Testimonials - Don't just take our word for it, see what some of our retired cadets have to say about our Squadron!

When I was younger, I wanted to become an astronaut but there wasn't much that I could do to set off in the right direction until my grade 6 teacher suggested I look into the Air Cadet program.  At 12, I attended an information night at 151 Chadburn Squadron in Oshawa and was astonished at how many great opportunities the program offered, all at no financial cost; this was great news since I probably couldn't have afforded an expensive extra-curricular program.  I signed up and began what would be a very satisfying and incredibly challenging six years of my life.  During my first year as a cadet in Oshawa, the staff played an informational video about the Royal Military College (RMC) and I was surprised to learn that Canada not only has a free youth program, but also a fully subsidized university for those interested in a military career.  It occurred to me then that if I wanted to qualify to attend the military college, and pursue my childhood dream, I would have to work very hard in high school, both academically and in terms of personal development since the military was interested in strong students who also demonstrate solid leadership potential.  The cadet program provided a wonderful place for me to learn, practice, and demonstrate leadership, self-discipline, and personal confidence.

 In my second year as a cadet, 856 Squadron was formed and I transferred, mostly because it was closer to home.  Quite proud of my old unit (aka brainwashed), I was naturally skeptical about the quality of this new group, which looked like a rag-tag combination of three other squadrons, half of us being out of uniform.  I remember one week when then 2Lt DeCock held me responsible as a Corporal for the poor dress of a nearby recruit or junior cadet.  Although I was being corrected, my respect for 856 grew when I realized that the staff expected me to contribute and be part of the solution.  From that point forward, throughout my five years at the squadron, every time I tried to sharpen the unit, I was encouraged and supported by the adult leaders who provided me with the resources and, in time, the authority to lead the squadron in what I felt was the right direction.  Of course, there were some misadventures, like the time when as the WO1 that I pushed for the weekend exercise to be run nocturnally, training at night and resting in the day.  Capt Charbonneau in particular thought that was a terrible idea, and he was right, but we still gave it a shot, which was very encouraging for me as a young leader.  I deeply appreciate the wonderful mentorship that I received from the officer staff and from Maj Blight in particular, who continually found new leadership opportunities for me to grow into, including volunteering to host a Toronto Air Group exercise so that we could be the ones to plan it.  

By the time I was finishing high school, I felt very well prepared to apply to university, both academically and in terms of leadership potential.  My interview with the military went very smoothly and I felt very comfortable thanks to my cadet experience.  The worst part was the pilot simulator aptitude test, which was quite tense to be sure.  I've since attended the Royal Military College and earned both a BSc in Physics and Mathematics and a MSc in Physics.  I'm currently serving as a Canadian Forces pilot, training on the CT-155 Hawk jet aircraft, ultimately aiming to fly the CF-18.  To be honest, none of my leadership experiences at the military college, including acting as the Deputy Cadet Wing Senior or serving as basic training staff on exchange at the US Air Force Academy, have been quite as fun as being a cadet leader at 856 Squadron.  I've come to realize that I don't know as much about leadership as I thought I did as a cadet, which is why the program depends on good adult leaders.  However, I can say with confidence that my experience as a cadet was extremely satisfying and provided me with both the challenge and mentorship that I desperately needed as a young adult.  

Capt B. Nasmith

Canadian Forces Pilot

Ex WO1 856 Squadron

I can't recall the exact year I joined, I remember Major Blight was Commanding Officer and the Cadet Squadron Commander Warrant was Adam Sirek. 

I belonged to the 856 Air Cadet Squadron in Pickering for about 3 years and it definitely reinforced that it a life in the military was what I wanted. During my time there, I went to basic summer camp in CFB Trenton, was part of the Rifle Drill Team, and traveled to Washington, DC and Virginia where we toured the USS Wisconsin and visited the White House, Pentagon, and Andrews Air Force Base where they held Air Force One! I made a lot of friends and surrounding yourself with a military family always left me with a comforting feeling and soon after I left cadets, I joined the Canadian Navy in 2006.

