904 (Lake Chapala-Mexico) Wing
Air Force Association of Canada
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Last updated
Febuary 21 2012
Wing Membership
December 2011 |
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In This Issue:
- Wing Executive
- Editor’s Message
- Objectives of the Association
- History of the Association
- Advisory Council
- President’s Message
- Welcome Back Snowbirds BBQ
- Remembrance Day
- FAM 96th Anniversary Ceremony
- AEMA GDL Group Dinner-Dance
- New Year’s Day Levee
- Sixth “Best Ball” Golf Tournament
- Annual Wing Dinner Dance
- Member’s News
- Membership Drive
- In Memoriam
- Partial 2012 Program
| 904 Wing Executive Council for 2011-2012 | |
| President | John Prichard |
| 1st Vice President | Harry Wylie |
| 2nd Vice President | Colin Hodgson |
| Secretary | Ron Hudson |
| Treasurer | Ken Reppen |
| Past President | Mike Briscoe |
Editor's Message - Mario Okunsky
I was asked by the Executive Council to serve as the new Editor of the Wing's Newsletter "Slip Stream" starting this month. It is my honour and pleasure to do so.
If any of you have any comments, suggestions, articles, letters, and autobiographies with anecdotes of your military life if applicable, please send them to my e-mail address or to webmaster@904wing.org. They are always welcome. Since
our Charter in late 2003, our membership has been made up of retirees from the military of various countries belonging to NATO, civil aviation and aviation enthusiasts, and over the years has grown to more than twice in numbers.
The next 2 items "Objectives of the Association" and "History of the Air Force Association" appeared in one of the Slip Stream issues a little more than 3 years ago, with the focus on the Royal Canadian Air Force Association. Thus I felt that it would now be appropriate to republish both for the benefit of those who have joined our Wing and the Association since.
Each time a new member joins the Association and receives the membership certificate they pledge to uphold the principles and objectives of the Association. As a reminder to all of us, the Association objectives from the National website are provided here along with a brief history and an interesting note on the origin of the Association Motto.
Objectives of the Association
- To preserve and perpetuate the glorious traditions of the Royal Canadian Air Force and all who served in it.
- To provide a forum for serving and former participants in military and civil aviation.
- To sponsor and encourage aeronautics in all its forms and branches.
- To support Air Cadets and work closely with the Air Cadet League of Canada, and to participate in local civic and community programs, especially those designed to develop the physical, mental and moral well-being of our nation's youth.
- To undertake charitable and other projects of both a national and local character.
- To work with the RCAF Benevolent Fund and various veterans organizations in the attainment of their objectives.
- To promote and encourage responsible citizenship among all Canadians.
- To advocate a proficient and well equipped Air Force in Canada.
The Royal Canadian Air Force Association was formed in 1948 as a national advocacy group to support the Royal Canadian Air Force, and to unite Air Force veterans of the Second World War.
Former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal L.S. Breadner accepted the task of organizing the new association. He successfully enlisted the participation of various community groups and clubs of former airmen and airwomen, and also invited unaffiliated air veterans to join as members-at-large.
An Order-in-Council legitimized the new association. With Treasury Board funding and headquarters accommodation provided by the Department of National Defense, the RCAF Association held its first annual meeting in Ottawa, 16 September, 1948 at which ACM Breadner was named the first Dominion President. Much organizational and administrative work followed, and the first membership cards were issued in February, 1949.
Constitution and Bylaws were framed so that the Association could be incorporated under the Companies Act. A Charter under the Act was granted by the Secretary of State of Canada, on 14 May, 1951. Over the years the Association grew and prospered, closely linked with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
However, in 1968, the RCAF ceased to exist with the unification and integration of Canada's three armed services. This event resulted in a gradual disconnect between the RCAF Association and Canada's air element, redressed to some degree with the formation of Air Command in 1975. Air Command then became the focal point for all regular and reserve Air Force activity. In 1992 it challenged the RCAF Association to re-position itself as both an advocacy group and a focal point for Air Force veteran activity.
Following nearly 30 years after the demise of the RCAF, a name change for the Association was proposed by Air Command to reflect that reality. A change of name was an emotional issue, and the proposal was exhaustively debated within the Association for more than a year before it came to a vote at the annual convention in Winnipeg in October, 1993. The vote was overwhelming, with 82.6% of delegates in attendance voting in favor of a name change.
On 1 July, 1994 the Air Force Association of Canada became the new official title of our Association. Over the following two years, the membership of the Association has grown by 30%, to nearly 16,000 regular wing members and members-at-large, and an estimated 5,000 associate members. There are 74 Wings or chapters across Canada and in the western United states (California and Colorado). Most Wings actively sponsor and support air cadets and other community activities.
Nationally, the Association is a strong advocate of a professional and well-equipped Air Force for Canada, and is an active advocacy of veteran's rights through membership in the National Council of Veteran Associations.
