Testimonials
Send Us your Testimonial!
Were you an Air Cadet in BC? Did the training you received during your time as an Air Cadet have an impact on your chosen career after you aged out of the program? We would love to hear from you!
Send us a short (two paragraph maximum) testimonial describing the impact that the training you received as an Air Cadet had on your career after you aged out of the program. All Testimonial submissions sent to us are done so with the understanding that they could be posted on our web site.
Ron Rique
Air Cadet Foundation of BC
Your Submissions can be sent to info@acfoundationbc.ca or mailed to our shared office address with the BCPC:
Air Cadet Foundation of BC
PO Box 38128
Surrey RPO Morgan Heights
BC V3Z 6R3
Hon. Steven Point
“My time as a Cadet taught me the importance of appearance in uniform. I came from a poor family on an Indian Reserve near Chilliwack and the uniform made all of us the same. Growing up in a small town can be difficult, especially when it comes to friends who want you to do things that you know are wrong. Being in the Cadets allowed me the time to make up my own mind about those matters. The older cadets and officers were good role models for me and I wanted to be like them.
I learned to respect my peers and the officers who gave the orders. I learned the importance of being a team player, that others were counting on me to do well and to come prepared. I learned to love the marching music — especially the bag pipes.
When I look back on my youth, the cadet training I received was a high point. My brothers either went to Sea Cadets or Air Cadets. I would say that we have all succeeded in life, better prepared to face challenges and tough patches along the way.
I recall once on a marching tour the bus broke down. Nobody panicked, we got out and walked for a while and another bus came along. So I tend to expect that when things go wrong, just wait and a solution will show up. Life is too short to wring one’s hands over matters we have no control over.”
Testimonial published on EspritdeCorps website by Evelyn Brotherston
Chris Hadfield
“I dreamed of spaceflight. Watching the first humans leave our Earth to walk on another planet was a young boy’s dream, ignited. I clearly knew what I wanted to do, but had no idea how to get myself there. So I did some research. When I looked at what space explorers knew, I saw that they were aviators, engineers and test pilots. Growing up as a farm boy that looked great to me, but I needed to learn how airplanes worked and how to fly. The Milton 820 RCAC Squadron had recently formed, so I joined and grew up with them. The lessons I learned there I still draw upon daily: self-discipline, teamwork, technical competence, flying and leadership. I know full well that it has been the Air Cadet experience that has allowed me to fly so high.” (Air Cadet League)
Formerly a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot, Hadfield is the first Canadian to walk in space and serve as the Commander of the International Space Station.
Testimonial published on EspritdeCorps website by Evelyn Brotherston
Lt.-Col. Maryse Carmichael
“Being part of the Air Cadets as a teenager provided me an excellent foundation for my career in aviation and with the Canadian Forces. I had the chance to be initiated in flying and learn about leadership, discipline and aviation. Taking part in the various activities gave me the opportunity to develop skills and personality traits that are required and used every day in my present career: interpersonal skills, public speaking, reliability, discipline and assertiveness. I was positively influenced by the friends I made and the mentors I had. The six years I spent with the organization certainly gave me the tools to attack life head on and work hard.” (Air Cadet League)
The first woman to fly with Canada’s elite Snow Birds, Lt.-Col. Carmichael also became the first-ever female pilot to command the Snow Birds in 2010.
Testimonial published on EspritdeCorps website by Evelyn Brotherston
George Canyon
“My air cadet experience is one I value and have treasured throughout my life. Not only did it teach me discipline, but I learned valuable leadership qualities that I have applied, and continue to apply in my life.”
Canadian country music heavyweight George Canyon is well-known in the cadet world. In 2008 he was named Honorary Colonel of 14 Wing Greenwood; when the appointment expired in 2011, he was named the first-ever Colonel Commandant of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. At one time, he hoped to be a military pilot himself, but a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes ended that career path. Now a two-time Juno Award winner, with multiple Canadian Country Music Awards under his belt, his big break came when he finished as the runner-up in the 2004 Nashville Star competition.
Testimonial published on EspritdeCorps website by Evelyn Brotherston
Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay
“My time as an Air Cadet opened my eyes to significant life lessons, including: discipline, problem solving, being precise and on time, being sharp in mind and in appearance, loyalty and teamwork.
I became a human rights activist to help those most vulnerable in the world. Cadets shaped me into a very appreciative and patriotic Canadian and I wanted the same opportunities and privileges I had, growing up here, for others in the world. I am extremely grateful for the leadership skills fostered as a Cadet. The program afforded me opportunities to be an effective communicator and to develop the drive and initiative to take on enormous causes involving human rights campaigns that ultimately helped save lives. I credit Air Cadets to a large degree as being responsible for the person I am today.”
Former Miss World Canada and Miss World 2003 runner-up, Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay is a human rights campaigner and author. She is the wife of MP Peter MacKay.
Testimonial published on EspritdeCorps website by Evelyn Brotherston