754 ACR Booklet

754 PHOENIX SQUADRON

Royal Canadian Air Cadets

59th Annual Ceremonial Review

2 June 2024

Ceremonial Reviewing Party

Reviewing Officer - Major Greg Dowler

Commanding Officer – Captain Yui-Chung (Billy) Wong

BCPC League Inspector – Ms. Carol Lee

SSC Chairperson – Ms. Joanne Chong

Cadet Squadron Commander – WO1 Sheera Peetosutan

PLEASE NOTE:

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

Master of Ceremonies

FSgt Suoh Min

All spectators are requested to stand where denoted (**). Photographs may be taken when it does not interfere with the inspection/parade.

Spectators to be seated by 12:45 pm

FALL IN

** MARCH ON THE FLAGS

** ARRIVAL OF REVIEWING OFFICER

** GENERAL SALUTE

** PLAYING OF ‘O CANADA’

INSPECTION OF SQUADRON BY REVIEWING PARTY

** MARCH PAST

SQUADRON DEMONSTRATIONS

AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS

ADDRESS BY REVIEWING OFFICER

ADDRESS BY AIR CADET LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVE

ADDRESS BY COMMANDING OFFICER

** ADVANCE IN REVIEW ORDER

** GENERAL SALUTE

** PLAYING OF ‘GOD SAVE THE QUEEN’

** DEPARTURE OF REVIEWING OFFICER

** MARCH OFF THE FLAGS

FALL OUT

Parents and guests are invited to view the Static Displays and join us for refreshments in the cafeteria which is adjacent to the school main entrance doors. Officers and Cadets will be available to answer any questions.

ACR CADET PARADE POSITIONS

Squadron Commander WO1 Peetosutan, Sheera

Squadron Deputy Commander WO2 Bautista, Ian

Squadron Warrant Officer WO2 Aw-Yeong, Jade

Flag Party Commander WO2 Li, Michelle

Drum Major WO2 Ly, Elva

Harvard Flight Commander FSgt Morzhakova, Yuliya

Harvard Flight Sergeant FSgt Bautista, Jack

Hurricane Flight Commander FSgt Kachchakaduge, Dheera

Hurricane Flight Sergeant FSgt Shi, Kity

Lancaster Flight Commander FSgt Bi, Samuel

Lancaster Flight Sergeant FSgt Desai, Anushree

Spitfire Flight Commander FSgt Kim, Aiden

Spitfire Flight Sergeant FSgt Kim, Joseph

7 5 4 P h o e n i x S q u a d r o n 2 0 2 32 0 2 4

BIOGRAPHY

REVIEWING OFFICER

Major Greg Dowler

Major Dowler first joined the cadet program in September of 1989 as a member of 828 “Hurricane” Squadron in Tsawwassen, BC. He remained as a member of 828 Squadron for 6 years, graduating as a Warrant Officer First Class in November of 1995. In addition to being appointed the Cadet Squadron Commander at 828 Squadron, he was awarded three scholarship courses, including both a glider pilot and power pilot scholarship.

Major Dowler enrolled in the Cadet Instructors Cadre in May 1997 as an Officer with 692 BCIT Aerospace Squadron. In 1997, he completed the Glider Pilot Instructors course, and spent two summers in Comox BC, teaching cadets from across the province to fly gliders. Major Dowler remained with 692 Squadron until 1999 when he took a temporary leave from the cadet program to complete a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Northern British Columbia. In 2004, he returned to 692 BCIT Aerospace Squadron, and during the next few years, held positions such as Supply Officer, Training Officer, Range Safety Officer, and Deputy Commanding Officer. Major Dowler was first appointed as Commanding Officer of 692 BCIT Aerospace Squadron in September of 2008. In June 2012, Major Dowler assumed command of 819 Skyhawk Squadron in North Delta. In September 2015, Major Dowler became the Commanding Officer of 907 Black Knights Squadron in South Surrey, BC. Following that, in September 2018, Major Dowler became the Commanding Officer of 655 Richmond Squadron in Richmond, BC. During his 4-year tenure at 655 Squadron, Major Dowler led the Squadron through the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting to full virtual, and eventually hybrid training.

