Category Archives: CAF Familiarization

Familiarization Flight Reminder – Saturday, 07MAY2022, 0700hrs

Good evening,

Sorry about the late message. Here’s a quick reminder to the cadets taking part in tomorrow’s familiarization flight.

MANDATORY: Be at the squadron headquarters no later than 0700 tomorrow AM (07MAY2022)
MANDATORY: Wear the appropriate uniform (C5 is the dress of the day. If you don’t have a complete C5 uniform, C3B is permitted – also providing it’s complete. Last resort = black pants & white shirt)
MANDATORY: Wear your issued face mask
MANDATORY: Bring your provincial health card
MANDATORY: Bring a bottle of water and snacks for the day,
SUGGESTED: Bring something to do on the bus
SUGGESTED: Bring a phone or camera so that you can take pics of your experience

Please be advised, failure to follow the MANDATORY directions WILL result in being turned away. The SUGGESTED items are not required, however they will make your day much more enjoyable. I will have a COVID screening declaration for you to sign once you arrive.

Please remind your parents to stick around after they drop you off, until they’re released, so that we can make sure they’re available to bring you home should the need arises.

I’m not sure when we’re returning, so please advise your parents that I’ll be asking each of you to call home when we’ve left London for home, which is about a 2hr warning. I’ll then get you to call them when we’re about 1/2hr out from the headquarters so they can meet you when we arrive.

Have a great evening everyone. I’m looking forward to an exciting day of flying with each of you tomorrow.

Regards,

Lt Couroux

DCO’s Corner – We’re Back!

Welcome back, 809. After a long absence it looks like we’re on the verge of doing in person training once again. So, make sure your hair is cut, your uniform fits and your boots are polished cause here we go.

So, as always, here are some important dates in history for this week (and also from earlier this past summer):

1/ September 11, 2001 – 911 20th Anniversary

(From the Canadian Armed Forces facebook page)
September 11, 2001 will always be remembered as a day of tragedy, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives, including 24 Canadians. But it was also a day when Canadians demonstrated the kindness, generosity and resilience of the human spirit.
In the aftermath of the deadly attacks, Canada activated Operation Yellow Ribbon to divert flights and clear the airspace throughout Canada.
The town of Gander, Newfoundland, was a key part of the efforts. Thirty-eight flights and nearly 6,600 passengers were diverted to 9 Wing Gander, which handled security, transportation, telecommunications, and the unloading of aircraft. Meanwhile, Residents of the town also jumped into action and helped in any way they could. They donated food, provided bedding, created shelters, and even welcomed passengers into their homes.
In 2016, New Yorkers thanked the residents of Gander for their help and gifted the town with a piece of steel from the World Trade Center’s south tower. Passengers also donated their mementos from Gander to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
20 years after 9/11 – #WeRemember. We will #NeverForget

May be an image of airplane and sky

2/ Battle of Britain Sunday – Sunday, September 18

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few” – Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain, 20 August, 1940

Every year, on the third Sunday of September, the RCAF celebrates Battle of Britain Sunday to commemorate the victory over the Luftwaffe in the skies of England. We also recognize the loss of Canadian lives during the conflict. It was a great moment for our Air Force.

More information regarding the origins of the Battle of Britain ceremony can be found at this link:

The origins of the Battle of Britain ceremony – Skies Mag

3/ CJCR Has a new Commander – Welcome Brigadier-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet

809 Sqn would like to welcome Air Force Brigadier-General Jamie Spieser-Blanchet as the new commander of the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers. General Spieser-Blanchet assumed command on June 30, 2021 from outgoing commander, Navy Commodore Josee Kurtz. To Commodore Kurtz, good luck in your new assignment as Commandant and Vice-Chancellor of Royal Military College of Canada (RMC).

That’s all for this week. For the instructors, see you all virtually on Wednesday. For everyone else, I hope to see you during your uniform exchanges.

2Lt Couroux.

Future Pilots – Watch This: A Conversation with Captain Matthew Kutryk, CF-18 Pilot

I thought this would be interesting for anyone who plans on becoming a pilot.

Captain Kutryk was a cadet at 551 Whitehorse Lions Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron and 341 Mundare Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Mundare, Alberta. He spent three years as a Civilian Instructor, gliding at the Villeneuve Cadet Flying Site in support of the familiarization flying program before joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 2006.

This session was coordinated by the Regional Cadet Support Unit Northwest Air Operations section as an online training opportunity for cadets this summer.

History of Remembrance Day

Two years ago, 2018, marked the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1. The History Channel put together the following video to remember our brave soldiers on Remembrance Day.

Veteran’s Week 2020 message for teens grade 7 to 12

From Harjit Sajjan, the Minister of National Defence, and the Canadian Armed Forces, a message for teens grade 7 to 12 regarding Remembrance Day. Check out additional videos in the series, with speeches from serving Canadian Armed Forces members for all age groups. #CanadaRemembers

#Because of Her

To celebrate Women’s History Month cadets from across the country asked Cmdre Kurtz some questions about her career, where she was often faced with the challenge of being amongst the first.

Our New Commander, Commodore M.T.J. Kurtz

A welcome video from the newly appointed Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Commander, Commodore M.T.J. Kurtz

OCdt Couroux

Commander Farewell

On the eve of their retirements, both Brigadier-General Cochrane and Chief Warrant Officer Crawford have messages to share with Cadets,JCRs, and all the staff, and volunteers that support that support these programs

Here’s the link to the change of command parade, to be held tomorrow (September 21) at 1300, along with the messages.

OCdt Couroux

Change of Command:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7huhExF2Iwg

Brigadier-General Chochrane’s message to cadets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9aP39pSDW4&t=49s

Chief Warrant Officer Crawford’s message to cadets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qrby2CqWGyo

80th Anniversary – The Battle of Britain

On the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, we remember a small group of heroes who took on a threat much larger than themselves.

OCdt Couroux

RCAF – Virtual Battle of Britain Parade

Hi Everyone,

The Royal Canadian Air Force is conducting a virtual Battle of Britain ceremony coming up on Sunday September 20, 2020 at 10:30am EDT. The ceremony will be hosted at the Beechwood National Military Cemetery in Ottawa and, weather permitting, will feature a fly past of Second World War aircraft.

For those of you that are interested in viewing the ceremony, Details can be found at the RCAF Facebook page under upcoming events.

https://www.facebook.com/RCAF.ARC/

Below is a short video introduction from Defence Team News and the RCAF.

I encourage everyone to have a look as the Battle of Britain is a key part of RCAF history.

Regards,
OCdt Couroux, DG
DCO
809 Newark RCACS
Immortal!