Through Facebook, I've been able to see a couple of 856 comrades go through similar routes in their careers from air traffic controller, pilots, armored, infantry, mars officers, etc. But like with all friends you lose touch with a lot of them. Until the summer of 2010, I was sailing onboard the HMCS Algonquin, and then we sail into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and embark 20 NETPOS (naval training officers from RMC) onboard our ship and I then I see NCdt Danielle Welsh! A fellow cadet who I had last seen when we had sat next to each other on the long bus ride back from Washington, DC! At first I wasn't too sure, so I asked her at a meal time if she was in cadets and she said yes and after talking together we realized we had attended high school together as well!

I was proud to see she was a naval officer and even more happy that she is engaged to another fellow cadet! I'm glad that we were able to reconnect during our time in Pearl Harbor, we toured the USS Arizona and we noted that we also toured our first ship together on the Wisconsin about 7 years earlier.

Being in cadets has helped shaped both our careers and helped give us our start. The benefit of learning CF drill, rifle drill, polish boots and iron shirts was essential during the tough weeks of basic training.

I thank cadets for everything it gave me and I would recommend it for anyone, not just people who may be considering a future with the military.

M Ogunniya

Fall of 2001, sporting a slightly wrinkled white dress shirt, tucked into black dress pants an inch too long and my hair was quickly tied up. You could pick out new recruits instantly, especially me. It was my first regular training night and I wasn't sure what to expect. It was a challenge to stand still and not scratch, to salute with my wrist perfectly straight, to march in line with the person in front of me, behind me, to the left AND to the right of me. Before my days at 856 Pickering, I would walk, not paying too much attention to what was going on around me and certainly not to whom was walking by and if I had addressed them with respect. My biggest worry was if that worm on the sidewalk would make it to the other side or if I had stepped on any cracks. 856 has taught me many, many things. The importance of walking with a purpose, shoulders straight, and to always keep my head up. Show respect when people walk by and look them in their eyes especially when you talk to them. Say Sir and Ma’am as often as you can. Be courteous and polite to everyone no matter what. These are just some of the little day-to-day things I still do and encourage others to do as well - lead by example. I now know the importance of clean shoes and clean, pressed, lint-free clothes with no strings hanging off the buttons. Being a part of 856 allowed me to do things I thought I never could. There's not too many opportunities in this world that teenagers between 12 and 19 can be promoted, teach a class, be in total command of 100 people playing music and doing every little thing you say, hanging on your every word and your every move. Not to mention all the sports, rifle and biathlon training and competitions, being a part of a drum & bugle band, survival training, etc. The list goes on! I will always remember my time as a member of 856 Pickering Royal Canadian Air Cadets... thank you!

A. Harper

The Air Cadet program inspires young kids to become better citizens as it offers a world of opportunities.  The air cadet program teaches discipline, communication, team building, survival, leadership, flying skills and much more. Many of these skills, I apply in my daily life today.

I attended the Air Cadet Program at the 856 Squadron Pickering from 1998 – 2002.

During my time with 856 Squadron, I started as Cadet and retired as Flight Sgt.  I obtained my Glider Pilot license in 2000 and then my Private Pilot license in 2001.

The air cadet program inspired me as a young boy and helped me to achieve my career as an airline pilot. The ground school taught by Capt. Neujahr prepared me for my exams.  This gave me the experience and the confidence to write all my consequent exams with the Ministry of Transportation for the Commercial License, Instructor License, and Airline Transport Pilot License. 

It was a lot of hard work, but very rewarding.  I could not have accomplished what I did without the support of my officers, Major Blight, Capt. Charbonneau, and Capt. Neujahr. I am very thankful for what Air Cadets has done for me.  I always recommend this program to young kids, especially those interested in Aviation. 

