Mr. Barry Rempel, president and chief executive officer of the Winnipeg Airports Authority, was appointed the first-ever honorary colonel of 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters at an investiture ceremony held Friday, October 12 in Winnipeg, Man.
“Mr. Rempel has an exemplary record of working with the Royal Canadian Air Force from his time as honorary colonel at 17 Wing,” said Major-General Pierre St-Amand, commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, who presided over the ceremony.
“Mr. Rempel and I have several things in common, not the least of which is controlling air power. We share runways and infrastructure here in Winnipeg, but also share a sense of purpose: keeping Canadians safe on the ground and in the air.”
HCol Rempel brings extensive aviation experience to his new role, having worked with two airport authorities and two Canadian airline operating divisions over the past 37 years. He is an active member in the community and serves as director of many organizations, including the Canadian Airports Council and Centreport Canada. He is also a member of the RCAF Commander’s Council.
“I am honoured to be invested as the inaugural honorary colonel for 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters,” said HCol Rempel. “As a neighbour on the airfield, we clearly see the Royal Canadian Air Force's commitment to Winnipeg and are pleased to have the opportunity to help be a part of extending the reach of their commitment to this community.”
With approximately 60 current appointments at any one time, the Air Force honorary colonel program provides a powerful and effective means to foster esprit de corps, promote and sustain strong community support and connect Canadians with their Air Force in all parts of the country. Honorary colonels come from a diverse range of backgrounds and include many well-known public and community figures. More than 225 distinguished Canadians have served the Air Force through the honorary colonel program since 1970.
1 Canadian Air Division / Canadian NORAD Region Headquarters serves as the central point of command and control for Canada's Air Force operations and it oversees the monitoring of Canada's airspace in support of Canada’s commitments to NORAD.
