851 Prince Edward junior air cadets take flight before squadron’s 46th review

Junior Air Cadets of 851 Prince Edward were surprised Sunday morning when they were diverted from a parade practice into the skies over Prince Edward County.

LAC Broomfield in the glider

“A previously deferred opportunity to have an introductory glider flight was resurrected, and a dozen of the younger cadets got the opportunity to experience glider flight, an opportunity that was universally enjoyed,” said Capt. (Ret’d) Thomas Foulds, instructor with 851 Prince Edward.

He noted the air cadet program provides opportunities to gain technical knowledge about aviation related subjects, from air traffic control, airport operations through to the operation of the instruments and mechanics of an aircraft.

“Members of the air cadet program are given opportunities to fly in an airplane as well as gliders. Senior cadets can apply to summer courses which qualify them as a glider or power aircraft pilot (called a private pilot’s licence).”

On Sunday afternoon, the entire squadron gathered at its home at Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area, to participate in 851’s 46th Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR) where the accomplishments of cadets were properly recognized.

The 415 Wing RCAF Association Air Rifle Marksmanship Award was presented to to WO2 Kalika Young (Top Senior Shot) and LAC Josephine Lewis (Top Junior Shot), flanked by Capt (Ret’d) T. Foulds of 851 and Capt G. Macqueen of RCSU(C). Awarded to the top Junior and Senior Shooter who competed in the local Cadet Zone Marksmanship Competition.

WO First Class Liam Young with Mayor Steve Ferguson

Foulds noted the parade was special for the participants this year as Mayor Steve Ferguson acted as Reviewing Officer.

The mayor saluted the way the community came together to found and then support this program, operating now for almost 50 years.

He also referenced the accomplishments of two retiring cadets, Warrant Officers Greg Talbot and Payton Blakely-Haennel, who both topped national courses during their cadet careers. The mayor cited both of these instances as further proof of his contention that “the County has always ‘punched above its weight’ in many different categories, and the local Air Cadet Squadron is no different.”

Four $500 scholarships were presented to cadets who have been accepted to post-secondary education.

Scholarship recipients are WO2 Payton Blakely-Haennel; WO2 Montanah York; WO2 Shelby Swackhammer and FSgt Chloe Galway

Rotary Club Citizenship Award – FCpl Bradley Stever with Grant Robinson, Representative for the Rotary Club of Picton

“The squadron’s sponsors came together, in recognition of the significant efforts these young cadet leaders had made supporting activities during the COVID pandemic,” noted Foulds.

With the Annual Ceremonial Review complete, the cadets will have the opportunity to participate in a number of additional activities. For the summer, 15 cadets will participate in programs across the country, including as staff members and instructors at cadet camps. The newest cadets will be able to participate in one-week or two-week day programs to be delivered at CFB Trenton.

For more information about the cadet program in Prince Edward County, email 851air@cadets.gc.ca

Click here for past stories about 851 Prince Edward Air Cadets.

Kiwanis Club of Picton President LCol (Ret’d) Dennis Margueratt and Charles Durant, Sponsoring Committee Representative for the Kiwanis Club of Picton presented the Kiwanis Club of Picton Jack Ward Memorial Award for Esprit de Corps to FSgt Dash Thornton