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Armed forces officer from Powell River spends summer training cadets

Ken Boyd is squadron commander of general training course in Victoria
Major Ken Boyd Powell River
COMMANDING OFFICER: Major Ken Boyd, a Powell River resident, was in attendance at a General Training (GT) Course Grad Parade for the first intake of cadets at Albert Head Cadet Training Centre in Victoria on Friday, July 19. Boyd is overall GT Squadron commander, and as such, is ultimately responsible for all first time cadets. Peter Fuerbringer photo

Ken Boyd will not be lounging in his backyard doing mundane yard chores, or commuting to and from work in his hometown of Powell River this summer.

For 23 of the past 25 summers of his life, Boyd has chosen to serve youth and enjoy unique experiences as an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces’ Cadet Instructors Cadre. This summer will be no different with Boyd spending the months of July and August on Vancouver Island at Albert Head Cadet Training Centre (CTC) sharing a lifetime of experience with the cadets attending camp.

Boyd’s adventure with the Canadian cadet organizations began in 1986, when he joined as a cadet with 22 Red Knight RCACS in Powell River. Wanting to continue his contribution to the program after he aged out at 19, he became an adult staff member, which led to him joining the Canadian Armed Forces as a cadet instructors cadre officer. Throughout all of life’s twists and turns, Boyd has stayed committed to the program for 33 years, making his commitment and contribution truly remarkable.

This summer Ken is the squadron commander of the general training course at Albert Head CTC in Metchosin, BC. The course is offered to air cadets in their first year of the program and will introduce them to all aspects of the air cadet program. For Boyd, the course is all about showing each cadet their potential within the program.

“Watching the cadets find the part they like most and starting a path towards that goal is truly rewarding,” said Boyd. “Every year provides a unique challenge that keeps me coming back.”

In his civilian life, Boyd works as an educational assistant with School District 47 at Kelly Creek Community School in Powell River. This summer, he will work alongside dozens of other CAF officers from all walks of civilian careers at Albert Head CTC delivering curriculum in leadership, aviation, fitness, survival and music. He is just one example of many Canadians who choose to don the uniform and serve youth as CIC officers with the Canadian Armed Forces.