Advisory Council
At the 2007 Annual General Meeting in April, 904 Wing established an Advisory Council and elected past Presidents Bill Watt and Peter DeTracey to serve as the two first members. The purpose of the Advisory Council is to provide guidance and advice to the President and the Executive Council of 904 Wing. The present Council comprises of Past Presidents Bill Watt and Don Slimman.
President's Message
I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes as the New Year starts.
Our next major event will be the New Year's Day Levee and the Sixth Annual "Best Ball" Golf Tournament, which even for non-golfers, has always proven to be a lot of fun. I would at this time like to thank our Immediate Past President Mike Briscoe for personally organizing this fine golf day. I would also like to thank Mario Okunsky for taking on the duties as the new Editor of this Newsletter. Please feel free to send him anything you think might be of interest to the members, so that it may be considered for inclusion.
Also in the planning is our Annual Dinner Dance to be held in March 2011 and I encourage all of you to attend this formal and elegant event.
Please remember that any member of the Executive Council is always willing to hear suggestions as to how we can make our program and website more interesting and enjoyable.
Welcome Back Snowbirds BBQ
Once again the Welcome Back Snowbirds BBQ was a great success with over 90 attendees, despite it being held a bit early in November. We were fortunate to have as guests, Yvonne Chin - Canadian Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner, Guadalajara and her husband David Gauthier. Yvonne spoke to us, and even translated some Spanish for the audience.
We were also pleased to welcome several members of the Asociación de la Escuela Militar de Aviation (AEMA). They enjoy our event very much and we are delighted at the good relations we have with our Mexican friends. Our President, John Prichard welcomed them in flawless Spanish? Hector from Manix Restaurant did the catering once again and, as in former years, his food was excellent and very well received. We had professional bartenders to help this year, thus letting Babette Hudson "off the hook" so to speak. Babette has been a familiar figure behind the bar for all of our past BBQ events, and deserves a large hearty thank you for her effort. We hope to see you next year again, with your guests, who are always most welcome.
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Remembrance Day - November 11th, 2011
A 904 Wing First - Submitted By Bill Watt
For the past five years 904 Wing has been commemorating Remembrance Day in co-operation with the Veteran's Day ceremony hosted by the local branch Post 7 of the American Legion. This year, the Wing Executive Council decided to go it alone and hold a 904 Wing sponsored Canadian Remembrance Day Ceremony. The Rev. Winston Welty, Rector of St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Ribera Del Pilar, agreed to 904 Wing's request to sponsor a Remembrance Day service at St. Andrew's.
The service was advertised in the "Guadalajara Reporter", the regional English language weekly newspaper. An invitation to attend the service was extended to members of all faiths in the community. The organizers were pleasantly surprised by the attendance. 130 people came out to this first ever event.
The service followed the Royal Canadian Legion order of service for a Remembrance Day Devine Service, with a few Air Force embellishments. Nonetheless, since this was a first, there were still many details to be decided. Fr. Winston and St. Andrew's Music Director, Tim Welsh, suggested readings and hymns which were both relevant and ecumenical.
The service embraced a blend of traditions. The Wing Color Party marched the colors on and off; the Music Director played the organ with inspiration; a professional trumpeter from Guadalajara played "Last Post" and "Rouse" with passion; the Wing Piper stirred us when he accompanied the colors and saddened us when he played "Flowers in the Fields" following two minutes of silence. There were readings from the Bible and the poem "In Flanders Fields". There were also recordings of the Poem "High Flight" read by Peter Gzowski, and a C-130 fly past.
Following the Act of Remembrance, Fr. Winston delivered the address, speaking on the theme "How Will We Remember Them". Later, Yvonne Chin, the Canadian Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner, Guadalajara spoke about what Remembrance Day meant to her. The service concluded with the organist (an American) and the trumpeter (a Mexican) collaborating on one of the most stirring renditions of "O Canada" many had ever heard.
After the service, there were light refreshments in the church garden, organized and prepared by Janet Watt who was assisted by members of St. Andrew's Church.
Members of the Color Party were Mike Briscoe, Harry Wylie, Ron Hudson, Ken Reppen and Robert Gauthier. Bill Watt, John Prichard and Mike Briscoe were the readers. Music was provided by the organist, Tim Welsh, the trumpeter, Juan Jose Naranjo Dominguez, and Wing Piper, Keith Crockatt.
904 Wing extends its thanks to the Rector of St. Andrew's Church and the 11 other members and employees of St. Andrew's who assisted with the preparation and conduct of this very successful endeavor.
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FAM 96th Anniversary Ceremony in Guadalajara
904 Wing was invited by the AEMA GDL Group to attend the Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 15th commemorating the 96th Anniversary of the FAM (Fuerza Aerea Mexicana) in front of the (EMA) Escuela Militar de Aviation Monument on Av. Chapultepec, in Guadalajara.
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AEMA GDL Group Dinner-Dance
As in past years, members of 904 Wing were invited to attend an AEMA Dinner - Dance in commemoration of the (FAM) Fuerza Aerea Mexicana's 96th Anniversary. The event took place on Sat. evening Nov. 19th at the very elegant Puerta de Hierro Club in Zapopan. We were welcomed with excellent Margaritas and the ladies were each presented with a rose. The food was delicious, the music played by the band was great to dance to, and at the end of the evening, and we were surprised by the arrival of a 9 man Mariachi Band that played until the wee hours in the morning.
