Air Cadet Squadron welcomes new Commander

By Patricia Leboeuf | January 25, 2018
Though incoming Commanding Officer Designate Captain Wendy McGinley (right) had been working with the squadron for several years helping outgoing Commanding Officer Captain Dan Duchene (left), her position was made official through the signing of change of command scrolls. It was overseen by Presiding Officer Lieutenant-Commander Paul Fraser (centre). (Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

The 638 Algonquin Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron has a new commander after Captain Dan Duchene stepped down after five years in charge.

Captain Wendy McGinley officially took over responsibility for the growing cadet squadron during a Change of Command Ceremony on Dec. 13 and was warmly welcomed by her new troops. As the new Commanding Officer Designate, she will be helping lead the cadets into a year of training, discipline, volunteer work and fun.

“I know the cadets will be in great hands with Capt McGinley,” said Capt Duchene, adding she has worked extremely hard in the past few years for the cadets.

Before handing over his position, Capt Duchene gave hearty thanks to all those who make the cadet squadron’s activities and programming possible. From the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 72 Pembroke, the 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron and the 42nd Field Artillery Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish) RCA, to generous businesses like Subway Petawawa, Petawawa Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic and Cogir Property Management, to local families such as the Estabrooks - all their supporters have made a difference, helping the youth reach their full potential.

“I want to thank you on behalf of the squadron and the cadets and encourage you to continue the great work done here,” said Capt Duchene.

The cadets may be based out of Pembroke, but they welcome teens from as far away as Palmer Rapids, Ont. and Shawville, Qc.

A special sword was given to the 638 Algonquin Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron by outgoing Commanding Officer Captain Dan Duchene. It was gratefully accepted by incoming Commanding Officer Designate Captain Wendy McGinley. (Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

Regardless of their hometown, they are instilled with a sense of citizenship and are ultimately shaped into great members of the overall community.

“I’m getting this from the cadets that they are really enjoying it,” said Capt Duchene. “They are really enjoying going out helping and giving.”

Capt McGinley is honoured for the opportunity to take over such an altruistic group of teens. “I truly believe that I am standing in front of some of Canada’s finest youth and future leaders,” she said.

Though the squadron is no longer the largest, it is nonetheless one of the busiest. She plans to continue to develop it to the best of her capabilities and is confident that, with the help of staff and volunteers, the squadron and its cadets will continue to thrive.

According to her official biography, Capt McGinley joined the squadron’s staff in September 2007 as a civilian volunteer and assisted in the supply office before becoming a civilian instructor.

On March 7, 2012, she enrolled in the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) and was commissioned on June 21, 2014.

She has taken on the roles of supply officer, Level 3 training officer, administration officer, operations officer and drill team coach.

The Ontario Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League awarded her with the CIC Junior Officer Award of Excellence in 2013.