Articles

By Warrant Officer Karen Perry

"Here ye, Here ye ... be it known by all present that by request of Lieutenant Colonel André Pelchat, Commanding Officer, Squadron Chief Warrant Officer Dale Harty, and members of 14 Air Maintenance Squadron, in the presence of Brigadier General Terry Leversedge, Honorary Colonel Herb W. Padwick, and distinguished Guests, Dignitaries and Spectators"

As the ringing voice of the Town Crier spoke these words, hundreds came forward united to pay honour, tribute and recognition to the Officers, Non-Commissioned Members and civilians past, present and future, who have served and will serve at 14 Air Maintenance Squadron at 14 Wing Greenwood in late June.

On June 16, after two years of planning, the 14 Air Maintenance Commemorative Stone, under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel André Pelchat and the watchful eye of CWO Dale Harty, was installed in the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum Memorial Gardens located in the heart of Annapolis Valley. 

Under a cloudless blue sky, Brigadier General Terry Leversedge, then 1 Canadian Air Division Deputy Commander Mission, Support and Training, and Colonel Herb W. Padwick, Honorary Colonel 14 Air Maintenance Squadron, unveiled the stone.  After the unveiling, Captain Michelle Staples, 14 Air Maintenance Squadron's Chaplain, dedicated the stone.

Honorary Colonel Padwick's presence was especially poignant as, at 94 years of age, he has had an illustrious military career enrolling in the RCAF in 1932 as an AC2 and culminating in his rise to Wing Commander. 

The 14 AMS Commemorative Stone will serve, in perpetuity, as a visible reminder and a bridge between air maintenance of the past and onto the future.

14 AMS manages and maintains all CP-140 Aurora and Arcturus Aircraft flown by 404 (MP&T) Squadron, 405 (MP) Squadron, 415 (MP) Squadron and MP&EU.  The Squadron also performs a number of other functions such as transient servicing, explosive ordnance disposal, specialized technician training, non-destructive testing (NDT) and maintenance support for the gliders and tow Aircraft used each summer in the Air Cadet Glider Program.