The challenges of the second day were more similar to the Amazing Race.  Cadets received a clue for a location to go to and had to finish a specific task in order to move on to the next location and to continue with the challenge.  After that, all cadets went back to Jericho Beach for a barbeque at the end of the second day to celebrate a job well done. The last day of the challenge was held in TBC Indoor Kart Racing as the cadets completed more challenges like tug of war and throwing water balloons at the officers earning them points. The final challenge was indoor kart racing. Every cadet must finish a lap as fast as they can to earn points. Team placings were announced after. This year, the purple team won and each of the team members received a Bluetooth speaker and monopoly cards.  
Seven teams competed in this year’s race. Each team was made up of five to six people, ranging from people that had participated in the Pegasus Challenge in the past, to cadets who did not have any experiences within the challenge. Each team was named by a colour. Meanwhile, the majority of level 4s and 5s (Sergeants, Flight Sergeants, and Warrants) and officers acted as the staff team and ran the challenge.

111 Pegasus was originally created in order to train aircrews for the Second World War, and though we have moved away from that capacity, we never forget those who came before us. 111 sent cadets to four distinct events throughout the City of Vancouver to commemorate this sombre occasion.  A small group of cadets went to the Brock Fahrni health care centre, in order to put on a ceremony for veterans who were unable to attend the ceremony at Victory Square.  Another group of cadets was involved in the Victory Square commemoration, marching alongside other Air, Army, and Sea Cadets, as well as members of Canada’s emergency services, and regular and reserve military forces.  A small group of cadets was chosen to carry flags on behalf of the Vancouver Flag Party, and more cadets assisted with the parade at Crab Park, witnessing the 21 gun salute by the 15th Field Regiment.  It is a deeply moving experience to stand on parade, in view of countless veterans who sacrificed so much for our freedom, and to know that it is because of their sacrifices that we may all live in peace.  May we never forget the sacrifices they made, and be forever thankful for their service to our nation.

-Sgt. Derek Strangway

Norvan Falls is a picturesque trail, through old logging roads, with relatively little elevation gain.  The end result is a cascading waterfall, leading into a pool that is large enough for swimming, and a stream that can swell under heavy rainfall.  Cadets carried roughly 30lbs of equipment, in order to train their bodies for the physically demanding adventurous journey.  In a fast-paced world, it is often incredibly relaxing to venture into the pristine wilderness located just 30 minutes from Vancouver, and this is one of the most amazing experiences presented by Cadets.

-Sgt Derek Strangway

To commemorate this sombre occasion of sacrifice and bravery in the face of near insurmountable odds, cadets from 111 Pegasus Squadron participated in a parade in Stanley Park on September 11th.  The Cadets witnessed speeches presented by dignitaries from Poland and Australia, and witnessed a fly-by from the Fraser Blues Flying Formation Team.  One of the most vital lessons which can be learned from the Cadet program is to remember the sacrifices of those who came before us, whether in the Battle of Britain, or on other operations by Canada and her allies.  In the words of Winston Churchill on the Battle of Britain, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”  As Canadians, it is our duty to remember the sacrifices made by those who came before, and to work together toward a better tomorrow.

-FCpl Strangway, Derek

It was such a great experience being able to help out at the cadet recruitment booth with Major Alguire and members of other elements. I gained so much by talking to people, and in turn I was also able to share my knowledge about our wonderful cadet program to them. Since we had members from all three elements, we all combined our different areas of expertise to ensure that we were providing the public with perspectives from all aspects of the cadet program! It was interesting to see the range of people that came to our booth, as they ranged from civilians to those that were cadets ‘eons’ ago, and even to veterans! At our booth, the public could try on different uniform parts, receive maple leaf tattoos, fly paper airplanes, and, of course, learn about the cadet movement.
July 1, 2016 marked the 8th Annual Canada Day Parade presented by the Port of Vancouver. The Vancouver Flag Party was commanded by MWO Kern, in which we marched from the corner of Georgia and Broughton all the down towards West Pender Street. During the parade, we could hear people cheering and applauding us. In fact, we were so popular that we appeared in the Canada Day Snapchat Story!
This is my second year serving the community on Canada Day, and this is something I will definitely continue doing throughout my cadet career and even years after it. I believe Canada Day is an excellent opportunity for our country to celebrate itself, and also for younger generations of adolescents to foster a sense of pride in our country. Before I joined Cadets, I honestly didn’t know much about Canada… but after a few years of community service and being in the Vancouver Flag Party, my experiences have collectively taught me to love my country for all it has to offer; and honestly I could not have asked for a better country to indulge myself in.

