When the Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) did not renew the lease for the Air Cadets’ mobile trailer location at Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS), it had to be moved and, subsequently, it joined the Sea Cadets’ location at Southampton’s ‘air strip/helipad’ on Carlisle Rd.
The 30-year-old trailer however, was in dire need of repairs and renovations and that’s when the Air Cadet League’s, Lieutenant Bruce Schoettler, approached Home Hardware in Port Elgin. The store’s Floor Manager, Dave Yule, a former Cadet when he was younger, was on-side as was store owner, Jeff Gauthier.
(L) HH Floor Mgr. Dave Yule, 340 Squadron Air Cadet Commanding Officer, Captain Robert Herborth, HH owner Jeff Gauthier and Air Cadet Lieutenant Bruce Shoettler
“Home Hardware was extremely generous,” says Lt. Schoettler. “They donated all the paint we needed along with the brushes, rollers and baseboards and we set about revitalizing the old trailer.”
The before and after results are dramatic.
For larger views, Click on Images
BEFORE …
AFTER
BEFORE …
AFTER
The 340 Air Cadet Squadron now meets virtually via Zoom twice a month on Tuesdays and, then, in person the other two Tuesdays a month. The meetings/gatherings begin at 6:30 p.m. and run to 8:15 p.m.
The age to become a Cadet is 12-18 but he/she can start at the age of 11, if only a few months away from a 12th birthday.
“The Air Cadet League of Canada is a civilian, non-profit, community-based and volunteer-led organization that in collaboration with the Department of National Defence and our other partners, is dedicated to supporting the objectives of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program. The purposes of the League are to advance the education of the Air Cadets and to promote an interest in the air element of the Canadian ForcesAn aviation focused organization preparing youth to be engaged citizens of Canada.”
The Air Cadet League offers many opportunities for young people to foster valuable life and work skills such as teamwork, leadership and citizenship. When it comes to education, the League also offers 10 post-secondary education scholarship awards.
There are many activities that cadets become involved in that develop a variety of skills:
340 Griffin Squadron Air Cadets is always looking for new members and for more information, contact Dianne Voisin at 519-832-9780.
340 Griffin Squadron Air Cadets is always looking for new members and for more information, contact Dianne Voisin at 519-832-9780.
