2010 - august

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST:

O N P R O U D W I N G S

� Allison’ tells alAllison’ tells alAllison’ tells alAllison’ tells almost most most most

all, plus lots on our all, plus lots on our all, plus lots on our all, plus lots on our

founders.founders.founders.founders.

� David completes the David completes the David completes the David completes the

CVAFMA 10 years’ CVAFMA 10 years’ CVAFMA 10 years’ CVAFMA 10 years’

anniversary story.anniversary story.anniversary story.anniversary story.

� Welcome to Don, Welcome to Don, Welcome to Don, Welcome to Don,

now at the podium.now at the podium.now at the podium.now at the podium.

� All about our entry All about our entry All about our entry All about our entry

into the CV Art Sce-into the CV Art Sce-into the CV Art Sce-into the CV Art Sce-

ne.ne.ne.ne.

� More good stuff.More good stuff.More good stuff.More good stuff.

I N S I D E T H I S I S -

T H E C O M O X T H E C O M O X T H E C O M O X T H E C O M O X

V A L L E Y A I R V A L L E Y A I R V A L L E Y A I R V A L L E Y A I R

F O R C E F O R C E F O R C E F O R C E

M U S E U M M U S E U M M U S E U M M U S E U M

A S S O C I A T I O N A S S O C I A T I O N A S S O C I A T I O N A S S O C I A T I O N

N E W S L E T T E RN E W S L E T T E RN E W S L E T T E RN E W S L E T T E R

V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 2

A U G 2 0 1 0

VO LU N T E E R V I G N E T T E : A L L I S O N A V E R I T A B L E T A L E O F D E D I C A T I O N

A N D M O D E S T Y

A Short Summary of Allison’s Journey to Here and Now.

Having graduated from North Saanich High School in 1961, Allison’s first direct introduction to avia-tion was when she married Colin in 1972, at which time he was stationed at 880 Squadron Shearwater and on temporary duty with VU 33 Sqn Pat Bay. They returned to Shearwater in 1973 and Al-lison was thus borne into a period of consid-erable experience. She accompanied and often worked close to Colin on his various postings in Germany, Comox, Missouri and, finally, NDHQ in Ottawa.

Colin retired at NDHQ and they returned to their house in Courtenay. Still in the federal public service, Allison was hired to assist with transcripts at a court-martial in Building 22 and, six weeks later, offered a temporary position as secretary to the Air Force Indoc-trination School (AFIS), here in building 11. As all temp jobs seem to do, this one became permanent and here she stayed. After AFIS

was moved to Winnipeg, Allison got the newly created job as base hospital secretary and retired from there in 1998. Upon retirement, Allison joined the museum as a volunteer and was soon asked to help clear up all the library books col-lected in heaps upstairs. In David Stinson’s words: “Since retirement from the Public Service of Canada, she has been a keen member of the library staff, keeping the book and photograph collections, and the collection records, in excellent order. Allison has also helped with the Heritage Stones project since its inception and she is a true contributor to Library humour and to good Muse-

um staff morale.” Read on...

Ed: How would you describe the most im-

portant highlights of your public service career

and your museum volunteer work?

“Well, of course, the posting to #4 Wing in Baden Soëllingen, Germany, first with 1CAG, otherwise known as the “snag/servicing unit”

and then with 421 “Red Indi-an” Squadron, was some-thing quite new to me and full of experiences. I was initially employed at the Canex grocery store on Base, and later transferred to a small Canex grocery outlet in our town of Hugelsheim. The experience of working in a local grocery store in Germany was interesting, to say the least. Often the local German people would come in just to see what products we carried, and invariably I would get caught with my limited Gasthaus German.

Four years later, we transferred to Comox where Colin was posted to 409 Squadron. Un-fortunately there were no opportunities for me to work. While on this posting our memories from the Pat Bay days were still strong, so we decided to build a house in Courtenay as a pro-spect for eventually settling somewhere on the island at retirement.

In 1983, we were transferred to St Louis Missouri, as part of the CF-18 project in the McDonnell Douglas factory. Fortunately, even though we were foreigners and without green cards, CDLS (W) the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff (Washington) could hire qualified spouses, as locally engaged staff and, so, the wish of many wives and husbands to be working close to each other on the project was granted. I worked with the Major in the Detachment’s Avionics Depart-ment.

While on this contract, we were very well looked after by CDLS. Unfortunately, it had not been the case for compatriots who had pre-ceded us in California on the Aurora contract. DND learned well from that experience and the CF-18 Project was a great posting for us. For

V O L U N T E E R V O L U N T E E R V O L U N T E E R V O L U N T E E R

V I G N E T T EV I G N E T T EV I G N E T T EV I G N E T T E ---- A L L I S O NA L L I S O NA L L I S O NA L L I S O N 1 1 1 1 ---- 3333

