Honorary Colonel Pamela Wallin Gives Stirring Investiture Address
Air Force News
Honorary Colonel Pamela Wallin gives stirring investiture address
Nov. 17, 2009
By Holly Bridges
A beaming Senator Pamela Wallin, now Honorary Colonel Wallin, entered the room for her investiture in Ottawa yesterday, with a pride that was clearly palpable.
Wearing an Air Force blue Honorary Colonel's tunic, adorned with her Order of Canada, Saskatchewan Order of Merit and various other honours, HCol Wallin looked every bit the Honorary Colonel - part officer, part mentor, part public figure, part supporter.
"I feel a very strong connection to [Air Force] blue today and a particular pride," HCol Wallin said, referring to the seven members of her immediate family who have served in the Air Force over the years. Those family members include her father, Sergeant (retired) Bill Wallin, who served as a Second World War tail gunner and who attended his daughter's investiture.
Fresh off her recent visit to Afghanistan for Remembrance Day with the Minister of National Defence, Peter MacKay, HCol Wallin praised members of the Air Force for the work they are doing in the war-torn country and the hope they are bringing to the people of Afghanistan.
"We travelled to Kandahar and four Forward Operating Bases up to the Dahla Dam and we did it all in Canadian Chinooks, piloted by Canadian crews with air cover by Canadians in the Griffons; and walking out on to the airfield on our last morning at KAF [Kandahar Airfield], it did my heart good," said HCol Wallin. "It was a moment of great pride that we are now seeing our troops properly equipped and able to do their work. You are saving lives."
HCol Wallin went on to explain why she is optimistic about Canadian involvement in the operation in Afghanistan.
"Success is possible for the Afghans and for us because success is stability and a sense of hope and we are getting there. That is our exit strategy."
In his remarks, Lieutenant-General André Deschamps, Chief of the Air Staff, thanked HCol Wallin for accepting the invitation to become the first Air Force Honorary Colonel and explained why she was perfectly suited to the position.
"Your military family background, your intimate understanding of the military and of Canadian culture and public issues, your business acumen, your diplomatic work, your contribution to the Manley Report, your service in the Senate and on various committees, and, of course, your tireless work in educating Canadians about their military, all make you a most welcome addition to the Honorary Colonel extended family."
HCol Wallin hopes to visit as many Air Force units as possible throughout her tenure over the next three years.
Minister MacKay appointed Senator Wallin to the position of Honorary Colonel, which became effective Aug. 1, 2009. Yesterday's ceremony was the formalization of her three-year tenure, serving in the capacity as Honorary Colonel for the Air Staff located at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. This is the first appointment to this new post.
HCol Wallin is a prominent national figure with a distinguished career in the media and as a Senator. She was appointed to the Senate of Canada in December 2008, and is a member of the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee, the Defence and National Security Committee (Deputy Chair), and the Veterans Affairs subcommittee.
To learn more about the Air Force's Honorary Colonel role click here.