Video – 70th Annual Ceremonial Review of 598 Sabre Squadron

Pete Fisher
9 hours ago
• Categories: Local, Photo Gallery

The Annual Ceremonial Review of the 598 Sabre Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets took place at the Cobourg Community Centre on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
The annual review was the opportunity for the cadets to display what they have learned over the past training year to their families and assembled guests. It is also the opportunity for the Squadron to honour deserving cadets by presenting them with various awards.

The Reviewing Officer was Col (ret’d). Steven Deschamps, CD. Honourary Colonel of 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, in Victoria British Columbia.

Honorary Colonel Steven P. Deschamps was appointed that of 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, in Victoria BC in November 2022. Honorary Colonel Deschamps began his military career as an Air Cadet at 325 Squadron in Cornwall, Ontario, in 1969

He enrolled in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1979 as a pilot trainee, graduated Top Candidate from Canadian Forces Officer Candidate School in Chilliwack, and was posted to St-Hubert (10 Tactical Air Group), CFB Portage La Prairie Manitoba (3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, CFFTS) and CFB Moose Jaw Saskatchewan (2 CFFTS). His last regular force posting was at NDHQ Ottawa.

Honorary Colonel Deschamps became a victim of the “Gay Purge.” During the Cold War, paranoia prompted the government to identify and remove suspected LGBTQ military servicemen and women. It was believed that because they had a secret, they were targets for blackmail and breaches in national security—even though there wasn’t any evidence to support this. Col Deschamps was purged from the CAF in July 1982.

Honorary Colonel Deschamps decided to challenge the law. He re-enrolled in the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) aiming to table a Human Rights Charter Case. The same week he expected to fight a refusal to re-enroll, the famous Michelle Douglas case was settled in the Federal Court of Canada, leading to the reversal of discriminatory practices in the military. He was re-admitted to the RCAF, the first known homosexual accepted after the Douglas settlement of 1992.

As a CIC officer at 103 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, he pioneered the creation of the Computerized Aircraft Simulation Centre (CASC) that provides real pilot simulation to cadets using Virtual Reality headsets.

Honorary Col. Deschamps became Commanding Officer of 103 Thunderbird Squadron in 1996. He has also been the Commanding Officer for 858 Skookumchuk Squadron in Sechelt, BC and 848 Royal Roads Squadron in Victoria, BC. He was the Exchange Officer for the International Air Cadet Exchange to Australia in 1993 and 1998.

Honorary Colonel Deschamps was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel when he was appointed Commanding Officer of Albert Head Air Cadet Summer Training Centre.

Honorary Colonel Steven Deschamps was awarded the Canada Pride Citation in 2020 by the Government of Canada “in recognition of his valuable service to Canada and the hardship endured as a result of the historical policies and practices in connection with the LGBT Purge”.

Outside of the military, Honorary Colonel Deschamps has been Director of Public Affairs for Algonquin College in Ottawa, a spokesman and developer for IBM Canada (in the days of the first personal computers), and Vice President of OpenText Corporation, a global leader in Enterprise Content Management. He has also worked with BC Systems Corporation, directing the move for the provincial government from mainframes to personal computers in the 1980’s.

He is a pilot, advanced scuba open water diver and volunteers in various capacities with the Air Cadet movement in BC. Honorary Colonel Deschamps currently serves on the Executive as Founding President of the CIC Branch Association of BC. He is on the Advisory Council for the Canadian National Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg, and the Board of Directors of the Rainbow Veterans of Canada, and the Advisory Group for Families to the Minister of Veterans Affairs. Colonel Deschamps resides in Victoria BC.

Music was provided by the Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 133 Pipes and Drums band, with members of 598’s Pipes and Drums, lead by Drum Major Sergeant McCormick

The Squadron Chief Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer 1st Class William Hall, accompanied Reviewing Officer, (Ret’d) Col Deschamps, to inspect the paradex

Squadron Award’s The “Best Dressed Cadet Award”

The Best Dressed Cadet Award recognizes a cadet who exemplifies the highest standards of uniform maintenance and presentation and is awarded to the cadet who has accumulated the highest number of Best Dressed Cadet recognitions throughout the training year, from both the SCWO and CO’s award. This award is open only to junior cadets. Senior NCM’s of the squadron are expected to always have the best uniforms on parade.:

Awarded to: Cpl. Abigail Chute

The Vicki Hulsman Memorial Award for Participation and Fundraising

This award is presented in memory of Vicki Hulsman, a former parent, sponsoring committee treasurer, and chairperson. It is awarded to a cadet who actively participates in both squadron fundraising initiatives and extra-curricular activities, embodying the spirit of community engagement and dedication.

This years recipient is: Leading Air Cadet Devynn Purdy

The David Cook Memorial Award for Dedicated Service to the Squadron – Presented by the son of David Cook, Col. (ret’d) Andrew Cook.