C O L L E C T I O N S C O L L E C T I O N S C O L L E C T I O N S C O L L E C T I O N S

M A N A G E M E N TM A N A G E M E N TM A N A G E M E N TM A N A G E M E N T 4444

B O A R D M E E T I N G B O A R D M E E T I N G B O A R D M E E T I N G B O A R D M E E T I N G

E X T R A C T SE X T R A C T SE X T R A C T SE X T R A C T S 4444

T H E P R E S I D E N TT H E P R E S I D E N TT H E P R E S I D E N TT H E P R E S I D E N T 5555

D I R E C T O R & D I R E C T O R & D I R E C T O R & D I R E C T O R &

M AM AM AM A NNNN AAAA GGGG EEEE RRRR 5555

C A F M & C V A G C A F M & C V A G C A F M & C V A G C A F M & C V A G

E X H I B I T I O NE X H I B I T I O NE X H I B I T I O NE X H I B I T I O N 6666

N E W M E M B E R SN E W M E M B E R SN E W M E M B E R SN E W M E M B E R S 7777

C O M I N G E V E N T SC O M I N G E V E N T SC O M I N G E V E N T SC O M I N G E V E N T S 7777

L I G H T E R T H A N L I G H T E R T H A N L I G H T E R T H A N L I G H T E R T H A N

A I RA I RA I RA I R 8888

Q U A R T E RQ U A R T E RQ U A R T E RQ U A R T E R ---- B A C KB A C KB A C KB A C K 9999

C V A F M AC V A F M AC V A F M AC V A F M A 1 01 01 01 0

N O T I C E SN O T I C E SN O T I C E SN O T I C E S 1 11 11 11 1

CDLS(W) ..hire

qualified spouses,

as locally engaged

staff and so the

wish of many wives

and their husbands

to be working close

to each other on the

project was grant-

ed.

V O LU N T E E R V I G N E T T E : A L L I S O N CON T . .

O N P R O U D W I N G S O N P R O U D W I N G S V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 2

A U G 2 0 1 0

Colin, it meant leaving Comox as a corporal, and arriving in Ottawa five years later as warrant officer. The work was ex-tremely interesting, the pay good and the benefits were out-standing. Many of us would have gone back without much coaxing.

As for the project itself, it was very unusual for the aircraft maintenance guys, who no longer had their hands on an air-craft. Most of their work was done on the phone or on a com-puter. The actual aircraft was not seen until the rolling-out ceremony. I believe the military personnel may have gotten to

see different CF-18s as they came off the line, but it was the last aircraft, #138, that we, as a Detachment, all got to stand with and have our pic-tures taken.

In 1989, we were transferred to NDHQ Ottawa, where

Colin was with the CF-18 PMO (Program Management Of-fice) and from there he retired in 1991. I was secretary to the Director General Management Services (DGManS); in other words, the guy responsible for ensuring that everyone had a PC on their desk. Thus, for me, this position was a great help in getting up to speed in the advent of the ubiquitous desktop.”

Ed: Can we now go back to the future and learn how your life

with the museum unfolded?

“Yes, well, when we got back to Comox in 1992. I went to the civilian personnel office (CPO), who needed a typist for a court-martial that was about to begin. I went into Building number 22 each morning where we would transcribe the rec-orded tapes from the daily hearings. At the end of those six weeks, the CPO assigned me to a position on CFB Comox as temporary secretary to AFIS.

As all temporary jobs seem to do, this one became perma-nent and here I stayed and worked with some interesting people. My first boss was Maj Wes Postma, who had just taken over the Commandant position from Maj Ian Sibbald. The in-structors were Mike Forbes, Bob Richter, Corky Hansen, Harlin Price, Larry Summers, Mort MacDonnell and a ser-geant in the orderly room by the name of Curt O’Shiro [sic] (Oshiro). Curt was a nice young Japanese guy who trans-ferred to Comox when Port Har-

dy closed. It seemed he had spent the majority of his career, trying to get the apostrophe taken from his name. It didn’t help that his wife’s name was Paddy! I often wondered if he actually managed to get it removed. The museum staff at that time also included a graphic artist and a researcher by the name of Jim Rasor.

The museum, which was already here along with AFIS, had a curator by the name of John Logan. The guys who worked in AFIS as instructors had secondary duties requiring them to help in the museum when there weren’t any classes scheduled, while also taking turns working the weekly bingo. The curator’s salary was paid from bingo funds and AFIS staff who were not lecturing on Tuesdays were billeted as volun-teers for the bingo hall. Excuses, like “..No, my wife needs to go shopping..” or “.. the family wants to go to the beach.” just didn’t work. The “volunteers” went home early on that day, changed their clothes and got down to the bingo hall to call numbers, run up and down the lines with bingo cards or what-ever.

The instructors also helped the curator with the displays. Many of the models that we have today are the work of the instructors or their students. At that time, the Library was just a small area upstairs, in the students’ lounge. In the evenings, the students were allowed to use the upstairs area for studies or to watch TV. The gift shop and display area on the ground floor, were only open on weekends. When working on the base-side we would not hear if someone was tapping on the front door, so our guests had to book visits.

