Local air cadet at top of his game prepares to leave the program that changed his life

When it comes to choosing an extracurricular activity for your children, parents have a multitude of choices within the community to choose from. One specific organization that has seen growth as of late is the Whitecourt Air Cadets 721 Hawks. Stories such as the one you’re about to read are the reason that parents are enrolling their children because the experiences and life-changing impacts the program have are far-reaching.

Mark Bell joined the cadets when he became eligible at 12 years old. He signed up in hopes of finding a new experience. “I wanted a new flow of activity. I had been in taekwondo for about four years and in Beavers, but I needed something different. I wanted something that could push me to get to where I wanted to be,” he explained.

The program runs from ages 12 through 18, with cadets ageing out as they turn 19. For Bell, that day is coming next month. Currently, at the height of his cadet career, after reaching the highest level of rank he possibly can, Chief Warrant Officer First Class (W0 1), he is hoping to inspire a new generation of kids to join the cadet family. Whitecourt Air Cadets Commanding Officer (CO) Captain Westling said that when Bell first joined the squadron, he was much different than the person he is today.

“The first day he came in, he didn’t say a word. He was very shy and timid. He struggled, but he demonstrated each year that he was full of determination to set goals for himself. Each year he progressed and fought and overcame all kinds of difficulties. If he didn’t make the team, then he just kept trying. He kept working until he became a distinguished marksman. As he went through his ranks, he took on challenges, and if he had a setback, it didn’t stop him from trying harder. He kept his determination going forward. He’s an amazing example of what setting goals for yourself, working towards them, checking them off the list, and setting new ones can be,” he said with admiration.

Bell acknowledges how shy he was on the onset and credits the program for bringing him out of his shell. “I was shy, but my officers and my COs pushed me through my limits and over the mountain to try different things and new opportunities.” One of the opportunities that ended up being a significant change for him was Effective Speaking, also called public speaking. For someone as shy as he was, to picture himself years later competing as a public speaker, would’ve been unbelievable.

From marksmanship to survival training, stay-over weekends, drill and leadership roles, the program began to shape Bell into a new person. “Over the past few years, I have lost a lot of weight and gotten healthier. My life is going to be a lot different because of this program. It has given me the skills and attributes through leadership to help me be confident in whatever I choose to do,” he said.

Recently, Bell was nominated as the top cadet in Alberta in the Northwest Wing. This is not a small feat. It is a tremendous honour, and he said he was shocked by it. “On October 27, I got called up to receive the award for Outstanding Alberta Air Cadet in the Northwest Wing. It’s just a phenomenal thing to achieve and get awarded!” He said that it would be one of his fondest memories when he looks back on his time at the 721 Hawks. “My journey has been incredible. Achieving this award was the icing on the cake. Getting to bring it back to the squadron and to Whitecourt and to be able to show that we have this fantastic organization here was just amazing.”

Another of his memorable moments was getting to attend the Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course in Vernon for two summers. The six-week course was life changing for him. “All the advanced drill cadets go to learn about flight drill, rifle drill, and how to command a squad on parade. It was a lot of fun. I especially liked it because I was able to bring the knowledge back and impact my squadron.” He hopes that more families will see the benefits that cadets offer and will take his example as just how much can be achieved if you put your heart into it. “It’s a program that will impact your life both mentally and physically.”

His final day is December 11, and everyone at the squadron is dreading it. “He is a huge part of our program. He is my right hand as far as implementing programs. As the Commanding Officer, I plan and organize programs and, as the Chief Warrant Officer, he makes it happen. Our upcoming cadets have huge boots to fill,” said Captain Westling with a smile. “He has had an outstanding career as a cadet. He’s an inspiration to all our cadets with his no-quit attitude,” he said.

Bell said he hopes to return one day and continue helping the cadets. “I would really, really, really like to come back. I really don’t want to leave, but if I’m getting kicked out, then I’m getting kicked out,” he said with a big laugh. He credits his officers and COs for playing a significant role in his successes and thanks them for putting in the time to help him. “They have pushed me to reach beyond my limits and helped me be who I want to be. They’ve given me the skills to succeed once I’m done taking the uniform off and have put my boots away. Thank you.”

To his fellow cadets, Bell said he would like to thank them for being such a great group and good friends. “If you’re reading this, know that you’re always going to be part of a family here. Cherish every moment and do the best you can every time.” He calls the cadets program the best-kept secret that needs to be exposed. “It’s not on the map, and we need to get it on the map. All the sports take over, but we need to get out to the community and show people how great this organization is. It is to be reckoned with. We have an outstanding group of cadets and officers to lead this community. Be ready, Whitecourt!”