The David Cook Memorial Award is presented annually to the cadet holding the position of Squadron Chief Warrant Officer in recognition of their outstanding dedication, leadership, and service to 598 Sabre Squadron.

This award honours the memory of David Cook, whose unwavering commitment to the squadron and the Air Cadet program left a lasting impact on the community. David Cook embodied the spirit of service, teamwork, and leadership, and this award is a tribute to cadets who continue to uphold those values.

The Squadron Chief Warrant Officer is the senior cadet leader within the squadron, acting as a vital link between the staff and cadets. They are responsible for setting a positive example, supporting both junior and senior cadets, and contributing significantly to the success of squadron operations and events.

The recipient of this award exemplifies exceptional leadership, professionalism, initiative, and commitment to the well-being and growth of the squadron and its members.

This years recipient is: WO1. William Hall

The Lt. R.A. Baker Award for Top Shot in the Squadron Rifle Shoot – Presented by Lt (N) Da Cunha

This award is named in honour of Lt. R.A. Baker past staff member of 598 Sabre Squadron, recognizing their contributions to marksmanship training within the squadron. It is awarded to the cadet who achieved the highest score in the squadron rifle shoot competition.

This years recipient is: Cpl. Sonia Topor-Hucianski

The Judge Willmott Award for Best First Year Cadet – Presented by HCol. Deschamps

Named after Judge Willmott, the first Commanding Officer of the squadron when it was originally formed as 138 Air Cadets in 1942. This award is presented to a first-year cadet who demonstrates excellence in cadet training, extra-curricular activities, and squadron spirit.

Name of Recipient: Leading Air Cadet Alex Blower

The Cobourg Home Hardware Award for Most Dedicated Junior Cadet – Presented by Don Ramsey, 2nd Vice President, Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 133 Cobourg

This award is presented to a junior cadet who demonstrates dedication to their squadron through their participation and their esprit de corps.

Name of Recipient: Cpl. Landon Shaw

The Cobourg Home Hardware Award for Most Dedicated Senior Cadet – presented by John Grozelle, President, Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 580 Grafton

This award is presented to senior cadet who shows dedication to their squadron through their participation and esprit de corps.

Name of Recipient: Flight Sergeant Steven Dalli-Hill

The 401 R.L. Edwards Wing – Royal Canadian Air Force Association Award for the Junior NCO of the Year – Presented by Capt. Slade

The 401 R.L. Edwards Wing RCAFA Award – Junior NCM of the Year is presented annually to the most outstanding Junior Non-Commissioned Member (NCM) within 598 Sabre Squadron. This award recognizes a Corporal or Flight Corporal who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, esprit de corps, commitment to community service, and dedication to the squadron. It highlights the achievements of cadets who have embraced their role as junior leaders, setting a high standard for their peers in drill, discipline, instructional ability, and teamwork.

This award is named in memory of Flying Officer Robert Lesley Edwards, a Cobourg native who served with No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force. On August 26, 1940, during the Battle of Britain, Flying Officer Edwards engaged enemy aircraft targeting Debden Aerodrome. He successfully shot down a Dornier bomber over Thaxted, Essex, but was tragically killed when his Hawker Hurricane P3874 crashed in the battle. He became the first combat casualty of the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II while serving with a Canadian flying unit. To honour his sacrifice, the 401 R.L. Edwards Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association (RCAFA) was established, supporting youth aviation programs and fostering a spirit of leadership and service among Air Cadets.

The recipient of this award is a cadet who has taken on increasing responsibilities within the squadron and has excelled in their ability to support senior cadets, mentor junior cadets, and contribute positively to squadron activities.

Name of Recipient: Sergeant Liam McCormick

The Capt. Bob Jenkins, CD. Memorial Award – Presented by Erin Jenkins, daughter of Bob Jenkins.

The Captain Bob Jenkins, CD, Memorial Award is presented annually to the cadet who has demonstrated the most improvement as a musician and has shown an unwavering dedication to the squadron band. This award recognizes a cadet who exemplifies commitment, perseverance, and teamwork within the band, striving to enhance their musical skills while actively supporting their fellow bandmates.

This award is presented in memory of Captain Bob Jenkins, CD, who served as a Commanding Officer of 598 Sabre Squadron and was a dedicated volunteer within the community. Captain Jenkins was known for his passion for youth development, leadership, and music, making a lasting impact on the cadets under his command. His contributions to the squadron and the broader Cobourg community are honored through this award, which reflects his values of mentorship, perseverance, and service.

The recipient of this award is an exemplary cadet within the band program, consistently displaying enthusiasm, leadership, and a willingness to assist others. They have made significant strides in their musicianship, actively contributing to rehearsals, performances, and squadron events while fostering a positive and encouraging atmosphere among their peers.