In 1994, we received the donation from the Rowe family in Victoria, and thus began our “Geoffrey Rowe” Library. There were over 2500 hardcover books, thousands of maga-zines and hundreds of artifacts. Between class schedules, we had to log in all of this huge donation. The upstairs lounge

MCpl Curt Oshiro, Capt Bob Sealby, Capt McDonnell, Maj Wes MCpl Curt Oshiro, Capt Bob Sealby, Capt McDonnell, Maj Wes MCpl Curt Oshiro, Capt Bob Sealby, Capt McDonnell, Maj Wes MCpl Curt Oshiro, Capt Bob Sealby, Capt McDonnell, Maj Wes

Postma, Capt Mike Forbes, Capt Bob Richter, Allison HetmanPostma, Capt Mike Forbes, Capt Bob Richter, Allison HetmanPostma, Capt Mike Forbes, Capt Bob Richter, Allison HetmanPostma, Capt Mike Forbes, Capt Bob Richter, Allison Hetman


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suddenly became a fully fledged library and the chairs and couches were gone!

I was working with AFIS until the school was moved to Winnipeg in 1996 and then I was transferred as secretary to the base hospital. I retired from there, and public service as a whole, in 1998 to become a volunteer at the Comox Air Force Museum.”

Ed: So, what is the story on how the museum began in the

first place?

“I believe that Lt. Col. Syd Burrows initiated the museum in 1985. It was quiet for a year or two as things for the muse-um were collected in what was called the Blue Room in Building 22 on the Base. It entirely depended on whether Syd was in town or out flying as to what was deposited and held there. In 1986, it was all officially moved to our present building, with Nancy Green as the first Curator. The muse-um was operating as a totally separate unit at the end of the building and the present library area was the Totem Times newspaper production room.

The part beyond the doors, in which the gift shop T-shirts now hang, was a little workshop known as “Skunkworks“, which was where the AFIS staff and students built their mod-els. Naturally, all information on the work was given out only on a strict “need-to-know” basis. Rob Roy and Herbie Lightfoot were already deep into the Heritage Vehicle pro-gram at that time.

Major Postma left in 1994, and was replaced by Major Joel Clarkston. Joel became the Commandant at AFIS, and he also became the Chairman of the museum. When the AFIS school was transferred to Air Command Winnipeg in 1996, all the staff here had to be posted to other jobs. Major Clarkston went back to 442 Sqn, Mort Mac-Donnell, I think, may also have gone to 442. Corky Hansen, who had retired and taken over the job of museum curator after John Logan left, retired once again and Bob Richter became the new curator. I think Larry Summers went back to 414 Sqn. Mike Forbes returned to Air Traffic Control, and I believe Harlan Price went to 19 AMS.

So there I was, out of a job with the AFIS secretarial posi-tion gone; but, fortunately, guaranteed a position somewhere on the Base. As it turned out, a position number in Trenton was transferred to Comox for an hospital secretary to the Base Surgeon. The work for this job had always been done by an orderly room clerk, so I went over there and filled the position. I worked there from early 1996 until early 1998, and then I retired.

In the meantime, the library collection wasn’t being tend-ed to, and Bob Richter asked if I would consider volunteering

just until the books were organized. That began in January 1998 and I never left. As you can see, that was the end of me or, on a more positive note, just the beginning!

I spent five days per week doing the books for Bob; whereas, we really needed about 12 days per week to clean up the whole library. We had to start all over again in reclas-sifying everything. Also, at that time, an amazing gentleman named Don Macklin, who had a strong interest in magazines, arrived to volunteer. He came in and read all the Geoffrey Rowe Collection magazines and then he just stayed. During a period of his career, while in the Ottawa patents office, Don was a co-worker of Geoffrey Rowe’s. A lot of the impetus for museum work must have rubbed off on Don at that time. Any-way, he meticulously classified artifacts, books and magazines by boxing, annotating and storing them. Ask him any question about aircraft and he would answer right back, while digging out the magazine that backed up his answer. Tragically, Don got very sick and died a little later. But then (Holy Cow!), along comes Geoff Plant to volunteer and with exactly the same motivation for the magazines as Don had. Thus the process has continued to this day. It was quite fascinating to watch it all happen.

Ed: These memories are so valuable; thank you for sharing

them. But now, for you, what lies ahead?

“Well, my little friend Loretta Wetmore was a profession-al school librarian. She came to work with us back in the Joel Clarkston days. She asked me once where I got my training as a librarian. I said I was the last one standing as everyone else left the room, so I got the badge. The only library training I’ve had is knowing my alphabet, and a love of putting everything into a computer database of some sort. So I guess I will retire, again, when I forget how the alphabet works!”

V O LU N T E E R V I G N E T T E : A L L I S O N CON T . .

Capt. John Low, Col. Randy Price & CWO Terry Van Horne atCapt. John Low, Col. Randy Price & CWO Terry Van Horne atCapt. John Low, Col. Randy Price & CWO Terry Van Horne atCapt. John Low, Col. Randy Price & CWO Terry Van Horne at

Library Opening—Oct 2003

“..I was the

last one

standing as

everyone else

left the room,

so I got the

badge.”

Maj Wes Postma, Col Terry Maj Wes Postma, Col Terry Maj Wes Postma, Col Terry Maj Wes Postma, Col Terry

Rogers, Maj Joel ClarkstonRogers, Maj Joel ClarkstonRogers, Maj Joel ClarkstonRogers, Maj Joel Clarkston


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CVAFMA History. The article in the April Newsletter explained how the Asso-

ciation came into being in September, 1999. This instalment will speak to the

history since “we were born”.

