Don Beer Arena | 07 June 2026
March On of the Squadron ★
March On of the Flags ★
Arrival of Reviewing Officer ★
Spectators please be seated
Inspection of Squadron by Reviewing Officer
Squadron March Past ★
Spectators please be seated
Band and Drill Team performances
Presentation of Awards
Address by Reviewing Officer
Address by Squadron Sponsoring Committee
Address by Commanding Officer
Advance in Review Order ★
National Anthem ★
Departure of Reviewing Party ★
Recognition of Retiring Cadets & March Past ★
March Off of the Squadron ★
Spectators please be seated
IMPORTANT: All cadets are required to stay after the parade and reception to help with cleanup. Adult staff will let them know when they may leave.
The Reviewing Officer is a distinguished guest invited to inspect the cadets, observe the parade, and address the cadets during the ceremony.
A digital program for cadets, families, guests, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners to follow along during the Annual Ceremonial Review.
★ Spectators who are able, please stand at these points.
WO1 Foisy
WO2 Foy
WO2 Campbell
WO2 Rainford
WO2 Sharma
WO2 Berta
FSgt Kabanda
FSgt Stewart
Major Jason J. Bell, CD
Major Jason J. Bell, CD, began his career in 1990 as an Air Cadet with 700 David Hornell V.C. Squadron, rising to the rank of Warrant Officer First Class and earning his Glider Pilot License. After briefly serving as an Infantryman with The Royal Regiment of Canada, he continued his service within the Cadet Program — first as a Civilian Instructor and later rejoining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1999 as a CIC Officer.
Commissioned in December 1999, Major Bell has since maintained a steady and enduring flight path through the Cadet Organization, completing a broad range of leadership, instructional, and specialist qualifications. He has commanded seven cadet units to date, an operational tempo that suggests he is more than comfortable at the controls — whether cruising smoothly or navigating through turbulence.
A seasoned Commanding Officer, Major Bell has led Air, Army, and Sea cadet units, including 876, 172 Air, 2672 / 1129, 1913 Army, 534 Air / 112 Howe, and has even briefly “triple-hatted” to stabilize other units in need. Major Bell transferred from the Air to Land element in 2013, successfully adjusting his heading without losing altitude.
Major Bell’s awards include the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD), the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, along with the CIC Officer Award of Excellence, recognizing sustained superior leadership and community service. Major Bell has also earned multiple recognitions for professionalism, integrity, and dedication.
Currently, Major Bell serves as the Area Elemental Advisor for Haliburton Highlands Area and will be on his second summer deployment as Chief Training Officer at CTC HMCS QUADRA in British Columbia, where he will change his flight plan to all ahead full for Sea Cadet training at a national level. Major Bell’s experience also includes senior summer training appointments such as Training Group Commander and other Senior Officer roles over several training seasons.
In civilian life, Major Bell is a Provincial Officer with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, where he enforces environmental legislation for regulatory inspections and investigations. His prior service includes roles with the Ministry of Correctional Services and the Ontario Provincial Police.
Major Bell is the proud father of two daughters and former cadets — clearly keeping his formation tight both in uniform and at home.
The following awards will be presented today. With so many accomplishments to recognize, additional awards were presented earlier during a recent training parade.
Congratulations to all award recipients recognized during the Annual Ceremonial Review and recent training night.
