FERGUS – The Fergus army cadets, formally known as the 361 Lorne Scots Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, are sharing the reflected glory of one of their own, who recently earned his military parachutist wings.
Chief Warrant Officer Jefferson Waltho successfully graduated from the Canadian Forces basic parachutist course at the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre, in CFB Trenton.
Waltho endured four weeks of rigorous physical training, learned the fundamentals of military parachuting, and completed five parachute jumps — one of them at night — earning the prestigious Canadian Forces Parachutist Wings.
Waltho graduated from the program on July 26.
It’s a personal milestone for Waltho, but also a historic moment for the community, as Waltho is the first cadet in Fergus’ history to earn military parachutist wings.
The army cadet program is a national program for youth aged 12 to 18 focusing on leadership development, citizenship, and physical fitness.
Though supported by the Canadian Armed Forces, it is not a recruiting program, according to officials, but rather a volunteer program where youth can challenge themselves through unique training opportunities such as expedition training, marksmanship, and in this case — advanced military parachuting.
“We are incredibly proud of his dedication, resilience, and leadership,” Captain Joey Aversa wrote in an email.
The local cadet program is going strong, Aversa said.
For more information about the program, email: 361army@cadets.gc.ca.