The first CVAFMA Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held in Oct 2000, with 14 members at-tending out of a total of 43. Membership fees were set at $10 annually for a regular member and $250 for a life membership – we are doing well, as the fees have not changed in 11 years! Membership grew slowly – 53 in 2001 and 2002, 55 in 2003 and 2004. The Museum, meanwhile, was notably busy, with many projects in work and thousands of visitors passing through the exhibits. The Y2K Spitfire Restoration project, launched in 1999, required much time, effort and money. To aid that project, CVAFMA applied in 2001 for a $100,000 BC direct access grant, a bid for gaming funds to support a spe-cific project, outside the regular bingo affiliation funding. The application was refused because the Association did not own the aircraft. The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch of the BC government staff (GPEB, replaced the Gaming Commis-

sion) then asked “What, exactly, do you own and what community programs do you support?” and sent a GPEB auditor to ex-amine all aspects of CVAFMA activity. While the direct access grant application was not approved, the audit assured the GPEB staff, then, that CVAFMA was using its gaming funds properly. It was about this time that the curator ceased to be an NPF employee and became a contractor of the Association. In 2002, to help attract donations and to permit us to issue tax re-ceipts, the Association gained a Canada Revenue Agency license as a recognized charity. At the 2004 AGM, Mike Spooner was still President, Herb Lightfoot became a CVAFMA director, Capt John Low made his first presentation as CAFM Director and the Heritage Stone Fundraising Project was approved. In May 2005, Mike Spooner, after six years as President, stepped down, and promptly became the Treasurer. Mike Hendren, having nearly doubled the membership (to 91) during his two years as Membership Coordinator, became President. We had survived a second serious GPEB review, the gaming funding contin-ued to flow, Ken Oxley had started the Newsletter and the Board now included eight directors.

The times since May 2005 have been inspiring! Lorraine Angly was hired late in 2005 to replace Bob Richter, who retired after many years of dedicated service to the Museum. The CVAFMA Yard Sale, now an annual event, was first orga-nized by Ken Oxley in May 2006. Heritage Stone Dedication Ceremonies began in June 2006 – the fifth will be presented on 26 September 2010. CVAFMA and the Comox Military Family Resource Centre staged a Vancouver Canucks Alumni hockey game in Feb 2007 and raised thousands of dollars for the two organizations. OP Shredder, a fundraising activity which re-lieved folks of unwanted personal or business papers in a very secure manner in return for a donation, ran in 2007 for the first time. Volunteer time contributed to all Museum and Association activities in a year reached the 10,000 hour mark in 2007 and has continued at about that level each year since then. Lorraine Angly departed in October 2007, replaced by Bob Richter on a short-term contract. The Association Constitution and Bylaws, issued in 1999 with the charter, were thoroughly overhauled in 2008 – all changes were accepted by the BC Registrar of Companies. Also in 2008, Harlin Price, our long serving Vice-President, retired as a director, and Jon Ambler, former Commander 19 Wing Comox, became Museum Manager and Volun-teer Program Coordinator. In Sep 2008, CVAFMA dedicated the Joel Clarkston Memorial Gateway at the entrance to the Her-itage Air Park. In April 2009 the Association, on behalf of and supported by 19 Wing Comox, staged a thoroughly successful dinner for 400 (!) people in 7 Hangar to mark the Centennial of Powered Flight in Canada. On 19 September 2009, CVAFMA, with membership at just under 100 folks, with all of its finances in excellent order and with many successes to its credit in con-junction with CAFM, passed its tenth birthday. David Stinson

C O L L E C T I O N S M A N A G E M EC O L L E C T I O N S M A N A G E M EC O L L E C T I O N S M A N A G E M EC O L L E C T I O N S M A N A G E M E N TN TN TN T

David StinsonDavid StinsonDavid StinsonDavid Stinson

Dakota: The rudder and ailerons are installed and look great. The elevators will be completed next winter when the glider

specialist has time to work on them.

MiG-21: The recent radiation hazard check was satisfactory. The aircraft will have a full HAZMAT inspection to ensure

there are no contamination surprises when it is partly disassembled for transport to the National Air Museum,.

Canada Day: The weather notwithstanding, the effort was a success. The jeep and ambulance were great interest

generators and won a prize for “Best Out of Town Float” of the Courtenay parade.

Heritage Stones Dedication 2010: The estimate of stones to be dedicated this year is 20.

Heritage Air Park: A future possibility may exist to add the recently grounded Air Cadet League L-19 tug aircraft..

