The Royal Canadian Air Cadets Griffin Squadron 340 held its 46th Annual Review on June 1st (2025) at Southampton Coliseum.
The Squadron based in Southampton continues to grow and has become extensively involved in community projects such the Legion Poppy Drive, Remembrance Day parades, Santa Claus Parades, annual property clean-up at Independent Grocer and Pumpkinfest, among others.
At the review, the Cadets demonstrated their marching and marksmanship for invited guests and family members.
Among the guests were Reviewing Officer, MP Alex Ruff (Colonel ret’d), Area Elemental Advisor, Major William Dobson and Sponsoring Committee Chair Jay Harris, who all took part in the Squadron Review.
Squadron Review – for larger view, click on image
MP Ruff thanked the cadets for their involvement in community events. “Your involvement in your community is outstanding. I would also encourage any of you after cadets to think about joining the Canadian Armed Forces. It’s something you’ll benefit from for the rest of your life.”
Ruff also said that he had not been involved with cadets but joined the Armed Forces directly out of high school. “I had 25 years of service and do not regret one day of it.”
‘Colonel ret’d’ Ruff has had an extensive military career that included Special Operation Forces Command, operational deployments from Bosnia to Herzegovina and Afghanistan to Iraq among many others. Retiring in 2019, he went on to become a Member of Parliament serving on several government committees.
He also went on to thank the families. “These cadets could not do this without you, their families. With your support making sure they show up at parades and events, you are setting them on the path for success. What you are doing now will help them develop into the future leadership for this country so thank you for your commitment as they grow up and mature.”
Following the parade review, awards were presented to the Cadets for their achievements in a variety of categories.
As a final tribute to the Squadron, Commanding Officer, Bruce Schoettler accepted an award recognizing the Squadron’s 45 years.
