Announcements – 31MAR2024

Hello 809!

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend.

This is a big week for the RCAF.   This Monday (April 1) marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Airforce.    In celebration, 809 is taking part in a group photo with the rest of the Niagara Air Group (NAG) on Monday night.   See the announcement section for details.

Also, because this is the first week of the month, we’ll be having a CO’s parade on Wednesday night.

So, get your blues ready.   You’ll be wearing them a lot this week.

Here are this week’s announcements.   For more information including, including timings, locations and dress instructions, please have your cadet consult the WRO’s, published in Teams.

  1. Summer Training Opportunities are Now Closed:

We are no longer taking applications for summer training.   Good luck to all cadets that have put their applications in.  Selections should be coming down the pipe shortly.

  1. Niagara Air Group (NAG) Photo – Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Centennial – 01APR2024:

On Monday evening, 01APR2024, we will be celebrating the RCAF’s 100th birthday with the Niagara Air Group (NAG) by having a group photo taken at Niagara Falls.  On this special evening, Niagara Falls will be illuminated in Air Force Blue.   We don’t have training at the unit this evening, so I’m hoping everyone can make it out for this once in a lifetime event.    Here are the particlars:

Date: Monday, April 1st, 2024
Time: 2130hrs – 2230hrs (9:30pm – 10:30pm)
Location: Table Rock – 6650 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
Dress: Cadets- C1A, Officers 1A
 

Form up for photos will happen at approx 2200hrs (Illumination happens at this time).   The Squadron is encouraged to bring a banner as well.

  1. Canteen Cards for Sale – Wednesday, 03APR2024:

Canteen cards will be on sale on Wednesday evening for those who would like to purchase them.   Cards are $20.00 each.   Please see Mrs Lett upon arrival to the squadron to purchase yours.

  1. Area Directed Activity – CFB Borden – 20APR2024:

All the Air units and both Sea units in Niagara will be attending an Area Directed Activity in CFB Borden on 20APR24.   Transportation and lunch will be provided.    Cadets will be participating in sports, touring the base museum, visiting the Military Police academy and having a tour of the base fire department.   All cadets in the unit are able to attend.   More information to follow as we get closer to the date.

  1. Exercise “Allied Spirit” – Spring FTX w/ 62 Phantom Squadron – Chippewa Creek Conservation Area – 10-12MAY2024:

We’re happy to announce that 809 Newark Squadron will be partnering up with 62 Phantom Squadron to conduct Exercise Allied Spirit – a joint Field Training Exercise (FTX) 10-12MAY2024.    This will be a mandatory training session.   Cadets will be instructed in several different aspects of Aircrew Survival.   More information to follow

  1. Gliding – Morning of 18MAY2024 – Welland Airport:

We’re excited to share with you that Gliding will be picking back up this spring.   809 Squadron is slated for this activity on Saturday, 18MAY2024 in the morning.    Cadets will get the opportunity to fly in a glider, and possilby also a tow plane.   They’ll be able to assist ground crew with the glider.    This is one of the most sought after activities for an Air Cadet.   Don’t pass on this opportunity.  More details as we get closer to the date.

  1. Bottle Drop Off – Saturday 25MAY2024:

Our final bottle drop off of the year is on Saturday 25MAY2024.  This is a major fundraiser for the unit and all members are required to attend.    Cadets, bring your parents, siblings and friends to help out. It’s a lot of work as well, and the more people we have helping out, the easier the job will be.

We depend greatly on the funds that these bottle drop offs provide.  In order to keep the program free, we need everyone, including cadets, parents, staff and SSC members, to provide some sweat equity.

More details to follow as we get closer to the date

  1. End of Year Trip – Ottawa – Tentatively 31MAY2024 – 02JUN2024:

Another great opportunity that we’re working on.   This year we are planning a trip to Ottawa from Thursday 30MAY2024 – Sunday 02JUN2024.   This activity is for the entire squadron.   Details are still being finalized and will be provided as we get closer to the date.

  1. Annual Awards Banquet – Friday 07JUN2024:

When: Friday, June 7th. 1830hrs – 2130hrs
Where: TBD
Dress: Business Formal (jacket, shirt, tie – Males, Dress outfit – Females)
Who: all cadets, staff, SSC & guests
Cost:
Cadets and Staff are Free
Parents/Siblings and guests TBD (usually about $25.00 per person)
This is a chance where we get together and celebrate our training year as a unit, and also with our guests (parents, guardians, siblings, etc).

 

  1. Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR) & Squadron Change of Command (COC) Ceremony– Saturday 08JUN2024:

When: Saturday, June 8
Time: Cadets & Staff: 0800hrs
Parents & guests: Seated for 1045hrs – Parade Starts 1100hrs
Where: Squadron HQ
Dress: Cadets C1A, Officers: 1A, Other Staff & Guests: Business Formal
 This is a mandatory event for all cadets, staff and SSC.  

This day is a formal parade where you get the opportunity to show your guests what you’ve done this year.    This is a formal military parade where awards will be presented, promotions will be made, presentations will be made to the unit and displays, such as our new Flight Simulator, will be available for viewing by your guests, and guests of the unit.   It’s a celebration of our training year.

This year, we’ll be incorporating the Cadet Change of Command parade.    This will be the formal handover of the unit from our current SWO to the incoming SWO for the 2024-25 training year.

  1. Fish Fry:

The legion is looking for volunteers to take part in service duties for Fish Fry on Thursday nights.    This is not a cadet activity, but you can earn time towards your community service hours for high school decoration.   All interested parties are to reach out to Ms Kathleen Kells by email.   Include your phone number, cell phone number she can text to, and any dates that you cannot help out.   Ms Kell’s email is ktkells@gmail.com

That’s all for now.

Regards,
Capt Dan Couroux
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”