On October 15, the Carlplace Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) celebrated an exciting transition with a Change of Command ceremony. Commanding Officer John Gushu formally handed over leadership to Dan Demedeiros, a dedicated volunteer and a familiar face to many in the corps community.
Dan has been a part of the corps for years, giving countless hours as a volunteer and supporting cadets as a parent. Now, stepping in as Commanding Officer, he brings fresh energy and a clear focus on helping cadets grow, build teamwork skills, and develop as leaders. Reflecting on his new role, CO Demedeiros shared:
“I’m honored to take on this role and bring a renewed focus on leadership, growth, and energy back into the corps. My goal is to empower our cadets to build their skills, teamwork, and leadership so they have the tools to succeed both within the corps and in their future.”
The Change of Command ceremony, a tradition rooted in naval history, wasn’t just a formal handover—it was also a celebration of continuity and shared values. With CO Demedeiros taking the lead, NLCC Carleton Place is looking ahead to a future that’s all about supporting cadets as they learn, grow, and give back to their community.
In his first address as Commanding Officer, CO Demedeiros shared a bit about his journey and vision:
I’ve been working with the Navy League organization for over two years in different roles, first as a uniformed volunteer with the Canadian Armed Forces, then as a Warranted Officer. Now, as Commanding Officer for NLCC Carlplace, I’m proud to help shape our young cadets by guiding them in the core values of our program: citizenship, community service, and respect for others and themselves. With the support of our dedicated volunteers, our Branch Board, and the Lanark Sea Cadet team, I’m excited to create a fun, safe, and meaningful environment for our cadets to thrive.
CO Demedeiros is kicking off his role with a focus on building engagement at all levels, from the cadets to their families. He also aims to create more opportunities for cadets to connect with the wider community and highlight their hard work and achievements throughout the year, giving them a well-deserved sense of pride.
With CO Demedeiros leading the way, NLCC Carlplace is ready to embark on an exciting new chapter, supporting the growth of the next generation of leaders and community members. We can’t wait to see the positive impact he’ll have as he helps cadets gain skills, make friends, and create lasting memories!