Local Air Cadets recognized for achievements

Photo by Anne Howden Thompson Town of Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison, presents the award for Top Dress and Deportment to Corporal Christian Savone at the recent 892 Snowy Owl Air Cadet Squadron annual review.

The Air Cadet program provides young men and women with challenging and rewarding opportunities and at the recent annual review of the 892 Snowy Owl Squadron, based at the Brampton Flying Club, numerous local Air Cadets were recognized for their achievements and contributions throughout the past year.

Squadron Warrant Officer First Class (WOI) Preston Reis, who is retiring from the Air Cadet program, received numerous awards and distinctions commemorating his stellar air cadet career - a career which Major Ken A'Hern, the squadron's Commanding Officer described as "exemplary." Reis will not be leaving a uniform behind. Upon completion of his post-secondary studies this month, Reis is focusing his efforts towards a career in the law enforcement field. Among the recognitions bestowed on Reis, of Caledon East, were the Chief 's Award, Top Marksman, and Peer Award for Leadership and Professionalism.

Photo by Anne Howden Thompson Major Ken A'Hern, Commanding Officer (CO) Of the 892 Snowy Owl Air Cadet Squadron presents the award for Top Non-Commissioned Officer to Sgt. Michael Pryhoda, of Caledon East.

New to the Air Cadet program this past year, Leading Air Cadet (LAC) Jesse Medeiros, of Caledon, was recognized by the squadron as Top New Recruit.

Other award recipients included:

LAC Alysha Westwood, of Brampton - Top Junior Level Cadet; Corporal (Cpl.) Christian Savone, of Georgetown Top Dress and Deportment; Cpl. Addison Gilpin-Payne, of Brampton - Most Improved Band Member and Most Improved Marksmanship; Sergeant (Sgt.) Christopher Humphreys, of Brampton - Top Band Member; Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2) Thomas Humphreys, of Brampton - Drum Major Award; Sgt. Michael Pryhoda, of Caledon East - Top NCO (Non- Commissioned Officer) of the Year; Flight Sargent (FSgt.) Tyler Noseworthy, of Brampton - Dr. Brian Thicke Award for Top Senior Cadet; LAC Daniel Roberts, of Bolton - Static Display (First Place); Sgt. Thomas Stock, Caledon East - Static Display (Second Place); WO2 Thomas Humphreys, Sgt. Christopher Humphreys and LAC David Humphreys, all of Brampton - Static Display (Third Place).

The Cadets assigned to the Snowbird flight, under the leadership of FSgt. Noseworthy and Sgt. Jamie Bhoohe, also of Brampton, was collectively awarded the distinction of being named Top Flight of the Year.

The final presentation of the formal ceremonies was the passing of the Chief Warrant Officer's Sword to Warrant Officer Otto Perl, of Brampton, who will assume the duties as WOI, the highest-ranking cadet of the squadron, when regular cadet activities resume in the fall.

A special part of this year's review was the participation of the squadron's own pipe and drum band. The unit made the transition from brass and reed instruments to pipe and drum following the generous receipt of funds through The Ontario Trillium Foundation. Major A'Hern thanked the Foundation "for believing in our squadron and our band," adding that the progress made by the cadets on the new instruments "was totally amazing."

The Air Cadet program is a federally-sponsored program available to all young Canadians between the ages of 12 and 18. Cadets are eligible to participate until their 19th birthday.

Air Cadets is one of three youth programs sponsored through the Department of National Defence with programming and activities delivered in partnerships with the Air Cadet League of Canada, local sponsors and volunteer parent committees. The Air Cadet program offer a variety of challenging and rewarding activities with a focus on flight, with cadets also learning valuable life and work skills that will serve them well throughout their lifetime, such as teamwork, leadership and citizenship.

There is no registration fee to participate, and although offered through the Department of National Defence, the program is not part of the Canadian Forces and there is no expectation of cadets to pursue a military career.

Local cadet training and activities have concluded for the summer but will resume Tuesday, Sept. 4. Cadets meet each Tuesday night from September through June at the Brampton Flying Club, the local sponsor for the squadron.

Cadets in the 892 Snowy Owl Squadron come from throughout the communities within the Town of Caledon and the City of Brampton. Anyone interested in the local Air Cadet program should contact the squadron's Commanding Officer, Major Ken A'Hern at 905-702-9582.