23 Optimist Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

#pinktshirtday #bekind

#bellletstalkday

To Learn, To Serve, To Advance #throwback #23sqn ( all photos were taken when in-person training was permitted)

We are definitely missing seeing everyone’s wonderful faces in person! #throwback to our last training night of 2020! #23sqn #smiles #livingthedream ( all photos were taken when in-person training was permitted)

#throwback #23sqn ( all photos were taken when in-person training was permitted)

Tag the Commander @Comd_CJCR on Instagram and share the cards you are sending, or drop them in the comments below. Can we beat the challenge of 2000?

On behalf of 23 Squadron, we would like to thank WO2 Margaret Mary Boom for your hard work and dedication to the squadron. Your positive leadership, tenacity and passion will truly be missed. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours. #boom #anavets #bravozulu #womenempowerment #23sqn

On behalf of 23 Squadron, we would like to thank WO2 Samuel Hughes for your hard work and dedication to the squadron. Your dynamic lessons, positive example and humour will be truly missed! We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours. #23sqn #bravozulu #graduate #dco

Congratulations to WO1 Owen Hunter recipient of the Shelley-Downes Commanding Officer’s Award presented to the Cadet Squadron Commander for their superior leadership performance, initiative and excellent drill, dress and deportment #23sqn #bravozulu #chief #cadetgraduate #winnergagnon #acrawards (all photos were taken when in-person training was permitted)

Unfortunately due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the Niagara Region, our Squadron is not permitted to meet in-person until further notice. We are so grateful that we had a chance to celebrate our Graduates this past Monday night. Stay tuned for virtual opportunities to connect!

Congratulations WO2 Hughes recipient of the Civil Air Rescue Service Trophy presented to the Top Instructor #acrawards #bravozulu #cadetgraduate #aircadets #23sqn (all photos were taken when in-person training was permitted)

23 Remembers #23sqn #wearapoppy #lestweforget #remembranceday #canada #aircadets #throwbackphoto

Congratulations FSgt Shaniya Patrick recipient of the Captain Wendy Ross, CD Award presented to the Top Senior Cadet, and the May Band Trophy presented to the Top Band Member. #bravozulu #acrawards #winnergagnon #23sqn (all photos were taken when in-person training was permitted)

From timid and shy to outgoing and confident a cadet diagnosed with mild autism was promoted to the second-highest rank, proving that a positive attitude gets... you positive results. Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Vika Mazumdar from 2344 Algonquin RCACC was recently promoted to a senior leadership position at her unit, an accomplishment that she never dreamed of achieving. Diagnosed with mild autism, MWO Mazumdar had a hard time fitting in. Having immigrated from India at a young age, she often had trouble making new friends and having positive experiences at school. This all changed when she was introduced to the #CadetProgram! At first, MWO Mazumdar was hesitant to join cadets, but with some extra guidance and advice from her parents and mentors, she decided to step out of her comfort zone and give it a try. After only a few months, she fell in love with it. From not wanting to go to competitions, participate on overnight Field Training Exercises, and overall having a difficult time interacting with her fellow cadets, MWO Mazumdar now finds herself in a leadership role at the unit. She is now responsible for providing leadership and mentorship to all her junior cadets. I always said that the cadet program is not a place where we should set limits on what children can do as they have such enormous potential waiting to be discovered, said Lt Nathalie Lessard, one of MWO Mazumdar’s biggest mentors. The collage of pictures below was provided by Lt Lessard, highlighting MWO Mazumdars time at cadets. As you may have noticed, you can not find one picture where she doesn't have a smile stretching from cheek to cheek. Cadets learn to work as a team and become part of the bigger picture where you make friends for a lifetime cadets feel that they can be themselves without judgement Lt Lessard continued. #BravoZulu on your accomplishments MWO Mazumdar! Continue to show others what the #CadetProgram is all about and what you can accomplish if you step out of your comfort zone and set your mind to it.

Congratulations WO2 Chen recipient of the Lord Strathcona Medal #bravozulu #winnergagnon #lordstrathcona #acrawards #23sqn... (all photos were taken when in-person training was permitted)

Don’t Forget to Wear a Poppy (See Illustrations Below) #RemembranceDay #LestWeForget #23sqn #poppy

Congratulations to FSgt Dale Setford recipient of the Belfry Award presented to the Top Marksman Team Member #bravozulu #acrawards #cadetgraduate #winnergagnon #23sqn (all photos were taken when in person training was permitted)

Congratulations to Sgt Hughes recipient of the Legion Medal of Excellence #bravozulu #legionmedal #aircadets #acrawards #winnergagnon #23sqn (this photo was taken when in person training was permitted)