2017 Year in Review Edition

2017 YEAR IN REVIEW EDITION

TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2018 Volume 60, #01 Cpl Jeffrey Clement

19 Wing restructured in 2017 19 Wing Commander Col Mike Atkins presided over the signing of the change of command scrolls during a ceremony held at the Officers Mess on November 8, 2017. (L-R): 19 MSS CO LCol Stephen Gillis, D/WComd LCol Paula Fraser, WComd Col Mike Atkins, and 19 OSS CO LCol Curtis Wright.

As a direct result of the Wing Logistics and Engi- ficers Mess on November 8. 19 Wing Commander Col of the Wing by streamlining identity. The new mission- Royal Canadian Air Force re- neering (WLE) and Wing The restructuring focuses Atkins to focus more of his processes through singular first focus ensures all MSS structuring, the RCAF need- Operations (WOps). on better aligning how we time on key issues. chains of command based personnel have a clearer un- ed to transform how it does To better align with the conduct operations. Over- As part of the Wing re- on function. derstanding of the 19 Wing business. To this end, the RCAF vision, 19 Wing re- all, this latest change will structuring, Wing Telecom- 19 Wing OSS continues mission, how the mission RCAF adopted the Air Task placed WAdm and WCompt have no noticeable impact munications and Informa- to provide outstanding op- can be supported and how Force (ATF) model for de- with Deputy Wing Com- to the vast majority of peo- tion Services (WTIS) was erational support to North they fit into ensuring mis- ployed operations and force mander (D/WComd). ple working for the RCAF. added to 19 OSS. This al- American Air Defence sion success. generation for both home and WLE became Mission The D/WComd maintains lows for an operationally (NORAD), Search and Res- MSS is structured so that future deployed operations. Support Squadron (MSS), its ties with WCompt as the focused group working to- cue (SAR) and Long Range our organizational design On November 7 as part and WOps became Op- restructuring was designed wards the same set of pri- Patrol (LRP). is the same whether we are of the Wing restructuring erations Support Squadron to maintain a human re- orities. While the day to The transformation from supporting 19 Wing or sup- across Canada, 19 Wing (OSS). sources role while reducing day activities at OSS will WLE to MSS allows the porting operations in anoth- stood down Wing Admin- A small ceremony to sign the workload and span of not change greatly, the re- organization to build on its er location. MSS enables 19 istration (WAdm), Wing the change of command control of the office of the structuring will improve past successes and to move Wing to be Strong, Secure Comptroller (WCompt), scrolls was held at the Of- WComd. This will allow the operational efficiency forward with a new sense of and Engaged.

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MANAGING EDITOR Camille Douglas 250-339-8211, ext 8752 [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Gillian Ottaway Querin

EDITORIAL ADVISOR Capt Brad Little

DISTRIBUTION Michael Pearce Promoting Respect in the Workplace earned national praise 19 Wing Commander Col Mike Atkins presented 19 Wing Chief Warrant Officer CWO J-C Parent with a finalist certificate for the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services Award for Innovation. Manager Health Promotion Kathi Cameron received her certificate from Senior Manager PSP Andy Moorhead. CWO Parent and Kathi worked together to develop A Division of Personnel the Promoting Respect in the Workplace course at 19 Wing Comox, now being delivered throughout the Canadian Armed Support Programs Forces as Respect in the Canadian Armed Forces. 19 Wing Comox, PO Box 1000 Stn. Main, Lazo, BC V0R 2K0 [email protected] AUGUST OCTOBER Cpl Nathan Spence

