By Catherine O’Hara, REVIEW STAFF
The Brennan boys are moving up the ranks of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps through participation in numerous events and training, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program that recently honoured one of the Waterdown brothers with its highest achievement.
Last month, 18-year-old David Brennan received his gold Duke of Edinburgh Award pin, presented by Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, at a ceremony in Ottawa. Some 130 young award recipients turned out to the Sept. 12 event, which marked the program’s 50th anniversary.
Achieving this level of success, noted Brennan, is no easy feat. It requires hard work, a high level of dedication and much perseverance, qualities he has strengthened since joining cadets five years ago.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants are required to complete requirements in five categories, including community service, adventurous journey, skill, fitness and residential project (gold level only).
For Brennan, who previously received his silver Duke pin, being a member of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry’s (RHLI) Burlington corps of cadets helped him meet the award’s criteria. For service, he took part in activities at his local Royal Canadian Legion branch, sold poppies and lent a helping hand at the Salvation Army, while his residential project focused on achieving his ‘wings.’
In 2011, the St. Mary Catholic Secondary School graduate and first-year McMaster University history student successfully completed the Canadian Force’s basic parachutist course at CFB Trenton.
The five-week program, a thrilling experience for Brennan, earned him his army paratrooper qualification. He was the second member of his Burlington unit to do so.
“It was a lot of fun,” he said of the intense training, which saw cadets up before the crack of dawn enduring drills and other exercises to prepare them for five big jumps out of a military aircraft.
“It was definitely worth all the pain,” said Brennan, who has been invited to take the U.S. version of the paratrooper’s course, certifying him south of the border, as well as in Italy and the Netherlands.
Brennan’s enthusiasm for cadets and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has rubbed off considerably on his younger brother, Alexander, who was awarded bronze and is now working towards receiving his silver level accreditation.
A year after Brennan joined the RHLI, Alexander followed suit, acing the marksmanship training and eventually making it on the National Riffle Team, which competed in Bisley, UK and toured parts of England and France this summer.
In addition, Alexander and his brother were both recruited to help coach the basic marksman course, take on leadership positions and mentor younger cadets.
Looking ahead, the 16-year-old Brennan boy is keen on following in his brother’s footsteps and earning wings of his own. In January, he’ll begin the process of qualifying for next summer’s paratrooper course.
As for the elder Brennan, he recently accepted a reservist position with the Canadian Forces based out of Hamilton’s John Foote Armouries and looks forward to securing a full-time position upon graduating from university.
Joining cadets, say the Waterdown teens, has proven to have a positive influence on their young lives, so much so that the pair is always looking for ways to promote the corps.
“A lot of people don’t know about it, that’s the sad thing,” said Alexander.
Based on a merit system, youth most benefit from the cadets program if enrolled at an early age, noted Brennan, as many of the opportunities require its members to have achieved certain levels. “If you did join at 15 or 16 (years of age), you couldn’t go to Bisley; you wouldn’t have the certain pre-requisites for the courses,” explained Alexander.
“It’s really been a neat experience,” said the boys’ mom, Domenica. “I know it helps keep them focused.”
Youth interested in learning more about the cadet program, offered at 3230 Fairview St. in Burlington, can contact 905-681-3923.
Brennan also encourages residents to drop by during training on Thursdays between 6 and 9 p.m. to tour the facilities or during an open house, which is held each fall.
For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, visit www.dukeofed.org.
By Catherine O’Hara, REVIEW STAFF
The Brennan boys are moving up the ranks of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps through participation in numerous events and training, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program that recently honoured one of the Waterdown brothers with its highest achievement.
Last month, 18-year-old David Brennan received his gold Duke of Edinburgh Award pin, presented by Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, at a ceremony in Ottawa. Some 130 young award recipients turned out to the Sept. 12 event, which marked the program’s 50th anniversary.
Achieving this level of success, noted Brennan, is no easy feat. It requires hard work, a high level of dedication and much perseverance, qualities he has strengthened since joining cadets five years ago.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants are required to complete requirements in five categories, including community service, adventurous journey, skill, fitness and residential project (gold level only).
For Brennan, who previously received his silver Duke pin, being a member of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry’s (RHLI) Burlington corps of cadets helped him meet the award’s criteria. For service, he took part in activities at his local Royal Canadian Legion branch, sold poppies and lent a helping hand at the Salvation Army, while his residential project focused on achieving his ‘wings.’
In 2011, the St. Mary Catholic Secondary School graduate and first-year McMaster University history student successfully completed the Canadian Force’s basic parachutist course at CFB Trenton.
The five-week program, a thrilling experience for Brennan, earned him his army paratrooper qualification. He was the second member of his Burlington unit to do so.
“It was a lot of fun,” he said of the intense training, which saw cadets up before the crack of dawn enduring drills and other exercises to prepare them for five big jumps out of a military aircraft.
“It was definitely worth all the pain,” said Brennan, who has been invited to take the U.S. version of the paratrooper’s course, certifying him south of the border, as well as in Italy and the Netherlands.
