VERNON — The Materi family of Creston continued a long tradition of honouring a staff cadet at Vernon Army Cadet Summer Training Centre (VACSTC) in memory of Cadet Master Warrant Officer Blayne Materi, a VACSTC staff cadet who died in June 1995 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision.
The award is presented annually by a member of the Materi family at the Okanagan Valley centre. The award recognizes a cadet who has participated in or supported activities with the local community, who has taken a personal interest in the well-being and morale of his cadets, and who respects and uses authority properly and maintains outstanding personal conduct.
Cadet Warrant Officer Rene Duguay of Victoria was awarded the Blayne Materi Citizenship Award at the final parade and sunset ceremony at VACSTC. Duguay is a member of Victoria’s 3005 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps.
Capt. Bryanne Materi is the commanding officer of 3005 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps and the training officer at VACSTC. Her mother, Capt. Carol Materi, is the commanding officer of 1746 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Creston.
After the final parade, the cadets made their way to their homes in Western Canada.
During the summer, 1,100 army cadets from Western Canada spent up to six weeks in the Okanagan Valley centre, expanding the training they receive at their home corps, developing new skills and forming friendships.
— VERNON ARMY CADET SUMMER TRAINING CENTRE