Penticton 259 Air Cadets Annual Ceremonial Review, Awards, and AppreciationPress Release June 4, 2026

The Penticton 259 Air Cadet Squadron held their Annual Ceremonial Review on May 30^th, 2026.   This event was a formal parade and public showcase where cadets demonstrated the skills, drill, and discipline they have learned over the past year to families, friends, and dignitaries. This year’s event was held at TopFlight on Airport Rd.  The event was overseen by Reviewing Officer Julius Bloomfield, Mayor of Penticton; Department of National Defence representative LCdr. Geoffrey Gaucher, CD; Air Cadet League representative Retired Lt. Col. Tom Iannella; and Commanding Officer of the 259 Squadron Lieutenant (N) Norman Cole.

The 259 Panther Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron has been proudly serving Penticton and surrounding area since 1943. The Cadets program offers a free nationally recognized program to all youths aged 12 - 18. The Royal Canadian Air Cadet Program has 3 aims: To develop citizenship skills in youth, to promote physical fitness; and, to instill interest in the air element.

Three prestigious awards were handed out at this year’s Annual Ceremonial Review.  

The Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Cadet Medal of Excellence is awarded in recognition to an individual’s endeavors in citizenship that meet or enhance the aims and objectives of the cadet movement. This year’s recipient was Sergeant (Sgt.) Lucian Moore.

The Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Memorial, most commonly referred to as the Lord Strathcona Medal, is the highest award which can be bestowed upon a cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training. This year’s recipient was Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2) Megasre Arunan.

The Lou Hohenadel – Esprit de corps Award is a synonym for words like morale, comradeship, and purpose. In its strictest sense, it is applied only to military groups, who together form a sense of purpose and comradeship. This award is presented to the cadet(s) who exemplifies the qualities set out above, and is gifted in memory of Lou Hohenadel. This year’s recipient was Leading Air Cadet (LAC) Miguel Miller.

There are currently approximately 55 youth participating in the local 259 Air Cadet Squadron. The cadets partake in highly visible community events including the Remembrance Day ceremonies, poppy drives, the Santa parade, and at Peachfest assisting the Skyhawks.

When not in the public eye some of the programs offered in addition to regular training include aviation training (both glider and powered pilot), drill team and flag party, leadership, effective speaking, band, first aid, Marksmanship, community service, and summer camp training. 

If you have a youth between the ages of 12 and 18 interested in joining the 259 Air Cadet Squadron, our next intake is Tuesday September 8, 2026.   Cadets meet for regular training every Tuesday from 6:15pm - 9:00 pm and then have additional optional training on Sunday afternoons. You can learn more about the program and the many ways it can develop your youth at our website https://www.259aircadets.ca

The 259 Air Cadet Squadron are very gracious for much appreciated support from The City of Penticton, The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen, The Penticton Legion, The Feedway, Aveng Aero, Fortis BC, Kiwanis Club of Penticton, Valley First Credit Union, The Penticton Firefighters Charitable Society, The Penticton Vee’s Foundation, and TopFlight. 

If your company or service club is interested in hearing a presentation from one of our youth leaders or to learn more about the program or for sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to us by email at 259air@cadets.gc.ca or visit us at https://www.259aircadets.ca

Photo Credits to Ben Johnson