142 Mimico ‘Determination’ Squadron Annual Awards

Each year, at the Awards reception and the Annual Ceremonial Review, the staff of 142 Squadron present a number of prestigious awards to the most hardworking and deserving cadets in the Squadron. The following table indicates the award, how is was established at our unit and the basic criteria for choosing the recipient.

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM F. MAY MEMORIAL TROPHY		Established in memory of a civilian instructor who became an Adjutant of 142 Squadron. Presented to the Outstanding Level 1 Cadet of the Year, demonstrating highest level of overall proficiency and dedication to the cadet programmed in both formal training and special extra-syllabus activities.
BEST-DRESSED CADET		Established in 1976 by the cadets of 142 Squadron to emphasize the pride all cadets must take in the proper care and display of their uniforms, symbolizing their affiliation with the customs and traditions of the Canadian Forces. Presented annually to the cadet achieving the consistently highest standards of personal dress.
WILLIAM H. BENTLEY AWARD		Established by William H. Bentley in appreciation for what Air Cadets meant to his son. Presented to the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer best displaying the qualities of leadership and cooperation required of a successful Non-Commissioned Officer.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL W. KENNETH ROBINSON AWARD		Established by the late Lieutenant Colonel, The Honourable Kenneth Robinson while Member of Parliament for Toronto-Lakeshore, in expression of his special interest for cadet activities. Presented to the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer best displaying the qualities of leadership and cooperation required of a successful Non-Commissioned Officer.
MAJOR R.C. LESWICK, CD, BA AWARD FOR BEST FLIGHT COMMANDER		This award was created to recognize the hard work and dedication the flight commanders put into their flights beyond their regular duties. This award is a reward for going that extra mile for the benefit of all cadets in their flight. The sponsoring Committee donates this award. Renamed June 2015 for Commanding Officer Major Richard Leswick on his retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces after 40 years of dedicated service.
MARKO MISIC MEMORIAL GLIDER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD		This award will be presented to the cadet(s) who are successful in being selected to attend Glider Pilot Training. This award was provided by former cadet and ground school instructor Andrew Norwood and first awarded in 2010. Renamed from the Long Branch Award in 2013 in honour of retired WO1 Marko Misic who was killed in a plane crash in August of 2012.
THE DAVID HORNELL TROPHY		One of the most sought after opportunities in the Air Cadet movement is the summer Flying Scholarship program. During this seven week course, a select number of cadets are given the opportunity to train for their Private Pilot’s License. The selection process for this course is long and challenging, and includes written exams and oral interviews. At the end of the course, successful cadets are presented with their Air Cadet Wings. To recognize Mimico cadets who have been accepted into the Flying Scholarship program, the Squadron created the Flight Lieutenant David Hornell, VC Trophy. Named after a World War II Victoria Cross winner and former Mimico resident, the trophy is presented annually to 142 Squadron cadets who have been successful in the selection process.
DETERMINATION AWARD		Created by the staff of 142 Mimico Squadron, this award is presented to the cadet who has shown the highest level of “esprit de corps” as well as the most initiative to improve their personal drill, deportment and leadership skills throughout the training year. Hard work and dedication are the cornerstones of the cadet program and this award is designed to recognize those qualities.
SQUADRON LEADER LES WATERFIELD, DFC, CD, AWARD FOR CADET OF THE YEAR		Cadet of the Year Award: Established in 1974 by the Officers and Instructors of 142 Squadron. Presented to the Cadet displaying an exemplary and exceptional contribution to squadron training activities and events. In 2013, this award was renamed for Sqn Ldr Les Waterfield, Liason from Branch 217 and Branch 3 Legions. His son Brian are offering a $100 honourarium on an annual basis.
THE STEVEN B. FEJES MEMORIAL CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER’S TROPHY		In memory of Captain Steven B. Fejes, retired CWO of 142 squadron, 1977-1978. Presented to the senior Squadron Warrant Officer upon retirement from cadets. In addition to the trophy, the recipient will receive a flight courtesy of the Steven B. Fejes Trust Fund.
Farewell Mug		When a cadet reaches the age of 19, they are no longer eligible to remain in the program. In the tradition of the air force, departing members of a unit are honoured with a “mugging-out” party and presented with the gift of a pewter tankard.
Bandsman of the Year		This award is presented to a cadet in the band who has not only proven to be a proficient musician, but has also demonstrated their commitment to the band. This person is an exemplary member of the band; they attend all practices, support fellow musicians, and offer help wherever they can.
The Hayden Trophy		This award is presented to a cadet on the Drill Team who is an exceptional member of the team. They have proven skill in static and dynamic drill movements, and have used that skill to better the team overall.
The Jack Chrystal Community Service Award		This award is presented to a cadet who exemplifies good citizenship through a commitment to their community. This cadet participates in community service activities with the squadron and on their own time. This cadet performs community service not because they have to, but because they feel a true connection and obligation to their community.
The Hon. Patrick Boyer Trophy for the most Perfect Attendance During the Cadet Training Year		Trophy not awarded since 2003. Since 2010, certificates have been given to cadets with 90% or higher attendance.
The 142 Mimico Squadron Marksmanship Award		Awarded Annually to the Range Team Member who achieves the highest consistent score and shows an above average dedication to the team.
Major R.C. Leswick, CD, Scholarship		Major Rick Leswick was former Commanding Officer of 142 Mimico “Determination” Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, from June 2012 to June 2015. His kindness to those in need were at the core of this gentleman, who shared what he could when needed with others, just as he was brought up to do by his parents. In his professional life, Major Leswick was an entrepreneur, running a successful Private Investigation business. He was also a community college instructor in Law & Security Administration programmes, and was a published author. In his youth, he was Air Cadet, attended numerous Cadet Summer Training Courses, which ultimately sparked his life-long love of the Canadian military. Once older enough to enrol in the Canadian Forces, he did so, serving in a variety of roles, from Military Policeman, Artillery Gunner, to his final – and many would say most fitting role – as an Officer in the CIC Branch, working in the youth programmes of the Canadian Cadet Organizations. Major Leswick served more than 40 years in uniform! Whilst Major Leswick did not have children of his own, he found his place as a mentor to his Cadets, devoting tens-of-thousands of hours to the Cadets in his charges, doing what he could to inspire them to become the best young men and women they could be. Many who have known him have said that his gift was to make every person feel special and important. It was nothing for him to set aside a day to spend with someone in need, and he took great pleasure in the achievements of his younger relatives, Godchildren, and Cadets. We lost Major Leswick far too early, he passed away from cancer on December 14^th, 2015, aged 61 years. As part of his legacy, he established this bursary to assist the youth of the Cadet programme that he committed so much of his life to. Major Leswick’s estate has created the Major R.C. Leswick CD BA Scholarship, which is awarded annually to one (1) Cadet member of 142 Mimico Squadron, to recognize the commitment and effort that the recipient dedicates to the programme, their Cadet colleagues and most importantly to the Cadets under their charge. The Cadet does not have to be retiring from the Squadron, but must be entering post-secondary education the following training year. The scholarship is for $500.00 towards the costs of attending a Canadian college or university programme.

