October 24, 2020
PEI Provincial Air Cadet League award winners receive provincial and national recognition
Charlottetown – The PEI Provincial Air Cadet League recently celebrated achievements during the 2019-2020 training year at the 77th annual general meeting. This year marked the first time that the meeting was held virtually, and included representatives from all four island air cadet squadrons in attendance. Top PEI Squadron was awarded to Summerside’s 53 C.E. Monty DFC Squadron and Top PEI Air Cadet was received by Cadet Warrant Officer Second Class Connor Costain, also of 53 C.E. Monty DFC Squadron.
In 1953, the Department of National Defense instituted the National Director of the Year scroll. Since that time, it has been presented annually to a Member of the Air Cadet League of Canada in appreciation for the meritorious manner in which the person has stimulated interest in the Air Cadet Movement through service to the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The President of the League annually recommends a nomination to the Chief of the Defense Staff for his approval. This year the PEI Provincial Air Cadet League was honored to announce such a reward to one of our own in Prince Edward Island, Mr. Russell Gallant of Tignish who serves on the National Board of Governors as well as the PEI Provincial Air Cadet League. In addition, PEI Provincial Madam Chair Kendra Mellish crafted and presented a “quilt of dedication” to Mr. Gallant as a token of appreciation for his ultimate dedication to the Air Cadet program since 1960.
641 West Prince Squadron was recognized with a National Presidential Certificate; one of four squadrons from across Canada to receive this award. This year, it recognizes the efforts of the Squadron Staffs and Sponsoring Committees in providing creative and innovative at-home programs to keep cadets engaged during the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic.
National Certificates of Merit were presented to Mr. Dan Miller of 60 Confederation Squadron Charlottetown Sponsoring Committee and Mr. Bob Gaudet of 641 West Prince Squadron Sponsoring Committee. This award recognizes a recipient’s meritorious service for a specific project and contribution to their respective Squadron and Provincial League.
National Certificates of Recognition acknowledge an individual or organization who has made a unique and significant contribution that has benefited Air Cadets specifically, and the Air Cadet Movement overall. This year’s recipients were:
- Captain Sarah Handrahan, Commanding Officer, 641 West Prince Squadron
- Alec Blue, PEI Provincial Air Cadet League
- Stephanie Kinch, Sponsoring Committee Chair, 641 West Prince Squadron
- Roy Pedersen, Sponsoring Committee member, 641 West Prince Squadron
- Susan Harris, Sponsoring Committee member, 53 C.E. Monty DFC Squadron
- Stacey Newell, Sponsoring Committee Chair, 327 Southern Kings Squadron
- Nancy York, Sponsoring Committee member, 327 Southern Kings Squadron
- Harvey McDonald, Sponsoring Committee member, 327 Southern Kings Squadron
- Rhonda MacLeod, Montague Legion Ladies Auxiliary for supporting 327 Southern Kings Squadron
- Montague Legion for supporting of 327 Southern Kings Squadron
- Montague Lions Club for supporting of 327 Southern Kings Squadron
For more information:
Provincial Chair Kendra Mellish
E-Mail: volunteersaircadetleaguepei@gmail.com