2017 Milton Patterson Award Presented in Scarborough
Story and photos by Gord McNulty
Flight Sergeant Zoe Elizabeth (Eng-Tsieng) Chee proudly accepted the 2017 Milton Patterson Scholarship presented by Sheldon.
In an impressive ceremony on Nov. 29 that reflected well on the CAHS and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, the 2017 Milton Patterson Award for $1,000 was presented to Flight Sergeant Zoe Elizabeth (Eng-Tsieng) Chee of No. 631 Sentinel Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, in Scarborough.
Sheldon Benner, President of the CAHS Toronto Chapter, congratulated FSgt Chee and presented her with the award on behalf of the CAHS Board of Directors, President Gary Williams, and the membership of the CAHS. Sheldon served as the Reviewing Officer and participated in the inspection of the Commanding Officer’s Parade, attended by 76 cadets, at the Don Montgomery Community Recreation Centre. Several badges were presented to cadets for marksmanship and long service as CO Capt. Brad Davidson and Sheldon presided. The multicultural diversity and inclusiveness of 631 Sentinel Squadron was remarkable. To their credit, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadrons are setting a positive example of leadership for the entire country.
In his remarks, Sheldon noted the scholarship is not given every year. The student must be found worthy of earning the scholarship and stand out as having future potential and a desire to increase his or her flight training. The exceptionally capable and dedicated FSgt Chee certainly displays these qualities. A member of the air cadets since 2013, she completed summer training courses including General Training Course in 2014, Basic Aviation Course in 2015, glider pilot Scholarship in 2016 and Power Pilot Scholarship in 2017. She has obtained both her Glider Pilot and private pilot licences through the program.
In addition, FSgt Chee received the award for Top Level 4 cadet for the 2016-17 training year and was awarded the 2017 Aircrew Officers Association of Canada Award at the Air Cadet League of Canada Annual General Meeting. Moreover, she is also the Drum Major of 631 Sentinel Squadron, a position to which she was appointed in October.
During fall and spring, FSgt Chee spends her weekends at the Markham Cadet Flying Centre, taking other cadets on their first glider flights. She has expressed an interest in taking courses at Buttonville Airport or Durham Flight Centre in Oshawa.
Sheldon noted the first formal gathering of the “Founding Fathers” of what is presently known as the CAHS took place on November 18, 1962. The Society was originally called “The Early Birds Association of Canada.” Several passionate individuals from the Toronto area came together to form what has become the authoritative source for our rich Canadian aviation history.
The CAHS now has a membership of nearly 900 members, predominately across Canada, as well as eight local chapters across the country. Sheldon cordially invited members of the public in attendance, including air cadets, to attend meetings of the Toronto Chapter, held seven times a year at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.
A framed certificate to formally record the award was included with the presentation to FSgt Chee, along with some of the latest examples of our CAHS Journal. FSgt Chee was also registered to receive a complementary one-year membership covering the latest issues of the publication.
The CAHS established the Patterson Award in honour of the late J. Milton Patterson, who joined the Society in 1980. His estate, along with other CAHS members, provided funds so a flying continuation award could be presented to 631 Sentinel Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets. Milt had been an instructor at the squadron. The winning cadet is selected by staff of 631 Sentinel Squadron in conjunction with a designated CAHS Director. The award is intended to allow a cadet to pursue additional ratings or check-outs and further improve their flying skills.
Congratulations once again, FSgt Chee. The CAHS wishes you all the best with your future aviation career.
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| 631 Sentinel Squadron Drum Major FSgt Zoe Elizabeth Chee leads the band on parade. | |
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| 631 Sentinel Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets at the CO's Parade in Scarborough on Nov. 29. | |
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| 631 Sentinel Squadron Air Cadets are inspected by Sheldon Benner. | |
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| From left CAHS Vice President Gord McNulty, 631 Squadron CO Capt. Brad Davidson, CAHS Toronto President Sheldon Benner. | |
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| Sheldon Benner presents FSgt Zoe Elizabeth (Eng-Tsieng) Chee of 631 Sentinel Squadron with a descriptive plaque outlining the 2017 J. Milton Patterson Award. | |
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| The multicultural diversity of 631 Sentinel Squadron is evident as Sheldon Benner participates in the inspection. | |
