Local Air Cadet Squadron 861 Silverfox will celebrate their 35th annual iInspection parade at the Ag-Rec building in Abbotsford on Saturday, June 1.
The reviewing officer for this year's ceremony will be Brigadier General (ret’d) Bill Buckham, RCAF. BGen was inducted into the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General in 1991; an honour granted for conspicuous merit and exceptional service. His career spans many years of flying worldwide, including the honour of flying royalty.
Chief Warrant Officer First Class Connor Buckham,18 years old, will command the parade square of 861 Cadets. Ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. at the facility at 32470 Haida Drive.
The annual ceremonial review is the result of months of preparation and a great deal of training. The Silverfox Air Cadets are celebrating the end of their training year with a formal parade to demonstrate the group’s achievements and successes accomplished throughout the year.
Some air cadets will receive summer training and/or scholarships at various Canadian Forces bases across Canada. Flight Sgt. Tim Kies and Flight Sgt. Natasha Snelgrove will receive a flying scholarship for a six-week power program at CFB Base in Comox. Cpl. Arman Gill will be receiving a six-week glider scholarship, also at CFB Comox. This intensive training program will train these three cadets how to operate and fly solo.
“We are very excited to see our cadets reap the benefits of this program. Our squadron of 861 Silverfox Air Cadets have all worked above and beyond to reach their personal goals this year. Our biathlon team and effective speaking cadets have all exceeded expectations reaching provincial competition levels – they should be very proud to show off their skills at the ACR," said Jenn McEwan, sponsoring committee chair.
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets, in partnership with the Air Cadet League of Canada has been training youth in Canada for over 60 years. The cadets are the largest government-funded youth program in Canada, with over 425,000 participants, including more than 5,000 air cadets in B.C. alone. The Royal Canadian Air Cadets accepts youth between the ages of 12-18 who have a desire to learn more about the air element of the Canadian Forces, wish to develop the attributes of leadership and good citizenship, and who wish to promote physical fitness.
While the program is military-based, there is no obligation for a cadet to join the Canadian Armed Forces when he or she finishes their cadet career. Cadets are also encouraged to learn more about opportunities within Canada’s aviation Industry.
For more information on the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, visit www.cadets.ca or www.861silverfox.ca
For more information about the Air Cadet League of Canada, visit www.aircadetleague.com