MOOSE JAW — During her appointment speech, 15 Wing’s new Honorary Colonel (HCol) Crystal Froese — who will now be responsible for serving as an interface between the military community and residents of Moose Jaw during a three-year term — shared some history that underlines the valuable role played by Moose Jaw’s military base on Oct. 1.
The story is based off a news article published by the Leader Post in May 1956.
“There was a time when Moose Jaw’s relationship with the base was highlighted in a rather unique way,” she said during her address. “It was said that the paymaster doled out cash to everyone on the base using only $2 bills.”
The result of this deliberate move was to highlight the economic impact made by 15 Wing.
“The Moose Jaw business community was flooded with these bills as a result,” she continued. The demonstration served as a reminder of the economic impact made by the thousands of pilots who trained and earned their wings at the base, and from the ground crews who support them as well. This also served to remind Moose Jaw’s residents of their interconnected relationship with the military.
The appointment of Honorary Colonel continues a long military tradition and individuals who assume the role serve as a link between the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the communities in which it is based.
“It is a role all about building a strong connection with the members by creating a feeling of pride, fellowship, and common loyalty,” Froese said.
The 2 Canadian Forces Flight Training School (2 CFFTS) at 15 Wing has a rich history from serving as a flight training centre during World War Two to its current role as a world leader in training thousands of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) pilots.
“But pilots don’t stay in the air without all the support offered on the ground, both military and civilian,” Froese added. “The (RCAF) members make a difference wherever they go — whether it’s flying into disaster zones, peacekeeping, protecting our borders, and even flying into space.
“To the students, I like to say that it is important to be focused and work toward your goals, and your time here is going to mark a milestone for you of change and challenges,” she said. “I’m here to remind you that this community supports you and has much to offer.
“While we don’t need $2 bills to remind us now, it’s moments like that which emphasize our important connections to those who serve and train here (at 15 Wing Moose Jaw),” HCol Froese concluded.