Tribal Journey arrival in Comox

19 Wing Comox provided logistics support to Tribal Journey 2017, as- sisting the K’omoks First Nation in hosting over 3,000 people and 65 canoes at three locations in the Comox Valley. 19 Wing personnel assisted in establishing an outdoor food services and eating area, a ceremony Sports Day in Canada area for performers and awards, as well as transit between event areas. Tribal Journey is a First Nations cultural voyage of awareness that provides participants benefit from the spiritual guidance and leadership of their elders. From three locations, Alaska, Washington State, and the West Coast of Vancouver Island, canoes joined along in the coastal waters, with the final stop being in the waters between Campbell River The Totem Times is an unoffi- and Quadra Island, hosted by the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum Nations. cial publication of 19 Wing Co- mox, BC. The Editor reserves the right to edit copy and re- ject advertisements to suit 䄀吀吀䔀一吀䤀伀一䴀䤀䰀䤀吀䄀刀夀䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀匀℀ the needs of the publication. Views expressed are those of 䌀漀洀攀漀甀琀愀渀搀琀爀礀漀甀爀渀攀眀愀洀愀稀椀渀最氀礀搀攀氀椀挀椀漀甀猀愀渀搀 the contributor unless express- 栀攀愀氀琀栀礀匀琀漀渀攀最爀椀氀氀䐀椀渀椀渀最䔀砀瀀攀爀椀攀渀挀攀℀ ly attributed to DND, CAF, or other agencies. In case of ty- 吀栀椀猀甀渀椀焀甀攀 ᰠ搀爀礀挀漀漀欀椀渀最ᴠ 洀攀琀栀漀搀椀猀爀攀挀漀最渀椀稀攀搀愀猀 pographical errors, no goods 戀攀椀渀最漀渀攀漀昀琀栀攀栀攀愀氀琀栀椀攀猀琀洀攀琀栀漀搀猀愀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀琀漀搀愀礀⸀ may be sold and the difference claimed against this paper. The 匀椀洀瀀氀攀Ⰰ 栀攀愀氀琀栀礀Ⰰ 搀攀氀椀挀椀漀甀猀愀渀搀昀甀渀℀ 䌀漀洀攀戀礀愀渀搀攀渀樀漀礀 paper’s liability is limited to a 琀栀攀戀攀猀琀猀琀攀愀欀Ⰰ 栀愀氀椀戀甀琀漀爀猀愀氀洀漀渀礀漀甀洀愀礀攀瘀攀爀琀愀猀琀攀⸀ refund of the space charged for the erroneous item. Mate- rial may be reprinted with at- Members of 19 Wing Comox participated in the tribution. Published 22 times ㈀㌀㔀㔀䴀愀渀猀昀椀攀氀搀䐀爀⸀Ⰰ nation-wide CAF Sports Day on October 20. A ⨀䰀椀瘀攀䔀渀琀攀爀琀愀椀渀洀攀渀琀䘀爀椀⸀ ☀ 匀愀琀⸀⨀ a year, every second Tuesday, 䌀漀甀爀琀攀渀愀礀 ⨀䈀攀攀爀愀渀搀圀椀渀攀匀琀漀爀攀⨀ wheel chair basketball demonstration took place with permission of Col Mike ⨀䄀氀氀漀甀爀挀漀氀搀戀攀攀爀愀渀搀猀瀀椀爀椀琀猀愀爀攀 in the afternoon with the Comox Valley Wheel- Atkins, 19 Wing Commander. ㈀㔀 ⴀ㌀㌀㐀ⴀ㐀㔀猀漀氀搀愀琀氀椀焀甀漀爀猀琀漀爀攀瀀爀椀挀攀猀漀爀戀攀氀漀眀⸀⨀ Publications Mail Registration chair Sports Society basketball team – includ- No.4098. Printed by Ladysmith 眀眀眀⸀眀栀椀猀琀氀攀猀琀漀瀀瀀甀戀⸀挀漀洀 ing two members returning from Invictus – tak- Press, Ladysmith, BC. Circula- ing on members of the 19 Wing Defence Team. tion: 1800. JANUARY 2, 2018 | TOTEM TIMES | 3 MAY 3 PPCLI train at 19 Wing Members of B Company, the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infan- try parachuted into Comox on April 28 in a training exercise. 3 PPCLI is located at Ed- monton Garrison in Alberta. Seventy-three jumpers parachuted into Comox with their helmets, rifles and rucksacks, also known as an ‘equipment jump’, carrying most of the gear they need to sustain themselves for a couple of days once they are on the ground. While most of the jumpers landed on the grass, a few had a rough welcome to Comox, landing on the runway. MS Roxanne Wood MS Roxanne SEPTEMBER APRIL

