By Robert Frank
www.thesuburban.com
Members of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 251 have passed the torch to a new generation.
On Jan. 30, the president of the Chomedey Legion Dennis Wheatley, presented a cheque for $1,000 to Royal Canadian Air Cadets 100 Squadron during a formal, military-style parade, organized by the young squadron members themselves to show off their newfound skills.
The squadron is the first English-speaking Air Cadet squadron in Laval. Formed less than a year ago, it filled an important void by providing activities for the city’s English-speaking youth.
“In addition to looking out for the welfare of former members of the military, the Legion uses some of the money that it receives from the Poppy Fund to support worthwhile community activities like youth programs,” said Chomedey Legion service officer Ronald Ellison.
“Some of the money will help us to defray the cost of bringing the cadets to Ottawa this spring, to visit the Canadian Parliament,” 100 Squadron commanding officer Capt. Sonia Côté told The Suburban.
She said that 100 Squadron members have previously participated in glider flights, outdoor survival training and Laval’s Remembrance Day commemoration.
In addition, the squadron plans to send some cadets to camp this summer and is also organizing a marching band.
Youth who perform well can earn a flying scholarship worth thousands of dollars that leads them to earn a private pilot’s license, when they turn 16. Cadets can also learn to pilot engineless glider aircraft.
Capt. Côté said that Laval youth who are interested in joining should contact Lloyd McIntyre, chairman of the 100 Squadron sponsoring committee at [514] 676-1770. The unit’s Facebook page is listed under ‘100Laval’.
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