History Of 899 Vanderhoof Squadron
899 Vanderhoof was a squadron formed on interest from the community, and with the help of 396 City of Prince George Royal Canadian air Cadets, on May 1, 1983. Captain McLeod was the first Commanding Officer to 899 Vanderhoof who made a dream come true for youth in Vanderhoof that wanted an Air Cadet squadron. There were approximately over 30 youth that joined the squadron on their first night in May. In May of 1983 Vanderhoof squadron was not formed yet but were acting as a satellite off of 396 City Of Prince George, they attended the Prince Rupert Sports weekend and won the Esprit de Corps trophy.June 7, 1984 was the very first Annual inspection with 39 cadets on parade. This marked the beginning of all annuals to come. In 1986 Steve Leeuween was the first cadet to receive his gliders license.
In 1993 the town of Vanderhoof was trying to figure out what to do with the old ranger station that was right down town. Some one at the town meeting suggested giving it to the Air Cadets. When the proposal was give to give the property and the three small building on it to the Air Cadets the mayor at the time stood up and agreed to it. No one on council was going to go against the mayors’ decision as he was well respected in the community. This was great for the squadron, as they would now have place to call home.
