July 16, 2008 VOLUME 56, ISSUE 13 FREE Take me out to the ball game Photos: Cpl Colin Aitken Photos: Cpl Colin Record numbers participate he annual Wing Chief Warrant TOfficer’s/ Public Service slo- pitch tournament took place on June 20, 2008 with a record num- ber of 33 participating. Due to the overwhelming re- sponse, slo-pitch games were played on the Silver Heights, Boe- ing and Building 90 diamonds. Teams played slo-pitch through- out the morning and then proceed- ed to the Bldg 90 parking lot for the barbecue, refreshments and the op- portunity to win numerous prizes. Cpl Darren Lampman, an Aerospace Telecommunications The WORiors were chosen as Technician with 17 Wing Telecommunications Information the most spirited team in the tour- Systems leaps to catch a ball just inches out of his reach. nament. Top: Col Howden, WComd, stands behind home plate wait- Thank you to those who as- ing to catch the opening pitch, but Cindy Reid, the Director sisted in making this annual event of Human Resources for the Prairies has other plans. such a huge success, and to all the members who attended. We look forward to seeing everyone out next year. CF members celebrate 17 Wing volunteers 17 Wing sports awards In this issue: Canada Day in Kandahar recognized for their work handed out and dedication Page 2 Page 9 Page 12 • Complete Auto Service • Computer Diagnostics • Government Inspections • Evening Hours 3797 Portage Avenue (Portage at St. Charles St.) Phone: 885-2690 or 632-8909 Fax: 885-2705 2 Voxair, 17 Wing Winnipeg, 16 July 2008 Canada’s longest-serving AEC retires after 45 years By 2Lt Cameron Hillier The regular compulsory retirement age in the CF is n June 13, 2008, the 60, however, Capt MacLel- OCanadian Forces will lan received an extension bade adieu to 61 year old last year. Capt Gerry W. MacLellan, With that extension soon Aerospace Controller expiring he has been looking (AEC). to keep busy after he reluc- After a remarkable mili- tantly hangs up his headset. tary career that began 45 “I would love to stay,” years ago, the Canadian exclaimed Cap MacLellan, Forces’ (CF) longest serv- “I love the job, the people ing AEC was flown near his and the camaraderie I have residence in Lawrencetown, with my crew.” Nova Scotia in the CF’s Retirement also means longest serving aircraft, the he will not see the comple- CH-124 Sea King. tion of 12 Wing’s transition 12 Wing Operations or- to the new CH-148 Cy- ganized the flight as a train- clone. ing exercise and MacLellan’s Looking from his perch inclusion was a surprise to within the tower to the the retiree. northwest, he can see the Pte Pam Evans, 12 Wing Imaging. He was in the tower serv- framework of the new facili- ing his last shift on June 10 ties being built to house and as LCol Jeffrey Tasseron, 12 service the most advanced Wing Operations Officer ar- maritime helicopter in exis- rived with a flight vest and tence. helmet to escort the good “I will miss the opportu- Captain home. nity to control the new air- “He will be missed,” craft,” stated Capt MacLel- WO Williams saluted Capt MacLellan and LCol Tasseron following the Sea King’s landing in a field near Capt MacLellan’s home. Capt MacLellan recalls “It was a great work- Capt MacLellan was uncer- and enjoy working on my stated Capt Chris Muise, lan, “It’s something I would his tour in North American ing environment with a lot tain at the time, but what he antique furniture,” said Capt Air Traffic Control Stan- have liked to do.” Defense (NORAD) Head- of high-powered, detailed does know is that he will be MacLellan. dards and Training Officer, His military career be- quarters as one of his best people. It was a challenge doing something whether With no actual retire- “He holds a lot of invaluable gan at the age of 16 with the experiences in the military to stay ahead there and it felt it’s continuing to work with ment age in mind, Capt Ma- corporate knowledge and we militia and later commis- that garnered several cita- great to meet that challenge,” the AEC profession or main- cLellan said he plans to be draw upon that a lot. To us, sioned to Air Traffic Control tions and a US Armed Forc- recalled Capt MacLellan. taining one of his hobbies. in the workforce for a long he is Volume 1.” in 1970. es ribbon. When asked what’s next, “I practice upholstery time yet to come. New Chief of the Defense Staff assumes command Canadian Forces General and Commander- Canadian Forces a generous the extensive knowledge of National Defence Peter Hillier, who assumed leader- in-Chief of Canada. Prime man and a fine officer,” said and experience necessary to MacKay. ship in February 