<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Meet Jai Willems, a former Air Cadet with 702 Lynx Squadron in Saskatoon, SK. He was an active Air Cadet for 6 years, between 2013 and 2019, and achieved the rank of Warrant Officer First Class; the highest attainable rank for a cadet.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Willems originally joined Air Cadets because he was interested in aviation. The Air Cadet Program allowed him to do just that, as he went on to earn both his glider and power pilot licenses through the cadets.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He participated in 5 summer training courses throughout his cadet career; nearly all of which had an aerospace focus. He notes that one of his favourite life memories was his first solo flight, as it had been one of his lifelong dreams.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Outside of the many aerospace and aviation activities he participated in, he was also able to take part in his squadron&rsquo;s drill, survival and curling teams, helping him grow and learn about his own interests.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He says his favourite part about the Air Cadet Program were the summer training courses that allowed him to specialize in unique domains, experience a variety of new things, and helped him meet new people with the same passions and life goals as him.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Willems is currently on a 16-month work term, between his 3rd and 4th years of university. He currently studies aerospace engineering at the University of Toronto, in the Engineering Science program. He says the Air Cadet Program helped him get accepted into one of the most competitive post-secondary programs in the country. Not only has learning about aviation through the Cadet Program helped him in his studies, but it prepared him to move provinces for school and has taught him about self-discipline and focus.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A fun fact about Willems is that he collects moon lander autographs! He currently has autographs from 5 out of 12 astronauts who have walked on the moon, which we think is pretty amazing!</span></p>

Spotlight - Jai Willems

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Meet Audrey Wishlow, a former Air Cadet with 566 Squadron in Canora, Saskatchewan! She was an Air Cadet from 1989 to 1994 and attained the rank of Warrant Officer 2nd Class.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She joined Air Cadets because she wanted to learn how to fly. She states, however, that she gained much more than her Pilot&rsquo;s Licence through Air Cadets. She learned the basics of survival and became more confident in herself, her leadership and interpersonal skills.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In her 5 years with cadets, she participated in a wide range of activities and training opportunities. She was on the drill team, participated in volleyball tournaments and was part of effective speaking. She attended a variety of summer training courses, as well, including the Glider and Power Pilot Training Courses.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She says she enjoyed everything in the Air Cadet Program. She loved going flying, of course, but also visits to Camp Saskadet (even back when there was no running water there!), annual trips, the cadet exchange program and participating in Remembrance Day Programs!</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After finishing up with the Air Cadet Program, she went on and earned her Commercial Pilots License, along with a diploma in Aviation Management. She started off as a flight instructor, and got into corporate aviation. She later started working as the general manager of a flight school in Regina. Since she wanted to give back to the Air Cadet Program, she managed to get the power pilot training contact at her flight school, meaning she would be helping train the next generations of Air Cadet pilots. She helped host Christmas in July for the cadets, and helped out with the Wings Parade, knowing exactly how hard they had worked during the course. She now works for the Government of Saskatchewan, in Aviation Operations, up in La Ronge. She works as the Director of Safety, and the Assistant Operations Manager.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She has continued to give back to the Air Cadet Program&ndash; organizing tours of her workplace, allowing cadets to see the firefighting aircraft they operate, attending a mess dinner in Regina as a guest speaker, acting as the Reviewing Officer in Foam Lake, and having loads of fun with power pilot course students (even surprising them by wearing her own flight suit from 27 years ago)!</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We are so glad that she has remained involved with the Air Cadet Program in Saskatchewan!</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fun Fact! If you visit the Alberta Aviation Museum in Edmonton, you might see her, as part of an artifact collection! She replicated the first airmail delivery by Katherine Stinson for them!</span></p>

