Dedicated may be the best word to describe Capt. Thor Toms.

The Dawson Creek resident makes the trip to Fort St. John to act as commanding officer to the Rocky Mountain Army Cadets several times a week, not just because he has to, but because he loves it.

Because of this dedication, Senator Richard Neufeld chose to award Toms the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal.

“I found out I was nominated by a couple different people, so to hear that, I am really quite honoured,” said Toms after a ceremony at the Legion on Wednesday evening.

Having been involved in the organization for 30 years, 20 of those as a Captain, Toms said Cadets have shaped who he is as a person, and for that he’s very grateful.

Major Dan Davies felt the medal couldn’t have gone to a better cadet.

“He’s always been dedicated to the youth of Canada and I think that’s a big part of it, his dedication to the Cadet program – and beyond that in the Canadian Forces as a reservist – that is the big thing, his dedication and desire to keep things going,” said Davies.

Toms thanked the Senator during the ceremony, but gave even more accolades to his cadets, without whom he said he wouldn’t be there.

“I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t for the cadets,” he said.

“I mean, it’s great getting acknowledged for something you do and I love doing this, these kids keep me young because their energy and their enthusiasm keeps me going. I told them last year when I took over as commanding officer, ‘If it’s not fun for you, it’s not fun for me.’ ”