Air cadets finish training year with 45th annual inspection

153 Varnavair Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Tillsonburg held its 45th annual inspection on June 8, its first in-person year-end inspection since 2019.

During inspection, cadets showcase everything they have learned throughout the training year. There was a formal outdoor march at the Tillsonburg Royal Canadian Legion Branch 153, annual awards and service medals were presented in front of family, friends and dignitaries, followed by viewing of static displays, slideshows and refreshments inside the Legion.

“Thank you for all your efforts this year,” said 153 Varnavair Captain Michael Neff, CD, wrapping up the inspection outside the Legion.

“They have been eager to learn everything that we’ve provided them. Probably about 80 per cent of them out there are new this year… We’re in a rebuilding stage, but we’re at a very good stage, we have a good foundation to build upon.”

Recruiting for the 2023-24 air cadet year, males and females ages 12-18, begins in the month of September starting with a Sept. 7 open house, the first Thursday after Labor Day. Supported by the Legion, the Department of National Defence, and their own fundraising, the air cadet program and the uniforms are supplied free of charge.

“If they outgrow the uniforms, we exchange them.”

Tillsonburg’s 153 Varnavair squadron had about 30 cadets in 2022-23 and they hope to have the same next year – or even more.

“We were very fortunate to have that kind of increase,” said Neff, noting they have had cadets coming from as far as Port Rowan, Ingersoll and Woodstock.

While air cadets maintained their program throughout the pandemic using online platforms, it was challenging and there was a decline in numbers. There is some classroom-type instruction, said Neff, but a lot of it is hands-on and getting out and doing things, including marksmanship and survival training.

“We strive to teach but we want them to have fun – if they’re having fun they’re going to learn. It’s a well-rounded program…obviously designed around the air aspect of things. It is definitely a program that ‘what you put in, you get back out.’”

Flight Sergeant Blake Armstrong (retired), 19, from Brownsville, who graduated from the air cadets program a few months ago, returned on June 8 to receive his awards.

“It’s not really ‘goodbye’ because I’ve maintained contact with a lot of them,” said Armstrong. “I try to keep active in our group chat.”

During his six years in the Tillsonburg squadron, Armstrong said he most enjoyed ‘the great people.’

“They become like family. It’s been a wonderful experience. A lot of leadership, and other opportunities, that I never would have had outside of here. It teaches a lot of very distinct skills that not a lot of people realize… and responsibility. It’s not like ‘Be responsible!’ It gradually makes people realize that they have more of a responsibility and more of an impact on the group than what they would have initially thought.”

Armstrong, who had an opportunity to ride in a Cessna in air cadets because he was too tall to ride in a glider, plans to join the Canadian Armed Forces in a trades role as an avionics technician, working on intricate electrical systems in planes (eg GPS and compasses).

“All the fun little tools that help them fly,” Armstrong smiled.

He plans to study at Fanshawe College, and work as an avionics tech ‘for a solid time,’ and later attend Royal Military College in Kingston for the officer program.