Calgary air cadet Ekam Mann, 16, is leaving this week to take part in a leadership training program at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.
“I’m excited and honoured to be given this opportunity to go down to the States,” Mann said.
Out of more than 50,000 cadets across Canada, Mann is one of 10 selected for the two-week training program.
One of his cadet leaders says it’s an impressive achievement.
“For one of our own to get selected from 52 City of Calgary Squadron is a really big deal for us,” Capt. Paul Eslinger said.
Eslinger says Mann is a solid choice for the leadership training in the U.S.
“He’s dedicated, he’s mature beyond his years.”
Mann has been an air cadet since he was 12, part of working toward his goal of becoming an airline pilot.
“I’ve been up in the air multiple times now,” Mann said. “They take you up with an experienced pilot and let you take over the controls once you’re in the air. It’s just really fun flying.”