In September of 2022, Major Dowler assumed command of 692 BCIT Aerospace Squadron for the second time. The 2023-2024 training year marks Major Dowler’s 16th consecutive year as a Commanding Officer. In April 2024, Major Dowler was appointed to the position of Area Elemental Advisor (Air) for the Lower Mainland Area. In addition to these duties, Major Dowler is also a Standards Officer supporting the National Training Establishment (NTE). In this role, Major Dowler ensures that the highest quality instruction is provided to the adult military staff that deliver the cadet program across Canada.

Major Dowler lives happily in Tsawwassen, BC with his two children, Sarah (22) and Miles (19). He is currently employed as an Outside Vendor Supply Chain Manager with MTU Maintenance Canada, located at Boundary Bay Airport in Delta.

Air Cadet League of Canada

British Columbia Provincial Committee

Carol Lee

Carol Lee was born and raised in Surrey, BC.Her post secondary education involved science studies at Kwantlen College, Surrey, followed by graduation from the Dental Hygiene Diploma Program at the University of Alberta in 1987.Carol has worked as a Dental Hygienist in General Practice Dentistry ever since.

Carol’s journey with the Air Cadet Program started in 2005 when her oldest son, at 12 years old, joined 754 Phoenix Squadron in Port Moody. Wanting to support her son and the squadron, Carol volunteered in small ways whenever she could.

As her two younger children eventually joined air cadets, Carol became more involved with 754 Phoenix Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC), serving on the board of directors for eight years from 2011 to 2019. During her time on the board, she served as secretary for two years and chairperson for four years.

As well, Carol was involved in the joint effort between 754 Phoenix RCACS and SSC in the formation of 808 Coquitlam Squadron (chartered in 2016), the newest air cadet squadron in the growing Tri-Cities region. She received a Certificate of Merit from the Air Cadet League of Canada, British Columbia Provincial Committee (ACLC, BCPC) in acknowledgement of her contributions to this endeavour.

In April 2020, Carol’s youngest child aged out of the air cadet program. Witnessing the value of the Cadet Program to her three children and youth across Canada, and desiring to continue her support of the Air Cadet Program in BC, Carol joined the ACLC, BCPC in May 2020. Carol feels privileged to have the opportunity to support squadron sponsoring committees in her region as a league representative.

COMMANDING OFFICER

Captain Billy Wong

Captain Billy Wong started as an Air Cadet in 2001 at 754 Phoenix Squadron in Port Moody, BC. He actively participated in many squadron activities, including Band, Drill Team, and Field Training Exercises. In the summers, he had the opportunity to complete the Senior Leaders Course, a National Summer Training Course, and to be employed as a Staff Cadet. He aged out of the squadron as the Warrant Officer First Class in 2009.

After a hiatus, Captain Wong returned to volunteer with 754 Phoenix in 2011. For two years, he took on the role as Level Officer and Assistant Band Officer.

After getting his passion rekindled, he enrolled into the Cadet Instructor Cadre and was attested in 2013. During his time at 754 Phoenix, he held various positions, including Band Officer and Training Officer. In the summer, he was employed as a Flight Commander (2015-2018) and Course Officer (2019) at Albert Head Cadet Training Centre. On September 2023, he officially assumed the position of Commanding Officer for 754 Phoenix.

Throughout the year, Captain Wong plays the Tuba for the New West District Band. On his spare time, he enjoys playing video games, going camping, and skiing in the local mountains.

COMMANDING OFFICER’S MESSAGE

It has been a journey throughout my cadet career, but I had never imagined that I would be the CO of the squadron where I was once a cadet. I have come to a full circle, and it is an honour to guide those who were once in my situation.

A lot of changes were implemented this year, and I want to commend the cadets and officers for persevering throughout the year. Many previously suspended activities were reinstated this year, making it a very hectic year. I am pleased to see all our Teams grow this year, and I hope to see most of the cadets continue again next year.

There were many challenges, but most of them resulted in a rewarding success. Congratulations to Cpl Anthony Nigro for achieving Bronze in the Metro Vancouver Wing Effective Speaking Competition; Sgt Emilie Shin for getting Top Drill Team Captain in the Fraser Valley and Fraser River Drill Team Competition; and to our Competition Band for winning First Place in C Division!

