The staff and air cadets of 242 Ross Ferguson Squadron in Erin hosted a number of special guests on March 6.
They were on hand for several presentations, including the bestowal of the Canadian Forces’ Decoration on the squadron’s Deputy Commanding Officer Lieutenant Mike Bentley.
Bentley was presented the Canadian Forces Decoration for 12 years of service with a good record of conduct.
He has now served for almost 20 years, with the majority of it as a cadet instructor cadre officer.
He instructs cadets from ages of 12 to 19 to become leaders, to maintain a high standard of appearance and professionalism, and to engage in opportunities that the Canadian cadet movement has to offer.
Bentley also inspired his four children to take part in the air cadet program, and three of them are becoming members of the Canadian Forces.
As well as presenting the Canadian Forces Decoration to Bentley, 242 Squadron also presented two tickets to a WestJet destination to Brandi Baker of Erin.
Baker won the special raffle held at the annual squadron lasagna dinner on Feb. 24. WestJet donated the tickets to 242 Squadron, at the request of longtime employee and squadron volunteer Sean McVeigh, to help the squadron raise funds for a future special travel opportunity.
The squadron also received a donation from representatives of Branch 442 Royal Canadian Legion in Erin. The squadron assists the Legion with a variety of programs in return for its regular sponsorship of the squadron’s activities.
Flight Sergeant Jacob Clarke and Corporal Logan Baird received new rank badges.
242 Ross Ferguson Squadron is currently accepting new air cadets. It meets at the Erin Legion on Tuesday evenings at 6:45pm.
