BRAMPTON - Recently the Brampton 132 Spitfire Air Cadet Squadron celebrated their 25th anniversary during their annual awards and inspection ceremony held every June in order to recognize all of the cadets and supporting staff that make the squadron a success. The weather was hot— the temperature hovered at around 30 degrees Celsius all afternoon with a humidex reading close to 39. Although smouldering, a generous crowd of about 100 spectators, consisting mostly of family members, and more than 80 cadets came together at the James F. McCurry Victoria Park Arena to take pictures, shoot video and share stories and accolades with one another, about another memorable year for one of Brampton’s Air Cadet squadron. This year, being the 25th anniversary of the squadron, Major Ken A’Hern, CD, was chosen to be the Reviewing Officer. The Reviewing Officer’s job is to inspect the squadron right before the cadets go on leave for the summer months. A’Hern was the very first commanding officer of the 132, and was instrumental in its conception in 1983. “I’ve been doing this [for] 30 years, and I get great satisfaction out of helping the cadets learn some life skills lessons, over the years,” said A’Hern. “I think the cadets is a great program. Unfortunately it’s one of those best kept secrets. Not a lot of people know about cadets.” A’Hern started the squadron because Brampton was growing fast and there were a lot of families with young kids living in the city and they didn’t have much to do. He himself was a cadet and found that the experience enriched his life in many ways. He gained direction and self discipline and self esteem among other traits that he believes are invaluable to a young person. Major A’Hern pointed out that the cadet program has something for everyone. There are three branches of cadets, Air, Navy and Army, and they are all governed by the Department of National Defence. However, the DND only provides uniforms. Each squadron has to raise their own funds that allow them to train and get involved in events throughout the year. Some of those events are, gliding, camping, going to see musical performances and taking part in training exercises at CFB Borden. Many community organizations must come together in order to provide the squadron with the resources it needs in order to be able to do these and other events. Derek Mitchell, the chair person for the squadron sponsoring committee, has had the job of spearheading these initiatives for the last 12 years. Some of the fundraising activities include tagging, where the cadets collect donations from people in front of businesses in Brampton. “We’re what’s known as the civilian side of air cadets, we’re under the auspices of the Ontario Provincial Committee, which is an air cadet league of Canada but a civilian side,” said Mitchell. “But they work closely together with the military side. The CO (Commanding Officer) and I are equal in the squadron, so that nobody out ranks each other. We want to work together.” Mitchell was recognized during the event for his dedication to the squadron over the last 12 years. He is retiring from that post this year because he was appointed the President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 15. Mitchell said that he wants to do an excellent job as president of the Legion and wants to devote most of his time to that endeavour. Shannon Campbell, the vice chairperson of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee will take over the chair position after the summer break. Many young people’s lives have been enriched by their involvement in the cadets. At a time when youth crime is up, especially violent crimes, property and drug offences, you would think that an organization like the cadets would be a perfect place for parents, teachers, kids and community leaders to turn to. There are a myriad of activities to get involved in within the group once you are a member, and it is absolutely free. The cadets meet twice a week. They engage in between 10 to 15 activities throughout the school year and they conduct summer camp programs where cadets who attend earn money. In fact, the cadets have changed the lives of many of its members. “Cadets have changed my whole life,” said Warrant Officer Riley-Grant the head cadet in the squadron. “When I came into the cadet program I was a different person than who I am today. I was forced into cadets, I never wanted to come. Eventually, I just wanted to come.” The 18-year-old will continue being the warrant officer at the 132 until next year January when he turns 19. At that time he will relinquish the leadership role to one of his peers. He has been in cadets for five years and credits the organization for his successes. He points out that any after school program could help the many disillusioned youth out there struggling with self esteem issues and not having a sense of belonging. “Stick with it. Stick with it because you never know what you’re going to get out of it. The only thing you’re going to get out of it is what you put into it, if you put nothing, then you’re going to get nothing out of it. But if you put your all in to it, then you’ll reap the rewards,” said Riley-Grant. The young cadet is on his way to being on the honour roll at St. Edmund Campion Secondary School in Brampton’s North West. Twenty five years is a long time, and because of the generosity of the residents of Brampton, the 132 Spitfire Squadron continue to turn out community minded individuals with a great sense of belonging and ownership to their community.
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