Sixteen year old, Master Seaman Kayden Milford from the Okotoks Royal Canadian Sea Cadets recently won a trip to Juno Beach and Vimy Ridge.

Milford was one of only twelve sea cadets across Canada that won an all expenses trip to the Netherlands and France.

The Master Seaman turned sixteen while overseas and was awarded the trip from his essay.

The essay had to focus on a southern Albertan World War 1 soldier that was buried in France.

Milford chose World War 1 Albertan Metis sniper Henry Norwest.  

Norwest was part of the 50th battalion division from Calgary and fought at Vimy Ridge.  The Lance-Corporal had a sniping record of 115 fatal shots.

Milford says the entire experience at Vimy Ridge was touching.

"It was an outstanding experience. And it was raining there when we went, which I thought kind of set the mood.  It touched my heart, honestly."

The Vimy Ridge monument and surrounding fields were quite remarkable says Milford.

"Around the whole monument there's 10,000 names of soldiers that died.  It's sad but it's just amazing like how people fought for our lives in those conditions.

Milford says the experience made him very proud to be a Canadian.

"When I grow up I'm definitely going to join the military and I'll fight for our freedom."