904 (Lake Chapala-Mexico) Wing
Air Force Association of Canada
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Last updated
July 7, 2008
Wing Executive
June 2006 |
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President's Message
I would like to begin by thanking my hard working executive for their encouraging support over the past year. They have provided ideas, feedback, reports, minutes and projects that have helped the Wing progress. As a result of their work we have expanded the Wing by 50% and increased attendance significantly. Thanks also to you, the members for participating in our programs, and your part in increasing the membership. We now have a respectable sized Wing and have become more visible within the Lakeside community. However, we still need your ideas and feedback to maintain a vibrant and effective organization for aviation enthusiasts.
This year the program has provided a little more variety with two events at La Nueva Posada that stand out. They were the presentation by Ed Healey on "The New Canadian War Museum "and our Medical Resource presentation by Dr. Martin Inwood. Both were well received and attended; in fact, the medical session was the best attended of our regular meetings so far. The idea is to continue with a mix of aviation and common interest themes, but we need your suggestions for guest speakers and program events. Clearly the "Beer Calls" at the Old Posada are very popular based on the last survey, especially since we have kept the business part to a minimum and tried to inject more fun and games into this program. In this regard, I would like to thank Ron Hudson for setting up the games. The idea of having aviation related stories or humour has been well received.
Our relations with the Asociación del Escuela Militar de Aviación, A.C. (AEMA, AC) have grown this year with our attendance at their annual national convention in Guadalajara last July and the air show last December. Our visit to the airbase to watch the cadets and alumnus on parade was also a highlight that should continue in the coming year. We have established a closer relationship with the Guadalajara Squadron through their attendance at our recent dinner dance. They were impressed with this event, especially by Keith and his bagpipes. I am looking forward to this continuing relationship with more of our members attending their events.
We have made progress in increasing our communications with you through our excellent newsletter, " Slip Stream", the impressive web site and an accurate membership email list. My thanks to Bill and Bob for their work on these projects. These communication tools will function better with your support so we welcome your ideas and your suggestions. This year we have also taken an important step to recognize members who have served the Wing dutifully through the introduction of both Distinguished and Dedicated Service Awards.
Regarding other events this year; the Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day Services were important new events that gave us a military role to play on behalf of veterans, and also gave us some exposure in the community and with other associations like the Canadian Club. I also had the opportunity to address the local chapter of the US Navy League and spread the word about our Wing. Their president, Denny Strole, was a guest at our Dinner Dance and was most complimentary about that event and the Wing. From a public relations point of view, we have become better known at Lakeside, within the AEMA AC and our own Air Force Association.
The challenge ahead is to continue to provide interesting programs and events that will maintain an active membership. With your support we are certain to maintain a vibrant and effective organization. It is from this membership that we will find the volunteers we need to provide your future executive council members and project support. All of us must continue to recruit aviation minded individuals, civilian and military, who will help sustain and develop our 904 Wing.
Per Ardua Ad Astra
Peter R. De Tracey
Dinner Dance
The annual Dinner Dance held at La Nueva Posada was again our most popular event with 96 members and guests attending. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards. President Peter DeTracey presented Dedicated Service awards to three people for their support of the Wing. Mario Okunsky was recognized for his outstanding work in recruiting new members to the Wing. Ellen Okunsky was recognized for her superb work as the Webmaster of the new 904 Wing web site. Martin Inwood was recognized for his support of Wing members and for the establishment of a Medical Resource section on the web site.
The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Past President Bill Watt for his outstanding service in establishing 904 Wing. Bill provided exemplary service as the Wing Charter President and Past President. He gave generously of his time, energy and leadership skills to develop the Wing into a solid and worthwhile organization of which we can be proud.
We were honoured to have four guests join us at the Dinner: Denny Strole, President of the Navy League and three members of the Asociación del Escuela Militar de Aviación, A.C. (AEMA, AC) led by Roberto Montoya Dorantes the President of the Guadalajara Squadron.
| Trophy Donation - Ken Reppen |
| Ken Reppen donated the beautiful globe trophy used for the
Distinguished Service Award. Thanks Ken for your generous contribution of these beautiful trophies to the 904 Wing. |
Annual Meeting
The Annual meeting of 904 (Lake Chapala-Mexico) Wing, of the Air Force Association of Canada was held 7 April 2006 at La Nueva Posada.
Chair of the Nominating Committee, Bill Watt presented the slate of names for election to positions on the Executive Council. No other names were put forward by the membership. All nominees were elected to their respective positions. The members of your new Executive Council of 904 Wing are listed below:
| 904 (Lake Chapala-Mexico) Wing
New Executive Council for 2006-2007 |
|
| President | Bob Rowlatt |
| Past President | Peter De Tracey |
| 1st Vice-President | Mike Briscoe |
| 2nd Vice-President | Mario Okunsky |
| Secretary | Fred Hornsby |
| Treasurer | Bill Neal |
Editor's Comments
It has been a pleasure to serve as the "Slip Stream" Editor for the past couple of years. It gave me the opportunity to work with Mario Okunsky on "Slip Stream" and with all the members of the Executive Council during the years when 904 Wing was being established. When the Wing was first established no one expected it to grow so quickly. We now have a membership of over fifty folks with an interest in aviation and I am certain that 904 Wing will continue to flourish and expand.
I must give up the position of Editor to assume my new responsibilities. We would be delighted if there is a volunteer from the membership willing to assume the job of Editor for " Slip Stream." Please give me a call if you are interested.
| 904 Wing Program | ||
| Date | Theme | Venue |
| 09 June | Beer Call | Old Posada |
| 14 July | 30th Annual Convention A.E.M.A, A.C. |
Guadalajara |
| 11 August | Beer Call | Old Posada |