To my absolute delight, I was invited by Major Kevin Debiasio, Commanding Officer of the 561 Nelson Osprey Air Cadet Squadron to attend their weekly meeting as guest speaker. I’ve included a couple of the photos that I shared with attendees during the presentation portion of my time, and very enjoyable evening, with them.
Heritage City author Kate Armstrong visits Nelson Air Cadets
by Contributor on Thursday February 11 2021
Kate Armstrong, the Nelson author of “The Stone Frigate” joined the Nelson Air Cadets for their meeting on February 5th. During the virtual meeting, Kate told the cadets about her time in Air Cadets and the Canadian Armed Forces. Kate joined Air Cadets just as females were officially permitted into the Cadet program in the mid 1970's. In 1978 she was in one of the first groups of female cadets that earned their Air Cadet Glider Wings. She then attended Royal Military College in the first class that included female Officer Cadets and then had career in the Canadian Armed Forces as a logistics officer.
Also during the virtual parade, cadet Piper Wilkinson was promoted to the rank of Leading Air Cadet.
During the Covid-19 pandemic the cadets of Nelson have had the chance to virtually meet leaders in both civilian and military occupations. This has included military pilots, aircraft mechanics, local leaders and provincial cadet leaders.
In the next months, a Virgin Galactic Astronaut and cadets from the Nelson New Zealand Air Cadet Squadron will be joining the squadron for virtual meetings.
Nelson Air Cadets continue to meet virtually every Friday. More information can be found on our facebook page www.facebook.com/561NelsonOspreyAirCadets/
The squadron always welcomes new cadets who are between the ages of 12 and 18. You can start your application at https://app.cadets.gc.ca/cadet-registration/get-started.html
Adults who would like to volunteer with squadron are also welcome.
Quick Facts
The Cadet Program is open to all Canadian youth from the ages of 12 to 18 regardless of income, race, religion, culture or other socio-economic factors. The program embraces Canada’s multiculturalism and offers young Canadians opportunities to interact with youth from other cultures.
Cadets is the largest youth organization operated by the Government of Canada
561 Nelson Osprey Squadron
Royal Canadian Air Cadets
561 Nelson Osprey Squadron is the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Nelson BC. The squadron was formed in 1952 and has been running continuously since.
For 67 years, the squadron has provided a low cost activity for teenagers aged 12 to 18 who reside in Nelson, Salmo, South Slocan, Balfour and areas in-between. The training the cadets receive include Leadership, Outdoor Survival, Music, Aviation and other skills.
Advanced summer training programs such as Power and Glider Pilot License, Music, Sports and Fitness, Range, Leadership, Music and International Exchange are also available.
Certain Cadet Training levels and advanced courses may be applied as academic credits toward high school graduation.
The Squadron meets once per week on Friday evenings. When meeting in person, the cadets meet at the Nelson Eagles Hall (641 Baker Street).
Thirteen year-old me during my two weeks Basic Cadet Training camp at the Vernon Army Cadet Camp in 1975.
Fast forward to 1978—this is the moment of receiving my glider pilot wings on graduation parade from Gliding Scholarship flying school held in Nanaimo. I’m sixteen years-old in this photo and it captures the exact moment I made a decision that I wanted to join the Canadian Armed Forces and become a professional military pilot.