| Award | Recipient | Presented |
|---|---|---|
| Best Dressed Cadet on Parade (The Golden Boot) | To be determined at ACR | ACR |
| Capt. M DeCock Most Promising 1st Year Cadet | LAC A. Lakhatariya | ACR |
| CI Evelyn Bernard Participation Award | WO1 B. Foisy | ACR |
| Ken Poyner Memorial Award - Senior Cadet of the Year | WO2 Shojaei | ACR |
| Ken Winfrow Award - Junior Cadet of the Year | Cpl E. Needham | ACR |
| Ken Winfrow Award - Junior Cadet of the Year | FCpl J. Davidson | ACR |
| Lord Strathcona Medal | WO2 A. Shojaei | ACR |
| Major Charbonneau Award for Excellence in Instruction | FSgt S. Islam | ACR |
| Major Charbonneau Award for Excellence in Instruction | WO2 M. Zachariah | ACR |
| Major Charbonneau Award for Excellence in Instruction | WO2 T. Sharma | ACR |
| Major Seredoka Most Improved Cadet | FCpl T. Hernandez-Gilmet | ACR |
| Patrick J. Kovac Award for Most Improved Instructor | FSgt A. Kabanda | ACR |
| Patrick J. Kovac Award for Most Improved Instructor | Sgt R. Earle | ACR |
| Warrant Officer's Award | WO1 B. Foisy | ACR |
| Band Master's Award Jr. | FCpl M. Joyce | 03 June Training Night |
| Band Master's Award Sr. | Sgt D. Figueredo | 03 June Training Night |
| Competition Drill Team Award | WO2 T. Sharma | 03 June Training Night |
| Top Inter-Flight Drill Team Commander | FSgt A. Kabanda | 03 June Training Night |
| Jessie Docherty Award | Sgt R. Wilson | 03 June Training Night |
| Major C.M. Blight Survival Leadership Award | WO2 Campbell | 03 June Training Night |
| Marksmanship Award Jr. | LAC K. Davidson | 03 June Training Night |
| Marksmanship Award Sr. | WO2 C. Campbell | 03 June Training Night |
| Perfect Attendance Award | FSgt A. Fleming | 03 June Training Night |
| Perfect Attendance Award | WO2 M. Zachariah | 03 June Training Night |
| Top Inter-Flight Drill Team Commander | FSgt A. Kabanda | 03 June Training Night |
856 Squadron is a proud not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping Canadian youth build strong leadership skills and honourable values, inspiring them to become the change-makers of tomorrow.
We are very proud of our retiring cadets, who carry the skills and experiences they have gained at 856 Pickering Squadron into their communities.
Hello all,
I have a few brief remarks to round off my fifth and final year as a cadet. Firstly, I would like to thank all the officers and staff who have put in so much work to keep this program running.
Secondly, cadets, this program is for you. If you put in the time and effort, it will change you for the better. It will make you a better leader, a better speaker, and give you more confidence in yourself.
Finally, if I could suggest one thing for all cadets, it would be to attend summer training. It is probably the most fun I have had as a cadet, and I formed friendships with people all around Canada.
I assume you’re in air cadets, or at the very least, have some interest in joining. If you are the latter, just give it a try. As an older person with a bit under six years of time spent with the 856 Squadron, I mainly remember the positives more than the negatives.
Looking back on my time with the squadron, although it seemed tedious at times, it’s definitely worth pushing through. Since you’re a part of a squadron, most of the experiences and challenges you face will have fellow peers to help you along, and it really helps change you as a person.
You have to truly lean on each other and step up to lead when no one else can. Pushing through the challenges of CAP, and our few days at CFB Trenton, taught me the real value of shared grit and teamwork. The saying that misery loves company really stands out here; when cadets bond over exhausting drill in hot temperatures, or stand with someone else during tagging nights, it really brings people closer.
All of the shared moments this program has provided me have shaped who I am today, taking me from someone who would rather do anything over talking in front of an audience to someone who maybe doesn’t mind as much. If you invest enough time and effort into it, the program can help build the confidence, resilience, and leadership skills needed for many things in life.
To the cadets continuing their journey, my advice to you would be to never just sit through it. If you don’t have a part-time job or a busy schedule, try to take any and every opportunity this program throws at you, whether it is a new leadership role or ground school. At the very least, drop in and see what it’s about.
Trust in your instructors, support your peers, and don’t shy away because of the possibility of a mistake. Ultimately, what I take the most pride in isn’t a rank or an award, but watching the junior cadets I’ve interacted with change in a positive way and take charge of the squadron’s future.
The Sponsoring Committee consists of parents of cadets, both current and retired cadets, and concerned citizens who provide the infrastructure in the operation of 856 Squadron. A strong Sponsoring Committee ensures a successful Squadron.
If you would like to be a part of this dedicated team and play a role in helping to continue the development and excellence of 856 Squadron, please contact Mr. Roger Thompson at 856.chairperson@aircadetleague.on.ca.
Learn About the SSCChairperson
Vice Chairperson Chair / Tag Days / Permits / and more
Treasurer / Permits / Tag Days / and more
Secretary / Mess Dinner Coordinator
Bingo Coordinator
Tag Weekend Coordinator
Corporate Sponsorships Coordinator
Past Bingo Coordinator and Member at Large
Vice-Secretary and Member at Large
Member at Large
Member, Kinsmen/Kinettes Club of Pickering Liaison
The SSC strives to communicate on a regular basis to parents, guardians and community members by publishing an unofficial community newsletter. As a squadron, we also endeavour to teach our cadets personal accountability, and all official communications are contained within the Microsoft Teams Squadron channel.