Thank you to the Senior NCOs. Your hard work and commitment to the squadron is what makes the squadron succeed. I am proud of what you have accomplished this year. Thank you to my staff and volunteers for your continual support. Your dedication ensures that the squadron can continue to flourish. You have my deepest gratitude. Thank you to Ms. Joanne Chong and the members and volunteers of the SSC. The squadron would not be running efficiently without your support, and I appreciate all your efforts.

Thank you for making this a memorable first year as CO of 754 Phoenix. I look forward to seeing everyone in September!

Captain Billy Wong

Commanding Officer

754 RCACS

SQUADRON STAFF

Commanding Officer Captain Billy Wong

Training Officer Captain Dave Angst

Administration Officer Captain Scott Miklossy

Activity Training Officer Captain Philip Ko

Training Support Officer 2nd Lieutenant Monica Hsieh

Supply Officer Civilian Instructor Yolanda Tan

Band Officer Volunteer Kaiser Chen

Assistant Administration Officer Volunteer Melissa Choi

Assistant Supply Officer Volunteer Peter Inden

Level One Officer Volunteer Parker Lee

Level Three Officer Volunteer Yucella Liu

Level Four Officer Volunteer Azaly Addam

SQUADRON SPONSORING COMMITTEE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairperson Joanne Chong

Vice Chairperson Jorge Tabares

Treasurer Maggie Gao

Secretary Cynthia Schwengers

DIRECTORS

Sonia Lau

Lorie Luo

Suresh Pudasaini

Stephanie Tian

Jessica Zhu

BIOGRAPHY

SQUADRON SPONSORING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

Joanne Chong is a individual with a rich background that spans continents and professions. Originally from Malaysia, she embarked on a journey of exploration and education that led her to Canada in 2002. Pursuing her passion for computer science, Joanne earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Ottawa, laying the foundation for a successful career in technology. She is obsessed with SQL queries and data analysis.

Settling in beautiful British Columbia, Joanne continued her career in the tech industry. Alongside her career, Joanne is a devoted mother to two daughters who are actively involved in the air cadet program, sparking her own passion for volunteerism within the squadron community.

Since her eldest daughter's enrollment in 754 Phoenix in 2018, Joanne has been an integral part of the squadron's volunteer team. In 2019, she was appointed to the Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC) board of directors. Serving as Treasurer for two years, Joanne was then appointed to the role of Chairperson.

Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Joanne finds joy in travel, where she makes memories with her family. She delights in creative pursuits that add warmth and joy to her life and those around her. With her diverse experiences and enthusiasm, Joanne continues to uplift those in her community, leaving a lasting impact wherever she goes.

SQUADRON SPONSORING COMMITTEE

CHAIRPERSON’S MESSAGE

As we approach the end of another successful training year, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the chairperson of the sponsoring committee for the third consecutive year. It's been an incredible journey, and I am honored to have been a part of this dedicated community.

In our 59th year, I am thrilled to witness the engagement of our cadets in our weekly training activities. From engaging in aviation activities to promoting healthy living and fostering leadership skills, our cadets have embraced many opportunities for growth. Through extracurricular teams and activities such as drill, band, effective speaking, gliding, and familiarization flying, they have gained valuable life skills that will serve them well beyond the squadron. Moreover, our squadron has been busy with various sports activities, including volleyball, hiking, curling, and snowshoeing, creating a healthy competitive spirit among our cadets.

I extend my gratitude to our dedicated officers for their unwavering commitment to the development of our cadets and our squadron. Your time and dedication are truly appreciated.

A heartfelt thank you also goes out to all the parents who have generously volunteered their time and support. Your contributions have been instrumental in the success of our squadron.

As we head into the summer months, take some well-deserved time to relax and recharge. Let's reconvene in September, refreshed and reenergized, ready to embark on another year filled with growth, achievement, and enjoyment.

Wishing you all a wonderful summer ahead!

Warm regards,

Joanne Chong

Chairperson

CADET SQUADRON COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

As I approach my seventh, and final year as a cadet, I would like to extend my deepest gratitudes to the members of 754 Phoenix Squadron and our supporters. This parade not only marks the celebration of this year’s achievements, but also my age-out of the Cadet program. It has been a great honour to serve as the Squadron Commander of 754 Squadron.

Reflecting on my career as a cadet, I am reminded of the cherished memories I made in this program. Laughing (and sometimes crying) together at summer camps, competitions, and team practices. The friends you make in this program will stick with you for the rest of your life. This program has offered me amazing opportunities that others my age would not be able to partake in, including staying at Canadian Forces bases, co-piloting small engine aircraft, rigorous musical training, and obtaining qualifications and skills.