-FCpl Kesley Rana

At the awards dinner, cadets receive an opportunity to socialize, and reflect on the accomplishments of both themselves and the Squadron.  This year’s awards dinner was hosted at the Jewish Community Centre.  In addition to recognizing the accomplishments of the cadets, awards dinner was an opportunity for the senior officers and members of the sponsoring committee to address the Squadron directly, and congratulate everyone on the successes of the year.  The continued success of 111 is wholly owed to its members, and though not everyone received recognition at the awards dinner, every cadet, parent, and officer in the Squadron is vital to its continued development.  2015-2016 was a wonderful year, and 111 Pegasus Squadron looks forward to further growth in the 2016-2017 training year!

-FCpl Derek Strangway

In addition to the parade, the Squadron demonstrates some of the programs we offer.  Included in the ACR were demonstrations by the drill team, band, and effective speaking team.  As well as the dynamic displays, a room with poster boards and information regarding the Squadron’s other activities was created.  These are known as the static displays, and included aviation, survival, first aid, and sports, among others.  Finally, the parade ended with the recognition of outstanding cadets for their contributions over the course of the year.  Most of the awards handed out at ACR were for senior cadets, with the remainder being distributed at the Squadron’s awards dinner.  Overall, the ACR was a successful end to a successful training year.  The level of drill and dress presented by the cadets was impressive, and it was a fantastic way to end the 2015-2016 training year on a high note.

-FCpl Derek Strangway

These included scavenger hunts, physical challenges, and challenges that helped to build the team’s communication heading into the rest of the weekend. The Saturday of the weekend was the race day, in which teams biked around Stanley Park, visited the Vancouver Aquarium, climbed an indoor rock wall, swam 500m, and pushed themselves to their limits by performing all of these tasks with no use of electronics or other navigational devices.  The teams were given challenges involving memory, physical endurance, ability to answer a series of trivia questions, and creativity in the creation of a music video.  Finally, on Sunday, came the much-anticipated indoor obstacle courses.  Cadets ran, jumped, and bounced their way to victory on a series of indoor inflatable obstacle courses, competing for the highest number of repetitions of each course in a given time.  The 2016 Pegasus Challenge was a huge success, brought about by the dedication of senior NCOs and officers.  111 hopes to make next year’s Pegasus Challenge even bigger and more fun, and hope that the Pegasus Challenge will continue to be an amazing year end activity for years to come!
 
-FCpl Derek Strangway

The seniors made a natural shelter, three ground to air signals, three snares, a fire, a means of collecting water, and three camp crafts over the course of 24 hours.  While in the field, the cadets enjoyed gourmet cooking in the form of MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), and after the sun went down, the level ones and twos engaged in a map and compass navigation activity.  Finally, to close the weekend, the staff of the FTX all took on various personas, in a game similar to a cross between Tag, Hide and Seek, and Charades.  Each individual staff cadet had to be given a various item, or treated a certain way, in order to return them to a designated meeting point.  All in all, the weekend was a huge success.  Over half the squadron participated in the FTX, and the weather was beautiful the whole way through.  111 looks forward to hosting even more Field Training Exercises in coming years, and getting even more cadets out in the field.
 
-FCpl Derek Strangway

It was a chance for Eagle Flight to tell a story of who they are, and how hard they have worked over the past year. As for the Cadets, this was probably going to be the most thrilling fifteen minutes a group of young musicians could ever experience.  The band’s biggest fear was to perform a run-through during the competition, but this was far from mediocre. Every note and drill movement were done exactly how they were rehearsed. The military band display began with the NFL Theme on Fox into the March of 1941. This was followed by Highlights from Star Trek into Darkness and an exceptionally well-executed Drummer’s Call. The concluding and feature piece for this year was a piece from Eagle Flight 2009: Civilization IV. It was a stunning display of beautiful music and immaculate military precision.

