Air cadets set for 50th reunion

The 690 Lakeshore Air Cadets Squadron is gearing up for a milestone celebration as members and alumni gather for its 50th anniversary reunion May 29 to 31.

“We have people who will be coming from out west, PEI, California,” said Don Brooks, chairman of the reunion committee.

A series of events are planned for the weekend, kicking off Friday with a “meet and greet night” at the Kirkland Arena.

Saturday is the annual ceremonial review, and in a salute to the 50th, “the alumni present at the parade will be invited to march with the squadron,” he said, adding that as in the past some local MPs and mayors will be in attendance.

“Also, part of the funds we’re collecting from the alumni will go towards a new squadron banner, and a display case for the old one.”

The day wraps up with a dinner dance at the Hilton in Dorval; Sunday it’s a family day, with games and a barbecue at St. Lazare Airport.

“A few pilots –one who’s a former cadet – have offered to make their aircrafts available for short flights,” Brooks said.

The squadron was “formed and sponsored by the Kinsmen Club of Pointe Claire,” according to a June 4, 1959 article in the Lakeshore News, the forerunner to The Chronicle. Today, the Beaconsfield-based corps is one of about 90 in Quebec and among about 450 squadrons nation-wide in the Air Cadet League of Canada. The league is a partnership with the Department of Defense and the Canadian Forces.

“It’s a well-rounded program for boys and girls between ages 12 and 19,” said 690’s commanding officer Todd Wirchnianskyi, adding, its principal mandate is to equip them with valuable life skills.

“They learn leadership, team co-operation, effective speaking, and develop organizational and management skills. Parents tell us they see the benefits. They also complete a citizenship course, and take part in the Sally Ann food drive, Canada Day events,” the Pierrefonds resident said.

While emphasis on the weekly program is on aviation – cadets study aircraft structure, rocketry, marksmanship – there are optional activities, including movie nights, band, a games club, beach outings.

“We also do very well in regional athletic competitions,” Wirchnianskyi said. The squadron has won trophies for soccer, floor hockey, and other sports.

For information about the reunion or 690, visit www.cadets.net

Chronicle, Rhiannon Snaith