Physician Assistant trade Missing caribou hunter received commission found in Nunavut Physician Assistant Lt Victor Speirs received his commission at 21 CF Health Services MCpl Louis-André Labrecque, a SAR Tech with Centre on April 4 by 21 CF H Svcs C CO LCdr 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron based out Suzanne Thistle (now retired) and 19 Wing of 17 Wing Winnipeg holds up the caribou hide Surgeon Capt Mallory Troup. For the first blanket that a lost hunter made while waiting time in the history of the Canadian Armed for rescue in the area of McCaig Bay, Nunavut. Forces (CAF) an entire trade received a The 67 year-old man, who was reported miss- commission. Physician Assistants were first ing on September 15, was found alive and in introduced to the Canadian healthcare sys- good spirits by an RCAF CC-130 Hercules four tem through the CAF, where they have been days later. Search and rescue is a 24 hour-a-day, trained and employed since 1960 at the seven day-a-week responsibility for 435 Trans- Canadian Forces Medical Services School port and Rescue Squadron. One aircraft is per- (CFMSS). Since their introduction in 1960, manently assigned to search and rescue stand- there are now over 500 licensed PAs across by duty and is equipped to aid people, aircraft several provinces. or vessels in distress.

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OCTOBER SEPTEMBER

BC Ferries’ Coastal Renaissance took part in multi-agency emergency response training exercise that involved 14 agencies in the region including the Canadian Armed Forces. Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Victoria called in air support from 19 Wing Comox and 443 Maritime He- licopter Squadron, who launched helicopter and fixed wing aircraft to the aid of the ferry, along with a crew of search and rescue technicians. Op RENAISSANCE IRMA On September 15 a CP-140 Aurora from 407 Long Range Patrol Ex SALISH SEA Squadron arrived in Barbados to collect aerial imagery in support 19 Wing provided air support in simulated maritime disaster of humanitarian relief efforts following Hurricane Irma. On the morning of Octo- Regina and an Orca-class Once the search and res- ber 25, BC Ferries’ Coastal patrol training craft from cue portions of the exercise Renaissance was far outside the base. were complete, JTFP offi- its usual route as it sailed Joint Rescue Coordination cially transferred command between Salt Spring and Center (JRCC) Victoria hast- of operations to the CCG, APRIL Galiano Islands. ily called in air support from who led the environmental The diversion from its 19 Wing Comox and 443 response on the second day standard trek was part of Maritime Helicopter Squad- of the exercise. a multi-agency emergency ron, who launched helicop- Day two saw the CCG response training exercise ter and fixed wing aircraft to Ship Bartlett stand in for the that involved 14 agencies the aid of the stricken ferry, Coastal Renaissance as the in the region including the along with a crew of search vessel for the Marine Envi- Canadian Armed Forces. and rescue technicians. As- ronmental Response portion Shortly after 8 a.m., resi- sistance from the U.S. Coast of the exercise. Respond- dents surrounding the Trin- Guard came in the form ers practiced how agencies comali Channel could see of one of their ships and a would work together to the beginning of Exercise Dolphin rescue helicopter ensure a coordinated joint Salish Sea 17. to hoist passengers off the response for environmental The ersatz “Mayday” ferry’s upper decks. protection and stewardship went out over marine traf- Once clear of the ferry, following this type of ma- fic services and 97 actors passengers were transport- rine emergency. from Joint Task Force (Pa- ed to a staging area on Salt Exercise Salish Sea 17 cific) (JTFP), representing Spring Island. British Co- was designed to practice the ferry’s guests and crew, lumbia Emergency Health the province’s joint abil- began their evacuation as Services’ set to work help- ity to provide search and sirens blared on board, and ing the wounded. Teams of rescue and environmental a simulated fire erupted on paramedics bent to the task consequence management the car decks below. of triaging and treating fic- to the province’s busy wa- As the Coastal Renais- tional injured, who sported terways. The knowledge sance enacted a full passen- life-like makeup simulating gained from this extensive Seven replica First World War fighter aircraft were disassembled, ger evacuation by deploying serious injuries and burns training will go a long way packed and loaded into a CC-177 Globemaster for transport to France. escape slides and life rafts, from the fire on board. The in helping to increase in- The aircraft took part in a fly past on April 9 as part of the 100th an- JTFP and Canadian Coast most severe cases were teroperability, strengthen niversary of the victory at Vimy Ridge. Guard (CCG) assets sprang transported by air to wait- inter-agency partnerships into action by deploying ing hospitals emergency and ensure British Colum- over 15 vessels including rooms, for further medical bia is ready in the event of the ready duty ship HMCS treatment drills. a major maritime disaster. RCAF supported Vimy Flight

