Fort Erie cadets awarded Ontario’s highest youth honours

Caleb Browne rocketed to the top of Ontario’s air cadet program Saturday, with politicians from every level of government praising Fort Erie’s 337 “Allan Troup” Squadron for producing disciplined, service-ready young leaders.

Browne, a warrant officer first class, earned the Brigadier-General Bob Robert, CD Shield Cadet of the Year at the squadron’s annual review Saturday inside the Fort Erie Leisureplex. The award goes annually to the top air cadet across Ontario’s 119 squadrons.

Warrant Officers Second Class Tanner Robertson, Jacqueline Mason and Regina Adesina graduated alongside him, each receiving a commemorative ring in a new tradition meant to keep graduates connected to the squadron.

Mayor Wayne Redekop, MPP Wayne Gates and MP Fred Davies were in attendance.

Air Cadet League of Canada representative Michelle Bourgeois presented Browne’s provincial award and told the squadron Fort Erie’s record did not surprise her.

“When I see you interact with each other, you’re like the Artemis II generation,” said Bourgeois.

“You’re a team. You support each other. You always ask what you can do to help. You hosted a debate competition, even though you had never debated before. You bring the best of what it means to be young and strong and free.”

Speaking on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, Bourgeois connected the sacrifice of Canadian soldiers on Normandy’s beaches to the cadets standing before her, arguing that the same spirit of national defence applies to Canada’s present-day push to protect its sovereignty against U.S. pressure.

“As we look forward, we need to define our sovereignty, not just in the Arctic, not just in the Great Lakes, but right here at home,” said Bourgeois. “Our country is in good hands, and that’s because of its cadets.”

Browne has worn a uniform since age nine, beginning with Fort Erie’s Navy League before moving to 337 Squadron. Last summer he served as company sergeant major for the survival wing at Blackdown Training Centre in Borden, Ontario, a role Captain Harry Sully described as unusual for a cadet in their first year of staffing.

“Everything from an emergency response plan to weather contingencies, he handled things a lot of adults do not even think of,” said Sully.

Browne plans to attend Niagara College for police foundations in the fall.

Robertson earned the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence at the review, presented by Comrade Leslie Kinghorn of Legion Branch 71, recognizing individual citizenship and service within the cadet program.

Robertson, an honour student at Welland Centennial Secondary School, followed two older brothers into cadets, starting with the Navy League at nine before joining 337 Squadron.

Robertson also earned the Sir Douglas Bader Memorial Sword Board, presented by Major Bill Greenwood (retired) of the 484 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association, recognizing the top warrant officer in the Niagara region.

The award commemorates Douglas Bader, a Royal Air Force pilot who flew in the Battle of Britain after losing both legs, and was donated by Don Harris, a Fort Erie-area World War II veteran.

“Anything that looks easy is usually very difficult,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop. “The dedication, the discipline, the recognition of these cadets and the collaboration of the team is valuable and pays dividends.”

Reviewing officer Murray Morlog, president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 in Fort Erie, presented the Lord Strathcona Medal, the highest physical and military training honour available to a cadet, before his closing remarks.

“A lot of hours, a lot of work, and a lot of effort went into this. Your performance today was outstanding,” said Morlog.

Fort Erie Lions Club sponsoring committee chair Linda Scott spoke to the families in attendance that cadet success does not begin and end on the parade floor.

“Their success is your success. You must be so exceptionally proud of them this year,” Scott told families. “I think it’s safe to say that the 337 Allan Troup Squadron is the best in all of Ontario.”

Sully closed the formal ceremony by pushing back against the idea that all teenagers today are disengaged, lethargic misanthropes.

“They’re exceptional individuals, hardworking teenagers, and they’re the future of our community,” said Sully.

The squadron has operated continuously since 1943 under Lions Club sponsorship, with access to the Leisureplex anchoring its stability at a time when cadet units across Niagara have faced facility loss and declining membership.

Port Colborne’s air cadet unit stood down recently due to membership shortfall, and units in Niagara Falls and Thorold have relocated multiple times in the past decade.

A banquet at banquet hall inside the Leisureplex followed the review at 5 p.m., where the squadron presented remaining trophies, bursaries and cadet promotions.

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