History

Cadet Program

The Air Cadet program was supported by the Air Cadet League in 1941 when a group of civilian volunteers set up a countrywide voluntary organization to help stimulate an interest in flying and aviation. Many cadets eventually entered wartime service with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Following the end of the war, the Air Cadet program remained in place. Its role changed to meet the changing needs of society and its young people. 

803 History

Plans were under way as early as January 1971 to form a squadron of Air Cadets in the Pierrefonds, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Roxboro and Ste. Geneviève areas of the West Island. This squadron was to be composed of approximately fifty boys of both French and English backgrounds from the age of thirteen to eighteen years.

Three major steps had to be completed before recruiting could begin:

  1. An official charter had to be received from the Air Cadet League of Canada

  2. A civilian committee had to be formed

  3. Accommodations for training were required

The St. Laurent Mount Royal Rotarians were the sponsors of this newly formed squadron. Word was received by Mr. Murphy, the first Chairman of the Civilian Committee, that the Canadian Forces Headquarters had approved the formation of our squadron. The charter was issued on May 26, 1971 in the name of "803 North Shore Rotary Squadron Canadian Air Cadets".

Several training sites were considered and the present location was chosen. Since 1971, Riverdale High School in Pierrefonds has been the home of 803 Squadron. Training of cadets started in the fall of 1971 under Captain Frank Hofmann and a corps of well qualified staff. In 1973, 803 Squadron began accepting young ladies between thirteen and eighteen years of age; a full two years before the Air Cadet League officially sanctioned their general acceptance in local squadrons.

Sponsorship changed in 1975 to the Royal Canadian Legion, General Vanier Branch 234 in Roxboro. The squadron then became known as the "803 North Shore Sabre Squadron". Its current logo and squadron crest was the result of a competition among cadets at the time. 

2023/24 Annual Ceremonial Review

Awards, Recognitions, and Parade Positions

  • Description: The Strathcona Foundation was created in 1909.  Lord Strathcona, high commissioner for Canada in London at the time, was interested in improving physical conditioning and developing intellectual activity by encouraging self-discipline, citizenship and patriotism among the youth.  To that end, he established the Foundation bearing his name.

    In 1923, the organisation had a medal struck to be presented to the most meritorious cadet in each Squadron.  The medal is the highest distinction that a cadet can earn at his unit, for distinguishing himself among his peers and contributing personally in his community.

    Recipient: Warrant Officer First Class Arshita Malik

  • Description: The medal of excellence is awarded by the Royal Canadian Legion to the cadet who has demonstrated a sense of outstanding citizenship and for implication in the life of the community.  This medal is awarded to recognize that effort and to enhance the aims and objectives of the cadet program.

    Recipient: Warrant Officer Second Class Tyler Holbis

  • Corporal Lorie Agopian

  • Description: This cadet has participated in  all Squadron sport activities, such as sports nights and the soccer tournament, and has demonstrated the true qualities of a leader in the sports domain. They are highly skilled in every sport they play, and have the competencies to effectively lead a team.

    Recipient: Sergeant Gabriel Fajardo Romano

  • Description: This cadet has shown astute skill in the playing of the clarinet woodwind instrument, and has always effectively played their musical pieces to perfection. This cadet has surely displayed the competencies of an ideal cadet musician, whose talent is immeasurable.

    Recipient: Flight Sergeant Lucy Guo

  • Description: This cadet has been indispensable to the marksmanship team, whose positive attitude, coaching ability and enthusiasm has proven effective to the teams success. They have always been a reliable cadet, who prides themself on sharing their marksmanship knowledge and skills to aid their team members.

    Recipient: Corporal Sophie Zhang

  • Description: Since a level one cadet, they have always expressed exceptional knowledge centering aviation, and have obtained excellent assessments in terms of ground school evaluations. This cadet is on the right path on becoming a future pilot, and we will continuously support them in their endeavors on obtaining their pilot wings.

    Recipient: Sergeant Pranjwal Singh

  • Description: This cadet has been the most enthusiastic, and highly dedicated individual in the drill team, and has always improved each practice. We hope that they continue in their drill training.

    Recipient: Flight Corporal Julian Bruneau

  • Description: This cadet has proved themselves to be highly motivated and dedicated towards the air cadet program and holds an excellent attendance rate of 90%. They have been highly implicated in the squadron, spanning from volunteering and participating in Squadron activities. They have performed well in all of them. They also communicate effectively with their peers and have shown great promise in being an effective future senior staff member.

    Recipient: Leading Air Cadet Lorie Agopian

  • Description: This cadet has had the top attendance rate of their group, and has always communicated effectively with their peers. They are always curious and budding with questions, and are always participating in classes. This cadet also participates in many squadron extracurriculars, such as the squadron band and sports.

    Recipient: Corporal Bahia Facchini

  • Description: This cadet has been excelling since the beginning of the training year. They have had the highest attendance of their level, always having a positive attitude and displaying excellent leadership skills. This cadet had also done an outstanding job without difficulty in their teaching evaluation to their peers.

    Recipient: Sergeant Whitney Ngongang

  • Description: This cadet has been excelling since the beginning of the training year. They have had the highest attendance of their level, always having a positive attitude and displaying excellent leadership skills. This cadet had also done an outstanding job without difficulty in their teaching evaluation to their peers.

    Recipient: Flight Corporal Devin Gao

  • Warrant Officer First Class Arshita Malik

  • Warrant Officer Second Class Tyler Holbis

  • Warrant Officer Second Class Xander Derix

  • Warrant Officer Second Class Mya Fajardo-Romano

  • Flight Sergeant Jia Li Jiang

  • Flight Corporal Ananya Dwivedy

  • Sergeant Pranjwal Singh

  • Sergeant Jennifer Sun

  • Corporal Bahia Fachini

  • Corporal Skyla Derix

  • Flight Corporal Felic Feng

  • Leading Air Cadet Hand Kouaty

  • Flight Sergeant Lucy Guo

  • Flight Corporal Syona Bouchard

2022/23 ACR Awards & Recognitions

  • Flight Sergeant Mya Fajardo-Romano

  • Warrant Officer 2nd Class Eveline Liu

  • LAC Lorie Agopian

  • Corporal Devin Gao

  • Corporal Jennifer Sun

  • Flight Sergeant Xander Derix

  • Warrant Officer 2nd Class Ivan Kushpita

  • Flight Sergeant Mya Fajardo-Romano

  • Corporal Felic Feng

  • Flight Sergeant Mya Fajardo-Romano

  • Flight Corporal Jian Li Jiang

  • Leading Air Cadet Lorie Agopian