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Cadet Captains retire after combined 42 year of service
By Bonnie Close and Ruth Talbot
At the Annual Ceremonial Review on June 11, the 552 Key City Cranbrook Air Cadet Squadron said goodbye to long-time Captains Lori Lee and Rob Bott, who retired this summer after a combined 42 years of service with the Air Cadet League of Canada.
Rob and Lori-Lee Bott became involved with the Cranbrook Squadron when they moved to Cranbrook in 2007 and their son, and later their daughter, joined the program. When the Botts began volunteering in the fall 2007, the Squadron was on the verge of being shut down due to low numbers, but through the untiring efforts of the Botts and other volunteers, the Cranbrook Squadron grew quickly and was able to earn its charter as the 552 Key City Air Cadets in February 2009.
The Cranbrook Squadron exists in a large part due to the hard work of the Botts and their service with the Squadron over the last 15 years.
Captains Lori-Lee and Rob have volunteered with the Air Cadet program since 2007 and 2009 respectively, serving in Sydney, Cranbrook and Creston Squadrons, first as volunteers and later as Officers.
Robert Bott, retired Lieutenant in the Navy, served as Commanding Officer in Cadets for a total of eight years, and Lori-Lee Bott for six years. Besides their duties as officers, the Botts have been involved in numerous extracurricular Cadet activities, including effective speaking, orienteering, first aid, Ground School (introduction to flight training), rocketry, sports weekends, and much more.
One mother of a former Cadet commented, “Captains Rob and Lori-Lee have been extremely devoted to the Key City Air Cadets for many years. They have personally invested in countless Cadets over the years.”
The Botts were appreciated for their strong and consistent leadership, which has helped to make the Cadet program a safe and welcoming environment.
WO 1st Class Talbot, who was an Air Cadet for six years, said of the Botts: “Their leadership helped nurture personal growth in Cadets and instill in them a team oriented and effective leadership ethic.”
Cadets have consistently been recognized in the community for their politeness and poise, and many of Cranbrook’s Cadets have gone on to serve in the military and in other successful careers. In a time when the youth of our community face many challenges, Captains Rob and Lori-Lee Bott have made the Cranbrook Air Cadets a place for Cadets to excel and reach their full potential.
On June 11, during the closing program for the Cadet year, the Botts were recognized for their outstanding leadership with the Air Cadet program. They were later presented with plaques commemorating their many years of service with the Cranbrook Squadron. In their retirement from service, Rob and Lori-Lee are enjoying travelling abroad and spending time with family.
The Botts will be greatly missed, but they leave the Key City Squadron in the capable hands of Captain Dee Palmer, who will be serving her second term as Commanding Officer. Captain Palmer looks forward to seeing the Cadet program expand and reach new heights.
The Squadron is looking for volunteers and staff members, and welcomes anyone interested to inquire with Capt. Palmer at [email protected].
The Air Cadets is open to all youth, ages 12-18. The program offers youth opportunities to learn about aviation, make friends, develop leadership and team-building skills, and serve in the community. Other activities include weekend camp-outs focusing on Survival and First-Aid training, Effective Speaking, Orienteering, Band, Marksmanship, and Gliding and Flying opportunities.
Weekly meetings are held on Tuesdays from 6-9 at the New Life Foursquare Gospel Church on 308 10 Ave. S, Cranbrook. For more information, contact Capt. Palmer, [email protected].
Lead image: Major Matheson (centre) officiates the Change of Command from Captain Palmer (left) to Captain Lori Bott (right). Photos submitted