Royal Canadian Air Cadet Medals

All Cadet medals are worn over your right breast pocket, under the name-tag. Medals that are a part of the Canadian Medals & Honours system are worn over your left breast pocket. Medals are worn in order of precedence; with the highest ranking medals worn closest to the centre of the chest and above other medals. Cadet medals are worn in rows of three. The medals listed below are shown in order of least importance to most importance.

It is illegal in Canada to wear medals not earned by oneself; even if they were earned by relatives.

For more information on the medals below, please visit the CATOs section in the Resources and Downloads section of the website.

Air Cadet Service Medal

The Air Cadet League of Canada has created an award to recognize continuous meritorious cadet service of at least four years by deserving air cadets. To qualify for this award, a serving cadet must have successfully completed four years of honourable service with no serious infractions, and be recommended by the Cadet Squadron Commanding Officer. Furthermore, eligible service is portable between air cadet squadrons. Air Cadets are also eligible to receive a Bar for the Air Cadet Service Medal for each year of training completed beyond the four year qualifying period. A rosette will also be provided for the undress ribbon.

Army, Navy And Air Force Veterans In Canada (ANAVETS) Cadet Medal Of Merit

The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS), as a legacy to its desire to promote excellence and awareness of the Canadian Cadet Organization (CCO), have established the ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit). One medal will be awarded to the top cadet, male or female for each course listed below at each CSTC even if the cadet has already received the ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit for another course. Cadets who receive more than one ANAVETS medal are authorized to wear only one ANAVETS medal on their uniform.

Air Force Association of Canada Cadet Medal

The Air Force Association of Canada (AFAC) has established annual awards to be presented to Air cadets for excellence demonstrated on the Glider Pilot Scholarship (GPS) and the Power Pilot Scholarship (PPS). One medal shall be awarded to the top cadet, male or female, on both the GPS and the PPS at each of the five Regional Gliding Schools; this means five medals for the GPS and five medals for the PPS for a total of ten medals each year.

Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence

The Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Cadet Medal of Excellence is awarded in recognition for individual endeavours in citizenship that meet or enhance the aims and objectives of the cadet movement. The Royal Canadian Legion sponsors the program.

Selection Criteria:

Met all the requirements of the squadrons annual mandatory and optional training programs.
Participated in a minimum of three community service events in addition to those supported by the cadet unit through its local corps / squadron program.
Regarded by peers and superiors as exemplifying the model cadet.
Enhanced the cadet squadron through – Cooperation with peers and subordinates – Comradeship – Promoting goodwill and morale within the squadron – Aiding in the development of group identity and cohesiveness – Supporting and assisting fellow squadron members – His/her involvement in the local community

Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Medal

The Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Medal, most commonly referred to as the Lord Strathcona Medal, is the highest award which can be bestowed upon a cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training. The medal, Certificate of Merit, and the lapel pin are awarded by the Lord Strathcona Trust.

Medal Objectives:

encourage the improvement of the physical and intellectual capabilities of cadets
foster patriotism in cadets through the acquisition of a good knowledge of military matters.

Selection Criteria:

Have a high level of physical fitness
Have attended at least one summer training course of three weeks in duration.
Have qualified to training level not below level 3.
Have met all the requirements of their squadron’s mandatory training program and attended at least 75% of the scheduled training parades in the year of nomination.
Have met all requirements of their squadrons optional/support training program and participated inn at least 50% of scheduled activities in the year of nomination.
Have completed three years as a cadet.
Be regarded by peers and supervisors as exemplifying the model cadet.

Cadet Certificate of Commendation

The Cadet Certificate of Commendation may be awarded by the Canadian Forces to an Air Cadet for outstanding gallantry in saving lives or property of others. This pin is worn over the left breast pocket, below any Canadian Honours or pilot wings.

Cadet Medal for Bravery

The Cadet Award of Bravery may be awarded to a cadet who performs an outstanding deed of valour involving risk of life in attempting to save the life or property of others.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The program encourages young people to make the best use of their leisure time both actively and creatively, and provides opportunities for challenges to be met and awards to be earned. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is designed in such a way as not to burden the Air Cadet Squadron with another complete training syllabus. The Award fits almost completely into regular Squadron training, if that Squadron has a versatile training program. More detailed information on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program is available at http://www.dukeofed.org