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This unofficial newsletter is sent out on an as needed basis and is intended to keep parents, guardians and community members apprised of relevant information.
Sign Up for Newsletter
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This mailing list automatically sends an email when new messages are added to the official Microsoft General Teams Channel. It serves as a prompt to remind cadets to login and stay up to date with all pertinent squadron information.
Sign Up for Teams Alerts856 sends a huge thank you to the following Bingo Volunteers. The bingo sessions they attended helped raise over $30,000 this year for cadet activities.
Additionally, a special thank you to Kirit Vitol and Lata Mistry for all of their efforts coordinating Bingo activities.
100% of the money received from these bingo sessions benefits the cadets. These funds help pay for facilities, transportation to competitions, band equipment, administrative supplies, and teaching supplies for activities such as Band, Sport Nights, RC Flying Club, Drill Team, and Air Rifle Team.
“I never realized how much of a difference a simple two-hour shift could make until I saw the cadets get their new band equipment.”
— Past Parent Volunteer
“The OLG training was quick and easy to do online. Once that was done, signing up for shifts was flexible enough to fit into my busy work schedule.”
— New Volunteer
“You really feel like part of the 856 team when you put on that squadron shirt. The patrons are friendly, and knowing 100% of the money goes to the kids makes it feel very rewarding.”
— Current Volunteer
For additional information and to sign up for training, contact Mrs. Vanie Ishak or Roger Thompson, or speak to any SSC member after the ACR today. A squadron T-shirt and name tag will be provided by the Squadron at no cost to you.
The following partners have continued to support us on a consistent annual basis.
A community-focused charitable gaming organization that operates bingo and gaming centres, generating revenue that directly supports local non-profit and community groups.
A nonprofit organization that manages and distributes proceeds from charitable gaming activities to support and fund community-based organizations and local charities across the province.
Through its community giving program, Walmart provides us with an annual donation that supports our ongoing work and community initiatives.
Twice per year, our cadets participate in our tag weekends outside stores in our community to build awareness of the cadet program and raise vital funds.
We want to thank our trusted partners for their continued support.
Metro
Farm Boy
Dollarama
Canadian Tire
Sport Chek
Loblaws
Real Canadian Superstore
No Frills
Food Basics
FreshCo
Independent
Longo’s
Healthy Planet
The Shops at Pickering City Centre
This year, the SSC endeavoured to expand our fundraising partners and target corporate and other community partners. We set a goal to raise $5,000 in 100 days from Feb 23 to Jun 7.
We want to thank everyone who helped spread the word. This fundraising effort was not about asking parents to donate — it was about engaging our wider community in supporting our local cadet program.
*Donates an in-kind donation, which is a direct donation of products or services. A charitable tax receipt is still issued for in-kind donations.
Become a Sponsor*4 high-end computers to support the cyber security program.
The Rotary Club of Pickering is a volunteer-driven service organization dedicated to supporting local and global community initiatives through fundraising, service projects, and partnerships.
The Real Jenn is a Durham Region-based entrepreneur and mentor who empowers individuals through financial education, business development, and personal growth resources.
*Web hosting, design, support. Crown Marketers is a Pickering-based digital marketing agency that helps local businesses grow through web design, advertising, and strategic online marketing solutions.
*Printing of programs, flyers, and brochures to communicate various cadet activities. HTM Insurance is a member-owned mutual insurance company that provides home, auto, and farm insurance, with a strong focus on supporting and protecting local communities across Ontario.
One of the most valuable ways parents helped is by:
Thank you for helping us extend this campaign beyond our immediate circle.
Thank you for believing in our cadets.
One of the most valuable ways parents helped is by:
Thank you for helping us extend this campaign beyond our immediate circle. Thank you for believing in our cadets.
As we wrap up another training year, we want to begin by saying thank you — your support is what makes this program possible. From keeping your cadets on track, to ensuring they show up prepared, to the many drives to and from training, events, and tag days — you are a vital part of their success. We truly could not do this without you.
When you look out at the parade square and see our senior cadets in leadership roles, showing confidence, maturity, and skill, it’s important to remember — they all started exactly the same way: as first-year cadets, unsure and still finding their way. With time, encouragement, and support at home, they grew into the leaders you see today.