Spotlight - Audrey Wishlow

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Meet Ann Lopachuk, a former Air Cadet with 624 Tisdale Squadron in Saskatchewan. Originally from Ukraine, Ann moved to Tisdale at the age of 12, and joined the Air Cadet Program in 2013, about 6 months after arriving in Canada. She quickly rose through the ranks and reached the rank of Flight Sergeant, before having to move to Saskatoon to pursue her post-secondary education.</span></p>
<p class="p2">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Initially, she joined cadets upon the recommendation of her parents, who first saw youth participating in drill exercises in their cadet uniforms. At first, she only joined cadets to make her parents happy, but she quickly realized just how great the Cadet Program is. As a 12 year old, she had little knowledge of aviation and leadership. However, through the Air Cadet Program, she was able to discover her inner &ldquo;aviation nerd&rdquo;, and learned all about different leadership styles.</span></p>
<p class="p2">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Throughout her 5 years as a cadet, Ann participated in a range of activities and training opportunities. She was a member of her squadron marksmanship team as well as a biathlete for several years. She also attended 4 summer camps&mdash; General Training, Basic Aviation, the Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor course, and one as a staff cadet in Whitehorse. She notes that her most cherished cadet memories were made at these camps, and that her courses allowed her to make close friends from all across Canada&mdash; friends that are still very close today!</span></p>
<p class="p2">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Today, she is working towards her commercial pilots licence, and hopes to be a pilot at an international airline. She also works as a Ramp Coordinator with Executive Aviation, directing and organizing ramp operations for WestJet, Flair, Swoop and Sunwing flights in Saskatoon. She says that the Air Cadet Program has helped her learn about the aviation industry, helping her realize her goal of being a pilot, and helping her become a strong, organized leader at the airport.</span></p>
<p class="p2">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">She says that the Air Cadet Program is very fun, and that it teaches youth about leadership, communication with a range of people, as well as discipline.</span></p>

Spotlight - Ann Lopachuk

<p>We are stoked to see our cadets in the local news, because of the amazing summer training opportunities they are pursuing! WO1 Benjamin of 624 Tisdale Squadron is attending the Glider Pilot Training Course and was recently featured in a SaskToday article! Read it below!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>By: SaskToday.ca, with information from Petty Officer First Class Divya Chockalingam, cadet correspondent, Brandon Cadet Training Centre</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Style1">BRANDON, Man. &ndash; The thrill of flight is something that interests many, and local cadet Samuel Benjamin of 624 Tisdale, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, is spending his summer pursuing his dreams of flight at Brandon Cadet Training Centre as he earns his Transport Canada glider pilot licence during the seven-week glider pilot training course.</p>
<p class="Style1">Following a rigorous and competitive selection process, which included attending ground school online, writing an entrance exam, a review of their cadet file and school marks, and an interview, Cadet Benjamin was just one of 28 cadets from Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Colombia selected for the course in Brandon this summer.</p>
<p class="Style1">Benjamin&rsquo;s favourite part so far has been, &ldquo;being part of the air operations and getting to apply skills as well as knowledge that I learned in ground school.&rdquo;</p>
<p class="Style1">Benjamin joined air cadets in October of 2017 because he was interested in a military-like environment. &ldquo;Getting to work alongside like-minded people while we develop and grow progressively over the years,&rdquo; was the best part of the cadet program, he explained.</p>
<p class="Style1">Air cadets have opportunities to participate in flight activities and select senior cadets may even be chosen to obtain their glider or power pilot licence. Whether earning a glider pilot licence or private pilot licence, these cadets wear their wings with pride.</p>
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<p class="Style1">The cadet program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 and develops confident, self-sufficient leaders who form lasting friendships and are engaged in their communities. Air Cadets learn about aviation technologies, air crew survival, and how to fly.</p>
<p class="Style1">Adults are also needed to help train, administer and supervise the local youth involved in the cadet program. Becoming part of the cadet program is easier than you may think, it&rsquo;s a lot of fun, and the skills you learn are likely transferable to your regular employment.  No previous military or cadet experience is needed.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="Style1">Contact 624 Tisdale, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, at 306-873-3230 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:624air@cadets.gc.ca">624air@cadets.gc.ca</a>&nbsp;to find out how to get in on the fun and learning.&nbsp; Training restarts locally in September.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.sasktoday.ca/north/local-news/tisdale-cadet-pursues-flight-dreams-in-brandon-5611582">Tisdale cadet pursues flight dreams in Brandon - SaskToday.ca</a></p>

