Embedded Files
883 Air Commodore Leonard Birchall Squadron conducted its first parade night on 9 November 2011. The squadron opened as a result of an overwhelming number of cadets at 351 Silver Star Squadron in Unionville. 883 started with an amazing 53 Cadets and 8 Staff members parading at Randall Public School and now currently parades at Middlefield Collegiate Institute in Markham, ON. With the help of the official sponsor, The Markham Lions Club, the squadron began their successful journey.
During the first year of operation, the squadron became heavily involved within the local community, participating and assisting with various events and activities while attempting to recruit as many new cadets as possible. Just to name a few, 883 participated in the Markham Remembrance Day Ceremony, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind’s Auction Dinner, and Markham’s Santa Claus Parade, where we were awarded the Top Marching Group Award. With its roots from 351 Squadron, 883 participated in many joint activities with the sister unit, which included both training exercises and a recreational trip during March Break. 883 also conducted its first Annual Ceremonial Review joint with 351 Squadron, as they were celebrating their 25th.
In October 2012, the squadron received the Air Cadet League of Canada's Ontario Provincial Committee (OPC) Special Award for its excellence in community involvement and a Special Award for its training. In 2016 the squadron received an Honourable Mention from the Air Cadet League for its continued success in training. Our SSC has also been recognized in 2017 for their excellent support.
Over the years, 883 successfully made their mark in the cadet program as they also participated in the Regional Band and Drill competition, where they performed exceptionally well, placing 3rd overall for both teams in 2019 . The squadron also competed at Invitational Swimming and Sports competition and not once did our results let us down as we have taken home 1st place standings in both activities at invitational events. 883 has also participated in orienteering competitions and have successfully placed 2nd at the NGTA Orienteering Competition 2019, which allowed us to compete at the regional competition. In November 2019, 883's second orienteering team has won the Regional Orienteering Competition held in Ottawa, Ontario, taking home the first place medals.
Post-pandemic brought some challenges, with program rescope and years of missed opportunity - but 883 did not back down. Participating in competitions again brought back familiarity and routine as in 2023, our Drill team placed 5th and our Commander placed 1st overall at 180 Invitational Competition. We also competed in 351 Silver Star's inaugural Band & Drill Competition, earning first place overall for top compulsory and top supplementary, with our Commander placing first overall. Our Sports Team also placed 1st overall, dominating the courts in both basketball and volleyball. Using this momentum, we charged forward. In 2024, our Drill Team placed first overall at 540 Golden Hawk's inaugural March On! Competition, earning awards for top compulsory and top supplementary routines, in addition to our Commander placing first overall. We once again, participated in 351's competition in May 2024, earning first place overall across all three categories. Our Brass & Reed Band placed second in compulsory and third in supplementary routines respectively.
883 has had an excellent growth rate from the day we opened our doors. Within the first couple of years, the squadron has expanded its numbers with hundreds of new cadets. Through training, the squadron continues to introduce essential leadership and citizenship skills, helps develop an interest in physical and recreational activities and music, as well as promoting aviation subjects that introduce cadets to the various fields of aviation available to them. Today, the squadron parades a steady 200 cadets and continues to grow with its success.
“Look at where we started, and look at where we are now. We started with no identity, and now we are 883”– Major Michael Blakely-Bazinet, inaugural Commanding Officer of 883, 2011-2014
During the first year of operation, the squadron became heavily involved within the local community, participating and assisting with various events and activities while attempting to recruit as many new cadets as possible. Just to name a few, 883 participated in the Markham Remembrance Day Ceremony, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind’s Auction Dinner, and Markham’s Santa Claus Parade, where we were awarded the Top Marching Group Award. With its roots from 351 Squadron, 883 participated in many joint activities with the sister unit, which included both training exercises and a recreational trip during March Break. 883 also conducted its first Annual Ceremonial Review joint with 351 Squadron, as they were celebrating their 25th.
In October 2012, the squadron received the Air Cadet League of Canada's Ontario Provincial Committee (OPC) Special Award for its excellence in community involvement and a Special Award for its training. In 2016 the squadron received an Honourable Mention from the Air Cadet League for its continued success in training. Our SSC has also been recognized in 2017 for their excellent support.
Over the years, 883 successfully made their mark in the cadet program as they also participated in the Regional Band and Drill competition, where they performed exceptionally well, placing 3rd overall for both teams in 2019 . The squadron also competed at Invitational Swimming and Sports competition and not once did our results let us down as we have taken home 1st place standings in both activities at invitational events. 883 has also participated in orienteering competitions and have successfully placed 2nd at the NGTA Orienteering Competition 2019, which allowed us to compete at the regional competition. In November 2019, 883's second orienteering team has won the Regional Orienteering Competition held in Ottawa, Ontario, taking home the first place medals.
Post-pandemic brought some challenges, with program rescope and years of missed opportunity - but 883 did not back down. Participating in competitions again brought back familiarity and routine as in 2023, our Drill team placed 5th and our Commander placed 1st overall at 180 Invitational Competition. We also competed in 351 Silver Star's inaugural Band & Drill Competition, earning first place overall for top compulsory and top supplementary, with our Commander placing first overall. Our Sports Team also placed 1st overall, dominating the courts in both basketball and volleyball. Using this momentum, we charged forward. In 2024, our Drill Team placed first overall at 540 Golden Hawk's inaugural March On! Competition, earning awards for top compulsory and top supplementary routines, in addition to our Commander placing first overall. We once again, participated in 351's competition in May 2024, earning first place overall across all three categories. Our Brass & Reed Band placed second in compulsory and third in supplementary routines respectively.
883 has had an excellent growth rate from the day we opened our doors. Within the first couple of years, the squadron has expanded its numbers with hundreds of new cadets. Through training, the squadron continues to introduce essential leadership and citizenship skills, helps develop an interest in physical and recreational activities and music, as well as promoting aviation subjects that introduce cadets to the various fields of aviation available to them. Today, the squadron parades a steady 200 cadets and continues to grow with its success.
“Look at where we started, and look at where we are now. We started with no identity, and now we are 883”– Major Michael Blakely-Bazinet, inaugural Commanding Officer of 883, 2011-2014
Page updated
Report abuse