S. Sampayo

Boeing First Officer

For me being in Cadets helped me get a boost when starting my career in aviation. Being able to complete a Glider and Private Pilot Scholarship for free and quickily enabled me to complete the rest of my training faster than some of my classmates in college. Also having the option of putting that you were an Air Cadet on a resume certainly helps your chances of gaining employment in the aviation industry. Four years after graduating from 856 Air Cadets I am now working as a Class III Flight Instructor at Durham Flight Centre in Oshawa . Interestingly enough, I had the privilege of participating once again in the Power Pilot Scholarship this summer (2010), only this time as an instructor. I used my knowledge and experience from doing that exact course four years prior with my two students, one of which ended up getting the highest mark on the written exam in all of Ontario with 98%

C. Morawetz

Well me being in cadets, it definitely helped me become the person I am today (besides the injuries I sustained during my 6 years of cadet-hood.) Not only did I manage to learn how to play a new instrument, but I've developed leadership skills that I've transferred over through my part-time jobs, and every time I go through an interview, the most common question I would get, what did you do in cadets? It definitely starts a good 5-10 minute conversation.

Today, (and FYI, I know I am a rebel) I'm a CI in 173 Exeter N.L.C.C (Navy league) in Ajax , and being on the officer side, it's a completely different perspective. Even though I am with younger kids who eventually move on to cadets (and some of them are going to 856 I might add), it definitely opened my eyes as far as how much dedication officers put into organizing activities, trips, etc and it's a great feeling to see 9 year old New Entry cadets (aka recruits) become a 12/13 year old CPO1 (Chief Petty officer 1st class) or PO1 or PO2 (Petty officer 1st class and petty officer 2nd class).

If it wasn't for cadets, I don't know where I would be today. Every time I visit 856, it's great to see so many new faces, and familiar ones as well, and it's also great to see on the officer side, ex-cadets. (It's like cadets was in our DNA or something!) Most of my close friends are from cadets (856 and camps) and that's what took out of cadets. The friendships I've made, will last a lifetime and I am so happy I was able to be a part of it. It's definitely a great program to be in, and I can say I'm still part of it! Thanks 856!

A. Deidun

I joined 856 on the first recruiting night in Sept 1998 and went on to be the WO1 and retired in Aug 2005. After cadets I went to Ryerson University for a BEng. in Aerospace Engineering. I completed internships at Bombardier Aerospace (DeHavilland) (Airframe design and manufacturing) and Pratt and Whitney Canada (Jet and Turboprop engine design and Combustion analyst). After graduating I went to work for Bombardier at Downsview. It's a good fit as not only is it a huge part of aviation history in Canada (having produced the Chipmunk, Beaver, Otter, Twin Otter, Caribou, Buffalo, Dash-7 and Dash-8) it's also located on the same airfield where the military base was so many years ago. DeHavilland has an active flying club with two Cessnas for use by its members with a huge private runway in the middle of Toronto and the only traffic in the circuit is an executive jet or an aircraft on a test flight.

I continue to fly with the cadets at the Greater Toronto Gliding Center in Markham in the spring and fall as a part of the officer staff there.

My experience in cadets was valuable to me as I already had a solid understanding of the concepts of flight and aviation and was able to understand and discuss with others who had been in the industry for years. Knowing the history of aviation in Canada has come in handy also when individuals who worked on those programs talk to me about work I'm doing now. You'd be surprised how many people work in aviation in Canada and don't know what the Beaver is.

In almost every interview I've done there is someone who either has a background in the military, cadets, or flying. These individuals know what the programs is about and what kind of individuals come out of the system. Education and experience count in interviews but the experience in cadets and personality often are what put you at an advantage when you're first starting out.

The other great thing about the cadets is the friends you will make and how even though you may not see them for years you can pick up right where you left off like it was yesterday. There are a couple of people from 856 that whenever we are in the same city we'll get together. (I saw S. Sampayo last week and went out for wings and had a BBQ with D. Stephan and O. Nasmith Sunday) On my first day at Bombardier I knew 30+ people, many of them from gliding and summer courses.

R. Coghlan

It's been a number of years since I've been out to the squadron - wow time flies! How are things there, with you and the rest of the team?

Four short, very good, years have passed and I've officially graduated with a BSc in biomedical science, and I'm looking forward to starting my PhD in the fall!