This years recipient is: Corporal Benjamin Barnett and Corporal Decker Harrell.

The Squadron Chief Warrant Officers Achievement Award – Presented by SCWO, WO1. William Hall

Awarded to the most improved cadet, this award is selected by the Squadron Chief Warrant Officer (SCWO) and senior cadet leadership team. It recognizes a cadet who has demonstrated significant growth, adaptability, and commitment to personal and squadron development throughout the training year.

Name of Recipient: Leading Air Cadet Arthur Teixeira

598 Perfect Attendance Award – Presented by CI. Marko Fortuna

The Perfect Attendance Award is presented annually to cadets who have demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to their training by maintaining perfect attendance throughout the training year. This award acknowledges cadets who have prioritized their participation in the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program and have consistently been present for all mandatory training activities.

Attendance plays a critical role in cadet development, ensuring that cadets benefit from leadership training, skill development, and teamwork opportunities. By recognizing cadets who have achieved perfect attendance, this award encourages a strong sense of responsibility and dedication.

Name of Recipient: LAC. Alex Blower

The Bert Austin Award – Top Instructor Award – Presented by HCol. Deschamps

The Bert Austin Award is presented annually to the cadet who has demonstrated outstanding instructional abilities and has excelled in teaching their peers within the Royal Canadian Air Cadet training program.

This award recognizes the importance of effective instruction and mentorship within the squadron and honours the cadet who has consistently delivered engaging, informative, and well-prepared lessons throughout the training year.

Effective instruction is essential for the development of cadets, and this award highlights the recipient’s commitment to leadership, communication, and knowledge-sharing. The award is unique in that the recipient is selected by their peers, reinforcing the value of their instructional efforts.

The Bert Austin Award is considered one of the highest honors for cadets who take on instructional and leadership responsibilities within the squadron. It is presented at the Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR), where the recipient receives a certificate of recognition and a commemorative plaque in recognition of their exceptional contributions to training and mentorship.

Name of Recipient: WO2. Alyssa Slade

Special Presentation by the Town of Cobourg – Presented by Councillor Randy Barber

To recognize and honour our cadets as they conclude their time with 598 Sabre Squadron, we thank them for their dedication, service, and the positive impact they have had on their peers and our community. Though they may be leaving the cadet ranks, they will always be part of the Sabre family, and we wish them continued success in all their future endeavours.

Presented to : WO1. William Hall and WO2. Trinity Boyle

Member of Parliament presentation – Presented by Mona Billing, Constituency Assistant for MP. Philip Lawrence

This presentation acknowledges the Squadron Chief Warrant Officers outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment, and many years of dedicated service to 598 Sabre Squadron. As the senior cadet, their contributions have shaped the tone, professionalism, and spirit of our unit, leaving a lasting legacy for future cadets to follow.

Presented to WO1. William Hall

The Murray Whetung Community Service Award – Presented by HCol. Deschamps

The Murray Whetung Community Service Award is presented annually to a cadet who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to community involvement, citizenship, and service beyond the squadron. This award is named in honour of Murray Whetung, a respected veteran, member of the Curve Lake First Nation, and a lifelong contributor to his community and country. Mr. Whetung served with distinction in the Second World War and continued to be a beacon of volunteerism and civic duty throughout his life.
The award recognizes a cadet who reflects Mr. Whetung’s legacy through a strong sense of duty, compassion, civic engagement, and who is consistently involved in community projects, volunteer initiatives, or outreach efforts that support and uplift others.

This award highlights the importance of the citizenship pillar of the Air Cadet Program and encourages cadets to be active, informed, and positive contributors to their communities.

Name of recipient: FSgt. Owen Price

Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence – Presented by President of Br. 133, Janet Kyle

The Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence (RCLCME) recognizes individual endeavors of a citizenship nature, which meet or enhance the purposes and objectives of the Cadet organizations. It is wholly sponsored and awarded by the Royal Canadian Legion.

Each Cadet Unit may award one RCLCME each training year, provided a worthy candidate is available. The main theme in awarding the RCLCME is to emphasize the citizenship aspects of the Cadet program. Cadet must have annually completed the following milestones in each of three years of cadet training:

To be eligible for consideration, a cadet must meet the following conditions:
The main objective in awarding the RCL Cadet Medal of Excellence is to emphasize the citizenship aspects of the cadet program.

This years Recipient of the RCLCME is: WO1. William Hall

Rotary Club of Cobourg – Cadet of the Year – Presented by Laurie McKeen, Youth Services Director, Rotary Club of Cobourg

Awarded to the best overall cadet in the squadron who exemplifies dedication, leadership, and excellence in all aspects of their training. This award is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cobourg and serves as the highest recognition for a cadet.

Name of Recipient: WO1. William Hall