Throughout my time in this squadron, I am continually impressed by the countless hours of hard work and commitment that our members have demonstrated. From our newest recruits to our seasoned NCOs, their dedication to excellence is unmatched. Take a moment to recognize the leaders of tomorrow.

To the parents of our young leaders, I want to express my sincere appreciation. It is your guidance that has shaped the outstanding individuals that stand before you today.

I must also take a moment to recognize the invaluable contributions of the squadron staff and sponsoring committee, who are dedicated to supporting 754 Phoenix. This training year would not have been possible without them.

I wish nothing but good fortune for the future of 754. I have never felt prouder to be a cadet, thank you for everything.

WO1 Sheera Peetosutan

Squadron

Commander,

754 Phoenix Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

SQUADRON HISTORY

754 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron was activated in January 1965, as 754 Coquitlam Squadron, when approximately 15 boys enlisted. In February 1965, they became the first Air Cadet Squadron in School District #43 with 36 on strength. The name was changed to 754 Phoenix Squadron when the squadron lost everything in the Port Moody Secondary School fire of 1969. Since its inception, the squadron has been a community resource in the Tri-Cities. Local youth learn citizenship through volunteer participation in community events and endeavours, including serving our veterans at our local Royal Canadian Legions. While the Squadron started out accepting only boys, girls have been accepted since 1975.

Originally, the Squadron’s Sponsoring Committee was composed of local merchants and businessmen with a few parents. Eventually, the committee evolved into its present form of a Squadron Sponsoring Committee, a Registered Non-Profit Charity under the Society’s Act, with a board of directors composed of parent volunteers.

The Squadron’s motto is “Dare to Discover” which complements the aims of the Air Cadet Organization to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship, leadership, physical fitness and stimulate an interest in the activities of the Canadian Forces. The Squadron’s crest, the phoenix rising out of the fire (much like the Squadron after the fire of 1969), was approved by the Air Cadet League of Canada in March 2006.

Now in its 59th year, 754 Phoenix is as popular as ever with 160 cadets on strength. September brought us more than 60 new recruits who came to us, in part, because of our squadron’s reputation for providing an excellent program, including a variety of extracurricular activities. Yearly, we have a wait list of cadets desiring to join our squadron. In fact, over the past couple decades, the continued growing interest in the air cadet program in the tri-cities area has lead to the formation of two new squadrons 777 Neptune and 808 Coquitlam both originating from 754 Phoenix Squadron. The future looks bright for 754 Phoenix Squadron and the air cadet program in the tri-cities.

COOPERATIVE ROLE BETWEEN DND,

The Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL) and the Department of National Defence (DND) both support the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, a premier and beneficial youth organization. The Air Cadet program is a comprehensive program, which is run in a very organized, disciplined, and safe manner. Saying that, it is important to ensure that all volunteers are appropriately selected, well-intended, initially supervised, offer skills that add value and complement the program, and are good role models for Air Cadets.

Knowing the skills and talents of each and every volunteer and their intention towards the program is very important to the Squadron Officers, staff and Squadron Sponsoring Committee, as a good team effort produces the best results for the greater benefit of the Air Cadet Movement, or more generally, the cadet movement as a whole.

The Air Cadet League’s responsibilities for Civilian Instructors (CI) and Volunteers complement those of the DND and are more of a supporting nature. The Commanding Officer of the squadron and his or her supporting staff have command and control of the Cadets and are responsible for overall supervision of the training program that is conducted. To fulfill its responsibilities to the cadets, DND is required to conform to rulings by the Supreme Court of Canada that defined the level of care required by an organization in protecting youth under its direction. In fact, the level of care has been defined in a way that would be similar to a parent protecting their child. Saying that, it is also reasonable that our registration and screening protocols for Civilian Instructors and Volunteers meet the same standard of that of the Canadian Forces, both Regular and Reserve, as well as contracted Civilian Instructors.