After nearly two decades of restoration work, the Comox Valley’s beloved Y2K Spitfire flies again Y2K Spitfire made its first flight. The aircraft restoration started in the Val- ley with volunteers from the Comox Air Force Museum (CAFM) and was completed by Vintage Wings of Canada in Gatineua, Quebec. JUNE Technical experts and tireless volunteers from the CAFM worked on the aircraft for eight years, building the fuselage. By 2008 it was clear that CAFM did not have the resources to complete the work, so it was turned over to Vintage Wings of Canada. The stipulation was that Vintage Wings had to re- store it to flying condition. Vintage Wings worked here until 2014, then the completed fuselage, cockpit and tail were shipped to Quebec to be finished. “The recent flight of Y2K was a realisation of a project started 17 years ago, and CAFM is very proud of the vital role played by our volunteers in that success.” JANUARY 2, 2018 | TOTEM TIMES | 5

442 Squadron celebrated 75 years

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Jon Vance met with members of the 19 Wing Defence Team on March 27 APRIL to gain an understanding of oper-

ations at 19 Wing Comox. Wood MS Roxanne The command team hosted a town hall meeting that engaged several hundred members. Gen Vance provided a brief overview of CAF priorities before updating members on the status of policy chang- es and ongoing operations.

Kerry Vance spent time on the Wing with a smaller entourage to pursue one of her greatest in- terests: the welfare and prosper- SEPTEMBER ity of military families. As a retired Colonel from the US Army, a mother, military spouse, a li- Tour de Rock censed attorney, and the Director of METSpouse, Kerry Vance is a Cpl Marc Yeon of 12 Military Police Flight was passionate advocate for empow- a member of the Canadian Cancer Society’s ering military spouses in pursuing Cops for Cancer 2017 Tour de Rock team that their careers. She was very keen took part in a two-week bicycle journey across to meet with members of the19 Vancouver Island in September. Cpl Yeon was Wing Comox Military Family Re- one of 24 riders who rode to raise money to source Centre (MFRC) and Per- fund pediatric cancer research and to provide sonnel Support Programs (PSP). programs that help children with cancer. CDS visit to 19 Wing

SEPTEMBER AUGUST

CMWC at the INVICTUS Games The Canadian Military Wives Choir (CMWC) Comox performed at the INVICTUS Games Toronto 2017 opening ceremony at the Air Canada Centre on September 23. Nearly 200 members from ten CMWC choir chapters RCAF marked graduation of 50th search and rescue course across Canada came together, under the cho- ral direction of the CMWC Comox’s own direc- Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) leaders welcomed eleven new tor, Wendy Nixon Stothert. The national choir Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs) into their trade on July 6 at 19 Wing. The graduates joined soprano Laura Wright as the INVICTUS th from the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue (CFSSAR) are the 50 SAR Tech course in Games flag was raised. the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) history. 6 | JANUARY 2, 2018 | TOTEM TIMES

MAY Sgt Halina Folfas

Celebrating Canada 150 in the skies over the Comox Valley

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds and CF-18 Demonstration Team joined in the celebrations of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, performing thrilling aerobatic shows, and breathtaking fly pasts over our nation’s capital on Canada Day, and cities and towns across North America. Both teams deployed to 19 Wing Comox in April to prepare for the 2017 airshow season. The Comox Valley offers unique terrain that provides the pilots an opportunity to perform around mountains and over water.

