alone’ through Jerry Peddle (Legionnaire), we’ve had several cadets come and volunteer to lay poppies and wreaths on the veterans’ headstones at the cemetery.”

Not only do cadets volunteer, but part of being a cadet is learning skills such as uniform maintenance, military drill, survival skills and marksmanship.

However, Richards says one of the biggest things they can take away from serving as a cadet is leadership skills.

“We have a large focus on leadership and I think some of the kids that complete cadets are coming away as very strong leaders in their communities.”

During the 40th anniversary ceremony three members of the Corps were presented with the Regional Cadet Support unit Northwest coin for displaying their leadership abilities during a challenging period for the KOCR last year.