A local air cadet has taken his leadership, service and skills to a new level.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Jarrod Crashley, 18, of the 7 Penhold Air Cadets, was presented with the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award pin during a ceremony on Nov. 18 at Hangar 6 in Springbrook.
“This award was started by Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh (DOE), to get youth involved in their community and active outside of home and school,” said the corps' Lt. Jolyne Crashley.
The gold DOE award is divided into two parts. Recipients receive a pin, which is presented upon approval from the Duke of Edinburgh office, and a certificate that is presented by a member of the British Royal Family at a later time.
There are three levels to the DOE award -- bronze, silver and gold. Each level requires an individual to complete a number of tasks and projects in such areas as service, skills, physical recreation, and adventurous journey.
“At each level they have to learn and do something different than they did before,” said Crashley. “It's not always building on what they've done, but also seeing what else is out there that is new to them, and is a challenge for them,” she added.
“The gold level is presented by a member of the Royal Family. They send out the pin to be presented, and when a member of the Royal Family is within your area (or in Canada), you are given an opportunity to attend a gala event and receive your certificate,” explained Crashley.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Crashley is the only cadet from the squadron receiving the gold level award this year, noted Lt. Crashley, adding that such an achievement demonstrates ability, skills and leadership.
“Warrant Officer Class 2 Jarrod Crashley is very much a goal-orientated person. When he sets his mind to something, he ensures that it is finished and he does it to a very high standard and quality,” she said. “He is always encouraging the younger cadets to follow what he's done and his example.”
Earl Dreeshen, the MP for Red Deer-Mountain View, presented Jarrod Crashley with his gold pin at a ceremony on Nov. 18.
“I've been very proud of the work that he's done and the commitment that he's shown to the community and certainly to this program,” said Dreeshen. “I'm looking forward to many other great things from Jarrod in the future.”
Crashley received his silver level award in October of 2013 from Lt.-Gov. Donald S. Ethell and his bronze from Dreeshen in May of 2011.
In addition to the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Crashley has received the Penhold Community Award, the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence and the Lord Strathcona Medal.
Crashley was thrilled with such an accomplishment.
“I'm really happy to receive this (award),” he said. “I put a lot of work into it.”
Crashley said he's looking forward to meeting a member of the Royal Family, and noted that it took more than a year to finish all areas in the gold level.
“It's provided me with different challenges,” said Crashley. “It pushed me to reach for new levels of confidence in myself in areas that I didn't know I could do.”
Jarrod Crashley
"I'm really happy to receive this (award). I put a lot of work into it."
