It was an exciting time for Abbotsford as the city welcomed its very own Air Cadet Squadron in September of 1978. The birth of this Squadron was marked by a special advertisement in the MSA Newspaper named “Air Cadets taking off.” This new group of Royal Canadian Air Cadets began by meeting and training in the Abbotsford Airport. The advertisement outlines who can qualify as a member listing that it is meant for both boys and girls aged 13-19. It is interesting to note that this advertisement clarifies it is for both males and females instead of generally advertising it to the youth. This alludes to gender roles present at that time which may lead the general public to believe that this program is meant for boys.
The Air Cadets were also introduced to the people of Abbotsford on a TV special on the MSA Cable. This show appeared on September 7, 1978 at 7:00 pm. This TV special introduced this new program to the city explaining how “young people [will] learn and find enjoyment in the air cadet program.” The program has a squadron commanding officer, administrative officers and even a Canadian Forces officer.
Although the program was launched in 1978, it seems as though the registration and engagement with the program began to pick-up four years later in 1982. An advertisement in the newspaper promotes the air cadets program registration and speaks about holding their “first meeting” on Wednesday, September 8, 1982.
It is important to note that in addition to Air Cadets in Abbotsford, there were also Army Cadets and Sea Cadets programs in Abbotsford or neighbouring cities. The Abbotsford Air Cadets focused on aviation skills and general skills such as leadership that are taught within all cadet programs.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What caused the need to start the Air Cadet program in the city of Abbotsford?
- Was the beginning of this program responded to with enthusiasm from the city?