Manitoba Air Cadet of the Year Announced

WO2 Gabriel Cabral receives the Manitoba Air Cadet of the Year Award from ACL MB chairperson Jim Bell on Monday 3 November 2026. No 6 Squadron commanding officer Capt Evan Murray looks on. Photo by Elda Cabral

In 2026, the Manitoba Provincial Committee (ACL MB) instituted the annual Air Cadet of the Year Award. This award will recognise a cadet who has achieved an extraordinary level of achievement in his or her air cadet career, while also demonstrating a high level of good citizenship, leadership, and education. The rigorous application process includes personal references, a short essay, a recommendation from the squadron commanding officer, and a personal interview. This award is presented in conjunction with the Royal Canadian Legion.

The Air Cadet League of Canada (Manitoba) Inc is pleased to announce the first recipient of this award, Warrant Officer Second Class Gabriel Cabral, of No 6 (Jim Whitecross) Squadron in Winnipeg.

In addition to the award, WO2 Cabral will have a role at the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, and will receive a flight in a historic aircraft.

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Applications for the 2027 award will be accepted starting in January. Applicants will need to provide their most recent school marks, a recommendation from their commanding officers, letters of reference from an unrelated adult, and summary of their cadet, volunteer, and extracurricular activities. Each applicant must provide a one page narrative describing how they have benefitted from participation in the air cadet program. After a review of the supplied documents, the Awards Committee will hold personal interviews with the top candidates, after which the winner will be selected. Note: documents created with AI will not be accepted.

Cadets should be at least Level 5, or hold the rank of flight sergeant or higher, or be at least 16 years old, to apply.