Bruce Nickel, who served with the First Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry as a peacekeeper in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, continues to contribute to the cadet corps as a civilian.
“I can see the benefit is has for the youth,” said Nickel of his role as a trainer. “They come in and they learn leadership skills. They learn how to function in a field environment. They learn public speaking. It increases their confidence tenfold.”
Cadet Warrant Officer Eric Buziak is preparing for a military career and feels fortunate to have Nickel as an instructor.
“In school, (they) tell you to talk to people in the area that you want to work with,” said Buziak. “Taking to him it teaches you a lot about what it’s going to be like.”
Cadet Corporal Chase Laprise says Nickel has had a dramatic impact on his personal growth.
“He influenced me to be a more aggressive leader and take more control,” said Laprise. “ He definitely shows confidence in what he's doing and he's helped me show a little bit more confidence in what I'm doing. “
Lieutenant Stephen Yuzwak, administration officer with the PPCLI Cadet Corps, says Nickel has been a valuable addition to the province’s corps..
“Bruce has always considered what's the best interest for the kids,” said Yuzwak. “On his own initiative, he's started various programs with this corps that we're now trying to introduce to other corps in Alberta.”
Nickel says he draws inspiration from the attitudes of the young cadets and their willingness to learn.
“In the regular forces, when you mention the word drill soldiers tend to groan and start to fuss,” explained Nickel, “but a lot of the cadets actually enjoy spending a day on the parade square and competing in drill competitions.”
For using his experience and knowledge to train a new generation of cadets, Bruce Nickel is this week’s Inspiring Albertan.
With files from CTV's Darrel Janz