So, as I begin a new chapter I've been reminiscing about the events that have shaped who I am as a person. Certainly my time here at Guelph has been incredible, I've meet wonderful people, I've had the privilege of visiting Africa, South America and Europe through my studies, and I (think I !) absorbed some of the wisdom which is exhaled by this University. I'm graduating knowing that I have the capacity to be whoever I want to be as a person and I have the power to achieve remarkable things to serve others.

Looking forward I couldn't connect the dots, however looking backwards it becomes incredibly clear. It occurred to me recently the value I took from my years in cadets: from the public speaking, to the gliding scholarship, to simply knowing that people have faith in your abilities. Many of the skills I took away gave me the confidence to do what I've done here. For example, in my third year I co-developed and taught a first year seminar course with a faculty here. We were equal partners, and while I had gained experiences in the two years prior which lent themselves to this task; I'm sure my earlier experiences were vital in our success.

It seems what I'd really like to say is thank you. To you, and everyone else at the squadron, who positively contributed to my experience, thank you.

My sincerest hope is that in the years to come I will succeed in leaving a positive mark on those individuals who pass through my hands. In this way, we never know where our influence may end.

C. McDonough

Good Day! In brief, after 856 and highschool, I joined the Canadian Forces. I went to basic training in St. Jean in 2003 and then went to the Royal Military College and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at RMC I was part of the pipes and drums band, and well as the varsity Tae Kwon Do team. During the summers in university, I went to various places for training including Bagotville, Greenwood , Comox, and 5 weeks in Geilenkirchen , Germany . After university, I went to Borden for 8 months and became a qualified AERE officer (aerospace engineer), after which I was posted to Greenwood , NS , where I have been since. I am currently employed as Squadron Development Officer at 14 Air Maintenance Squadron at 14 Wing Greenwood and hold the rank of Lieutenant.

N. Kang

I have done quite a bit since cadets, I went to Durham College for three years, and graduated with honours from the Electro-Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Automation and Robotics Technology program.

I am currently a full time employee at Johnson Controls, a company focused on providing equipment and services for different buildings, and the design and manufacturing of the interior electronics of cars, and car batteries in for standard and hybrid vehicles. I work at different job sites in buildings as a Systems Technician, I trouble shoot and repair electrical/mechanical problems for heating and air conditioners as well as refrideration and ventilation systems.

I am also currently licensed as an elevator mechanic and in the process of applying for the union, and I'll be working at Johnson Controls until I can get a full time job in that field, which will more then likely be happening next spring.

I. Johnson

Since leaving 856 I started attending the Bachelor of Science in Heath Promotion degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax Nova Scotia . The program is a mixture of health sciences and health promotion theory (preventative health measures) as well as government health policy. I am entering my thirds year in the fall and plan to graduate in December of 2011 after a 16 week internship (to be determined this fall).

After receiving my BSc I plan to apply to medical schools, or for my masters in epidemiology.

What I took from the 856 Squadron was more than I could have asked. I have become confident when communicating with my superiors, both through my education and work, and I have learned to set goal and aim high to achieve said goals. But mostly I took away amazing leadership, teamwork, interview and managing skills that I could not have acquired from any other program. I am so grateful for all I have earned and the experience gained through the Air Cadets and will truly never forget it.

K. Elms

After leaving 856, I completed a Bachelor of Science (in Psychology) at the University of Toronto. I am currently working on a PhD in Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. My research covers many disciplines including Psychology, Computer Science and Linguistics and I end up working on projects alongside researchers and students with vastly different knowledge bases. If cadets has taught me anything, it's how to take initiative and lead a group of individuals with varied skills and interests to accomplish a common goal - something I seem to require on a regular basis. Although I haven't felt the need to write memoranda in quite some time, I have noticed that my shoes still mark a noticeable cadence when I walk down the halls. I guess some cadet habits die hard!

K. Johannes

My experiences as an Air Cadet in 856 helped to shape the person I am today. I originally joined the cadet program as a means to achieve my childhood dream of learning to fly, but I learned much more than how to fly along the way. Leadership, discipline, time management, physical fitness, and teamwork are just a few of the crucial skills that I have taken from the cadet program and applied to my life over the years.

