About 778

• SQUADRON STAFF
• SPONSORS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS
• AWARDS
• PARENT VOLUNTEERS
• SQUADRON TIMELINE
• LOCAL HEADQUARTERS AWARDS

SQUADRON STAFF

Major Mark Holowatyj, Commanding Officer

Captain Paul Jones, Deputy Commanding Officer and Administration Officer

Captain Wayne Westernacher-Schneider, Training Officer

Officer Cadet Malcolm Gamage, Training Instructor

Officer Cadet Bernard Chan, Standards Officer

Civilian Instructor Edith Vezer, Supply Officer

Civilian Volunteer Sean Donnelly, Webmaster, Instructor

Civilian Volunteer Aman Bhayee, Instructor

Civilian Volunteer Meena Bhardwaj, Instructor

Mr. Roman Berezynskyj, Band Instructor

SPONSORS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 375 has been the proud sponsor of 778 Banshee Squadron since the Squadron's founding in 1969.

Squadron Sponsoring Committee Directors:

In this photo (from left to right): Tom McKeage, Louis Bourgeois, Stephen Chait, Dennis Tromanhauser, Mercy Luchico, Theresa Byer, Chanda Loll, Amy Fung

The Squadron Sponsoring Committee plays a vital role in supporting the operation of 778 Banshee Squadron - its staff and cadets. The Committee handles the finances for the Squadron and in collaboration with the Squadron staff and cadets, the Committee also runs various sub-committee initiatives such as fundraising and recruitment. The Committee members are all volunteers and have all been successfully screened for criminal and security purposes.

Squadron Financial Supporters
There are no fees involved in becoming an Air Cadet. The Canadian Forces/Department of National Defence and the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada fund the basic operation of all cadet organizations. However the squadron relies on a high level of local community support to sustain the high quality training and activity program we offer our cadets. In order to afford the Squadron's annual program, the Squadron Sponsoring Committee regularly reaches out to parents, community groups, business leaders, and thoughtful individuals to help fund the program. Over the past few years, Banshee Squadron has received generous financial support from the following organizations:

To become a financial supporter of the Squadron, please contact the squadron sponsoring committee at sponsoring.committee@778banshee.com. All monetary donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

Donations of Prizes and Merchandise
778 Banshee Squadron thanks the following Richmond Hill companies and friends who have generously contributed prizes and merchandise in support of our annual events and celebrations.

• Business and Office Centro
• Canada Post Corporation
• Canadian Coin and Currency
• Ceridian Canada
• CIMS Home Health Care
• Pride International Tools
• Sam's Club
• Sue's Fresh Market
• The De Luna Family
• The Luchico Family
• The Lampert Family
• Tim Horton's

AWARDS

778 Banshee Squadron has a proud record of achievements and receiving competitive awards.

Trillium Grant
The Squadron was successful in its application for a grant to equip the Banshee Band with new instruments and equipment. The Ontario Trillium Foundation has awarded a grant of $36,500 to our Squadron. These funds will enable the Banshee Band to add musical instruments to its inventory and to train additional cadets as musicians. As a result, the Banshee Band will be available to perform at an increased number of community events, and to provide support for a variety of community groups and program initiatives in Richmond Hill.

2006 Squadron Sponsoring Committee Award
At the October 2006 Annual Conference of the Air Cadet League of Canada (OPC), the 778 Banshee Squadron Sponsoring Committee was awarded the Executive Directors Award for being the top overall Squadron Sponsoring Committee in Ontario.

2007 Certificate of Merit in Achievements in Training and Community Involvement
778 has been honoured once again with this proud achievement.

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PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Parents and family of cadets are encouraged and welcome to get involved in the Squadron. Volunteers care always appreciated, and the various sub-committees of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee are always interested in a helping hand. Please note that some volunteer positions may require you to first be "screened" as ca security precaution. Most parents appreciate knowing that all adults who have direct contact with cadets have been screened.

