The 187th Air Cadets currently have 50 members in their ranks and are hoping to increase that number to 60 by next year.

The squadron is made up of young men and woman ranging in age from 12 to 18.

Warrent Officer John Ottenbreit says when he started cadets in Grade 6, he was shy and didn't know to many people, but throughout the years cadets has helped him grow as a person.

David Moretta at the High River Trade Fair.

"I have developed a lot of social and leadership skills as well as have the opportunity to help people out in the community with citizenship," Ottenbreit says.

The organization gets a base amount of money from the MD of Foothills, but to cover the day to day activities the group does they have to do different fundraisers throughout the year.

"The fundraisers are really great for us because the majority of our big fundraising for the cool stuff we get to do with the squadron comes from money made from our SSE which is mostly made up of parents," he says.

Saturday night the squadron held their dessert auction, while Sunday they held a BBQ at the Okotoks Kite Festival.

Ottenbreit says he would encourage anyone who can do so to join the program.

"Cadets is a great program that you will enjoy, and it teaches you skills that you will use a lot for getting jobs and stuff in life."

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