This past Saturday, 22 Wing North Bay hosted the first Cadet Day.
Approximately 100 Sea, Army, and Air Cadets from 10 different cadet units across northern Ontario learned more about the Royal Canadian Air Force during its centenary year.
“I have been able to experience so many amazing things through the cadet program such as the 22 Wing Cadet Day, which has opened my eyes to the past and present of air defence," said Air Cadet Warrant Officer Second Class Eva Standing. "Throughout my cadet career I have realized a passion for flying, and to become a pilot. As the Royal Canadian Air Force celebrates its 100th anniversary, it is an honour to visit and learn from members of the Air Force; making me feel part of the community.”
The Cadet Program strengthens Canadian communities by investing in youth and developing community leaders through experiences of a peer led program that is open to all youth in a safe, yet challenging environment.
“Members of 22 Wing North Bay always look forward to visits by the cadets," said Colonel Richard Jolette, 22 Wing and Canadian Air Defence Commander. "In fact, quite a few of our members are former cadets, including myself. Since this year is the Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial, we thought it fitting to hold our inaugural 22 Wing Cadet Day to highlight how important it is that we share our stories and inspire future generations.”
On April 1 the RCAF officially celebrated its first hundred years. In recognition of this historic milestone, 22 Wing North Bay developed a list of events for 2024 including the inaugural 22 Wing Cadet Day.
“Opening up 22 Wing to cadets from 10 units throughout northern Ontario is a terrific way to celebrate the RCAF Centennial. It is our way of hosting a group of young people with a passion for learning about their Air Force,” explained Chief Warrant Officer Didier Pignate.
Cadets from 10 different cadet units from Sudbury, Parry Sound, Huntsville, Capreol, New Liskeard, Englehart and North Bay learned about the history of air defence by visiting the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence; learned about the current technologies used to conduct air defence by visiting the Canadian Air Defence Sector; learned about the importance of physical fitness and what members of the Canadian Armed Forces do to prepare before deployment in support of exercises and operations.