Volunteers are always needed for the following purposes:

Phone Team: to notify volunteers and families about upcoming Squadron events or projects.
Drivers: to drive cadets when buses are not available or appropriate. Fund-raising: to plan and run programs to raise funds for the Squadron's operations and activities. Banquets and parties: to help cadets to plan and arrange for awards banquets, annual parade, and holiday celebrations.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Please contact the Squadron Sponsoring Committee at sponsoring.committee@778banshee.com

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SQUADRON TIMELINE

1969 - 778 Squadron is formed. Parades out of Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 375 on Yonge Street.

1971 - 778 Squadron introduces a Rocket Launching Program. This program involved cadets producing and launching rockets in the Legion parking lot at the respective Annual Reviews.

1972 - 778 Squadron introduces the Shooting Program. Cadets were involved in shooting .22 calibre rifles and competing with other Squadron's in the local and Toronto area.

1973 - The Air Cadet Program switches from blue to green uniforms for both cadets and GIL Officers.

1974 - 778 Squadron introduces the Cadet Rappelling Program. Cadets are trained to rappel off the Legion building.

1988 - 778 Squadron changes name to 778 Banshee. The cadets and staff voted on a name change. There were a number of options and Banshee was voted by the majority.

1989 - The Air Cadet Program switches from the green uniforms back to the blue.

1991 - 778 Banshee travels to Ottawa.

1992 - 778 Banshee places 1st in Volleyball, Toronto Area Group Sports Competition (TAGSC).

1993 - 778 Banshee travels to Ottawa.

1994 - 778 Banshee travels to Langley, Virginia, USA.

1995 - 778 Banshee places 1st in Swimming at TAGSC.

1995 - 778 Banshee places 2nd in Swimming and Air Rifle at TAGSC.

1996 - 778 Banshee travels to Langley, Virginia, USA.

1997 - 778 Banshee places 2nd at the Flag Party Competition.

1998 - 778 Banshee Power Scholarship candidate produces 100% on examination and is one of three power and three glider scholarship Candidates who earned their wings that summer.

1998 - Volunteer Organization of the Year.

1999 - 778 Celebrates 30 Years of Excellence.

2000 - 778 Travels to Washington, D.C.

2002 - 778 Banshee Squadron Runner-up for Top Central Squadron.

2003 - 778 Travels to the Maritimes.

2004 - 778 Places 3rd in COA Drill Comp and 2nd in Swim Comp.

Have an addition or correction? - Email the webmaster:
webmaster@778banshee.com

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LOCAL HEADQUARTERS AWARDS

Most Improved Cadet
This award is presented to the cadet who shows the greatest improvement in all areas of Air Cadet training.

Most Proficient Junior NCO
This award is presented to the Junior NCO who has demonstrated the best leadership and organizational skills.

Best Dressed Cadet
This award is presented to the cadet who consistently excels within the Squadron Uniform Standards. Donated by the officers of 778 Banshee Squadron.

Major R.G. McMeekin CD Commanding Officers Trophy
This award is presented to the most outstanding first year cadet of 778 Banshee Squadron.

Capt Frank Barrott CD Trophy for Best Junior Cadet
This award is presented to the Junior cadet who has demonstrated the best leadership and organizational skills.

Lt C.R. Surve Award for Top Ground School Mark
This award is presented to the cadet who has attained the highest mark in the Squadron Flying Scholarship Program.

Capt G.E. Ridgley CD Award for Proficiency in Drill
This award is presented to the cadet who has put forth a tremendous amount of time and energy in to their drill.

Most Proficient Senior NCO Award
This award is presented to the Senior NCO who has shown initiative and a high level of proficiency in leadership.

Most Improved Bandsman
This award is presented annually to the cadet who shows the most improvement in their performance with the squadron band.

Top Instructor of the Year
This trophy is awarded annually to the individual who has demonstrated the most dedication to the advancement of others through positive teaching methods and effective organizational skills.

Most Valuable Bandsman
Presented to the cadet who has shown the most commitment and dedication towards the success of the 778 Banshee Squadron Band.

Top Athletic Award
Presented to the Cadet who has demonstrated exceptional ability and leadership in the sphere of athletics.

Top Flight Award
Presented to the flight who has demonstrated the highest levels of deportment, dress, drill, and motivation throughout the training year.