Nick earns his wings

NEWS RELEASE

155 AIR CADETS

************************* Seventeen year old Flight Sgt. Nick Desando was part of over 100 years of Canadian flight training tradition when he received his power pilot’s wings at this week’s 155 Air Cadet Wings Parade.

F/Sgt. Nick Desando received his power flight wings from another former 155 Air Cadet John Zorzi who is also Nick Desando’s Grand Father.

Mr Zorzi has 45 years experience as a pilot and was an Air Frame Mechanic in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

F/Sgt. Desando completed his power flight training this past summer which was in addition to the previous summer of glider pilot qualification.

Both courses were free to the cadets through the Air Cadet Program which is for boys and girls ages 12 to 18.

While not every cadet will go on to achieve this prestigious goal all have the opportunity.

“Having the qualifications to fly a plane by yourself is a lot fun” Nick Desando said recently.

A few weekends ago he took up some relatives in a rented plane to show them the fall colours from the air.

Nick Desando is a third generation 155 Air Cadet as he has two aunts, who went through the Air Cadet Program, one of them also earning her power pilot wings.

F/Sgt. Desando also received a scholarship for $1,000 which he can use for his continuing studies at Sault Collage as a student in the Aviation Program.

This scholarship was made possible by Al Taylor who was one of the first 155 Air Cadets to qualify for his power pilot wings.

He donated $10,000 which has been growing over the years to assist 155 Air Cadets in their education or for additional flight time.

The Reviewing Officer for this year’s Wings Parade was Ret. Major Jack Donald who joined the RCAF in 1950 and flew Saber Jets, Caribou and Hercules air craft just to name a few before retiring in 1980 to fly for NorOntair.

He also presided over the awarding of various attendance awards, certificate for completion of summer training and promotions.

One of these promotions went to Nick Desando, promoted to Warrant Officer 2nd class.

In his address to the cadets Mr Donaldson said “the word smart comes to mind as the cadets were clever and wise to join Air Cadets while also attending summer training.”

The dress of the cadets was “smart in appearance”. Two other presentations were made.

Lucy Healey received a life membership certificate for 60 years of service as part of the 155 Air Cadet Sponsor.

She first got involved when her boys joined the 155 Air Cadets.

A second presentation was made to the 155 Air Cadet Pipers and Drums Band in the name of Donald Dalrumple also a former 155 Air Cadet.

He donated a new set of bag pipes.

The 155 Borden Gray Air Cadet Squadron parades on Wed nights at the Pine St. Armoury from six thirty to nine thirty.

They are presently accepting new recruits and there is no cost to join, uniforms are supplied to this free youth program.

Other activities include, Pipe and Drum Band, Highland Dancing, Brass and Reed and Biathlon just name a few.

There are no costs to participate with lessons provided.

For more information please contact the local office at 705-949-6808 or to learn more of the Canadian Cadet Program please see www.cadets.ca .

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