Annual ceremonial review for 535 Leamington Archer Squadron

By Paul Forman

In their 80th annual inspection — 65th as a chartered unit — the Leamington Royal Canadian Air Cadets 535 Archer Squadron celebrated on May 24 for the final time in their current location behind the former Leamington District Secondary School. The cadets will relocate this summer.

The squadron, currently made up of 15 members aged 12 to 18 years, has seen over 4,000 cadets move through the ceremonial review since 1958.

Chatham-Kent Leamington Member of Parliament Dave Epp served as the reviewing officer as the cadets were put through a formal inspection. Epp regarded the role as “an honour and a privilege. It’s my duty to

serve these kids.” MP Epp was an appropriate choice to act as the reviewing officer as he has a love of flying and was able to obtain his own pilot’s licence when he was just 17.

The inspection included awards presented to cadets that were standouts in this year’s class.

Award winners were: Trudy Banman receiving the Chad Griffin Award, Lily-Ann Giesbrecht achieving Top Level 1, Kaiden Beach achieving Top Level 2, Travis Dupuis achieving Top Level 3, Olivia Girardin achieving Top Level 5, Johnny Banman for Top Shot, Milan Acovski-Berze for Top Male Athlete, Trudy Banman for Top Female Athlete, Milan Acovski-Berze for Most Dedicated, Samantha Staines for Most Improved, Lily-Ann Giesbrecht for Best 1st Year Cadet, Travis Dupuis for Best Junior Non-Commissioned Officer, and Samantha Staines for Best Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.

Sixteen-year-old Flight Sergeant Olivia Girardin provided some perspective on the program as she has been a cadet for five years.

“We have accomplished a lot this year and the awards show how hard we worked in our training,” said Girardin. “I love it. The cadets have helped to get me out of my shell. We have taken advantage of the opportunities we’ve had and are showing that we are a viable organization.”

The evening ended with a historical presentation by secretary Butch Rickeard about the local cadets since their inception and a video featuring local war hero Tommy Brannagan.

The next step for the squadron is relocating their unique H-hut building by September 1 as the town wants to develop housing on the existing property. The building is now 80 years old and was originally used as an Air Force training building at Windsor Airport before being moved to Leamington in 1953 and subsequently used by the cadets starting in 1958.

The Leamington Agricultural Society has offered a spot on the fairgrounds for the relocated H-hut and Grossi Construction has stepped up with an offer to assist in the moving of the building.

President of the 535 Squadron Sponsoring Committee, Jonathan Azzopardi, says the cost to move the structure will be between $350,000 to $500,000 and is calling upon all levels of government to provide funds along with any donors willing to help in the relocating endeavour.

Want to help?

If you’d like to help with donations, reach out to treasurer Jim Goodall at 226-975-8057. You can also send a donation by cheque to Leamington Air Cadets, P.O. Box 178, Station Main, Leamington, N8H 3W2. Make cheques payable to ACLO-OPC with 5353 Squadron in the memo line. E-transfer is also an option at 535.donations@ aircadetleague.on.ca.

Pictured is the 535 Leamington Archer Squadron, front row, from left, Johnny Banman, Cadet Commander Olivia Girardin, Cadet Deputy Commander Samantha Staines. Second row, from left, Trudy Banman, Mathis Quiring, Kaiden Beach, Ellis Fleming, Lily-Ann Giesbrecht. Back row, from left, Tanor McLeod, Annie Banman, Johnny Reimer, Travis Dupuis, Milan Acovski-Berze.

Absent from photo: Corbin Azzopardi, Owen Pimentel

Squadron Cadet Commander Olivia Girardin prepares the cadets for their formal inspection. SUN photos by Paul Forman

President of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee Jonathan Azzopardi, Cadet Trudy Banman and Essex Member of Parliament Chris Lewis presenting the squad with a certificate of congratulations on behalf of the federal government.

Member of Parliament Dave Epp presents the Best Senior Non-Commissioned Officer award to Squadron Cadet Deputy Commander Samantha Staines.

Member of Provincial Parliament Trevor Jones presents the Best Junior Non-Commissioned Officer award to Flight Corporal Travis Dupuis