A group of 25 Army Cadets from Berri and Waikerie will be standing shoulder to shoulder with Riverland and American Vietnam Veterans as they stage a joint Australia-America commemoration, in Berri, of the US National Vietnam Veterans Day and the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, since it ended in 1975. 
The commemoration event is being hosted by the Riverland Vets and representatives of the American Ex-Servicemen’s Association, from Melbourne. Both organisations are Commemorative Partners of the United States 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration. 
Cadets of the 410 (Berri) Unit and 420 (Waikerie) Unit will form a catafalque party at the commemoration, which is taking place at the Berri Vietnam War Veterans and Post WWII Memorial, on Riverview Drive, on Saturday 29 March, at 11am. 
The cadet groups will be led by Company Commander, Jocelyn Garbett, and Commanding Officer, LT(ACC) Rob Stuetzel.
Riverland Vietnam veterans President, Ian Wolter, and Vietnam War Commemoration organiser, David Langdon, met with the cadet leaders at the Berri Memorial this week for “reconnaissance” and to discuss plans for the event at the end of March.
Mr Wolter said “the Vietnam Veterans have been working closely with the Riverland Army and Air Force cadet programs for many years while providing leadership prizes for high achievers in training”. 
“The future of Australia’s defence force and its effectiveness is in the hands of young people such as these,” he said.  
The Riverland Army Cadet program is also recruiting young people, both male and female, ages 13-18, to join in structured activities that build character, resilience, and leadership skills, including field trips and overseas exchange programs.
Parents can participate in cadet activities as defence-approved volunteer helpers. Enquiries are welcome by contacting LT(ACC) Rob Stuetzel, on 0429 150 373.