SEPTEMBER JULY

Goats used to remove invasive species 19 Wing Comox welcomed some unusual visi- tors to the Seal Bay Training Area in July. Sev- en goats were deployed to remove vegetation REXSPO 2017 featured over 80 exhibitors from around the Comox Valley from areas along the fence. for members of 19 Wing and their families to check out. More than 600 people came out to see The herd was contracted to help control in- what the community has to offer on Saturday, September 9 at the 19 Wing Fitness and Com- vasive species at the Seal Bay Training Area munity Centre. that is used as infantry training ground. As an eco-friendly alternative to loud machinery or hazardous chemicals, the goats ate every- thing but the hard wood: leaves, seeds, flow- ers, berries and bark. Goats provide good control of invasive species as seeds are ground during eating, providing a very high destruc- tion of weed seeds that would generate new plants if removed by other means.

JUNE Cpl Nathan Spence Cpl Nathan

10th anniversary Boomer’s Legacy BC bike ride The 10th anniversary Boomer’s Legacy BC bike ride concluded on schedule at the BC Parliament Buildings on June 11. Ninety riders from across Canada departed from the gates of 19 Wing Comox on June 10 in the fully supported road-cycling trip that supports Boomer’s Legacy by raising funds and awareness. Cpl Andrew “Boomer” Eykelenboom died in 2006 while serving as a medic in Afghanistan, and since then over a million dol- lars has been raised in Canada to help soldiers help others. JANUARY 2, 2018 | TOTEM TIMES | 7

MAY CAF conducts civilian evacuation exercise in BC Cpl Andrew Maillet

A CP-140 Aurora from 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron keeps a watchful eye on a BC Ferries vessel and her HMCS escort during Exercise READY ANGLE 17. This exercise demonstrated the Canadian Armed Forces ability to assist should Canadians require security and evacuation assistance while abroad.

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER 19 Wing participates in the Sisters In Ex SCOTTISH CROWN Spirit Vigil Canadian reserve forces train on Vancouver Island

2Lt Cameron Park, Public Affairs Officer, The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s)

On the weekend of No- dian Scottish Regiment vember 4 and 5, the waters (Princess Mary’s), sup- near Nanoose Bay at the ported by medics from 11 Canadian Forces Mari- (Victoria) Field Ambu- time Experimental and lance. In the morning, with Test Ranges (CFMETR) patrols completed, the land Members of the 19 Wing Comox Employment on Vancouver Island were force was extracted from Equity Defence Advisory Group (EE DAG) the site of Exercise SCOT- the beach by the assault gathered on October 4 to take part in a Red TISH CROWN. boats to conclude the ex- Dress event in support of the awareness cam- Soldiers from the Ca- ercise. paign for missing and murdered indigenous nadian Army Reserve To ensure effective ra- women and girls throughout Canada. and the Naval Reserve dio communications were In doing so 19 Wing joined with various orga- of the Royal Canadian in place, soldiers from 39 nizations and individuals throughout the Co- Navy practiced a variety Signals Regiment oper- mox Valley to recognize those in our commu- of skills including assault plete, a tactical exercise Ship Malahat monitored ated a command post and nity who have suffered, all coming together boat landings, familiariza- saw a land force use as- the movement of the boats a radio rebroadcast station for the October 4 Sisters In Spirit Vigils - a tion rides in a Rigid Hull sault boats, crewed by 39 for safety. throughout the exercise. movement for social change. Inflatable Boat (RHIB), Combat Engineer Regi- After the landing, foot To join or learn more The dress hanging ceremony took place at and the conduct of a pa- ment, to land and secure a patrols were conducted about the Army in Brit- the perimeter fence of 19 Wing. It was a sol- trol. beach head. RHIBs from throughout the night by ish Columbia, visit army- emn affair. With rehearsals com- Her Majesty’s Canadian soldiers from The Cana- armee.forces.gc.ca. 8 | JANUARY 2, 2018 | TOTEM TIMES

FEBRUARY

Air Force Beach shoreline restoration complete The shoreline restoration project designed to mitigate the effects of erosion on the Kye Bay bluffs was completed in February. Storm-driven waves, particularly during high tides, caused significant erosion and slope failures along the base of the slope due to undercutting. The most visible effect of the undercutting was numerous slides of soil and trees toppling on the upper reaches of the beach. A contributing factor to the erosion was ground and surface water running down from the top of the slope. To mitigate the effects of erosion, armouring rock was placed at the toe of the slope to prevent further damage by storm waves and extremely high tides and a ditching and drainage system at the top of the slope directs ground and surface water to four dispersal points on the beach.

SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER

CFHA invested in Residential Housing Through funding from the Federal Infrastructure Investments Program (FIIP), granted by the Government of Canada in November 2014, the Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) delivered a record level of new construction and housing projects between 2015 and 2017. A number of projects were implemented to improve and update the units, including siding and window replacements, kitchen, bathroom and whole house renovations. Additionally, eight apartment-style residential housing units were constructed and are now available for occupants. A ceremony was Members of 19 Wing held on November 9 to mark the completion of FIIP projects at 19 Wing. Mission Support Mobile kitchen trailer used in Squadron took part in a strategic planning strategic planning exercise exercise at Air Force Beach in September with between 12 and 50 members attending each day. To support the per- FITNESS SPORTS & RECREATION sonnel involved with Located in the 19 Wing Fitness and the strategic planning Community Centre at 1575 Military Row exercise, the famed mobile kitchen trailer Monday to Friday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (MKT) was brought out Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. of storage and set up at Holidays: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Air Force Beach. The Military users only: 6 – 8:30 a.m. and mobile kitchen trailer 11:30 a.m - 1 p.m., Monday to Friday (MKT) is a fully self- sufficient kitchen that Fitness, Sports and Recreation: can feed three meals 250-339-8211, local 7173/ 6989 per day for up to 150 Sports Stores Counter: people. Cooks are 250-339-8211, local 8315 trained to set up and tear down the MKT in CAFconnection.ca/Comox an austere environment in facebook.com/19WingComoxPSP just a few hours. JANUARY 2, 2018 | TOTEM TIMES | 9

JANUARY Jennifer Brum Jennifer

FEBRUARY GNABBED! Wounded Warrior Run BC The gnasty rumours were true: the Gna- Members of 19 Wing greeted participants of the Wounded Warrior Run BC (WWRBC) as they val Gnome from CFB Esquilmalt was gnome- arrived at 888 (Komox) Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association of Canada on Febru- gnapped, and held at 19 Wing by a gnefarious ary 23. The Wounded Warriors Run BC (WWRBC) team ran approximately 700km of Vancouver faction of gne’er-do-wells that operated under Island over six consecutive days to increase awareness and raise financial support for Wound- the name Joe Gnapper. He had a most enjoy- ed Warriors Canada, a non-profit organization that helps serving and retired Canadian Armed able visit before the ransom was met and he Forces and emergency services personnel who have been injured in their service to the country. was returned home safely.

AUGUST Cpl Jeffrey Clement

Members of the 19 Wing Comox Defence Team took part in the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 (IGT17) National Flag Tour on August 17. Mr. Frazer Haldwin, National Relay Co- ordinator, presented a commemorative flag to 19 Wing Commander Col Mike Atkins. In- victus is an international sporting competition for ill and injured active duty members and veterans. The mission of the IGT17 is to honour the men and women who have come face-to-face with the reality of sacrificing for their country, using the power of rehabilita- tive sports to help them on their journey of Invictus flag visited 19 Wing recovery.

Comox Air Force Museum celebrated 30 years The Comox Air Force Museum marked their 30th anniversary with a private ceremony, official opening of a new display area, and the re- SEPTEMBER lease of a history book on September 12. The newly published book “Comox Air Force Museum: Our First Thirty Years”, was written by Col (ret’d) Jon Ambler, program manager and volunteer coordinator at the Comox Air Force Museum. A new hallway display was also officially opened during the anniversary celebration. Many months of volunteer effort transformed the static space into a bright new area that features revolving displays. The volunteers and museum staff involved in these two projects were honoured with Wing Commander’s Commendations for their hard work. 10 | JANUARY 2, 2018 | TOTEM TIMES 2017 highlights from the Comox Military Family Resource Centre 1575 Military Row 250.339.8290 CAFconnection.ca facebook.com/comoxmfrc

