Meet Your Executive

1st July 2009 to 30th June 2010:

Honourary President Kenneth (KD) Macdonald

Kenneth (KD) Macdonald is a Wing Charter Member, joining 888 Wing in 1978 and one of the few remaining who enjoyed the ambiance of “Dustys Den”.

He was called away from the Comox Valley in 1983 to assume the role of Dependant Husband (the first at CFB Lahr). After a few moves in this capacity, KD was finally permitted to return to the Comox Valley in 1992. During his time away, he maintained his membership and close association with 888 Wing. During his time in Germany he served as Commanding Officer of the Air Cadet Squadron in Baden Soellingen. KD has served on the Wing Executive in the capacity of 2^nd Vice, 1^st Vice and President for a two year period. He has been a visible champion of our local Air Cadet Squadron, and worked with the Wing Entertainment in the organization of some of our major functions. He looks forward to working with the Wing Executive in the years to come.

In recognition of his continued dedication to 888 Wing and the Association, KD was awarded the National Meritorious Service Award. In addition, he and Mini, were selected as Pacific Group Couple of the Year.

President, Al Hampshire

Al joined the Wing 1980 and his many accomplishments include the following:

Charity Bingo Chairman - 4 years; Vice-Chair Air Cadet sponsoring Committee - 2005/2006; Member Sponsoring Committee past 3 years. He has been actively involved in Housing for a number of years and his expertise can be seen throughout the Wing i.e. cedar table, kitchen island and the list goes on! He has served as Housing Chair for the past two years. Al has been voted Member of the Year four times and he was awarded National's prestigious Life Membership award in 2006.

Immediate Past President Gerry Bullen:

Gerry joined the Wing in 1992. He served as a volunteer bartender from 1992 to 1996 and served on the Entertainment Committee for six years as well as being co-producer of our cabaret nights, working with Dawna Dozzi. In addition, he served on the Housing Committee from 2002 to 2006 as well as Contrails Editor in 2006, a position he is continuing to hold for the coming year. Gerry was voted Member of the Year in 2006.

Secretary, Ilene Knockwood

Ilene joined the RCAF right after graduation and served as Clerk Admin. She spent three years in 4(F) Wing, Baden, Germany with her husband and two sons. They were transferred to Comox in 1968. Eleven years ago, went back to New Brunswick but returned to the Comox Valley a year ago. She now calls this home. Ilene joined the Wing in September 2008.

First Vice- President Bud Wilds

Bud has been a member of the Air Force Association, and 888 Wing, for many years. His current focus is serving on the Sponsoring Committee for 386 Sqn. RCAC.

Second Vice President, Duke Reid

Duke is a long time member of 888. He has been a volunteer bartender, Wing Manager, Sports Chair, Membership Chair as well as doing his bit on the Housing Committee and with Pub Grubs and Steak Nights.

Treasurer, Daryl Wright

Daryl joined the Wing in May 1996. He is in his seventh term as Treasurer and has had a particularly busy year with organizing the tracking finances for the renovations.

Housing Chair, Peter Lynch

From the day he joined 888 Wing, Peter has been a valuable volunteer. He was a major "player" in the recent Wing renovations, and has been a regular member of the maintenance crew. He and wife, Christine, are also part of a Pub Grub team and assist in other functions when required.

Membership Chair, Don Hogan

A previous Commanding Officer of 386 Sqn. RCAC and still very involved with both this Squadron and the Campbell River Squadron, Don has also served as Sgt at Arms and on the Entertainment Committee. He and wife, Jan, were recent recipients of Pacific Group's Couple of the Year Award.

Welfare Representative, Yvonne Melancon

Yvonne has been our Welfare Representative for four years now. As many of our members age and ail, she spends an increasing amount of time ensuring that they know we are there for them. How does she describe this position? "I love it...I love people"!!! She also assists husband, Andre, in running the "Games Night" each month and has been doing her "shift" with Pub Grub for several years. Yvonne was voted this year's "Member of the Year" and recently Yvonne & Andre were recipients of Pacific Group's "Couple of the Year" award.

Gaming Chair, Gord Wickert

Gord joined 888 Wing in 1988. He served on the Entertainment Committee for several years as well as being a volunteer for the Wing at the Comox Valley Bingo Assn. (Bingo Palace) for approximately seven years. He is currently serving his second year as our Gaming Chair.

Gaming Treasurer, Jim Scott

Jim takes over this position from Leslie James. He is an "all round" volunteer serving on a Pub Grub team and the entertainment committee as well as being a frequent bartender.

Sponsoring Committee Chair, Mini Macdonald

Mini joined the 888 Wing in 1979. She served as President in 2004-2005. She also served as Welfare Representative for four years, and has been Sponsoring Committee Chair for three years. Other activities include Octoberfest, Lobsterfest, Pub Grub team and Downhomer night. Mini and KD have also been recipients of the Group Couple of the Year Award.

Entertainment Chair, Don Hilchey

Don has been a member of the association since 1995. He is a life member of 800 Wing Victoria. He and Irene have been members of 888 Wing since 2004. He took part in our cabaret "Anything Goes" in 2006...his one and only time but he was a big hit! He bit the bullet and took over as Entertainment Chair and with his competent committee has kept the Wing social calendar very busy...something for everybody! In addition, he and Irene, are regular Pub Grub cooks.

Publicity Chair, Joyce Hallowell

Joyce joined the Wing in September 1983. She has served several terms as President of the Ladies Auxiliary, three terms as Entertainment Chair, one term as Housing Chair and one term as Wing President. She has held the Publicity position since 2002. Joyce was the recipient of the Member of the Year Award in 1986, and again in 2002. In 2005, she received National’s Meritorious Service Award. Joyce & Bob were awarded Pacific Group’s “Couple of the Year” award for 1997-

Contrails Editor, Len Kuchynski

Len has taken over this task from Gerry Bullen...big shoes to fill but we know he'll do a great job! We look forward to his first edition!!!

Sgt. at Arms, Glen Sweetman

After 31+ years in military uniform(s), Glen joined 888 (Komox) RCAF Wing as a member in 2006. He volunteered as Sgt-at-Arms and has now been elected as Sgt-at-Arms for the current year. He feels quite honoured to have been accepted at the "Table of Knowledge" after such a short period of time.

Auxiliary Chair

Effective 1st October, 2007, Maxine takes over as Auxiliary Chair. Maxine has served on the Auxiliary as well as being busy with a Pub Grub team for the past few years. She also continues to serve on the Entertainment Committee.