Sault-born fighter pilot credits local air cadets for success; urges support for fundraiser

RCAF Captain Caleb ‘Tango’ Robert, a Sault native now flying a CF-18 Hornet fighter jet, is asking the public to buy tickets for an upcoming 50/50 draw as a fundraiser for the local 155 Borden Gray G.C. Royal Canadian Air Cadets.

People have until 10 a.m. April 29, 2022 to buy tickets online by clicking here.

Tickets are $10.

The final draw will be held at 11 a.m. that day.

“Without a doubt, the Glider Program of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets was the beginning of my love affair with military aviation,” Robert said in a release.

“Our youth graduate from the air cadet program feeling confident and armed with skill sets that will last a lifetime.”

“In no small way the sponsorship efforts of Cadets Canada allow the program to do what it does best: inspire the next generation of leaders, aviation enthusiasts, and future professionals of all pursuits,” Robert said.

‘Tango’ Robert earned his glider and power pilots licence flying as a cadet with the 155 Squadron.

That entry level aviation training was provided in part from the funds of the annual Air Cadet League 50/50 draw. 

Funds raised provide youth with a way to make a difference in their community while learning about aviation.

“I owe much to the staff and affiliates of 155 Squadron in Sault Ste. Marie,” Robert said.

“On one hand, they took on a challenge like no other, keeping me in line. And more importantly was their relentless encouragement to pursue my dreams. The Cadet program is a team of instructors, mentors, and cheerleaders who need all our support to enable such a critical mission.”

Robert went on to join the Royal Canadian Air Force graduating from Royal Military College and is an active pilot with 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron, 3 Wing Bagotville Quebec.

The 155 Squadron Air Cadets is part of a national cadets program and is free to join and participate in.

It includes males and females aged 12 to 18. 

The cadets train in person on Wednesday nights at both the Pine Street Armoury and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. 

“To ensure we can continue offering this exciting program for our local youth as we have in the past we need our community’s support through the Royal Canadian Air Cadet League’s 50/50 draw with over $70,000 in cash prizes to be won,” the release stated.

The local air cadet squadron was named in honour of Sault Ste. Marie’s Borden Gray (1917-1944). 

Flying Officer Gray of the Royal Canadian Air Force was the navigator of a bomber that spotted a German submarine in the Atlantic in August 1944. The bomber attacked the U-boat, but was shot down and crashed into the sea. Despite having a broken leg, Gray rescued two crewmates and brought them into a dinghy. The dinghy was overcrowded and Gray remained in the water clinging to it. By dawn, Gray had died of exposure. During the afternoon of August 28, 1944, the survivors were rescued.

Gray was awarded the George Cross (GC) posthumously. 

The George Cross is granted in recognition of ‘acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.'