The Comox Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) worked hard through 2017 to expand service delivery to the 19 Wing Comox military community. “We have included evening and weekend programming to be more inclusive, and are offering more programs than ever before,” explains Cathy Stotts, Executive Director of the Comox MFRC. “We extended our hours every Wednesday evening to allow those who work during the day an opportunity for weekly access.” The program guide is now being offered in both official languages, with many of the programs being offered bilin- gually. A huge change in 2017 was the introduction of the new CAFconnection.ca website, providing military families a one-stop site for information regarding services and programs. “Our hope is to include electronic registrations and pay- ment, which will allow our community ease of access,” adds Cathy. The board of directors for the Comox MFRC worked dili- gently all year on fundraising activities, allowing them to offer an education bursary to military families. “The board disbursed $4,000 among six recipients, providing much appreciated assistance towards post-secondary studies.” To support the bursaries the board held a fund raising golf tournament for the first time, and is planning to make this an annual event. Volunteers were recognized, cheesecake was served, and the MFRC contributed significant- ly to the well being of military families at 19 Wing Comox.

JUNE

Major search conducted Members of 442 Rescue and Transport Squadron participated in a full scale search for a single en- gine aircraft with two persons on board missing between Cranbrook and Kamloops between June 8 and 20. In addition, personnel from 407, 408 and 417 Squadrons augmented the search with aircraft, air and ground crews. Over the search period a total of 18 Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Civil Air Search and Rescue (CASARA) aircraft flew 576 hours and covered 37,513 square km. Alongside more than 70 RCAF personnel were 137 volunteer pilots and spotters from CASARA, averaging 10 aircraft per day. The vast terrain and poor weather proved to be especially chal- lenging for all involved. JANUARY 2, 2018 | TOTEM TIMES | 11

FEBRUARY

MARCH New Site – New Connection NO SNO FEST 2017 CAFconnection.ca is the website that connects CAF members and fam- After two days of tough competition, No Sno Fest wrapped up at the Gla- ilies to their local MFRCs and PSP organizations through one online cier Gardens arena on March 3 to a joyous crowd of spectators. Con- presence. Services are offered to large audience groups including For gratulations to the Eager Beavers for taking the best overall team, Wing Military Personnel or For Veterans and Their Families, or by listing pro- Comptroller for best team costumes, and Lumberjack Demons for hav- gramming areas such as recreation, child care, or deployment services. ing the most team spirit! VISAS hosted annual Soldier On national ski week

FEBRUARY

Soldier On National Ski Week introduces ill and injured serving and retired CAF members to downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing through instruction provided by Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports (VISAS). Ten members from the Australian Defence Force also participated. 19 Wing Comox supported the event at Mount Washington Alpine Resort by providing transportation, medical support, and an Opera- tional Stress Injury Social Support representative on site every day for peer support.

SISIP team received CFMWS Commercial Services Division Award of Merit

Larry Mohr, Senior Vice President of Commercial Services, Canadian Forc- es Morale and Welfare Services (CFM- WS), presented Esquimalt SISIP Fi- nancial Manager Wade Walters and members of SISIP Financial, British Columbia region (Vancouver, Esqui- malt and Comox) with an award for outstanding results, member service and reflecting core values of service excellence, teamwork, professional- ism and compassion at the CANEX Military Supply Store in Esquimalt. During the ceremony Walters congrat- ulated the team for their creative and successful marketing initiatives and outside-the-box-thinking. “Their outstanding business results are making British Columbia one of SISIP Finan- cial’s top markets,” said Walters. (L- R): Patricia MacDonald, Hyun Park, Shannon Childs, Diane Kennedy, Su- zie Fines, Larry Mohr, Chris Fraser, DECEMBER Wade Walters, Corey Hargreaves, Edna Wilson, and Karrie Lee. 12 | JANUARY 2, 2018 | TOTEM TIMES

Exercise TAZ RUNNER FEBRUARY

The RCAF improvised explosive device disposal (IEDD) Exercise TAZ RUNNER was held at 19 Wing Comox to improve operator proficiency and interoperability through exposure to real- istic and increasingly difficult IEDD scenarios. Participants from various units across Canada participated in the exercise.

tEODor – the Telerob Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Observation Robot – is used in- stead of a human operator for safety while disrupting a suspicious package. The EOD operator controls tEODor from a safe distance.