News - Alberta Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada

Welcome to the Internet home of the Alberta Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada

7 Squadron Penhold 70th Anniversary

Capt Veronica Duncan, Darlene LaRoche, WOII Kole Manion, Branch 104 Innisfail Legion – Rep Mike Barclay, Patricia Keim SSC Chair, and Dan McNeil SSC Advisor. Note that Patricia and Dan are father and daughter and both have been a part of this squadron for many many years.

Camp Wright Information Package and Rules - updated 22 Jan 2012

2012 Selection Boards - Call for Volunteers‏

Panoka Dining In - 18 Feb 2012

2011 AGM Minutes

Ponoka’s Royal Canadian Air Cadets No. 65 Squadron, celebrated its 70th anniversary with friends and families.

George Canyon First Colonel Commandant for Air Cadets

2012 National Awards Memo

DCdts Cadet Population Growth Initiative (CPGI) Awards Information

COPA (Canadian Owners and Pilots Association) Neil Armstrong Scholarship Information

Application Form

Fall 2011 Prairie Region's quarterly newsletter

Wreaths Across America - Alberta/Montana - December 3, 2011 pictures added to Picture site

CAP News Release

52 City of Calgary squadron 70th Anniversary

Major Rob Caswell, CO of 52, Darlene LaRoche, Chairman of Alberta, AngeleMullins, SSC Chair of 52, Pat Sulek, Southern Wing Director, and A/WO2Carter Gall, Cadet Squadron Commander.

Darlene LaRoche, Chairman of Alberta, presents WO2 Caleb Dewall his Certificate of Achievement for his Power Pilot Training Award. He has received $300 to theflying centre of his choice to further his familiarization training.

National Air Cadet League and Canadian Space Agency sign Memorandum of Understanding

Summer Camp 2012 information
Regional Courses
National Courses

Interested in becoming a CIC Officer and Cadet Leader..click here for more info

Squadron Penhold 70th Anniversary

Posted by debiasiok on Wednesday 01 February 2012 - 14:30:34

Read/Post Comment: 0

Ponoka’s Royal Canadian Air Cadets No. 65 Squadron, celebrated its 70th anniversary with friends and families.

Air cadets taking flight and learning life skills

By Philip Rushton

Published: January 04, 2012 11:49 AM

Veterans of the air cadet program shared stories and met with the current crop of the corps a recent open house.

Ponoka’s Royal Canadian Air Cadets No. 65 Squadron, celebrated its 70th anniversary with friends and families.

The focus may have shifted from its Second World War origins in training pilots and ground crews, to teaching teenagers to becoming better citizens, however, their motto — to learn, to serve, to advance — has remained the same.

Squadron leader Lieut. Karen McDonell, started cadets at age 12, and now is the commanding and leading others 13 years later.

“It is a very rewarding thing for us as officers to see shy 12-year-olds with not a lot of life skills become regular adults,” said McDonell.

A few cadets join the military but most have careers — from businesspeople to teachers and lawyers, she said.

Ponoka squadron is proud to be one of the oldest in the program, starting in 1941 with 60 cadets parading weekly.

“A lot stayed the same with our military history and strong traditions. our uniforms have changed a bit, but we march and do drill. We’re still promoting interest in aviation,” said McDonell.

Cadets have an opportunity to go gliding twice a year and take ride-alongs in powered aircraft. On the ground, they learn range marksmanship, biathlon, navigation and meteorology, as well as survival and leadership skills.

“We’re developing leadership. The program is in place for good social relations and our own anti-bullying program,” said McDonell.

The commitment and hard work of cadets ramps up to the highly anticipated reward to go to flying and camping. “It’s very quiet to only hear the wind and it’s a really neat experience,” she said.

“We’re shaping the next generation of leaders,” she said.

Senior cadets help lead drills and training.

“Ian Watson is a really great cadet with lots of leadership potential. Once shy, and he’s come really far,” McDonell said.

As one of the two warrant officers, Watson has no regrets about cadets.

“I enjoy being a leader in the squadron and it’s nice to be at that position after son long,” said Watson, 18.

Since his first flight ride-along at age 12, he has wanted to fly.

“An experienced instructor will let you do some dips and it’s quite a thrill,” he said about piloting the gliders.

Watson is aiming to become a pilot into the Canadian Air Force or reserve forces after he graduates from cadets. He’s already applying for basic aircraft maintenance training this summer to learn to work on six-cylinder prop engines.

For now, weekly drills are the staple of his cadet training, but they can switch it up.

“We get to do some monkey drills with the rifles,” said Watson.

He explained the difference between standard cadence of the military drills and an informal monkey drill, which isn’t part of proper routine, but lets experienced cadets have a chance to show off some of their synchronized skills for their peers.

“It’s some of the stuff they do in the movies. It’s looks really cool with a little extra flick here and there,” said Watson.

