The 242 Ross Ferguson Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets held its 15th annual ceremonial review parade on June 9.
Many cadets were presented with medals and awards. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Burns, CD reviewed the squadron.
The awards recognized the superior performance and dedication of the top squadron members.
Two local cadets also concluded their service with the squadron, as they will move on to pursue post-secondary opportunities next year.
At this year’s special parade, Michael Mahoney was sworn-in as one of the squadron’s newest military staff members. Mahoney previously served with the Canadian Forces Royal Canadian Regiment and was deployed to Afghanistan.
As a member of the Cadet Instructor Cadre, Officer Cadet Mahoney will fill the role of squadron supply officer and biathlon team coach.
The squadron’s commanding officer, Lt. Eugene Sidlar, presented the first of the unit’s commanding officer’s commendation coins that had been specially minted to recognize exceptional service or contributions to the squadron. Coin number 001 was presented to Gary Ferguson, the son of the squadron’s namesake Flight Lt. Ross Ferguson. Ferguson was a local Erin resident who received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar for his service as a navigator on Lancaster Bombers during the Second World War.
Lt. Sidlar also announced that many of the squadron’s young adults would be participating in summer training programs at various cadet training centres across Canada. They will return to share their knowledge with the squadron during the next training year, with many holding leadership positions as subject matter experts. Some squadron members will also be travelling to Europe in June 2019 to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
The 242 Ross Ferguson Squadron accepts new air cadets from September to June. The squadron meets at the Erin branch of the Royal Canadian Legion Tuesday evenings between 6:45 and 9pm.