In the end, Eagle Flight pulled off a well-deserved third place, gold standard finish in the Military A Category. The entire competition experience was a significant experience for the young musicians of Eagle Flight. The intense weeks leading up to the competition were especially significant because it allowed the Cadets to build a sense of family with their peers. The Cadets got an opportunity to learn how to work as a team, understanding that a team needs to trust one another in order to succeed. For some new recruits, it was the first time they had ever worked hard for something and felt rewarded by a result. It was a successful year for Eagle Flight, and it is an experience like this that will help continue to grow the music program here at 111 Pegasus Squadron.

WO2 Francis Macapobre
Drum Major

The teams are made up of four first aiders, each playing a different role. The captain is there to mostly guide the team, and to ensure all is going well, and, when possible, help out their teammates. The second and third first aiders are there to provide first aid help to the best of their ability, and the fourth first aider is there to give a helping hand. The cadets come together with their team in hopes of impressing the judges with their first aid abilities, and hopefully bring home the title of champion. Like a family, the team works together by helping each other out when needed.

The 2016 First Aid Team is coached by FSgt Chung, Walter (Senior Team) and FSgt Lui, Curtis (Junior Team), and is overseen by CV Del Rosario.

-FSgt Curtis Lui

As long as the cadet will be 16 by the end of the course, they may write a scholarship exam, before attending a merit review board (Similar to a job interview).  After completion of a six-week summer training course, the cadet will be issued a glider pilot license!  However, any cadet in the Squadron may attend a glider familiarization flight, wherein they will spend four hours at the gliding site, learning all about the aircraft and its operation, before finally taking to the sky.  Gliding is a unique opportunity, and for many, the Air Cadet Gliding Program is the start of a long and distinguished career in aviation.

-FCpl Derek Strangway

To commemorate this great Canadian accomplishment, a small number of cadets from 111 Pegasus Squadron participated in the Vimy Day Commemoration as a part of the Vancouver Flag Party.  The ceremony began with the cadets marching into a Commonwealth burial site, which is the final resting place of many fallen Canadian heroes.  Speeches were delivered, and everyone in attendance took time to reflect on the sacrifices made by Canada’s brave soldiers, both past and present.  As Canadians, we are incredibly lucky to be part of a nation founded upon equality for all.  For those who fought to defend Canada, the principles on which she was founded, and her allies, it can only be said, in the words of Robert Laurence Binyon, “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

-FCpl Derek Strangway

In the moments before stepping onto the parade square, though the team was nervous, everyone felt prepared to display the skills they had learned.  The routine was not without its flaws, however, the entire team came together in a remarkable fashion.  In the same manner, the success we ended up drawing from the competition, was accomplished as a team. Throughout the year I can definitely say that I have seen everyone on the team improve in drill, dress, and deportment. With almost half the team being first year members and still managing a fourth place (out of a total of 13 teams) finish is an achievement unto itself.  I would not take back this experience for anything as I have learned a lot about being part of a team, bonding, struggling, and ultimately improving personally, mentally, and in all aspects related to drill.  With an amazing experience like this, I hope that the success of the team this year will encourage more cadets to join the team, and enable the 111 Pegasus Squadron Drill Team to reach even greater heights next year.

-WO2 Paul Opeda

While the cadets were understandably nervous, everybody enjoyed themselves, and all of the speeches that were delivered were above the judge’s expectations.  After completing the Squadron effective speaking competition, the winner was chosen to represent 111 at the Wing Effective Speaking Competition, in which cadets from all across the Lower Mainland compete for an opportunity to attend the Provincial and National levels of effective speaking.  While not everyone had the opportunity to advance to the Wing competition, it is safe to say that Effective Speaking is a valuable life skill, and competing in the Squadron competition, as well as attending the course, will make these cadets stronger within the Air Cadet program, as well as in future endeavours.
 