Tisdale Cadet Pursues Flight Dreams in Brandon

<p>The SKACL was pleased to host the 2022 National Air Cadet League Annual General Meeting in Saskatoon earlier this month. ACL members from coast-to-coast convened to discuss administrative and legal details, to help support the Air Cadet Program in Canada.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In addition to meetings and discussions, guests were invited to explore all that Saskatoon has to offer. Our visitors explored everything from Wanuskewin Heritage Park, to the famed rRemai Art Gallery. To wrap things up and celebrate, the SKACL hosted a banquet at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum, where guests enjoyed a Ukrainian meal while surrounded by vintage and historical aircraft!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We are proud to have played host to such a successful, in-person event!</p>

SKACL Hosts National Air Cadet League AGM

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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e8bn0-0-0"><span data-offset-key="e8bn0-0-0">Awards from our 2021 SKACL Annual General Meeting! </span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4rrut-0-0"><span data-offset-key="4rrut-0-0">107 Spitfire Squadron Saskatoon Provincial Certificate of Recognition to the </span>107 Officers presented by Larry Sinnett.</div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="belg8-0-0"><span data-offset-key="belg8-0-0">797 K of C Lanigan Squadron Provincial Citation of Recognition presented by Larry Sinnett.</span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fjmvf-0-0"><span data-offset-key="fjmvf-0-0">Provincial Director Kari Eidsness-Hodges SKACL Certificate of Recognition presented by Larry Sinnett.</span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4atv2-0-0"><span data-offset-key="4atv2-0-0">Director Larry Sinnett SKACL Director of the Year presented by Kari Eidsness-Hodges.</span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4suao-0-0"><span data-offset-key="4suao-0-0">Congratulations!</span></div>
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Awards from 2021 SKACL AGM