Present on behalf of 904 Wing were our President John Prichard & wife Lynn, Past Presidents Bill Watt & wife Janet, Ron Hudson & wife Babette, Mario Okunsky & wife Ellen and our member Dr. Manuel Cordova & friend Liz Mora. It was an excellent event.
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New Year's Day Levee
We will be holding our yearly New Years Day Levee once again on Sun. 1st Jan 2012 at:
Location: Birds of Paradise, Clubhouse
Time: 1:00 PM to 4 PM
Dress: Semi-Formal (jacket & tie for gentlemen)
A bit of history behind the levée - Submitted by Harry Wylie
It was in Canada that the levée became associated with New Year's Day. The fur traders had the tradition of paying their respects to the master of the fort (their government representative) on New Year's Day. This custom was adopted by the governor general and lieutenant governors for their levees.
The first recorded levée in Canada was held on January 1, 1646, in the Chateau St. Louis by the Governor of New France from 1636 to 1648. In addition to wishing a happy new year to the citizens the governor informed guests of significant events in France as well as the state of affairs within the colony. In turn, the settlers were expected to renew their pledges of allegiance to the Crown.
The levée tradition was continued by British colonial governors in Canada and subsequently by both the governor general and lieutenant governors. It continues to the present day. The levée was historically a male preserve but during World War II levées were attended by female officers of the armed forces. Since then levées have been open to both women and men.
Sixth "Best Ball" Golf Tournament
The "SIXTH ANNUAL BEST BALL GOLF TOURNAMENT" will be held at the Chapala Country Club at Vista Del Lago on Tuesday, 31 Jan, 2012. Members will have the option of using a power cart (recommended) and be able to ENJOY their 18 holes of fun. There will be a shot gun start at 1:00 to 1:30 pm.
Dinner will be served in the Clubhouse, consisting of Pit Roasted Pig slow cooked overnight, mixed buffet of salads & hot dishes plus dessert.
There will be door prizes as well as prizes for First, and Second place teams as well as the "Longest Drive" and "Closest to the Pin" for both Men and Ladies.
The price per person is as follows:
- Golf and Dinner with cart and caddy - 720 pesos
- Golf and Dinner with caddy, no cart - 570 pesos
- Golf and Dinner for Members - 300 pesos
- Dinner only - 200 pesos
- Cash Bar
NOTE: Those members interested, please see our Immediate Past President Mike Briscoe at the Jan. 2012 Regular Meeting or the Beer Call prior to the event.
Annual Wing Dinner Dance
Our Annual Dinner Dance will be held in March 2012 at La Nueva Posada. More detailed information will be sent to you via e-mail in the early part of the New Year so that you can mark your Calendar in order to make sure that you will attend this fine and elegant event.
Member's News
Member Susannah Kelly has recently had unexpected medical problems that required major surgery. Thanks to donations by many of our wing members plus money from the Wing's Benevolent Fund, we were able to help offset some of Susannah's medical expenses.
Below is a photo of our President John Prichard and Treasurer Ken Reppen who presented Susannah with the money. The members of 904 (Lake Chapala-Mexico) Wing extend their very best wishes to Susannah for a speedy recovery.
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Membership Message
Our Membership Chair Ron Hudson asks that if you have a friend down here at Lakeside who has either served in the Military, was in Civil Aviation or is an Aviation enthusiast, that you tell him/her about our Wing and invite that person to an upcoming Regular Meeting and/or Beer Call.
In Memoriam
| Memoriam - Alice Neal |
| The members of 904 (Lake Chapala-Mexico) Wing extend most sincere condolences to our long time member & friend Bill Neal and his family. Alice passed away suddenly, at their home on Thurs. Dec. 15th 2011. |
Partial 2012 Program
| 01 Jan 12 | Sun | New Year's Day Levee | Birds of Paradise, 1 - 4 pm |
| 12 Jan 12 | Thu | Regular Meeting | La Nueva Posada, 4 - 6 pm |
| 26 Jan 12 | Thu | Beer Call | El Hole in One, 4 - 6 pm |
| 31 Jan 12 | Tue | Golf Tournament (Best Ball) | Chapala Country Club, 2 pm |
| 09 Feb 12 | Thu | Regular Meeting | La Nueva Posada, 4 - 6 pm |
| 23 Feb 12 | Thu | Games Night | Johnys Bar, 3 - 6 pm |
| ?? Mar 12 | ?? | Dinner Dance | La Nueva Posada, 6 - 11 pm |
| 08 Mar 12 | Thu | Regular Meeting | La Nueva Posada, 4 - 6 pm |
| 22 Mar 12 | Thu | Beer Call | El Hole in One, 4 - 6 pm |
| 12 Apr 12 | Thu | Annual General Meeting | La Nueva Posada, 4 - 6 pm |
Note: Dates & information of events organized by outside Organizations will be sent to you via e-mail