News article

One of the longest serving Honorary Colonels (HCol) in the Air Force received a special Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Commendation recently for his "outstanding leadership and dedication."

Honorary Colonel Phil Richardson, CD, the 22 Wing HCol for the past twelve years, received the commendation at the annual HCol conference held in Quebec City in early June for his years of service as a volunteer, and his more recent efforts to support the troops overseas.   

"I was so touched by that award," says HCol Richardson.  "I must be getting rusty at picking up signals because I simply had no idea it was coming.  It was a total surprise."

The citation reads as follows:  "Honorary Colonel Richardson is recognized for his exceptional contributions and outstanding dedication while serving as the 22 Wing Honorary Colonel for more than [twelve] years.  He personally spearheaded an outreach initiative, promoting the best of all elements of the Canadian Forces, through the establishment of an information kiosk in a North Bay shopping centre.  The information kiosk educated Canadians on the CF's roles and missions by showcasing the Canadian Forces through video and still photography of both national and deployed operations around the world.  Furthermore, he was the driving force behind the initiative to establish a Tim Horton's coffee outlet for our troops in the Middle East, which greatly raised their morale.  He is recognized for his selfless service, superb professionalism and outstanding dedication to 22 Wing, the Air Force and the Canadian Forces.  Honorary Colonel Richardson is truly deserving of the Air Command Commendation."

HCol Richardson has made several visits to the troops over in Afghanistan in recent months, combining his own personally financed business trips with morale-boosting jaunts to places like Camp Mirage, where most of the Air Force personnel serving in the campaign against terrorism are deployed.

This is the second decoration HCol Richardson has received since becoming an Air Force Honorary Colonel.  He recently received a Canadian Forces Decoration for his work, a medal customarily reserved for military members. 

HCol Richardson is expected to step down as 22 Wing HCol next September to make way for "some new apostles" as he explains affectionately.  It will be a sad day for him, but one rich with memories of his time promoting and supporting the Air Force.

"My association with the Air Force and my fellow Honorary Colonels has taught my family and me how to be better Canadians."