AIR CADET LEAGUE OF CANADA

BRITISH COLUMBIA PROVINCIAL COMMITTEE

The Air Cadet program operates within a partnership agreement between the Department of National Defense (DND) and The Air Cadet League of Canada (ACLC), a civilian volunteer organization. The British Columbia Provincial Committee (BCPC) of the ACLC is administered by a 10-member Board of Directors. The Directors are elected by the members of BCPC at the Annual General Meeting. BCPC’s office is located at Boundary Bay Airport, Delta, and its day-to-day operations are administered by a full time Executive Director, and a part time Office Administration Clerk.

There are currently 57 Squadrons in BC, geographically grouped into 3 zones supported by Group Chairs. Each zone is then subdivided into Wings which are also supported by Wing Chairs.

The main areas of responsibility for the BCPC include:

· The formation of new squadrons.

· Providing training and support for Squadron Sponsoring Committees.

· Publicising and promoting cadet activities and programs.

· Maintaining our fleet of 6 tow planes and 12 gliders.

· Administering the Effective Speaking Program.

· Supporting the Air Cadet Foundation of British Columbia, a charitable society established to maintain and grow the Air Cadet Program in British Columbia.

NATIONAL SUMMER TRAINING COURSE AWARDS

National Summer Training Course was offered to the following cadet:

Power Pilot Training Course

WO2 Aw-Yeong, Jade

STAFF CADET POSITIONS

Cadet Training Centre (CTC) Staff Cadet positions were offered to the following cadets:

WO2 Li, Michelle (St-Jean CTC)

FSgt Cai, Gary (HMCS Quadra)

FSgt Kim, Joseph (Vernon CTC)

FSgt Min, Suoh

FSgt Ly, Toby

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

754 PHOENIX SQUADRON SPONSORING

COMMITTEE

POST-SECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS

754 Phoenix Squadron Sponsoring Committee is very pleased to present four $500 scholarships awarded to commendable grade 12 cadets for their outstanding commitment and service to 754 Phoenix Squadron. The scholarships are to be used towards post-secondary education tuition.

AWARDS

Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Medal

Selection Criteria:

Have a high level of physical fitness

Have completed three years as a cadet/JCR

Have completed all requirements of their corps/sqn/patrol training program in the year of nomination

Be regarded by peers and supervisors as exemplifying the model cadet.

Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal Of Excellence

Selection Criteria:

Met all the requirements of the squadrons annual mandatory and optional training programs.

Participated in a minimum of three community service events in addition to those supported by the cadet unit through its local corps / squadron program. Regarded by peers and superiors as exemplifying the model cadet.

Enhanced the cadet squadron

Other awards will be presented at the 754 PHOENIX SQUADRON AWARDS NIGHT on Wednesday, 5 June 2024, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Moody Elementary School

2717 St. John’s Street, Port Moody V3H2B8

Parents, please join us!

SQUADRON TEAMS

754 Phoenix band was joined with 808 Coquitlam squadron this year for band competition. They competed at the Lower Mainland Band Competition, placing first.

754 Phoenix Drill Team competed at the Fraser River/Fraser Valley zone drill competition. The drill team commander, Sgt Shin, Emilie placed first. The team placed second.

Effective Speaking - Cpl Nigro, Anthony, competed at the Metro Vancouver Wing competition. He placed third.

THANK YOU

754 Phoenix RCACS wishes to convey its sincere gratitude to:

- Sheila Rawnsley, Principal, Moody Elementary School

- Port Moody Secondary School

- School District No. 43 (Coquitlam), Facilities

- City of Port Moody, Facilities

- City of Coquitlam, Facilities

We acknowledge the financial assistance of:

- Province of British Columbia

- Department of National Defence

- Royal Canadian Legion Branch #119, Port Moody

Thank you to the following sponsors for their contributions to our squadron:

SanHe Food International Ltd. Physiozone

Parents

Thank you for the many ways you donate your time, talents, and resources to support the squadron and your cadets. 754 Phoenix Squadron would not be possible without you!

Squadron Photographers: 754 Phoenix Cadet Correspondents

Squadron Effective Speaking Competition Judges:

Stephen Kern, Cynthia Schwengers, Adrian Picard

Effective Speaking Instructor: Jorge Tabares

754 Phoenix Squadron is active from September to June and meets each Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at Moody Elementary School 2717 St John’s Street, Port Moody.

Registration for the 2024–2025 Training Year starts in September. Further information will be posted to the squadron website in August.

Please Note: Returning cadets are required to register every September, and must attend registration night with a parent/guardian to complete and sign paperwork.