S U N D R Y E X T R A C T S F R O MS U N D R Y E X T R A C T S F R O MS U N D R Y E X T R A C T S F R O MS U N D R Y E X T R A C T S F R O M T H E J U L Y 6 C V A F M A BT H E J U L Y 6 C V A F M A BT H E J U L Y 6 C V A F M A BT H E J U L Y 6 C V A F M A B O A R D M E E T I N GO A R D M E E T I N GO A R D M E E T I N GO A R D M E E T I N G

O N P R O U D W I N G S V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 2 A U G 2 0 1 0

Firstly, some encouraging words on our Association’s funding outlook. We have, indeed, gained our gaming funds grant for the 2010-11 financial year, in the amount of $27,708, i.e. slight-ly more than we had expected. That part of our overall funding is now in excellent shape for the next several months, in fact up to about the end of July 2011. In the spring of 2011, we will devel-op our first application for a community gaming grant (replacing bingo funding) and ascertain if we can continue that support from the BC government.

Secondly, many of you have heard me mention OMMC, which is the Organization of Military Museums of Canada. The Organization was incorporated in 1992 and comprises 65 military muse-ums. OMMC is recognized by the Department of History and Heritage, which is a part of DND. Our Museum is an OMMC member and is entitled to one vote at its AGM. In addition, one can become an individual member who is also entitled to a vote.

Each year, in conjunction with the OMMC AGM, a week long study session is organized where the topics are relative to running a museum. The location changes every year and their Board of Directors (on which I serve) holds the session in different locations across Canada. Some years ago it was held in Victoria and part of the programme in-

cluded a visit to our Museum. This year we visited Sydney, Nova Scotia and included a day at the Fort at Louisburg and talks by some of the staff on preserving artifacts. In 2011 we will be going to Charlottetown, PEI (date to be determined). If your travels take you that way then, I would strongly recommend you include it in your itinerary.

On the home front, I would like to offer a very warm welcome to WO Mike Barnucz who has recently joined us in the new position of NCM/Deputy Director, under the supervision of our Director, Capt. John Low. We hope Mike finds in us success complementary to his substantial career. As time goes on, no doubt you will learn more of his interests in military history and of his career with CF through postings to Edmonton, Toronto, Moose Jaw, Borden and Trenton in the fields of Air Mainte-nance and Mechanical Support.

Don Manley, CVAFMA President and OMMC Director

THE PRESDENT’S

PODIUM

This summer we will enjoy a part-nership between Comox Valley Art Gallery and the Comox Air Force Mu-seum. From 23 July until 11 September the Gallery will be running an exhibi-tion entitled “Our Military Aviation

Heritage: A Unique Retrospective.” This exhibition tells some of the West Coast’s military

aviation history through three different sets of paintings and illustrations, a variety of aircraft models, a mannequin in full Search and Rescue Technician uniform and equipment, and through other Air Force artifacts. An artifact is defined as a product of human art and workmanship and, as such, they can inspire and enhance our collective understanding of human history in both museums and art galleries. Included in the exhibition are: � Eighteen original cartoons by famous Vancouver Sun

cartoonist Len Norris capturing the stormy political issues of the 1950s and 1960s.

� Five original oils by famed aviation artist Don Connolly (Ontario) covering the history of 407 Squadron,

� Eight watercolours by H. Pearce depicting inter-war air-craft.

� Six models of key aircraft flown from Comox over the years: the Buffalo, the Labrador, the Voodoo, the Neptune, the Argus and the Aurora. (a real Labrador helicopter

will be installed in the Air Park this

summer). � Three mannequins are of: ☺ A SAR Tech; ☺ An Officer in RCAF uniform; and ☺ A female RCAF NCO (Marty’s!)

The Gallery, like our Museum, has a tiny paid staff and exists through the efforts of volunteers and donations at the door. So, over the next few weeks make sure you get into the Gallery to see our stuff in a whole new light. At the same time you will see some extraordinary aviation pictures from a key Canadian artist: check them out for yourself!

Complementing the CAFM display is an arresting set of

paintings entitled : “The Architects of Heaven”, by Virginia Ivanicki of Vancouver BC. .

Jon & John

M A N A G E R ‘ N D I R E C T O R ’M A N A G E R ‘ N D I R E C T O R ’M A N A G E R ‘ N D I R E C T O R ’M A N A G E R ‘ N D I R E C T O R ’ SSSS

“ O U R M I L I TA R Y AV I AT I“ O U R M I L I TA R Y AV I AT I“ O U R M I L I TA R Y AV I AT I“ O U R M I L I TA R Y AV I AT I O N H E R I TAG E O N H E R I TAG E O N H E R I TAG E O N H E R I TAG E ----

A U N I Q U E R E T R O S P E C T IA U N I Q U E R E T R O S P E C T IA U N I Q U E R E T R O S P E C T IA U N I Q U E R E T R O S P E C T I V E ” E X H I B I T I O NV E ” E X H I B I T I O NV E ” E X H I B I T I O NV E ” E X H I B I T I O N

C V A G , C O U R T E R N A Y . C V A G , C O U R T E R N A Y . C V A G , C O U R T E R N A Y . C V A G , C O U R T E R N A Y . ( J U L Y 2 3 R D ( J U L Y 2 3 R D ( J U L Y 2 3 R D ( J U L Y 2 3 R D ———— S E P T E M BS E P T E M BS E P T E M BS E P T E M B E R 1 1 T H )E R 1 1 T H )E R 1 1 T H )E R 1 1 T H )


A U G 2 0 1 0

Opening Ceremony & ReceptionOpening Ceremony & ReceptionOpening Ceremony & ReceptionOpening Ceremony & Reception

“..surrealism lends a

topsy turvy dream-like

feeling that conveys

the vertigo that pilots

must experience in full

colour.”

