Hello 809!

Get ready for an incredibly busy month!   We’ve got plenty of exciting activities planned for May, including an FTX, gliding and a trip to Ottawa.  To cap it off, we go into June with our ACR.  The entire schedule of events for the remainder of the year are published at the end of the WROs.

As always, please consult the WROs on Teams for more information, including timings and dress instructions.

Here are this week’s announcements:

1. Battle of the Atlantic Parade – 05MAY2024:

All Air, Sea and Army Cadets in Niagara Region have been invited to take part in the 2024 ceremonies marking the anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.   This parade is held annually on the 1^st Sunday of May.  The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campain in World War 2.  Althought mostly a Naval campaign, the RCAF played a large role in supporting convoys as they moved troops and materials across the Atlantic to aid in the fight against the Axis powers and restore freedom to Europe.   As with Remembrance Day, it’s a somber occasion and one that should be remembered.    I’d like to get as many cadets and staff a possible to take part in this event.   Here are the particulars:

WHAT: Battle of the Atlantic Parade
WHEN: Sunday, 05 May 2024 @ 1245 for parade start at 1300hrs
WHERE: 47 Princess St, Port Colborne, ON
DRESS: Ceremonial – CAF – 1, Cadets – C1A

Transportation will not be provided.  There will be refreshments and hot dogs provided after the parade at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 56 @ 67 Clarence St, Port Colborne.

Still looking for volunteers for this Sunday.   See Capt Couroux on Wednesday night if you’d like to sign up.

 

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. End of Year Trip – Ottawa – 30MAY2024 – 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.

6. 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).

7. 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.

8. 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