845 has a number of awards, which are presented annually. The awards are presented to our most outstanding Cadets. Selections for these awards are made in consultation with each member of the Staff, and Sponsor Committee and the Warrant Officers. Rather than weaken the true meaning of these awards, it was decided several years ago that Honourable Mention certificates would be awarded to those Cadets, who still deserved recognition for their hard work, even though they could not receive the actual award.
Click here to see the eligibility criteria for all the available awards and medals, or scroll to see the available awards.
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, but is also encouraged to seek the recommendations of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee. The LSM is provided through the Area Cadet Officer, and is presented by the Reviewing Officer at the squadron’s annual ceremonial review.
Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence
Recognition for individual effort in citizenship, which meets or exceeds the aims and objectives of the Cadet movement.
Royal Canadian Air Cadet Service Medal
Presented to cadets in recognition of 4 years of continuous meritorious service.
Flying Officer George Beck, RCAF - Sword of Distinction
Presented to the senior cadet who has contributed the most to the overall efficiency of the Squadron, in keeping with the aims and objectives of the Air Cadet League of Canada. This individual would stand as an example of what other cadets should strive for, being of exemplary character with a passion and dedication to improve others around them.
Best Dressed Cadet
Presented to the Junior Cadet who best exemplifies the proper dress and deportment of the model cadet throughout the training year. This includes proper uniform, boots and hair maintenance.
WOII Ani Sawant Memorial Award for the Best First Year Cadet
Ani Sawant was an exceptional cadet who rose up through the ranks, graduating at the rank of Warrant Officer Second Class. Ani had a passion for both flight and music. He spent a great deal of his time playing lead snare in the Squadron Band. An excellent cadet and a kind, caring friend to many, Ani was in the Duke of Edinburgh Award program and earned his wings as a pilot in both the Glider and Power programs. Ani’s dream of making a living in the air came true as he went on to work as an airline pilot. Tragically, he lost his life in a plane crash on 10 November 2013.
This award is presented to the first year cadet who has stood out in regards to their dress, deportment, teamwork, participation, and presentation of themselves as ambassadors of the squadron, and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
OCdt Seth Sundar Memorial Award for the Most Proficient Junior NCO
This award has been re-dedicated to honour the memory of OCdt Seth Sundar who passed away suddenly in September 2017.
Presented to the NCO who has shown significant improvement in their handling of leadership situations while maintaining the standard of dress and their personal performance in all areas of participation.
The Mahood Trophy
Presented to the cadet who has shown enthusiasm and willingness to participate in Squadron programs and activities while presenting themselves as an example of what a cadet can achieve.
Major R. G. Beck Award
Presented to the cadet who has made the most outstanding contribution to 845 Squadron Band.
James Floyd Award
Presented for excellence in Power Aviation studies at the Squadron.
Jan Zurakowski Award
Presented for excellence in Glider Aviation studies at the Squadron.
Community Service Award
Presented for the most community service time accumulated over the training year.
Major W. Richardson Drum Major Award (Presented prior to ACR)
Presented to the Drum Major(s) of the band for the current training year.
Major G. Meissner Pace Stick Award (Presented prior to ACR)
Presented annually to the Warrant Officer 1st Class of the squadron recognizing their esteemed position, their leadership in the eyes of the cadet and the responsibilities they are entrusted with. This pace stick acknowledges the very few in the history of 845 Squadron.
Stewarts’ Most Improved Band Member Award
Presented to the cadet who has demonstrated the most improvement musically.
The Phoenix Award for the Top Cadet Instructor
Presented to the cadet who has strongly and consistently demonstrated the ability to use well developed teaching aids combined with enthusiastic teaching methods to teach other cadets in a classroom setting.