...CV Record

“While her work is

representational and

photorealistic, what is

striking is the unrealistic

completed image.” ...CV

Echo

‘ ..an imaginative and clear

mapping of pilots’ situations

and thoughts, with strong,

implied messages.”

...newsletter editor

Anh LeAnh LeAnh LeAnh Le

Curator/DirectorCurator/DirectorCurator/DirectorCurator/Director

O N P R O U D W I N G S V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 2

A U G 2 0 1 0

☼ Myra McArthur

☼ Karen Fraser

☼ Eric Fredriksen

☼ Josh Bowles

☼ WO Mike Barnucz

☼ Graham Soar

☼ Capt. Fred Paradie

☼ Michelle Spencer

☼ Leonard Patey

☼ Fletcher Wade

Some advantages to membership of the Association are in:

• Being part of a community-focused organization

• Broadening your network of contacts and making new

friends

• Learning first hand about Canada’s role in military avia-

tion

• An opportunity to develop new skills

• Involvement in a wide range of museum activities

• A voting member of the Comox Valley Air Force Muse-

um Association (CVAFMA)

• Opportunity to become one of the Association Directors

• Enjoyment of membership activities and social functions

• A discount at the Air Force Museum Gift Shop.

A BIG WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS:

DateDateDateDate ItemItemItemItem

24 Jul to 11 Sep 10: CVAG: "Our Military Heritage: A Unique Retrospective" Exhibit

14 Aug

Art Talk, CVAG, Courtenay: “History of the Comox Air Force Base” by Jon Ambler 11am to 12pm

Admission is by donation, suggested $2 - $5

18 Sep: Recreation Exposition (REXPO) [Museum involvement unconfirmed as yet]

19 Sep: Heritage Air Park: Battle of Britain Ceremonies.

26 Sep:

Heritage Air Park:

A Two-Part Ceremony for: 1) our annual dedication of the heritage stones, and 2) a ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming Labrador 310 into our heritage

aircraft collection. More info to follow

TBD Oct Library, CAFM with much to talk about. Followed by potluck lunch.

C O M I N G E V E N T SC O M I N G E V E N T SC O M I N G E V E N T SC O M I N G E V E N T S


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Spotters’ QUIZ

result

1. What, in aviation terms was the

“Queen Mary”?

2. What is a microlight aircraft , which is controlled by moving the fuselage about under the wing

known as?

3. When was the name “Canuck” first

applied to an aircraft?

4. Is the altitude record for a hot air balloon, 45,000’, 55,000’ or

65,000’?

5. Who or what was “Hungry Liz”?

6. In which year did the Concorde

enter commercial service?

7. Do the words “Zero-zero” refer to an ejection seat coding or thick

fog?

8. What was the phonetic alphabet

code word for “M” in WWI?

Humour on the WingHumour on the WingHumour on the WingHumour on the Wing

The odds against there being a bomb on The odds against there being a bomb on The odds against there being a bomb on The odds against there being a bomb on

a plane you flying in are a million to one. a plane you flying in are a million to one. a plane you flying in are a million to one. a plane you flying in are a million to one.

The odds against there being two bombs The odds against there being two bombs The odds against there being two bombs The odds against there being two bombs on a plane you fly in are a million times a on a plane you fly in are a million times a on a plane you fly in are a million times a on a plane you fly in are a million times a

million to one. million to one. million to one. million to one.

To shorten the odds the next time you fly, To shorten the odds the next time you fly, To shorten the odds the next time you fly, To shorten the odds the next time you fly,

should you take a bomb?should you take a bomb?should you take a bomb?should you take a bomb?

2.2.2.2.

L I G H T E R T H A N A I RL I G H T E R T H A N A I RL I G H T E R T H A N A I RL I G H T E R T H A N A I R

Question #1: What

is this picture?

Question #1: What

is wrong with this picture?

Answers: Congratulations on the correct answers

received from Mike Spooner and Geoff Plant. Although nei-

ther answer was fully correct, and one can blame the picture quali-

ty for that, the photo is of a Cessna Crane, which is airborne and

in a slight climb. What is wrong in it, is that no one is at the con-

trols, despite the lack of autopilot!

Still curious? For more exact details, dump the editor and please ask

Frank Steven, the absent pilot who took the photograph.

A passenger called asking how it was A passenger called asking how it was A passenger called asking how it was A passenger called asking how it was possible that her/his flight from Detroit left possible that her/his flight from Detroit left possible that her/his flight from Detroit left possible that her/his flight from Detroit left

at 8.30 am, and got to Chicago at 8.33 am.at 8.30 am, and got to Chicago at 8.33 am.at 8.30 am, and got to Chicago at 8.33 am.at 8.30 am, and got to Chicago at 8.33 am.

