Medals & Scholarships

Lord Strathcona Medal

The Lord Strathcona Medal (LSM) is the highest Award which can be bestowed upon a Cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training. The Medal and the accompanying Certificate of Merit are awarded by the Lord Strathcona Trust. The issue and wearing of the LSM is authorized by the Chief of the Defence Staff. Each Air Cadet Squadron may award one Medal in each training year, but the award of the Medal is to be based solely on the availability of a worthy candidate. Awarding the LSM annually is not mandatory and should not be a matter of custom for a particular appointment or by seniority alone. The Squadron Commanding Officer determines whether a LSM should be awarded each year.

Lord Strathcona’s objectives in establishing his endowment were to:

Encourage the improvement of the physical and intellectual capabilities of cadets; and
Foster patriotism in cadets through the acquisition of a good knowledge of military matters.

Selection Criteria
The recipient must have a complete knowledge of the activities of the cadet program and must meet the following requirements:

Have a high level of physical fitness;
Have qualified and completed level 3 of the Air Cadet Training Program by the end of the current training year;
Have met all requirements of their squadrons mandatory training program and attended at least 75% of the scheduled training parade nights in the year of nomination;
Have met all requirements of their Squadron optional training program and attended at least 50% of the scheduled activities in the year of nomination; and
Be regarded by peers and supervisors as exemplifying the model cadet.

Application Process
Formal Application

References
CATO 13-16 - Annex D

Deadline
Deadline for application is 15 March of each year. Submissions can be made in person to AdminO, or by email.

Previous Recipients
2019 - WO1 Butler, M
2018 - WO1 Solomonides, M
2017 - WO2 McKellar, I
2016 - WO2 Gebert, P

Royal Canadian Legion 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 program. Only one medal per training year may be awarded and a recipient of the Lord Strathcona Medal shall not be awarded the RCL Cadet Medal of Excellence in the same training year in which the other medal is granted. The Commanding Officer is the approving authority for the awarding of the medal based on criteria set forth below and a review process for 243 RCACS staff. The medal may be awarded only once to any one individual and awarding the medal is optional to the Commanding Officer. If no deserving cadet is identified the medal shall not be awarded.

Selection Criteria
The main objective in awarding the RCL Cadet Medal of Excellence is to emphasize the citizenship aspects of the cadet program. To be eligible for consideration, a cadet must meet the following conditions:

Met all requirements of the squadron annual mandatory and optional training programs;
Participated in a minimum of three community service events, (outside cadets) in addition to those supported by the cadet unit;
Enhance the cadet squadron through:

Co-operation 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 unit members; and
His/her involvement in the local community

Application Process
The applicant must submit with the application a narrative of 250 – 400 words which supports why they feel they are eligible and why they meet the selection criteria above. Application form can be found here.

References
CATO 13-16 - Annex E

Deadline
Deadline for application is 15 March of each year. Submissions can be made in person to AdminO, or by email.

Previous Recipients
2019 - Sgt Schmeeckle, N
2018 - WO2 Kang, W
2017 - WO2 Solomonides, M
2016 - WO2 Kang, C

Air Cadet Long 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, as of their joining date, with no serious infractions, and be recommended by the 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 is provided for the undress ribbon. Applications will be processed by squadron staff on an ongoing basis.

243 Ogopogo Squadron - James Bowes SCHOLARSHIP

The Jim Bowes Aviation Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 by Jim Bowes to support Cadets of 243 RCACS interested in pursuing a career in civil aviation. Civil aviation refers to both flying and non-flying careers in civil aviation. This includes, but is not exclusive to technical and non-technical careers (Air Traffic Control, Aircraft Technical Trades, or similar that requires certification through a formal aviation training facility). To date, this fund has supported Cadets of 243 RCACS with more than $50,000!

Selection Criteria
The successful candidate shall be:

An Air Cadet in good standing at the time of application or a current staff member;
Recommended by the Commanding Officer;
Able to show a financial need in pursuing a civil aviation flying career; and
Pursuing a civil aviation through a professional school (private or public).

Previous Recipients
2019 - None
2018 - OCdt Rojas, D
2017 - None
2016 - WO2 Gebert, P
2015 - CI O'Flynn, L

Application Process
Application form can be found here. Proof of enrolment into a professional school will be required before the funds will be released to the school.

Reference
Scholarship Fund Agreement

Deadline
Deadline for application is 15 April of each year. Submissions can be made in person to AdminO, or by email.