Local 155 Air Cadets Celebrate 75 in 2017

MEDIA RELEASE:  MR: 001: 75th 155

Date: 06 January 2017

DESCRIPTION: 155 Soo “K” Squadron at Camp Borden 1943 July 27 to Aug 06th.
PHOTO CREDIT: UNKNOWN, Lucy Healey Album
This is the oldest photo of the 155 that we are aware of.

The 155 Borden Gray G.C. Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets marks its 75th anniversary since forming in 1942. Past 155 Alumni, cadets, staff and friends are invited to gather in Sault Ste Marie for our May 5th weekend of events that will include a reception Friday night at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Center, the Squadron’s Annual Review in the morning, gala dinner on Saturday and a breakfast on Sunday. Shortly the name of the past 155 cadet alumni will be officially announced as the Reviewing Officer for the Annual Review which is also open to the public.

In 1941 the Air Cadet League of Canada was formed to train young men while providing an interest and training in aviation and good citizenship. The 155 Sault Ste Marie Squadron was formed in 1942 of boys aged 14 to 18. In the 1990’s the 155 was named after Flight Officer Roderick Borden Gray G.C., a Sault native and one of only 10 Canadians in WWII to receive the honour of the George Cross, the second highest recognition for bravery in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.

155 Cadets who earned Pilots Wings, 2009 Wings Parade.
L-R: Maj Ronald Huszarik (retired), F/Sgt Caleb Robert, WO2 Nathan Robert, F/Sgt Sara Breault, Capt Steve Mullins
Photo Credit: Capt Roy Harten

Over a thousand boys and girls have gone through the various levels of training where they, learned good citizenship, theory of flight and had a flight in a glider or power aircraft with many going on to earn their glider or power pilots wings.. The vast majority of these cadets look back on the lifelong friendships that they made while training together. For these reasons it is no wonder that they still stay in touch with other alumni and this 75th Anniversary is a chance for them to get together from across Canada. This will give the alumni the opportunity to reminisce while meeting current cadets and staff.

155 Alumni includes current and past members of the Canadian Armed Forces that continued in aviation as either a pilot or aviation related trades. Some have chosen other trades in the military where they have grown and excelled. Still others have chosen civilian occupations or transitioned from the military to civilian life where the knowledge and skills learned in Air Cadets have assisted them in their careers. There is also a famous Canadian painter who played in the 155 Pipe and Drum Band in the early 1950’s.

155 Cadets meet Dr Roberta Bondar after returning from space.
L-R: F/Sgt Joel Robert, Cpl ?, Cpl Kevin Cove, Dr Roberta Bondar, Sgt ?, Rob Storch, F/Sgt Mikko Kallio
PHOTO CREDIT: UNKNOWN

Current day cadets can experience the same opportunities as well as flight simulator training and the Dr Roberta Bondar Air Cadet Training Program that features hands on aircraft maintenance.  Open to boys and girls aged 12 to 18 yrs with no fees to join or participate in the training which takes place at the Sault Ste Marie Armoury from 6:30 t0 9:30 on Wednesday’s.

Thanks to generous and hard work by the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, the 75th Anniversary Committee will publish the squadron’s digitized history through photos, newspaper clippings, biographies and more at 75th.155aircadets.com . Keep checking back as new material such as trophies and recipient’s names are posted continuously which can be searched by the recipient’s name. Past squadron alumni are encouraged to share or submit any squadron history they may have as well as provide names to photos.  Having an accurate written history of the 155 Sqn is important to acknowledge the dedication and growth of those who passed through the ranks.  We are searching for the oldest alumni member of the 155. Can you help us in our mission?

155 Sault Ste Marie earns Top Squadron in Canada.
L-R. Sqn/Ldr Murray Commanding Officer 155. Unknown 155 Cadet, Unknown, Unknown.
PHOTO CREDIT: UNKNOWN, Lucy Healey Album

Please help us get the word out to welcome home our past members, cadets, alumni, sponsors, friends and family to mark this momentous occasion with the 155 Borden Gray GC Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets, 155 Squadron Sponsor Committee, and 432 Wing RCAF Association..  For anniversary event ticket information, please visit the squadron web page at www.155aircadets.ca for continuing event updates. Tickets must be purchased online prior to March 31, 2017 to qualify for entry into the early bird draw. Follow us also on twitter at www.twitter.com/155aircadets or Facebook at www.facebook.com/155aircadets, or contact us at co@155aircadets.com.

For more information contact Captain Roy Harten, Unit Public Affairs Representative, 155 Borden Gray G.C. Squadron.

Tel:  (705) 542-9245, Email:  roy.harten@bell.ca

 

 

 

 

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