It was explained that Michigan was an It was explained that Michigan was an It was explained that Michigan was an It was explained that Michigan was an hour ahead of Illinois, but s/he couldn’t hour ahead of Illinois, but s/he couldn’t hour ahead of Illinois, but s/he couldn’t hour ahead of Illinois, but s/he couldn’t understand the concept of time zones. Fi-understand the concept of time zones. Fi-understand the concept of time zones. Fi-understand the concept of time zones. Fi-nally, s/he was told that the plane went nally, s/he was told that the plane went nally, s/he was told that the plane went nally, s/he was told that the plane went

really fastreally fastreally fastreally fast. …..Disoriented

There are no prizes for an-

swering who this is. Despite

referrals to the subject himself,

your editor could not adequate-

ly caption the picture, as it ap-

pears on page 5.

Thus, the challenge is, in a

manner respectful of our good

President, to supply such a

caption. Any/all results will be

published in the next issue and

readers will judge.

This issue’s

challenge:

?

The association

held it's garage sale on

May 22nd. We man-

aged to raise $750 from this. As always, this would not have

been possible without the tremendous effort on the part of all

those who donated items, helped set-up and assisted during

the day. Many thanks.


A U G 2 0 1 0

Q U A R T E RQ U A R T E RQ U A R T E RQ U A R T E R ---- B A C KB A C KB A C KB A C K R E V I E WR E V I E WR E V I E WR E V I E W ( T H E P A S T T H R E E M O N T H S )

G A R A G E S A L E G A R A G E S A L E G A R A G E S A L E G A R A G E S A L E ———— M A YM A YM A YM A Y

P R O V I N C I A L H E R I T A G E F A I R P R O V I N C I A L H E R I T A G E F A I R P R O V I N C I A L H E R I T A G E F A I R P R O V I N C I A L H E R I T A G E F A I R

C O M P E T I T I O N W I N N E RC O M P E T I T I O N W I N N E RC O M P E T I T I O N W I N N E RC O M P E T I T I O N W I N N E R

Phil Hambrook Phil Hambrook Phil Hambrook Phil Hambrook ———— June ‘10June ‘10June ‘10June ‘10

“In your dreams will I yield!” Lindsay Chung, CV Record, Jun ’10. Destined for, but didn’t make Lindsay Chung, CV Record, Jun ’10. Destined for, but didn’t make Lindsay Chung, CV Record, Jun ’10. Destined for, but didn’t make Lindsay Chung, CV Record, Jun ’10. Destined for, but didn’t make

the CV Record’s Visitor’s Guidethe CV Record’s Visitor’s Guidethe CV Record’s Visitor’s Guidethe CV Record’s Visitor’s Guide

The young lad on right travelled

with his family and friend from Ab-

botsford, BC to meet James Stocky

Edwards, Canada’s only living air ace,

at Comox Air Force Museum June 5,

2010.

13 year old Mark Dhillon won the Pro-

vincial Heritage Fair competition by

writing about Stocky's exploits during WW II. After spending some time in the

Museum, Stocky took them over to see the Y2K Spitfire project and the Muse-

um's Airpark.

It is great to see that youth also have a great interest and appreciation for

our history and heritage. Stocky, his wife Toni and cousins visiting from New

Hampshire obviously enjoyed the day which happened to be Stocky's 89th

birthday. Ken Oxley

S I G N I N G T H E A W A R DS I G N I N G T H E A W A R DS I G N I N G T H E A W A R DS I G N I N G T H E A W A R D ---- W IW IW IW I N N I N G N N I N G N N I N G N N I N G

S N O W B I R D S P H O T OS N O W B I R D S P H O T OS N O W B I R D S P H O T OS N O W B I R D S P H O T O

All told, 46 large copies of the issue were sold, signed by this

flight’s formation leader and the winning photographer for

$30/copy.

U HU HU HU H ---- O H , W H O ’ S 5 5 T H E N ?O H , W H O ’ S 5 5 T H E N ?O H , W H O ’ S 5 5 T H E N ?O H , W H O ’ S 5 5 T H E N ?

“You know, the reason most people come to this museum is to see

something old...” Manager, Jon Ambler, 10 Aug 10.

V I N T A G E W I N G S C O R S A IV I N T A G E W I N G S C O R S A IV I N T A G E W I N G S C O R S A IV I N T A G E W I N G S C O R S A I R R R R

S W I N G S W E S TS W I N G S W E S TS W I N G S W E S TS W I N G S W E S T

..here it is for a QTR refu-..here it is for a QTR refu-..here it is for a QTR refu-..here it is for a QTR refu-

elling stop en route to elling stop en route to elling stop en route to elling stop en route to

Victoria and the Victoria and the Victoria and the Victoria and the

Abbotsford Air ShowAbbotsford Air ShowAbbotsford Air ShowAbbotsford Air Show

Following June/July Following June/July Following June/July Following June/July

showings in Lethbridge showings in Lethbridge showings in Lethbridge showings in Lethbridge

and and and and

Calgary..Calgary..Calgary..Calgary..

