Media Advisories

3 WING BAGOTVILLE –It is with great pride that Colonel Yvan Blondin, Commander of 3 Wing, will preside over the ceremony in which Guy Lafleur, a former player for the Montreal Canadiens, will take on the responsibilities as Honorary Colonel of the 12 Radar Squadron (12 Rdr Sqn).

The ceremony, which is taking place at 1:30 p.m. hrs on 21 July 2005, will mark the end of Honorary Colonel Delage Roberge’s appointment.

Among other things, an Honorary Colonel is responsible for developing, promoting and ensuring solid community support for the 12 Radar Squadron; establishing and maintaining liaisons with the Commander and other Honorary Appointees, and taking part in the parades and official functions in which the unit participates.

"I am honoured to become Honorary Colonel and very proud to be able to represent the 12 Radar Squadron and the Air Force across Quebec," said Mr. Lafleur, a former player for the Montreal Canadiens and aviation enthusiast.

The 12 Radar Squadron is one of two units in Canada equipped with a long range radar system with the capability to deploy anywhere in the world. Its mission is to exercise tactical aerospace control over airplanes and provide data to connected organizations through its communications networks. At home, its operations take place at 3 Wing Bagotville where it supports the training of CF-18 pilots.

Mr. Lafleur is probably the best representative of the fighting spirit that fired the powerful team that made up the Montreal Canadiens in the1970s. With six consecutive 50-goal seasons, he became the youngest player in history to score 400 goals and 1,000 career points.

Although he knew how to raise the roof of the Montreal Forum during hockey games, his perseverance, determination, and passion make him an excellent spokesperson for the Air Force.

Mr. Lafleur is passionate about aviation. He earned his pilot’s wings on October 27,1997 and flies the BH 407, BH 206 and BH 412 with Bell Helicopter. Mr. Lafleur is a recipient of the Order of Canada and Order of Québec.

For more information, contact Captain Julie Roberge, Public Affairs Officer for 3 Wing Bagotville, at (418) 677-8277 or 690-6362.