2005. Gen- en Walt Natynczyk is Minister Stephen Harper, as the Governor General. ensure our Canadian Forces General Natynczyk takes eral Hillier is retiring from Gofficially the new Chief well as Minister of National “These emotions speak continue their fine work into over as Chief of the Defence the Canadian Forces after 35 of the Defence Staff for the Defence Peter MacKay at- volumes of the respect that the future,” said Minister Staff from General Rick years of dedicated service. Canadian Forces. tended the July 2, 2008 cer- we have for them both. A General Natynczyk was emony. respect that resonates at all given the top command in “We are torn between levels of Canada’s military, a ceremony at Uplands pre- sadness at bidding farewell from myself as commander- sided over by Her Excel- to a general whom we great- in-chief to soldiers of every lency the Right Honourable ly admire and joy at wel- rank and stripe to their fami- Michaëlle Jean, Governor coming as the head of the lies,” she added. “The Canadian Forces have the important and challenging responsibility of protecting Canada and Canadians and contributing to international stability,” said Prime Minister Stephen Sgt Carl Elson, CF Photo Harper. “It is critical that they have a Chief of Defence Staff that offers strong lead- ership and expertise.” Gen Rick Hillier (right), outgoing CDS, and Governor General Michaëlle Jean look on as Gen Walt “General Natynczyk has Natynczyk, CDS, takes over command of the Canadian Forces. Telephone: (204) 888-7463 Bonnie Korzeniowski 3025 NESS AVENUE MLA for St. James (Corner of Ness & Sturgeon Road) 2175 Portage Ave. 889-8073 • [email protected] Crestview Veterinary Hospital Dr. Ab Hague Dr. Lorraine Walker 3025 - E Ness Avenue Dr. Shannon Steuart Winnipeg, MB R2Y 2G3 Voxair, 17 Wing Winnipeg, 16 July 2008 3 Pride and determination Celebrating Canada’s 141st birthday in Kandahar By Capt Sonia Dumouchel-Connock brought out, eliciting cheers TF Kandahar Public Affairs Officer from the crowd, a lot of pho- to taking, and an impromptu, andahar Air Field was cacophonous rendering of transformed today as K “Happy Birthday.” dashes of red and white “As I walked around the were added to the muted boardwalk with my mother dusty beige landscape of the and looked at everyone air base. talking and enjoying them- Canadian military mem- selves, I was filled with bers and civilian staff par- a lot of pride about being ticipated in a variety of Canadian,” says Cpl Sonya Canada Day activities, and Haskell, who works in the carried miniature Canadian Joint Task Force Afghani- flags, played with red Fris- Cpl Dan Inglis (right), a signaller with TFK Communication Information Services Troop, puts the first cut in the Canada Day cake with his bayonet, and stan All Source Intelligence bees, and wore red and white then gets cake-cutting assistance from Col Jamie Cade, the Deputy Commander Cell (ASIC). Her mother, shirts and maple leaf tempo- of TFK. Cdr Bonita Thornton, is also rary tattoos. “We in Canada, in our dak discovered five-year-old in theatre and holds the posi- The Canada Day fes- safety, in our beautiful coun- Habibur Rahman who has tion of Task Force Kandahar tivities began early in the try, in our land of oppor- dolichocephalism - a birth Senior Legal Advisor. morning with an emotional tunity, we have so much,” defect resulting in major fa- “We enjoy watching and heartfelt presentation said Maureen Eykelenboom. cial disfigurement. sports as a family – and it ceremony at the Task Force “And we need to learn in this The medics recommend- was great fun to have my Kandahar (TFK) Headquar- world that those to whom ed that money from the fund photo taken with my mom ters monument to fallen sol- much is given, much is ex- be used to send Habibur to and the Grey Cup,” said Cpl diers. Haskell. pected.” Karachi, Pakistan, for con- Photos by Cpl Stevo McNeil A small group of soldiers The monies presented sultation with specialists. As evening set in, Cana- gathered around Maureen were raised by ordinary Ca- Once these specialists have dians rallied to New Canada Eykelenboom - mother of nadians. completed their assessment, House, where the two-per- medic Cpl Andrew “Boom- The funds will be placed further funding will be con- person beer call was held er” Eykelenboom who was in the Afghanistan Assis- sidered for Habibur’s treat- and comedian Mike Mac- killed by a suicide bomb- tance Trust Fund, and used ment. Donald regaled the crowd er in August 2006 - and Maureen Eykelenboom (left), mother of medic Cpl Andrew “Boomer” for small projects to assist “We need to sit back and with a comedy performance.