The 598 Sabre Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets held their 69th annual Ceremonial Review on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the Cobourg Community Centre.
Proud family members sat and watched at the ceremony took place in the gymnasium.
The formation and evolution of the Air Cadet League of Canada and 598 Sabre Squadron reflect the historical context of World War II and the post-war period, as well as the ongoing need for youth training in aviation and leadership. With the outbreak of World War II and the increasing need for trained aircrew, the idea of a youth organization focused on aviation training gained traction in Canada.
The urgency of the war effort, especially in the face of air attacks on Britain, highlighted the need for young men to be prepared for service in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
The next presentation is a Commanding Officer’s Commendation to a member of the Squadron. In recognition of Exemplary leadership, initiative, and dedication to 598 Sabre Squadron.
The 598 Sabre Squadron is under the leadership of Lt. Slade and his fellow CIC staff and volunteers, continue to adapt to the changing times, offering an evolving program for youth to gain valuable knowledge and skills that build confidence and help pave the way in a transition to adulthood. 598 Sabre Squadron remains dedicated to providing varied and unique experiences while fostering competencies in leadership, citizenship, physical and mental fitness, aviation technologies, survival training and much, much more.
The Reviewing Officer for the ceremony was Lcol. I. Neri, CD.
Following an inspection of the Squadron and a March Past, the awards were presented to the Cadets.
Commanding Officer Lt. Matt Slade made a special presentation of Commanding Officer’s Certificate of Commendation to Sgt. Dalli-Hill
On Saturday, March 30th, 2024, while tagging at the Independent Grocers in Port Hope, ON, this cadet noticed an elderly lady struggling with her cart and walker, with the permission of the site supervisor, this cadet offered his assistance and she accepted. Helping with grocery shopping, walking around, and engaging the woman in conversation, never before meeting before this day. Having forgotten her reusable bags in her vehicle, he retrieved them and after returning began to pack her groceries and helping her back to her vehicle, placing the grocers in the trunk for her. The lady then offered a generous tip, which the cadet declined, but the lady encouraged him to take the tip and telling him it can be their secret. Once the cadet returned to his tagging location, he promptly placed the tip in his tagging bin.
Squadron Award’s
1. Best Dressed Cadet Award, Presented by WO1. Emma Slade. The Best Dressed Cadet Award is presented to the cadet who has consistently presented himself or herself each training night as the cadet with the best uniform on parade. This award is open only to junior cadets. Senior NCM’s of the squadron are expected to always have the best uniforms on parade. This years recipient is:LAC. Benjamin Barnett
2. The Vicki Hulsman Memorial Award for Participation and Fundraising – Presented by a member of the Hulsman Family
The Vicki Hulsman Memorial Award is awarded to a cadet who has participated actively in both fundraising and squadron extra-curricular activities. This award is presented in memory of Vicki Hulsman, a former parent, sponsoring committee treasurer and chairperson.
This years recipient is: FSgt. Alyssa Slade
3. The Capt. Bob Jenkins, CD. Memorial Award – Presented by a member of the Jenkins Family
This award is presented to the cadet who has significantly improved as a musician and has shown their dedication to the Band. They are an exemplary cadet who supports fellow band mates and offers help whenever they can.
This years recipient is: AC. Charlie Barber
4. The Lt. R.A. Baker Award for Top Shot in the Squadron Rifle Shoot – Presented by Lt. Slade
This award is present to the cadet who achieved the highest score in the squadron rifle shoot competition.
This years recipient is: WO2. William Hall
5. The Judge Willmott Award for Best First Year Cadet – Presented by LCol. Adam Emond Weapons System Manager for the CC130J, CC150, CC144 fleets
This award is presented to a first-year cadet who has demonstrated excellence in their cadet training, extra-curricular activities and overall esprit-de-corps.
Name of Recipient: AC. Charlie Barber
6. The Cobourg Home Hardware Award for Most Dedicated Junior Cadet – Presented by Town Councillor, Adam Bureau
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: FCpl. Owen Price
7. The 401 R.L. Edwards Wing – Royal Canadian Air Force Association Award for the Junior NCO of the Year – Presented by Capt. Joann Neal, Past CO of 598 Sabre Squadron (Major Bell)
This award is presented to a Corporal or Flight Corporal who sets the example in deportment, esprit de corps, attendance, uniform care, participation and community service.
Name of Recipient: Sgt. Steven Dalli-Hill
8. The Bert Austin Award – Top Instructor Award – Presented by CI. Mary Dalli
This award is presented to the top instructor of the squadron.
Name of Recipient: WO1. Emma Slade
9. The Cobourg Home Hardware Award for Most Dedicated Senior Cadet – presented by Squadron Sponsoring Committee Co-Chairs, Brandy Purdy and Tracy McCormick
This award is presented to senior cadet who shows dedication to their squadron through their participation and esprit de corps.
Name of Recipient: FSgt. Alyssa Slade
10. The David Cook Memorial Award for Dedicated Service to the Squadron – presented by Ret’d Col. Andy Cook, son of David Cook
This award is presented to the Squadron Warrant Officer in recognition of their dedicated service to the squadron.
Name of Recipient: WO1. Emma Slade
11. Perfect Attendance – presented by CI. Marko Fortuna
The perfect attendance award is presented to cadets who have not been absence for any weekly Thursday night Training Sessions.
Name of Recipient: WO1. Emma Slade, FSgt. Alyssa Slade, FCpl. Steven Dalli-Hill, AC. Charlie Barber
12. Rotary Club of Cobourg – Cadet of the Year – Presented by LCol. Neri
This award is presented to the cadet who displays proficiency in all aspects of their air cadet training and has contributed the most to their squadron.
Name of Recipient: FSgt. Alyssa Slade
13. Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence – Presented by LCol. Neri
The Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence (RCLCME)is awarded annually to a cadet that has shown a high degree of participation and leadership in the area of Citizenship and enhancing the aims and objectives of the Canadian Cadet organization.
The recipient today has demonstrated the core criteria in comradeship, promoting goodwill, morale, developing group identity, engagement in their community, and overall regard of cadet modelling. Only one cadet per unit can receive this medal per annual training year.
This years Recipient of the RCLCME is: FCpl. Owen Price
14. Presentation by Ashik Hussain, Liaison and Constituency Assistant to Philip Lawrence, Member of Parliament for Northumberland – Peterborough South
15. Presentation by the Lt. Slade, Commanding Officer, 598 Sabre Squadron
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