He passes on his experience by teaching younger cadets and this past summer Watson was a survival flight leader to mentor and train 25 cadets at Cold Lake .

“I looked up to my superiors when I was younger, so it’s good to be there now and hopefully someone younger looks up to me,” Watson said.

When veterans come to the parade grounds, Watson listened to how things had changed from when the cadets first trained. “It was always a treat to be able to talk with them.”

McDonell said the squadron is outgrowing its current location and Ponoka, Bluffton, and Rimbey Royal Canadian Legion branches and cadets’ parents are fundraising.

The cadets will continue marching and Lieut. McDonell said they hope to march another 70 years.

Posted by debiasiok on Thursday 05 January 2012 - 14:09:03

Read/Post Comment: 0

George Canyon First Colonel Commandant for Air Cadets

George Canyon First Colonel Commandant for Air Cadets

Minister MacKay Announces First Colonel Commandant for Air Cadets

NR – 11.155 - December 23, 2011

OTTAWA – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today announced that George Canyon, former Honorary Colonel of 14 Wing Greenwood and well-known Canadian country music singer and songwriter, has been appointed as the first-ever Colonel Commandant of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.

“We are absolutely thrilled that George is the first Colonel Commandant of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets,” said Minister MacKay. “Being a former Air Cadet himself, he has always exuded a keen interest in aviation and has made several positive contributions on military matters. He will be an exceptional role model and mentor, motivating Canada’s youth to reach their full potential.”

Canyon joined Air Cadets as a young boy with the full intention of becoming a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilot. When a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes prevented him from pursuing his dreams of becoming a pilot, he simply switched gears. His big break came in 2003 when he came in second place during the talent contest Nashville Star, which launched his music career.

After learning to manage his diabetes through diet, lifestyle and the effective use of insulin pump technology, and passing a series of medical tests, Canyon has been able to obtain his pilot's license. With his own plane, his personal story of perseverance, and a project he named “The Sky’s Not The Limit,” Canyon organized several speaking engagements and concerts to inspire youngsters afflicted with type 1 diabetes and urged them to take ownership of their disease, pursue their dreams and achieve any goals that they set for themselves.

“Being a kid is hard enough without having a disease that limits your choices. If I can tell my story and change a life or two, that’s the kind of imprint I want to leave,” says Canyon.

His personal values, keen interest in aviation, and inspirational messages make him an ideal spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, and their first-ever Colonel Commandant. His personal story complements the mission of the Cadet Program, which is to contribute to the development and preparation of youth for the transition to adulthood and enable them to meet the challenges of modern society through a dynamic, community-based program.

As Colonel Commandant, Canyon will have the responsibilities of developing, promoting and sustaining strong community ties, fostering esprit de corps, and acting as a spokesperson and role model. For the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Canyon is certainly living up to the title of his Canadian Gold album: “One Good Friend.”

For more information and updates related to this Honorary Appointment, please visit www.cadets.ca.

- 30 -

For more information:
Captain Kimberley Banaszkiewicz, Public Affairs Officer
Chief Reserves and Cadets
Tel: (613) 992-6865, Cell: (613) 316-6545,
E-mail: kimberley.banaszkiewicz@forces.gc.ca

DND/CF News (What is RSS?)

Posted by debiasiok on Wednesday 04 January 2012 - 16:43:11

Read/Post Comment: 0

COPA (Canadian Owners and Pilots Association) Neil Armstrong Scholarship

Three awards are currently available through the COPA (Canadian Owners and Pilots Association) Neil Armstrong Scholarship.

$7,000 to a youth who has NOT, at the time of application, been granted any pilot privileges including, without limitation, a Private Pilots License, Recreational Pilot License, Ultra Light Pilot Permit or a Soaring / Glider License. (Applicants may however be the holder of a student pilot permit),

$3,000 and $2,000 awards to youth who have pilot privileges (may be used for advanced flight training).

Requirements:

* Canadian citizens between the ages of 15 – 21.

* A demonstrated keen interest in flying and general aviation in Canada.

* A proven self-starter, willing to earn their way.

* Financial need.

* Participation and demonstrated contributions to their community, school as well as leadership attributes.

* Reasonable academic skills as demonstrated by scholastic record

March 01 Deadline

Application form attached. More information can be found on the COPA website under funds/scholarships. Please note that this is not an Air Cadet League Scholarship nor is it restricted to current Air Cadets. This is a fantastic COPA initiative that is open to all youth across Canada.

Posted by debiasiok on Monday 19 December 2011 - 12:36:44

Read/Post Comment: 0

WO2 Caleb Dewall recieves his Certificate ofAchievement for his Power Pilot Training Award

Posted by debiasiok on Wednesday 07 December 2011 - 17:59:43

Read/Post Comment: 0

52 City of Calgary squadron 70th Anniversary

52 City of Calgary squadron 70th Anniversary

Major Rob Caswell, CO of 52, Darlene LaRoche, Chairman of Alberta, AngeleMullins, SSC Chair of 52, Pat Sulek, Southern Wing Director, and A/WO2Carter Gall, Cadet Squadron Commander.