-FCpl Derek Strangway

It also made me realize that as a member of the community, I am responsible to give, and aid others when help is needed.  I also had lots of fun doing the Skills portion of the program.  The topic that I chose for my skill was trumpet; Duke of Ed gave me the opportunity to practice with my trumpet in a daily schedule and allowed me to become a more advanced player of the trumpet. Physical Recreation was also something that I enjoyed tremendously.  It helped me participate in physical activities not just in school, but outside of school as well. However, to me, the most interesting topic of all is the Adventurous Journey.  I am not a person who enjoys camping in the wilderness, especially in the cold. However, it changed my perspective of outdoor camping completely.  I finished my outdoor expedition at Manning Park for a winter FTX.  It was a blast.  Almost every part of the FTX was amazing, but the most favourable part about the FTX was being able to socialize with lots of others who are aged around the same as me.  The part that makes Duke of Edinburgh’s Award so fantastic is the feeling of satisfaction that comes when you achieve your goals after you have put in lots of hard work for the award.  Completing my Bronze gave me an inexplicable sensation of glee and joy and the feeling of happiness has, and always will continue to motivate me to challenge and set goals for myself.  Even after the completion of your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award, the real prize is not the award itself; it is having the opportunity to participate in new activities, and the astonishing experiences you gain throughout the program.
 
-Sgt. Joseph Jeon

In the second section, King's Court Dodge Ball was played.  This is a variation of dodge ball in which players must move to the opposing team's jail (a small area with boundaries) if they are eliminated.  To get back in, eliminated players must catch dodge balls from their own team members while they are in the jail.  Finally, in the third section, was the game Pin Ball Dodge Ball. The objective of this game was to knock down 3 of the opposing team's pins (water bottles).  These pins were set up behind the teams so that they had the opportunity to protect them.  All in all, these variations of dodge ball brought up the spirit and morale of 111 Pegasus Squadron.  Through the wonderful organization of Warrant Officer Second Class Cho, her enthusiastic sports staff, and the NCOs who lent a helping hand, the night went incredibly well.  The most important aspect of this night was that the cadets had fun.  One of the aims of the Air Cadet program is to promote physical fitness.  Evidently, through the laughs, smiles, sweat, and cheers of the cadets, this aim was thoroughly accomplished.
 
-WO2 Paul Opeda

This weekend, the Squadron raised a total of $10,434, which, when combined with our income from fall tag days, makes a grand total for the year of $22,648.  This is an improvement over last year’s fundraising, despite the inclement weather.  Without tag days, running 111 would not be possible, and we would all like to say a huge thank you to all of the cadets, parents, and officers who make these events happen.

-FCpl Derek Strangway

When hiking, you never know when the sort of scenario that these cadets trained for could become a reality.  Many hikers have found themselves lost with night rapidly approaching, and a solid knowledge of the foundations of survival is necessary to prevent a situation such as this from spiralling out of control.

While winter camping, there are some special considerations to take into account.  It is important to stay dry; otherwise you will find yourself dangerously cold very fast.  This means wearing layers, so that you can remove an outer layer in order to prevent yourself from sweating.  Additionally, it is important to keep yourself well fed, as the calories you receive from food will keep you warm at night.

After this exciting opportunity in winter camping, the cadets who attended will be better prepared to tackle any survival challenges that they face.  Additionally, these select few cadets will take their knowledge back to the Squadron, helping younger cadets to excel not only on field training exercises, but also in life outside the cadet program.

-FCpl Derek Strangway

Whether it be tournaments, or regular sports activities at the squadron level, cadets at 111 Pegasus squadron are more frequently involving themselves in sports. With this increase in the interest of cadets, the Squadron is gradually moving towards fulfilling the third goal of the Air Cadet program, to promote physical fitness.  The interest of many cadets with multiple squadron sports tournaments has risen. These tournaments include volleyball, which was held on January 30th, basketball, held on March 5th, and dodgeball, which has yet to have a specific date set.  Even in the promotion evaluation processes this year, cadets were required to take a fitness test to fulfill one of their requirements for a rank.  111 sports are open to anyone with a positive attitude, and a desire to succeed.  Sports are an outstanding way for cadets to share a good time, and by sharing these moments, the bonds between cadets strengthens, contributing to a positive atmosphere within the Squadron.  As an added bonus, not only are recreational sports enjoyable, they are also a way to improve your own physical fitness, which is useful in activities outside cadets.
 
-WO2 Paul Opeda