To our newer families, that growth takes patience. We encourage you to continue supporting your cadets, especially when challenges arise — because that’s often where the most growth happens.
And to all of our cadets finishing this year — this isn’t goodbye. No need to register... we expect to see you back in September, ready to continue the journey.
Thank you for everything you do.
The Squadron Sponsoring Committee
Caroline, Daisy, Kirit, Lata, Lesa, Miranda, Monisha, Roger, Sue, Vanie, and Warren
Behind every training night, activity, and achievement is a dedicated team of staff who, in addition to their own careers and responsibilities, give their time, energy, and knowledge to support our cadets.
We sincerely thank the squadron staff for their commitment and professionalism, which make the 856 Squadron program possible.
Competition Air Rifle Officer: Capt DeCock, CD
Competition Air Rifle Coaches: Lt F. Roberts and CI S. Roberts
Team Captains: WO2 C. Campbell and WO1 B. Foisy
Junior Members: LAC K. Davidson, LAC A. Lakhatariya, LAC M. Lamont, LAC P. Vinjamuri
Senior Members: FCpl K. Davidson, FCpl C. Foisy, FCpl E. Lamb, Sgt A. MacDonald, Cpl A. Zargham
| Dates | Commanding Officer |
|---|---|
| Sept 1998 - Jan 2000 | Major D. Duthie, CD |
| Jan 2000 - Nov 2006 | Major C. Blight, CD |
| Nov 2006 - Sept 2008 | Major F. Charbonneau, CD |
| Sept 2008 - Sept 2013 | Major C. Blight, CD |
| Sept 2013 - Sept 2017 | Major P. Seredoka, CD |
| Sept 2017 - Sept 2020 | Major M. Cummings, CD |
| Sept 2020 - June 2023 | Major M. Neujahr, CD |
| Sept 2023 - June 2024 | Captain L. Douglass-Lassalle, CD |
| Sept 2024 - Oct 2025 | Major K. Vieneer, CD |
| Oct 2025 - present | Captain R. Evans, CD |
Note: In some years, two names appear when a WO1 turned 19 and was succeeded mid-year.
| Year | WO1 | Year | WO1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 - 1999 | WO1 K. Correia | 2011 - 2012 | WO1 A. Gaul |
| 1999 - 2000 | WO1 K. Davidson | 2012 - 2013 | WO1 L. Sampayo |
| 2000 - 2001 | WO1 S. Roberts | 2013 - 2014 | WO1 S. Mistry |
| 2001 - 2002 | WO1 B. Nasmith | 2014 - 2015 | WO1 A. Narine |
| 2002 - 2003 | WO1 B. Nasmith | 2015 - 2016 | WO1 A. Collins |
| 2003 - 2004 | WO1 A. Sirek | 2016 - 2017 | WO1 D. Carriere |
| 2004 - 2005 | WO1 R. Coghlan | 2016 - 2017 | WO1 A. Haripal |
| 2005 - 2006 | WO1 D. Stephan | 2017 - 2018 | WO1 J. Singh |
| 2006 - 2007 | WO1 P. Rowan | 2018 - 2019 | WO1 A. Dravid |
| 2007 - 2008 | WO1 F. Vicioso | 2019 - 2020 | COVID 19 Stand-Down |
| 2008 - 2009 | WO1 T. Burke | 2020 - 2021 | COVID 19 Stand-Down |
| 2008 - 2009 | WO1 H. Nguyen | 2021 - 2022 | WO1 L. Dravid |
| 2009 - 2010 | WO1 E. Rowan | 2023 - 2024 | WO1 A. Zhang |
| 2010 - 2011 | WO1 M. Neujahr | 2024 - 2025 | WO1 R. Shukla |
| 2011 - 2012 | WO1 G. Brett | 2025 - 2026 | WO1 B. Foisy |
The Air Cadet program is one of Canada’s strongest youth development opportunities, giving cadets experience and skills they will carry throughout their lives.
The cadets of 856 Pickering Squadron continue to represent the unit with pride in competitions, community events, and their individual achievements.
Each parade night, exercise, and competition show how much our cadets can achieve when they challenge themselves and support one another.
From first-year recruits to senior leaders, 856 Squadron’s cadets have shown character, teamwork, and pride in everything they do.
These successes reflect their dedication, effort, and perseverance. We congratulate all cadets on an excellent training year and look forward to celebrating many more achievements in the years ahead.
Please contact our Recruiting Officer using the contact form on our Recruiting page.