V I S I T O R S ’ T R A I L SV I S I T O R S ’ T R A I L SV I S I T O R S ’ T R A I L SV I S I T O R S ’ T R A I L S

O N P R O U D W I N G S

Museum DirectorMuseum DirectorMuseum DirectorMuseum Director John Low, Capt. 19 Wing Heritage Officer

Program Manager & Volunteer Coordinator Program Manager & Volunteer Coordinator Program Manager & Volunteer Coordinator Program Manager & Volunteer Coordinator Jon Ambler

Gift Shop ManagerGift Shop ManagerGift Shop ManagerGift Shop Manager Ken Oxley

Assistant DirectorAssistant DirectorAssistant DirectorAssistant Director WO Mike Barnucz

Contact InformationContact InformationContact InformationContact Information

COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

To join our Association, download the application on our website (below) under Volunteer, leave a phone message at the Museum, or drop by and fill out an application. For only $10 annually, some of the benefits you receive include our newsletter, discounts in the gift shop, and a voice in the organization.

If you are currently receiving this newsletter by mail, please forward your email address to receive a high quality issue via the Internet.

Our thanks to those of you who have contributed articles and other material for this issue. If you have been thinking of doing so, with something of interest to submit, whether it be a photo, story, or anything relevant to what we do and who we are, please don’t hesitate to send it along to the contacts below:

� [email protected] or leave a message at the Museum;

� Your editor at: [email protected] ; or

� Visit www.comoxairforcemuseum.ca or drop by the museum to find out more about current activities.

Ed.

Phone/FaxPhone/FaxPhone/FaxPhone/Fax: 250-339-8162

EEEE----mailmailmailmail: [email protected]@[email protected]@comoxairforcemuseum.ca

WebsiteWebsiteWebsiteWebsite: www.comoxairforcemuseum.cawww.comoxairforcemuseum.cawww.comoxairforcemuseum.cawww.comoxairforcemuseum.ca

Spitfire/Y2K Project WebsiteSpitfire/Y2K Project WebsiteSpitfire/Y2K Project WebsiteSpitfire/Y2K Project Website: www.y2kspitfire.comwww.y2kspitfire.comwww.y2kspitfire.comwww.y2kspitfire.com

OPENING TIMES:OPENING TIMES:OPENING TIMES:OPENING TIMES: Museum, Library and Gift Shop 10am - 4pm Tuesdays—Sundays, incl.

Spitfire Hangar Saturdays 10am-3pm

Heritage Airpark May-September - 10am - 4pm, in Museum times

Comox Air Force Museum Comox Air Force Museum Comox Air Force Museum Comox Air Force Museum

19 Wing Comox, Lazo BC V0R 2K0

Newsletter EditorNewsletter EditorNewsletter EditorNewsletter Editor Rodney Jones

Special Reporter & PhotographerSpecial Reporter & PhotographerSpecial Reporter & PhotographerSpecial Reporter & Photographer Ken Oxley

O N P R O U D W I N G S V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 2

A U G 2 0 1 0

PresidentPresidentPresidentPresident Don Manley

Vice PresidentVice PresidentVice PresidentVice President Bob Mortimer

SecretarySecretarySecretarySecretary David Stinson

TreasurerTreasurerTreasurerTreasurer Mike Spooner

MembershipMembershipMembershipMembership Bill Cuell

Bingo CoordinatorBingo CoordinatorBingo CoordinatorBingo Coordinator Herb Lightfoot

Fund RaisingFund RaisingFund RaisingFund Raising Dave Mellin

Director at Large Director at Large Director at Large Director at Large Mike Hendren

ObserverObserverObserverObserver John Low

ObserverObserverObserverObserver Jon Ambler

Director at Large Director at Large Director at Large Director at Large Val Kaehler

Director at Large Director at Large Director at Large Director at Large Chris Tuck

CVAFMA Executive 2010CVAFMA Executive 2010CVAFMA Executive 2010CVAFMA Executive 2010----11111111

N O T I C E S

Answers: 1. A 40’ long steel lattice trailer for transporting aircraft parts; 2. A Flexwing;

3. In WWI, to the Canadian-built Curtiss JN-4 Jenny; 4. 65,000’; 5. In WWI, an ambu-

lance called to the scene of a crash; 6. 1976; 7. Both; 8. Emma.


A U G 2 0 1 0

Sunday, 26 September 2010

Place: CAFM Heritage Air Park Time: 1 P.M. (Please be seated by 12:45)

Special Guest: Colonel Michele Lalumière, Commander 19 Wing, or his delegate

Suggested Dress: Business Casual

RSVP by 17 Sep 2010 Museum Library (250) 339-8162; E-mail: [email protected]

Canada Post: CVAFMA Building 11, 19 Wing Comox, PO Box 1000, Station Main, Lazo, BC, V0R 2K0

The heritage stones ceremony will be followed by the official “unveiling” of CH-113 Labrador 11310

as the latest addition to the Heritage Air Park.

Reception on site after the “unveiling” of the Labrador

If the weather is inclement, the heritage stone ceremony will be conducted in the

19 Wing Protestant Chapel across the street from the Air Park.

The Comox Valley Air Force Museum Association Cordially Invites You and a Guest

to the 5th Annual Heritage Stones Dedication Ceremony

HERITAGE STONES For Sale $155.00 ea, with tax receipt

2010 - august

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