904 (Lake Chapala-Mexico) Wing
Air Force Association of Canada
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Last updated
July 7, 2008
Wing Executive
September 2007 |
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President's Message
Less than 4 years ago 904 Wing received its Charter. I now have the privilege of being its 4th President and representing you this year. It goes without saying that my predecessors and their executive have done an excellent job to get us to where we are today, and I look forward to following their example.
We have gone from 32 to 57 members. The members of my Executive Council have already shown their support and have begun to work very hard to continue the growth and development of 904 Wing.
The continued success of 904 Wing is due to our member's enthusiastic response to past special events; the large number who come to regular meetings and the more than 30 permanent Lakeside residents who attend Beer Calls during the summer months.
I would like to say thanks to last year's Executive - Bob Rowlatt, Mike Briscoe, Bill Neal, Fred Hornsby and Peter DeTracey, for all their hard work. Also I would like to thank our immediate Past President Bob Rowlatt for again agreeing to serve as Editor of our Newsletter "Slip Stream". Our Mexican counterparts in the Asociacion de la Escuela Militar de Aviacion, A.C. (AEMA, A.C.), again invited some members of 904 Wing to attend their Annual Convention and Dinner-Dance held last June at the Mexican Naval Base in Puerto Vallarta. They certainly made us feel welcome.
On November 30th at 1600 hours we will once again have our popular "Welcome Back Snowbirds BBQ" catered at the Lake Chapala Society. Be sure to mark this on your calendars so you do not miss this fun event.
In closing the most important thing you can do as a member is to be an active participant at functions and to continue to give your suggestions to the executive to improve the program and organization. Do not hesitate to talk to your executive.
Per Ardua Ad Astra
Mario Okunsky
Spring Dinner/Dance
The Spring Dinner/Dance at La Nueva Posada was a huge success enjoyed by all the members and guests who attended. The dinner was excellent, the music was great and we were pleased to have several guests join us for the event. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of two special awards. Ron Hudson was presented with the Dedicated Service Award in recognition of his contributions to the development and promotion of 904 Wing. Past President Peter DeTracey was awarded the Distinguished Service Award and the Globe Trophy donated by Ken Reppen. Peter has served continuously on the Executive Council since the formation of the Wing. He was a most deserving candidate for the Distinguished Service Award based on his outstanding work and leadership.
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 (Lake Chapala- Mexico) Wing of the Air Force Association of Canada.
Editor’s Message
I was asked to serve again as the Editor of the Wing Bulletin "Slip Stream" this year and it is my honour and pleasure to do so. I welcome comments, articles or letters from you to help make the bulletin more interesting and pertinent.
From the left Mike, John, Mario, Bob, Ron and Bill |
New 904 Wing Executive Council At the Annual General Meeting in April 2007, 904 Wing elected a new Executive Council for 2007-2008. Mario Okunsky - President Mike Briscoe - First Vice Bill Neal - 2nd Vice John Prichard - Secretary Ron Jones - Treasurer Bob Rowlatt - Past Pres |
Wing President Mario Okunsky, Peter DeTracey and Ron Hudson and their wives represented 904 Wing at the Annual Meeting of the AEMA, AC in Puerto Vallarta |
AEMA, A.C. Dinner-Dance and Festivities in Puerto Vallarta
As in the past 4 years, the Asociacion de la Escuela Militar de Aviacion, A.C. (AEMA, A.C.) has invited again some members of 904 Wing to attend their Annual Convention and Dinner-Dance last June in Puerto Vallarta. We met with our Mexican counterparts and spent a very pleasant evening at the hotel. The day after arrival, we were taken to the Mexican Naval Base for the welcoming ceremonies to pay tribute to the Mexican heroes of Squadron 201 and to view the parade. To our surprise for the first time we were asked to march with them. We met the Base's Vice Admiral and all the delegates that attended from Mexico, Central America and Puerto Rico. We toured the Base, went on board of several Frigates and then went to a local Sea Food restaurant for lunch. The following evening we were taken to the Dinner-Dance also held at the Naval Base. The group was entertained by an 11-piece band, a very colorful Ballet Folklorico and an hour later we were served a delicious meal. The fare was 'par excellence' and we danced to the wee hours of the morning. They certainly made us feel welcome. |
| Memoriam - Jacques Girard |
| The members of 904 Wing will be poorer this year with the death of our friend and fellow member Jacques Girard who died of cancer on August 9th at the age of 61. Jacques was one of the founding members of 904 Wing and served a term as the Secretary of the Executive Council. Jacques served with the Canadian Forces from 1969 to his retirement in 2001. His wife of 23 years, Marielle Godin intends to stay in Ajijic where she and Jacques settled after he retired from the Canadian Armed Forces. A memorial "Celebration of Life" service was held at the Riviera Alta clubhouse on August 11, 2007. |
904 Wing Program
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The full 904 Wing Program is available on the Web Site at 904wing.org. The planned events for the fall period are listed here. I know you don't want to miss any of the Beer Calls and the Games night, but I would especially like to draw your attention to four special meetings:
- Battle of Britain
On Friday, 14 Sep, we will celebrate and remember the Battle of Britain. Michael Goodwin will speak of his experiences and several clips from the period will be available on DVD. - Nostalgia Night
On 9 Nov, you are invited to share interesting stories or display memorabilia from your Air Force careers. - Remembrance Day
Again this year we expect to have two events for Remembrance Day the first at the Chapala Cemetery, Veterans' Section, and the second with the Canadian Club at La Nueva Posada. Details to follow when they are available. - Welcome Back Snowbirds BBQ
The BBQ on 30 Nov at the Lake Chapala Society is sure to be a great event with Hector from Mannix providing the food and our team of Babette and Ron manning the bar.
| Date | Day/Time | Theme | Venue |
| 14-Sep-07 | Fri/1600 hrs | Aviation, Battle of Britain | La Nueva Posada |
| 28-Sep-07 | Fri/1600 hrs | Beer Call | Old Posada |
| 26-Oct-07 | Fri/1600 hrs | Beer Call | Old Posada |
| 09-Nov-07 | Fri/1600 hrs | Nostalgia Night | La Nueva Posada |
| 11-Nov-07 | TBA | Remembrance Day | Chapala Cemetery, Veterans’ Section |
| 14-Nov-07 | Wed/1600 hrs | Canadian Club Remembrance Day | La Nueva Posada |
| 23-Nov-07 | Fri/1600 hrs | Beer Call | Old Posada |
| 30-Nov-07 | Fri/1600 hrs | Welcome Back Snowbirds BBQ | LCS Gazebo/Bar |
| 14-Dec-07 | Fri/1600 hrs | Beer Call | Old Posada |