Posted by debiasiok on Wednesday 07 December 2011 - 17:56:02

Read/Post Comment: 0

National Air Cadet League and Canadian Space Agency sign Memorandum of Understanding

National Air Cadet League and Canadian Space Agency sign Memorandum of Understanding

The Air Cadet League of Canada Announces
Partnership with The Canadian Space Agency.
Creating More Opportunities for Air Cadets.

OTTAWA, (ONTARIO) The Air Cadet League of Canada (ACLC) is pleased to announce that a
memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed with The Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
This signing is a significant step to continue to work together to encourage young people to choose
careers in aviation and aerospace.

This agreement means that CSA will support the current Air Cadet training programs by providing
subject matter expertise to the development of space-focused learning products through the ACLC.
This new partnership will assist in securing the long-term value and sustainability of the Air Cadet
League of Canada as well as the long term health and growth of the Canadian Aerospace and
Aviation Industry. Industry affiliates are always looking for prospective recruits and have found a
pool of over 25,000 youth who are already interested in aviation, making this an ideal partnership.
Air Cadet League of Canada President, Bob Robert, was very pleased to sign this MOU with CSA
and stated that, “The CSA is a stellar organization and natural partner in focusing our Air Cadets for
a potential career in aviation and aerospace. Access to CSA’s material will complement and enrich
our already popular Air Cadet Program elements on Space.”

The formal presentation of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding took place at the Air
Cadet League of Canada’s Semi-Annual Meeting on November 19, 2011 in Ottawa.

Posted by debiasiok on Tuesday 06 December 2011 - 13:17:19

Read/Post Comment: 0

Sgt. Matthew Granson of Ponoka 65 Squadron the 2011 Top Cadet of the Central Alberta Wing

Posted by debiasiok on Wednesday 30 November 2011 - 01:11:40

Read/Post Comment: 0

Warrant Officer First Class Dylan Podkowka receives the Air Cadet League Annual Music Award for Excellence

Posted by debiasiok on Wednesday 30 November 2011 - 01:06:18

Read/Post Comment: 0

Rob Bauhuis receives Tri-Service Coin - Nov 2011

Posted by debiasiok on Tuesday 22 November 2011 - 14:22:47

Read/Post Comment: 0

Alberta League equips simulator trailer to support Air Cadet Training in Alberta

Alberta League equips simulator trailer to support Air Cadet Training in Alberta

Posted by debiasiok on Thursday 27 October 2011 - 13:54:15

Read/Post Comment: 0

Air Cadet Video

Posted by debiasiok on Thursday 27 October 2011 - 13:33:29

Read/Post Comment: 0

CIC Video

Posted by debiasiok on Thursday 27 October 2011 - 13:33:14

Read/Post Comment: 0

Read the 'National Report on Cadet Training'

Posted by debiasiok on Monday 24 October 2011 - 23:59:01

Read/Post Comment: 0

Help send 577 Grande Prairie Air Cadets to Vimy Ridge

Help send 577 Grande Prairie Air Cadets to Vimy Ridge

The 577 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Grande Prairie, Alberta has been given a once and a lifetime opportunity to participate in the 95th Commemoration Ceremony of Vimy Ridge in April, 2012.

The Air Cadet program is a National non-profit youth organization for youth ages 12-18 and our unit is looking to send approximately 60 Air Cadets from Grande Prairie to Vimy Ridge, France to participate in this momentus moment in Canadian History. Our Cadets will also visit Flanders Fields and other important historical locations related to WW1.

Some of the many things the cadet program prides itself on is community involvement, leadership and learning about our Canadian Forces, including our military history.

Currently our cadets and their families have been working very hard at raising whatver funds they can as a trip like this will cost in excess of $100,000. With this opportunity through the Aviva Community Fund to assist with some of our costs, we are one step closer to being able to send our our cadets to see first-hand what our Canadian Troops experienced and accomplished in World War I in a different environment than that of the classroom.

We believe that an experience like this will be one that our cadets will remember for a lifetime and will come home with a better appreciation of who Canadians are and how we came to be the great Nation we are today.

Every little bit helps and with your vote you are supporting our Canadian youth to participate in something important.

Thank you very much for your support,

Posted by debiasiok on Monday 24 October 2011 - 13:34:21

Read/Post Comment: 0

Sennheiser Squadron Band Music Award

Sennheiser Squadron Band Music Award

Memo from League/Industry Partnerships Committee

Application Form

Posted by debiasiok on Monday 24 October 2011 - 13:32:56

Read/Post Comment: 0

533 St Albert Reunion