The Royal Canadian Air Cadets Griffin Squadron 340 celebrated the holiday season with their annual Christmas dinner held at the Southampton Legion Branch 155 this year.
Squadron leader, Captain Bruce Schoettler, welcomed everyone and expressed appreciation for the Legion’s contribution toward subsidizing the dinner.
“We also welcome new cadets and their families,” said Schoettler. “Our goal is to increase the Squadron numbers and, with our 13-14 new cadets, we are now at a complement of 32-34 members.
The Squadron and their families enjoyed a ‘home-cooked’ style turkey dinner, complete with all the trimmings, prepared and served by members of the Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary.
One of the highlights of the evening was the ‘Secret Santa’ game where participating cadets vied for mysterious gifts. At the end, a fun time was had by all as everyone was surprised with their gifts that ranged from funny to practical to hilarious.
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Before the evening came to a conclusion, Captain Schoettler was taken by surprise when Major Dobson, who had travelled from Palmerston, presented him with a 10-year service medal. “I honestly don’t know where the time has gone,” said Schoettler.
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a national organization for Canadian youth between the ages of 12 and 19 and is a result of a partnership between the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces and the Air Cadet League of Canada.
The local Squadron meets for regular training weekly from 6:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday evening at “The Griffin” at 348 Carlisle St. (Airport) in Southampton, or virtually, throughout the school year with optional training, including sports, marksmanship and other activities. They are often also seen helping out in the community whether for a Spring clean-up or during the Poppy campaign.In addition, in July and August, many summer training activities are available to cadets at no cost.
The Griffin was recently renovated and repaired by Chris Lootsma and George Betts giving it a much-needed facelift where the Cadets can continue to meet.
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