Honouring a fallen soldier

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/03/2017 (3375 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Earlier this month, a member of 17 Wing Winnipeg was killed in an accident in Saskatchewan. 

A memorial service was held on March 16 for Master-Corporal Alfred Barr, a search and rescue technician with 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron. He died while training to save the lives of others.

His death is a reminder that the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who work and live in our community are extraordinary people. St. James has the privilege of being home to 17 Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Under the leadership of 17 Wing Commander, Col. Andrew Cook, CFB Winnipeg employs more than 2,500 individuals in regular military, reserve forces and civilian positions. Operational and Support units on the base include 1 & 2 Canadian Air Divisions, 402, 435 and 440 Squadrons as well as schools of Navigation, Aerospace, Meteorology, Survival, Aeromedical and Flying. It is also home to the Regional Cadet Support Unit, Canadian Forces Housing Authority, an active group of chaplains and spiritual care givers and the Military Family Resource Centre.  

The base has a population impact on Winnipeg of over 6,000 people when regular force members and their families are added together. These families are dedicated to the service and protection of the free world, Canada and our local communities. The nature of military life means that many of them are only in our city for a couple of years and then moved on to other posts. But make no mistake St. James and all of Winnipeg is enriched and strengthened by these women, men and their families.

In 2015, Mayor Bowman and I established the Council Liaison for Military and Veterans Affairs. The position was created to formalize the relationship between the City of Winnipeg and the Canadian Forces members in our city.  It was my honor to be the first to serve in this role from November 2015 to November 2016. My aim was and remains to ensure that Forces members and their families know that they are valued and appreciated in our community. Following a responsibility shuffle at the end of last year Coun. Matt Allard has now assumed the role.

This has been a difficult season for the 17 Wing family. However, I know the greater community stands with them. I encourage you to find a way to show your appreciation to members of CFB Winnipeg. You can send an email to Commander Col Andrew Cook at pubaffairs@forces.gc.ca or contact the local Military Family Resource Centre at wpgmfrc@gmail.com.

You can also call 17 Wing at 204-833-2500 and follow the prompts. I am confident that your expression of gratitude will be welcomed.

If you have questions or comments, please contact my office at 204-986-5848 or send an email to scottgillingham@winnipeg.ca. Visit scottgillingham.ca to sign up for our e-newsletter.