Air Cadets honour one of world’s first female fighter pilots

By Officer Cadet Dave Andrews

Major Brasseur addresses cadets at their year-end parade which was held on the 27th of May.

Major Deanna Brasseur is a trail blazer, an aviator and above all else a role model for young men and women across Canada. Major Brasseur has been recognized by 898 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Brossard for being one of the first female CF-18 pilots in the world. The squadron has named one of its four flights ‘Section Brasseur’.

Major Brasseur was the Reviewing Officer for 898’s Final Parade on the 27th of May. She spoke to more than 150 cadets ages of 12 to 18 as well as family members and local officials.

“We wanted a contemporary hero, someone who was relevant to the youth in our squadron,” said Captain Matthieu-Michel Coulombe, Commanding Officer of 898 Optimiste-Brossard Squadron. “She is undoubtedly a fine example for our young people.”

This is not the first time Major Brasseur has made a contribution to a local community. Major Brasseur dedicates much of her time to informing youth about fulfilling their personal goals, giving them an avenue to realize the potential within themselves.

“This is something very important - giving youth visible role models who are accessible is fundamental to building and moulding confidence,” Major Brasseur said.

“When I speak to youth I want them to see that they can open their own doors, even though it may take a tremendous amount of hard work and persistence to do so.”
Motivation is inherent in her personality, from her days instructing in Moose Jaw to flying Canada’s CF-18, Major Brasseur has pushed herself and others to the levels necessary to succeed.

‘Section Brasseur’ flight is the sibling flight in 898’s 2 Squadron to McLeod Flight, named after Alan McLeod, a Victoria Cross winner from World War I.

“Major Brasseur epitimizes the Royal Canadian Air Cadet moto, ‘To Learn, To Serve, To Advance,’ and will serve as a remarkable role model for the many fine young men and women who make up 898 Optimiste-Brossard Squadron,” said Captain Coulombe.

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a large organization, encompassing more than 25,000 young men and women, civilian instructors and many more Officers from the Cadet Instructor Cadre. Cadets are encouraged to become active, responsible members of their communities. They learn valuable life and work skills like teamwork, leadership and citizenship.