The cadets and staff of 895 Fred Campbell VC Squadron have been working hard, including internal promotions.
In September, the air cadets held their first Commanding Officer’s Parade of the year at Victoria Cross Public School. Highlights of the evening included an inspection of the squadron by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Mark McGee, and the promotion of four cadets and one staff officer.
Matthew Dickinson was promoted to the rank of Flight Corporal, and Skylar McGee, Zachary Dickinson and Jeremy Benn were promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Officer Cadet Eugene Sidlar was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant after having recently completed his Basic Officer Training Course and Occupational Training Course at the Regional Cadet Instructor School, located at CFB Borden. Second Lieutenant Sidlar is not the only staff officer to have been recently promoted at the Mount Forest cadet unit. On April 24, Cynthia Comeau was also promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant.
The promotions mark an increase in staff for the local air cadet squadron.
On Sept. 27, the squadron travelled to a farm north of Durham to complete its annual mandatory “aircrew survival” training exercise.
A local family, whose sons once belonged to the Hanover air cadet unit, according to Sidlar, still generously allow air cadets from Hanover, Mount Forest and other area units to make use of facilities at their farm. The family understands the benefits available to the young people that go through the cadet program, as one of their sons is currently serving with the Canadian Forces, flying CF-18 ‘Hornet’ fighter aircraft at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta.
To begin the evening of Sept. 27, the cadets of Fred Campbell VC Squadron took classes in fire and shelter building, map and compass navigation and the use of outdoor equipment including stoves and lanterns. The cadets also had the opportunity to do some marksmanship training at the air rifle range under the supervision of the unit Range Safety Officer, Lieutenant Mark McGee.
Civilian Instructor Cathy Turner made sure that the cadets were supplied with equipment and meals, and Civilian Instructor Sean McGee, Civilian Volunteer Nathaniel Dickinson and Second Lieutenants Cynthia Comeau and Eugene Sidlar ensured that the training was completed.
There was even a chance for some ‘down time’ as the cadets and staff enjoyed snacks and a movie under the stars on Saturday evening, said Sidlar.
The cadets enjoyed an incredible weekend of exciting learning under brilliant weather conditions, Sidlar added.
Corporal Sylvanah Ramos said that her favourite part of the Field Training Exercise was “all the new things we learned in class like how to build a lean-to [shelter], a snare trap and how to signal a plane if we were ever in trouble.”
First year Cadet James Terpstra said “the food was good”, having enjoyed his fill of MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) over the weekend.
All of the cadets involved are looking forward to their next survival exercise in the spring, and all of the other opportunities throughout the year.
895 Fred Campbell VC Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets meets Wednesday evenings at Victoria Cross Public School in Mount Forest, between 6:30 and 9pm.
New members between the ages of 12 and 18 are welcome join at any time.