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Squadron you belonged to as a cadet: #</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">43 RCSCC </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Impregnable</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Regina SK</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Squadron or gliding site you currently serve: </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Officer Commanding Central Prairie Area&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What is one of your most memorable moments either as a cadet or working with cadets?&nbsp;</span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">The highlight of my years spent as a Sea Cadet in the &rsquo;70s was being granted the privilege of attending a ship deployment in HMCS </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Saskatchewan</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with the Royal Canadian Navy. This deployment, when I was in Grade 10 in High School, integrated me in the Deck Department (seamanship) in the Ship on a training cruise down the west coast of North America.&nbsp; Manning the distance line on RAS (Replenishment at Sea) in 40-foot seas where the spray freezes on contact with your body or relaying ammunition from the ship&rsquo;s magazine to the 3&rdquo; gun on the destroyer, and seeing ports in the United States and Mexico were incredible experiences for a prairie guy of 16 years of age.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Can you tell us about your career?&nbsp;</span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">I joined the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) at the age of 19 and have worked extensively with all three elements, Army Cadet Corps and Sea Cadet Corps in Regina, and Air Cadet Summer Training Centres during the summer months.&nbsp; For the last 30 years, I have been employed by the Regional Cadet Support Unit out of Winnipeg in a variety of positions such as: Provincial Music, Marksmanship, and Biathlon Coordinator, Regional Cadet Music Advisor, Regional Common Training Officer, Training Support Officer, Officer in Charge Common Training, Administration Officer, and for the past five years, the Officer Commanding the Cadet Program in Central Prairie Area.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What skills have you learned through cadets?&nbsp;</span>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a shy young man, the Cadet program has helped me find my voice.&nbsp; My confidence to speak to, and lead groups of people of a variety of backgrounds is directly attributable to my time as a cadet.&nbsp; Additionally, my time as a cadet taught me how to analyze problems and implement action plans to solve issues.&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What advice do you have for current or future cadets?&nbsp;</span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Take advantage of every opportunity that you can within the Air Cadet Program and don&rsquo;t be in a hurry to choose employment over learning as a cadet.&nbsp; You have your whole life to work, but you can only participate in cadet courses until you are 19. Also, don&rsquo;t assume that your desire to participate is enough to earn the spot.&nbsp; You must put a great deal of effort into earning your positions and that, in and of itself, carries an obligation to &ldquo;give something back&rdquo; in some way to Canadian Society.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What types of volunteer service do you do in your community?&nbsp;</span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Being a Sea Cadet and a Gold Award holder of the Duke of Edinburgh&rsquo;s Award has instilled in me the need to continually offer my time and talent to my community in many ways.&nbsp; I have been a volunteer with the ALS Society of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, canvassed for the Heart and Stroke Fund and the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal served on church parish and synod councils, and community band boards in Winnipeg and Saskatoon.&nbsp; I am currently the Treasurer of the Saskatoon Brass Band and the Vice President of the Duke of Edinburgh&rsquo;s Award in Saskatchewan.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What was the most important lesson cadets taught you?</span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">None of your perceived obstacles in your life (physical, social, financial, emotional) will stand in your way of achieving what you want if you are prepared to work hard for that goal.&nbsp; The world doesn&rsquo;t owe you a fulfilling life, but you do owe something to the world and every small contribution you make to make your community a better place, makes the world a better place.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What advice would you give adults wanting to volunteer with cadets or become an officer?</span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Being an Officer in the Cadet Instructor Cadre has given me an extraordinary life full of diverse experiences.&nbsp; All of you who enroll in the CIC will be able to contribute to society in ways that are becoming more critical with the challenges that we are facing on the globe in the years ahead. Indeed, you will have opportunities of service that I can&rsquo;t even predict, but I know that society NEEDS what our program has to offer and they also NEED you to serve.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

Spotlight Lieutenant-Commander Alan W, Cann

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Squadron you belonged to as a cadet: #107 Spitfire RCACS</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Can you tell us about your career?&nbsp;</span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">I am currently finishing a 16-month internship at Calian, Advanced Technologies (formerly SED Systems) where I am helping to design and implement satellite management and communications systems. Currently, I am involved with developing a system that</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;will manage a new pair of satellites to provide internet connectivity to homes, ships, and airplanes in the arctic regions for services such as in-flight WiFi. I enjoy working with a close-knit team (and sometimes people from other teams), to create products impacting millions of people on an international scale.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><br /><br /></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What is one of your most memorable moments either as a cadet or working with cadets?&nbsp;</span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">My first solo - in a glider at Gimli. It was a surreal experience. With all the flight training we completed beforehand, nothing could compare to being in the air, at 2,000 feet, by myself.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><br /><br /></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What are your personal passions/ interests?&nbsp;</span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">With university courses starting again in September, I&rsquo;m trying to maximize &ldquo;fun time&rdquo; over the summer. I enjoy playing sports, especially Tennis and Squash, and gliding recreationally at the Saskatoon Soaring Club.&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><br /><br /></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What advice do you have for current or future cadets?&nbsp;</span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dream big and take advantage of the opportunities around you, which are everywhere - especially within the Air Cadet program. It is truly unique, with no comparable programs available anywhere in the world considering the scale, funding, and resources available to all youth in Canada. I truly believe that the Air Cadet program is a program of opportunity, so work hard with dedication and commitment, and enjoy!</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What training camps/ courses did you complete as a cadet?&nbsp;</span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Basic Aviation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Advanced Aerospace</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Glider Pilot Scholarship</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Power Pilot Scholarship</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">International Air Cadet Exchange</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

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