October 22, 2007 - The Air Force Association of Canada presented its annual awards of excellence to members of the Air Force at the AFAC Annual General Meeting in Ottawa, October 13 - 14. This year, Sergeant Lindsay MacGregor, a flight engineer instructor at 426 (Transport) Squadron was named Air Person of the Year for his "exemplary dedication" to the Air Force and to the Air Force Association of Canada and for his volunteer work founding AFAC’s 401 (R.L. Edwards) Wing.  Sgt MacGregor was also described as "a genuine airman, who consistently performs duties above and beyond those required, providing a bridge between serving and retired air force members. Sergeant McGregor’s efforts on and off duty have been and continue to be a beacon of exemplary airmanship, for which he is recognized."

Chief Warrant Officer Ralph Murphy was named Air Reservist of the Year for his work on the Reserve Revitalization Strategic Study, the International Leadership Symposium (Netherlands), the 569 (Brookfield) Air Cadet Squadron and 102 (Colchester) Wing.  CWO Murphy was also described as "an air reservist beyond reproach. He is the consummate professional who has consistently excelled when it comes to contributing to the Canadian Forces, Canada’s Air Reserves and to his community."

2 Air Movements Squadron from 8 Wing Trenton received the Gordon R. McGregor Trophy for outstanding and meritorious achievement in air transportation for its "superlative customer service and resolute focus" in the face of shifting national priorities and a high operational tempo. Their citation read: "The Squadron’s superlative customer service and resolute focus on the operational imperative did not waiver in light of tremendous increases to the operational tempo and the demand associated with Canada’s shifting national priorities and her participation in the campaign against terrorism. With a mandate to provide support to air mobility operations in domestic and deployed theatres, 2 Air Movements Squadron’s members’ professionalism and exacting professional knowledge, dedication to the mission, and commitment to their team contributed greatly to the sustained success of Canadian air mobility operations."

435 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron of 17 Wing Winnipeg won the Mynarski Trophy for excellence in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations during one of its busiest and most demanding years on record.  "Without the conspicuous dedication, initiative, professionalism and teamwork displayed by every member," their citation says, "the numerous challenging SAR missions undertaken would not have come to such successful completion, which easily could have resulted in the loss of numerous lives. This outstanding squadron deserves the admiration and respect of all Canadians - perhaps the awarding of the Mynarski Trophy can serve as one measure by which the Air Force Association conveys to 435 Squadron that admiration and respect that is rightfully theirs."
Captain Neil McCarthy of 12 Wing Shearwater received the Air Marshall W.A. Bishop, VC, Memorial Trophy for excellence in operations other than air transportation and SAR.  Capt McCarthy championed the Helicopter Maritime Environment Trainer (HELMET), a virtual-reality procedures trainer, while members of 406 Operational Training Squadron at 12 Wing won the RCAF Gold Hawks Trophy for their work implementing the trainer to the maritime helicopter community.   

Darryl Smith, CEO of Pacific Coastal Airways, received the J.A.D. McCurdy Trophy for achievements in civil aviation.
For more on AFAC, visit http://www.airforce.ca/

Source: Canadian Forces (DND/CF) - By Captain Jean-François Gallant
Picutre provided and copyrighted by Canadian Forces (DND/CF) - Members of 2 AMS, including Sgt Andrew Hine (right), seen here carrying a pallet of humanitarian aid off the CC-177 in Jamaica last August, won the Gordon R. McGregor Trophy for their outstanding work in air transportation.  CREDIT:  SGT KEVIN MACAULAY
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