Malmstrom recognized with Canada's top military honor

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A social was held at the Grizzly Bend Club May 17 in honor of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerial demonstration team. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres were served, gifts were given and awards were presented during this evening of recognition and camaraderie. 

Lt. Gen. Charles Bouchard, North American Aerospace Defense Command deputy commander, and Col. Richard Foster, 15 Wing, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, commander, along with the entire Snowbirds team, were here to help celebrate the bonds created between Malmstrom and the Canadian Forces following the fatal crash during a practice for last year's open house May 18, 2007. Captain Shawn McCaughey was the Snowbirds pilot who was killed when his aircraft went down over Malmstrom.
 
The evening kicked off with opening remarks from Lt. Col. Todd Schollars, 341st Operations Support Squadron operations officer and emcee of the night's event. He handed the microphone off to Shirley Ball, Honorary Consul of the Canadian Consulate, who spoke of the closeness of Canada and Montana, who share more than 600 miles of border. She also praised the Snowbirds' performance at the open house earlier in the day. 

"I'm honored to recognize the Snowbirds and Malmstrom, and the cooperation to make this happen," she said. "All those who worked for this event should be very proud. The loss of Captain McCaughey is still felt, and we're lucky to have the relationship between Canada and Montana to support each other. Our relationships are long standing." 

Ms. Ball also called for a moment of silence for Captain McCaughey and a moment of prayer for the safety of the Snowbirds during this year's open house demonstrations. 

General Bouchard then took to the podium. 

The general opened with a hockey joke, in true Canadian fashion, he said, but then moved on to talk about more serious issues. 

"I'm here to recognize the great work the 341st Space Wing has done," he said. "And we are also here today to remember Shawn. He has joined the other heroes from the United States and Canada who have lost their lives in military service." 

General Bouchard also thanked Malmstrom for the plaque that was placed in the Great Falls veteran's park in Captain McCaughey's honor. 

"You have helped make sure we never forget, as we don't forget ,all who have given their lives," General Bouchard said. 

He then described the journey of Malmstrom and Canadian Forces following the tragic event with "per aspera ad astra," which is Latin for "through adversity to the stars." 

"We have been through adversity together and we continue to reach toward the stars," General Bouchard said. 

"After the accident last year, we decided to do something to recognize the 341st Space Wing," he said. "It is a great pleasure for me to present you with the Chief of Defence Staff commendation. When we went through this tragedy, it was great to see the 341st leadership and compassion. We are most thankful for the moral, spiritual and recovery support." 

General Bouchard and Colonel Foster then presented Colonel Finan with the Chief of Defence Staff medallion, commendation and commendation flag. Malmstrom is only the fifth unit outside of the Canadian Forces to ever receive the Chief of Defence Staff commendation. 

The Chief of Defence Staff is the highest ranking member of the Canadian Forces said Capt. Jennifer Jones, Snowbirds public affairs officer. The 341st Space Wing received this commendation as a result of the tremendous support following last year's tragic accident. 

"That's what friends do for each other," General Bouchard said after presenting the commendations. "Canada and the United States are friends during peace and war, and against those who wish ill upon either of our countries." 

Following his speech, Colonel Finan thanked General Bouchard, and said she wished these recognitions could come under better circumstances. 

"We are allies, friends and family," she said. "I'm beyond words - we thank you very much. We're on the same team forever." 

The Great Falls city commissioner, Bill Bronson, also said a few words at the ceremony. 

"One of the few honors Great Falls can provide is the key to the city," Mr. Bronson said to the Snowbirds. "Our city shared in the loss of your pilot, as we have a strong military community. I think that is why we in Great Falls understand one of the deepest and greatest bonds is one that exists among a band of brothers, such as yourselves."
He then presented Maj. Robert Mitchell, Snowbirds commander and team leader, the key to Great Falls. 

"The event that occurred last year really affected the team" Major Mitchell said, after receiving the key. "The immediate response on base and from the community was overwhelming. When we were in town in our red flight suits, people would share their sympathy, and most wouldn't even take our money. The way they reached out touched us deeply. This is a really special place and Malmstrom will forever be a part of Snowbirds history."