Blackville Students Meet Chris Hadfield

Col. Chris Hadfield and Sgt.
Brett Duffy of 679 Blackville
Royal Canadian Air Cadet
Squadron

Grade 10 Blackville student Brett Duffy contacted retired Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield before Hadfield arrived in Fredericton on April 21 as a guest speaker for UNB's Andrew Initiative on April 21.

Duffy sent a letter to Hadfield, who was the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station, asking if the cadets from his regiment could personally meet Hadfield after the event.

In his letter, Duffy said that he thought meeting Hadfield would be an amazing opportunity for local people to have a chance to talk to such an inspiring Canadian.  Duffy said he was "was very excited and surprised" when he received a response.

Duffy's autographed photo of
Col. Chris Hadfield

Hadfield spoke at the Andrew Initiative event at the UNB Fredericton Campus last Monday. Duffy and other cadets from the area attended the event.

Hadfield spoke about his experiences in space and walked the attendees through what life in space was like.  Duffy said that the overall experience "was very fulfilling and enjoyable."

Duffy has been a member of the 679 Blackville Royal Canadian Air Cadets for almost five years. His rank in the regiment is Sergeant.

by Justin Donahue