Brennan’s enthusiasm for cadets and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has rubbed off considerably on his younger brother, Alexander, who was awarded bronze and is now working towards receiving his silver level accreditation.
A year after Brennan joined the RHLI, Alexander followed suit, acing the marksmanship training and eventually making it on the National Riffle Team, which competed in Bisley, UK and toured parts of England and France this summer.
In addition, Alexander and his brother were both recruited to help coach the basic marksman course, take on leadership positions and mentor younger cadets.
Looking ahead, the 16-year-old Brennan boy is keen on following in his brother’s footsteps and earning wings of his own. In January, he’ll begin the process of qualifying for next summer’s paratrooper course.
As for the elder Brennan, he recently accepted a reservist position with the Canadian Forces based out of Hamilton’s John Foote Armouries and looks forward to securing a full-time position upon graduating from university.
Joining cadets, say the Waterdown teens, has proven to have a positive influence on their young lives, so much so that the pair is always looking for ways to promote the corps.
“A lot of people don’t know about it, that’s the sad thing,” said Alexander.
Based on a merit system, youth most benefit from the cadets program if enrolled at an early age, noted Brennan, as many of the opportunities require its members to have achieved certain levels. “If you did join at 15 or 16 (years of age), you couldn’t go to Bisley; you wouldn’t have the certain pre-requisites for the courses,” explained Alexander.
“It’s really been a neat experience,” said the boys’ mom, Domenica. “I know it helps keep them focused.”
Youth interested in learning more about the cadet program, offered at 3230 Fairview St. in Burlington, can contact 905-681-3923.
Brennan also encourages residents to drop by during training on Thursdays between 6 and 9 p.m. to tour the facilities or during an open house, which is held each fall.
For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, visit www.dukeofed.org.
By Catherine O’Hara, REVIEW STAFF
The Brennan boys are moving up the ranks of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps through participation in numerous events and training, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program that recently honoured one of the Waterdown brothers with its highest achievement.
Last month, 18-year-old David Brennan received his gold Duke of Edinburgh Award pin, presented by Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, at a ceremony in Ottawa. Some 130 young award recipients turned out to the Sept. 12 event, which marked the program’s 50th anniversary.
Achieving this level of success, noted Brennan, is no easy feat. It requires hard work, a high level of dedication and much perseverance, qualities he has strengthened since joining cadets five years ago.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants are required to complete requirements in five categories, including community service, adventurous journey, skill, fitness and residential project (gold level only).
For Brennan, who previously received his silver Duke pin, being a member of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry’s (RHLI) Burlington corps of cadets helped him meet the award’s criteria. For service, he took part in activities at his local Royal Canadian Legion branch, sold poppies and lent a helping hand at the Salvation Army, while his residential project focused on achieving his ‘wings.’
In 2011, the St. Mary Catholic Secondary School graduate and first-year McMaster University history student successfully completed the Canadian Force’s basic parachutist course at CFB Trenton.
The five-week program, a thrilling experience for Brennan, earned him his army paratrooper qualification. He was the second member of his Burlington unit to do so.
“It was a lot of fun,” he said of the intense training, which saw cadets up before the crack of dawn enduring drills and other exercises to prepare them for five big jumps out of a military aircraft.
“It was definitely worth all the pain,” said Brennan, who has been invited to take the U.S. version of the paratrooper’s course, certifying him south of the border, as well as in Italy and the Netherlands.
Brennan’s enthusiasm for cadets and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has rubbed off considerably on his younger brother, Alexander, who was awarded bronze and is now working towards receiving his silver level accreditation.
A year after Brennan joined the RHLI, Alexander followed suit, acing the marksmanship training and eventually making it on the National Riffle Team, which competed in Bisley, UK and toured parts of England and France this summer.
In addition, Alexander and his brother were both recruited to help coach the basic marksman course, take on leadership positions and mentor younger cadets.
Looking ahead, the 16-year-old Brennan boy is keen on following in his brother’s footsteps and earning wings of his own. In January, he’ll begin the process of qualifying for next summer’s paratrooper course.
As for the elder Brennan, he recently accepted a reservist position with the Canadian Forces based out of Hamilton’s John Foote Armouries and looks forward to securing a full-time position upon graduating from university.
Joining cadets, say the Waterdown teens, has proven to have a positive influence on their young lives, so much so that the pair is always looking for ways to promote the corps.
“A lot of people don’t know about it, that’s the sad thing,” said Alexander.
Based on a merit system, youth most benefit from the cadets program if enrolled at an early age, noted Brennan, as many of the opportunities require its members to have achieved certain levels. “If you did join at 15 or 16 (years of age), you couldn’t go to Bisley; you wouldn’t have the certain pre-requisites for the courses,” explained Alexander.
“It’s really been a neat experience,” said the boys’ mom, Domenica. “I know it helps keep them focused.”
Youth interested in learning more about the cadet program, offered at 3230 Fairview St. in Burlington, can contact 905-681-3923.
Brennan also encourages residents to drop by during training on Thursdays between 6 and 9 p.m. to tour the facilities or during an open house, which is held each fall.
For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, visit www.dukeofed.org.