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www.insidehalton.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, July 2 0 , 2 0 1 7 | 2 4 Oakville a ir cadet representing Canada in France by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff An 18-year-old Oakville air cadet has been chosen to represent his squadron, and country, in France during a special cadet exchange program this summer. Squadron Commander Anthony Vukojevic, of Oakville' s 540 Golden Hawks Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, is among just 68 cadets from across Canada selected to travel around the world as part of this year' s International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) Association program. The exchange, sponsored jointly by the Department of National Defence and the Air Cadet League of Canada, will see these cadets meet their counterparts in one of 16 participating nations, including: China, Germany, Australia, the United States, Ghana and Switzerland. According to the IACE website, the experience is intended to give aviation-minded young people the opportunity to broaden their horizons, experience different cultures and make life-long friendships. Warrant Officer 1st Class Anthony Vukojevic of Oakville's 540 Golden Hawks Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (right) stands with his commanding officer Major Lisa LaCombe. | s u b m itte d p h o to While he admits his first destination choice was Switzerland, Vukojevic is not complaining about his impending trip to France. "It' s just amazing," he said. "Being selected was such a surprise. It' s just one of those opportunities, right?" The St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School graduate has participated in the local cadets program since 2010. While his father was the one who initially got him involved, Vukojevic said he stuck with cadets because of the friends he made, the activities he enjoyed and the opportunities he had to get his gliders' licence and pilots' licence. He says it was his zeal for the cadets, which led to his selection for the exchange program. "They look at your cadet career and everything you've accomplished," said Vukojevic. "I had previously w on Top Cadet in Ontario for leadership. I also won the Lord Strathcona Medal. There was also my seven years of service, as well me having completed glider and power scholarships." Earlier this year, Vukojevic also had to get through a three-panel interview and write an essay about why he felt he deserved to be part of the exchange program. Finally, he received a late-night call from his commanding officer informing him he would be spending July 18 to Aug. 2 in France. Three other Canadian cadets will join Vukojevic. The group will spend about two weeks in the European nation (mostly in Paris) where Vukojevic will meet with cadets and cadet officials from around the world, attend a presentation by the French Civil Aviation Authority, visit the French Aviation University, use a Falcon Jet flight simulator and visit the Athis-Mons Air Traffic Control Centre among other activities. The group members will also have time to be tourists with a climb up the Eiffel Tower and a cruise on the Seine River. "I' ve only ever seen Canada and the United States so I'm really looking forward to experiencing the culture and the scenery," said Vukojevic. "I'm also looking forward to making a lot of friends from around the world who will hopefully turn into lifelong friends. It will be good to hear their perspective on things and compare our cadet programs." I didn't expect to bring Bella with me. Benefits to becoming a Halton Employer of Choice Award winner: · Reduced turnover · Lower operating costs · Increased productivity · Positiveemployer branding and PR · More engaged and committed workforce · Higher customer satisfaction and loyalty Businesses eligible to take part must meet the following criteria: · A private or public company/organization · Government/municipality or nonprofit organization · Have a physical presence in the Halton region · Have 20 or more full time employees · Have been in business for 1 year or more At Amica you can expect premium amenities and personalized service with a range of care options. You can even bring your pet. Independent Living · Assisted Living Expect More J The winners will receive: · GlassTrophy presented at special event · Special presentation · Unlimited use of the HEOC logo ·Winners listings in the Burlington Postand www.insidehalton.com · Press release for use in marketing and promotional campaigns Deadline for submissions isJuly31,2O17 Book a visit to learn about our enhanced care and support options. All interested organizations can contact CCEOC at ccem ployerofchoice.com or call: 416-886-7007 SPONSORED BY: A M I C M a tu re A" Amica at Oakville 160 Bronte Road 905-842-8167 amica.ca/oakville Lifestyles TheBi Beaver. Post. Canadian Champion. The