Hello 809!

I’d like to thank the cadets and staff that participated in the Battle of the Atlantic parade in Port Colborne Sunday afternoon.   You all did a great job and represented the squadron well.

This week is all about the FTX.   Wednesday night we’re prepping gear and getting ready and on Friday, we’re heading out.  To keep your FTUs ready for the weekend, I’m authorizing the cadets to wear appropriate civilian attire for training on Wednesday evening.

Because we’re getting ready for the FTX, it’s extremely important that you come out on Wednesday so you understand how to pack and what’s expected of you for the weekend.

I won’t be at the unit on Wednesday night.   Lt Russell will be at the helm during my absence.

Here are this week’s announcements:

1. Optional Training – Monday, 06MAY24:

Regular Monday Optional training this week @ the Squadron LHQ.    The flight simulator will be open and other activities will take place.   Come on out and be social.

Time: 1900-2100hrs
Where: Squadron LHQ
Dress: Appropriate Civilian Attire
Duty Officer: Capt Emptage

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

When: Friday 10MAY24 – Sunday 12MAY24
Dress: Cadets C5, Officers: CADPAT
Where:

• Drop Off is Friday 10MAY24 at 809 LHQ @ 1745 (bus leaves @ 1800)
• FTX is being held at Chippawa Creek Conservation Area @
• Arriving back at 809 LHQ on Sunday 12MAY24 at approx. 1600

Capt Emptage provided a kit list last week.   Make sure you pack all the items required.   Ensure you have all weather gear in case it rains.  Being wet while in the field is not fun.

She also sent each of you home with parent authorization forms.   Make sure your parent fill these out and you bring back with you to the unit on Wednesday night to hand in.

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:

The Ottawa trip is scheduled for 30MAY24 – 02JUN24.    An information package, including kit list, schedule and parent authroization sheet will be sent out in a separate email.    This is looking to be a fun trip and I encourage everyone to attend.

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

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