While I ultimately did not pursue a career in the field of aviation, I still fly regularly, and thoroughly enjoy the thrill that comes along with indulging a passion. I have been working at TD Bank for over 6 years, and can honestly say that I still make reference to my cadet experiences on my resume and when interviewing for new positions.

Above all, memories of the friends made and experiences had during my cadet years will last the rest of my life. I will never forget that proud feeling I had when calling the Squadron to attention, or the sheer freedom my first solo in a glider brought me, or even the satisfaction that came with working as a team to put up a mod tent. I feel extremely lucky to have been a part of 856, and would wholeheartedly recommend the Air Cadet program to anyone.

B. Johannes

My life now has been non stop! I've completed 2 years of schooling at st. Clair College in Windsor for hospitality management. Through my college I got recruited to work for Fairmont hotels and Resorts and currently am working in Whistler, British Colombia for the Fairmont Chateau Whistler! Life is pretty crazy everyday here! I've been in Whistler since May 2009, so got to experience the Olympics first hand! It was an unbelievable time of my life and if I could relive it, i wouldn't hesitate for a second! How cadets has helped me... Well, you have broken my shell and I have turned into a very outgoing person! I still look back on my days there and use the lessons I learned to go about my everyday life!

I want to thank all of you for the experience/lessons cadets has given me, it has helped me become the person I am today! I hope to one day come back for a visit and see everyone but getting back to Ontario is alot of planning!!

S. McGuire

Since leaving 856 I have attended Georgian College to study Aviation Management. This is a 3 year diploma program with co-op work terms and extremely insightful classes. For my co-op terms I have worked for at a variety of organizations; a small flight school, Future Air; the Royal Canadian Air Force at CFSATE in Base Borden, I worked for the Aerospace Engineering (AERE) Squadron as a standards officer assistant; and at Transport Canada's Headquarters in Ottawa, I was a Programs and Special Projects Jr. Officer. In January, I will be starting a degree program with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for approx. 1 year, and gaining a BSc in Technical Management.

The skills that I gained at 856 Squadron allowed me to be an independent and confident person while attending a school away from home. Because 856 was such a great learning environment, I was able to make friends easily and become an active part of the college community. I hope that future and current Cadets are able to take away from the Cadet Program, and more specifically the 856 Squadron, as much as I did, because what you take from it will provide a strong foundation for the rest of your life.

J. Terry

Since leaving 856 I have not achieved much but I have started down the road to achieving my dream. I am soon to enter my third and final year at Durham College for Mechanical Engineering Technology, still need to find a field placement though...lol. After I graduate from Durham College I plan to finish my degree in through bridge program that several universities have, my preference being Cape Breton University . I will be applying to the university this fall, and with the bridge program it will not take the usual four years for the degree, it ranges for each university. After I finish my degree, wherever that may be, I plan to join the Royal Canadian Air Force as a helicopter pilot, which is my dream and I can’t want to achieve it.

From 856 Royal Canadian Air Cadets Kinsmen Pickering Squadron I took away many traits and improvements to my character. The most important to me is teamwork. More specifically the ability to work with anyone no matter how difficult it may be, I believe this is a very important attribute to my future because in work, in life, and in everything, you can’t choose who you work with. You have to find how they can best help the group and how you can best help the group and use that, leaving any friction behind.

My thanks to all members of 856, the cadets, officers, civilian instructors and volunteers they made it an experience to remember and one that improved my life forever. My best wishes to all current cadets in 856 that you will receive the same experience I did.

D. O'Leary

During my 6 years as a cadet, I developed confidence, the ability to plan, organize, make decisions, and multi-task and I developed lasting friendships with others that shared the same interests as me.

Before cadets, I was extremely shy towards people I didn’t know, to the point that I wouldn’t even order a pizza on the phone! Cadets brought me out of my shell and now I work in an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower where I issue instructions and clearances to pilot’s all day.

After finishing the cadet program I went to Seneca College where I studied Aviation and Flight Technology and received my commercial pilot’s license, with multi-engine and instrument ratings. I continued my studies with NAV Canada in their ATC training program. Being a controller has been my dream job, especially since I have an office with a 360 degree view and I get to look at airplanes all day, but I am only here because sometime back when I was 13-14 years old and sitting in a theory of flight class at cadets or going for my first flight in an airplane and glider, I developed a love for the industry and airplanes.

