Thomas W. Powell, CD
Born and raised in Powell River, BC, he enrolled in 22 Powell River Squadron in 1963.
He attended summer camps at CFB Namao, Alberta as well as at CFB Penhold, Alberta and CFB Borden, Ontario. He attended the Technical Training Course at CFB Borden and retired as a Cadet attaining the rank of Flight Sergeant in 1968.
After attending a vocational school in Vancouver, he returned to Powell River in the fall of 1969 and served on the Sponsoring Committee of 22 Powell River Squadron for approximately 2 years and was employed by MacMillan Bloedel’s Powell River Division Pulp and Paper mill during that time. He became a civilian instructor in 1971 and finally an officer in 22 Squadron in 1972 holding all positions except Commanding Officer from 1972 – 1978.
Mr. Powell was on staff at the Whitehorse Cadet Camp during the summer of 1976.
A change of employer in 1978 caused him to move to Surrey in 1978. He transferred to 525 Pathfinder Squadron in West Vancouver where he was the Administration Officer from 1978 to 1983 and the Training Officer for 1983 to 1984.
Mr. Powell assumed command of 103 Thunderbird Squadron in North Vancouver, BC in September of 1984 where he was promoted to the rank of Captain, and held that position until September of 1988. Upon completing his term at 103 Squadron, Mr. Powell transferred to 692 Air Canada Squadron in Richmond, BC as Supply Officer from 1988 – 1990 and was appointed Commanding Officer of 692 Squadron in September of 1990, relinquishing command of 692 Squadron in September of 1993.
After a successful term at 692 Squadron, Mr. Powell returned to 103 Squadron in 1993 as the Supply Officer and was later appointed the Administration Officer of 103 Squadron in 1996 and held that position until again assuming command of 103 Thunderbird Squadron in June of 2003 and holding that position until June of 2007.
Upon completing his second term with 103 Thunderbird Squadron he transferred to 655 Richmond Squadron in September 2007 assuming the position of Administration Officer. He was appointed Commanding Officer in January 2011 and was promoted to the rank of A/Major in May of 2011.
Mr. Powell retired from the CIC in April 2015 after 43 years of service to the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and the CIC.
Mr. Powell was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD) in 1984 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
Mr. Powell was employed by Deas Pacific Marine (a division of BC Ferry Services) in Richmond, BC as a vehicle mechanic until his retirement in 2012.
In 2015, Mr. Powell joined the BC Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada and is presently the league rep for 59 Vancouver Squadron and111 Pegasus Squadron in Vancouver and Lower Mainland Wing Chair. He became a member of the Board of Directors in BC Provincial Committee in 2021 and is currently the Vice President for Planning and Director for Air Liaison.