Author Archives: Capt. Couroux

Bottle Drive – Saturday 25MAY2024

809 Newark RCACS is conducting the 3rd of 3 Bottle Drop Off’s this Saturday morning.   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. To all the adults, if you have a truck you can bring along for the day, please do. It will help us in transporting the bottles back to VanNoorts.   Make sure you wear something that is appropriate for the weather, yet you don’t mind getting dirty. Please be at VanNoorts Greenhouse no later than 0830 to receive instructions and so that we can have everyone out to their stations by 0900hrs.

After the briefing, we’ll need parents to transport their cadets to one of 3 locations.    At the end of the day, we’ll need parental assistance in getting their cadets back to VanNoorts to finish sorting.

Make sure you bring water with you for the morning. Pizza will be laid on after we’re finished up for the day.  Dress appropriately for the weather and make sure you have sunscreen.

What: Cadet Bottle Drop Off
When: Saturday, May 25 @ 0830hrs until approx 1400hrs
Where: VanNoorts Greenhouse (Corner of Hunter Rd & Four Mile Creek Rd)
Dress: Appropriate Civilian Attire

Any questions, please forward them over to Capt Couroux

Announcements – Week of 12MAY2024

Hello 809!

Welcome back to all that survived this weekend’s outstanding FTX.   We had a lot of fun and it was great to work with the staff and cadets of 62 Phantom Squadron.    I hope everyone had as great a time as I did.

This week we’re back to optional training on Monday.   This Wednesday will be the last of our regular classes before we start practicing and getting ready for the ACR.   Also this week, on Saturday, gliding will be the activity of the day.   One of the coolest activities you can do as an Air Cadet

Here are this week’s announcements:

1. Optional Training – Monday, 13MAY24:

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: CI Dau

2. 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 possibly 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.

Here are the particulars:
• When – Saturday, 18MAY2024 – 0730 – approx 1300 (flying starts at 0800)
• Where – Niagara Central Dorothy Rungeling Airport, 435T River Rd, Fenwick, ON L0S 1CO
• Dress – Appropriate Civilian Attire
o Note: you’ll be outside in the middle of the airfield for the entire morning. You’ll also be assisting with glider ops. Make sure you wear suitable clothing for the weather, along with running shoes.
• What to bring
o Water bottle (with water)
o Snack
o Something to do while you wait for your flight
o Health card
• Duty Officers: OCdt Bell and CI Dau

Note: you have to be signed up in order to attend. You cannot just show up on the day of because you need to be registered in Fortress. We only have 15 spots available. Currently we’re at 12 signed up, with 3 open spots remaining.

There’s still time left to register. If you’d like to go, and you haven’t done so already, please let me know before the end of training on Wednesday.  If you’re unsure if you’ve signed up, please see WROs.

3. 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

4. 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 have been sent out in a separate email. Final sign ups, along with parental authorizations sheets, are due this Wednesday evening before the end of training. This is looking to be a fun trip and I encourage everyone to attend.

5. 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).

6. 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.

7. 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 this week.   More details about the activities can be found on the WROs.

Regards,
Capt Dan Couroux
CO
809 Newark RCACS
“Immortal”

Announcements – Week of 05MAY24

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

  1. 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.

  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 – 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.

  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

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

Battle of the Atlantic Parade – Update

For all cadets planning to attend the Battle of the Atlantic parade, the parade is being moved indoors due to the expected heavy rain for Sunday May 5, 2024.

It will still commence at 1300 with most of the outside portion being conducted on the 2nd floor of the Port Colborne Legion at 56 Clarence St, Port Colborne.

Here’s the original post from the WROs:

    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 1st Sunday of May.  The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign in World War 2.  Although 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   Royal Canadian Legion Br. 56, 67 Clarence 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.

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

Announcements – Week of 28APR2024

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 1st 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.

 

  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 – 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.

  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

Announcements – Week of 21APR2024

Hello 809!

I hope everyone that attended the CAF Engagement Day in CFB Borden had a great time.   This week, you get to hang the uniforms up and wear civilian clothes.   This Monday we’re opening the floor – the flight simulator is going to be available, and we’ll be open for other activities.   Wednesday will be a sports night.

More information can be found in the WROs which are posted every week on Teams.

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 1st Sunday of May.  The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign in World War 2.  Although 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.

Need a list of volunteers by Wednesday 24 APR 2024

 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

  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 – 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.

  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

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

CAF Engagement Update

Good afternoon,
Sending out an update with regards to pickbup times. The cadets left Borden for home at 4pm. It’s looking like they’ll be back to the unit between 6:30 and 7pm. I will update you if I get more info.

Regards,
Capt Couroux

IMPORTANT——Sports and CAF Engagement – Saturday, April 20, 2024

Good evening 809!

IMPORTANT – READ THROUGH MESSAGE ENTIRELY 

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.   Here are the particulars:

When: Saturday – 20APR2024 – 0645
Note: bus leaves at exactly 0700am
Back by 20APR2024 – 1800
Where: Drop off and Pick up @ Squadron Headquarters
Dress: Appropriate Civilian Sports Attire.   There is an outdoor component, bring suitable clothing
What to bring:
Appropriate sports attire and outdoor clothing
Reusable Bottle (for water)
Health Card – You will be denied boarding on the bus if you do not have this with you.
Snacks (your meal will be provided, but you may want to have snacks with you throughout the day)
Something to do on the bus (no electronics)

 

Please note that although a member of the squadron staff will be on-hand for pick up and drop off, squadron staff will not be on hand for this event.   This is an area directed activity being run by staff from NGTA.

 

Remember, you are cadets and have signed a cadet “Code of Conduct” form.   You’re expected to abide by that code at all times.

 

ALL CADETS MUST REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE NO LATER THAN TOMORROW (THIS WEDNESDAY – 17APR24), OR IN PERSON ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT,  INDICATING WHETHER THEY’RE ATTENDING!

 

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