M. Stykes

I joined cadets when I was 13 and managed to travel all of the ranks from recruit up with Warrant Officer 1st Class. While at 856 I had a host of opportunities that I don't believe I could have found anywhere else. While I was a cadet, I was able to act as the honour guard for HRH Queen Elizabeth II, travel to France and open the Juno Beach WWI memorial centre with the Prime Minister and many Canadian Veterans, and of course, I managed to obtain my glider pilot and private pilot's licenses. Cadets also provided me with a great deal of life-skills. As part of the program, cadets receive training in areas such as time-management, leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, and organization. Today, as a medical student, these are skills that I use every day and know that I will continue to use every day in my practice.

I still work with the cadet program today. After leaving 856 I joined the Greater Toronto Gliding Centre in Markham , Ontario as an officer and have worked with various squadrons in the GTA since. During my medical training I had a chance to work with cadet programs abroad such as the Air Training Corps in England and can firmly say that 856 is one of the best squadrons in the world.

I highly recommend the cadet program to any youth interested in being a cadet, or adult wishing to help in their community. There is something for everyone and you are guaranteed to benefit from every minute you put into the program.

A. Sirek

The cadet program was a great experience for me and I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in becoming a pilot or just looking to meet people, travel and learn new things. The skills I learned in cadets will help me in all aspects of life, whether I’m in school, playing a sport or looking for a job. Currently, I am in the Marine and Freshwater Biology program at the University of Guelph and playing varsity lacrosse for my school.

Being in cadets for 5 years taught me how to become a leader, work as a part of a team, take initiative and manage my time. I attended numerous camps over the years including the Instructor’s Course in Trenton , Ontario and the Senior Leader’s Course in Cold Lake , Alberta . I met people and made new friends from all across Canada while learning at the same time. The places I travelled through the program were also great experiences I will always remember. These include white water rafting in Ottawa, travelling to British Columbia and meeting a squadron of cadets there, visiting Washington , and hosting cadets from other squadrons.

During my time in cadets I made it to the rank of Flight Sergeant, was a part of the Standard’s Staff, was a member of the band and drill team, and was a member of the sports team. I was on many drill teams while at camp, and held different parade positions, such as Squadron Commander at CO’s parade at SLC. All of these experiences helped me to gain confidence and become the person I am today.

A. Johnson

Air Cadets - Where to start? It was definitely a series of years I don't regret. When looking back on my time with 856, it is easy to recall what I left with. First off, progressing through a cadet career, one finds them self becoming a more capable leader and instructor with each experience. Currently, I am in Aviation Management at Georgian College doing many oral presentations. I find I am not nervous doing these at all and deliver information in a very comfortable and efficient manner. This ability to teach and speak in front of crowds is a skill I credit largely to Air Cadets.

On top of walking out of the movement with a series of employable skills, I walked out with a group of very close friends who I still talk to frequently. Ironically enough, I currently share an apartment with a friend I met in Air Cadets. It is easy to form a friendship with those around you in the Squadron; you all have common interests on some level, which just helps to aid in team dynamic. I find we still talk about the weekend training exercises and experiences we had, like survival weekends.

I already walked into Air Cadets with a strong interest in flying, but Air Cadets was the place I got a lot of the Aviation basics from; mainly from the ground school courses offered and from the introduction to aviation course. These basics later helped me obtain my pilot's license, at an airport where I still bump into past friends from Air Cadets and old roommates from past summer courses.

Ultimately, Air Cadets gave me a great skill set of instructional ability, knowledge, career connections, and friends. All these things have allowed my life to progress, even years after I left. It may not always be a fun experience, when out in the bush getting rained on or standing at attention for long periods at a time, but you will find you walk out of Air Cadets with a lot more then you went in with. Enjoy it while you can, and go for the experiences you want. The Air Cadets organization provides you with all the tools and a great team of Officers who will help you achieve what you want or what you did not think you could.

K. Parkhurst