Lt. James Bricker is hanging up his uniform after 22 years of instructing cadets.
A retirement ceremony was held for the longtime cadet instructor at Cormack Armoury in Red Deer on Thursday, Feb. 6. The event was attended by family, friends, retired and active officers, more than 40 current cadets, and former cadets, as well as Mayor Ken Johnston and Coun. Bruce Buruma.
"I'm starting to hear more and more about people that have come through the program who I've helped mentor and they've been thankful," Bricker said.
"To see them come in as adolescents and see them leave at 18 or 19, it's a whole different perspective that they've got. They're leaving here as responsible adults. Once in a while they'll get in touch and tell me what they're up to. The last few months I've heard from more of them ... and it's pretty humbling to know I've had a positive effect on them."
Bricker is now 65 years old, which is the mandatory retirement age for his position. While Bricker will no longer put on the uniform, he will continue to volunteer as a civilian instructor for the 126 Red Deer Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps.
"I've committed to helping out with the cadets until the end of the June. Then I'll help mentor the incoming people until the end of the year. From there I'll maybe take a break for a bit and think about what happens next," said Bricker.
Bricker was a member of the sea cadets from 12 to 18 years old in Kitchener, Ont. Years later, while living in Woodstock, Ont., Bricker began volunteering with the cadets when his son Joel joined. Bricker was helping out on weekends, when he was asked if he would like to wear a uniform.
He officially became a cadet instructor on Sept. 3, 2002. He was a supply officer in Woodstock for his first two years. During this time he completed range safety officer courses and eventually took over the range team.
Bricker was promoted to the lieutenant rank in 2007, before moving to Red Deer with his family. In 2010, he took over as commanding officer of the 126 Sea Cadet Corps in Red Deer — he became commanding officer again in 2016. During his time in Central Alberta, Bricker has taught several courses during the cadets' Thursday night sessions at the Cormack Armoury and sailing skills at the camp in Sylvan Lake.
Captain Eryn Beddoes, commanding officer of the 126 Sea Cadet Corps, praised Bricker for more than two decades of instructing cadets.
"I took over command just over three years ago and I've been working with Jim ever since," Beddoes said.
"He's a wealth of knowledge and experience. We really rely on him to bring the navy side of things. When he's doing true seamanship stuff with the cadets, they absolutely love it. It's so cool to watch them embrace what he does."
Calvin Cunningham, chief petty officer second class, has been with the cadets since November 2021. He said Bricker has helped him immensely during his time there.
"He's a joy to be around. He's always in a good mood, willing to help and has things under control," he said.
"When I first joined he was really welcoming. He helped me feel very included. ... Over the years we've developed a friendship. We've grown a lot as a team."
Beddoes said she's glad Bricker will stick around as a civilian instructor for at least a little while.
"I've been joking with him because now that he won't be wearing his uniform he'll have to start choosing his outfit," said Beddoes.
Beddoes added that the cadets are always looking for more people to join. For more information about the 126 Sea Cadet Corps, visit www.facebook.com/reddeerseacadets.
