News Release

CANADIAN FORCES SNOWBIRDS ANNOUNCE NEW CREW CHIEF

July 20, 2006

MOOSE JAW, SASK. - Sergeant Marlene Shillingford, 38, aviation technician, was appointed as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Crew Chief July 19 at 15 Wing, Moose Jaw, Sask., after a thorough selection process.

"Sergeant Shillingford brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team as well as an exemplary work ethic," said Major Ian McLean, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds. "With about twenty years experience as an aviation technician in the Canadian Forces, numerous leadership opportunities and a remarkable spirit of community, Sergeant Shillingford has proven that she is up to the challenge."

As the Crew Chief, Sergeant Shillingford will be responsible for the meticulous maintenance of eleven CT-114 Tutor jets flown by the show team, to lead and set an example for a team of technicians, and to represent the Canadian Forces with the utmost of professionalism.

"It is an honour and a dream come true to be a part of the Snowbirds team and to represent the professionalism, dedication and teamwork of the entire Canadian Forces," said Sergeant Shillingford. "I am looking forward to the teamwork, the sense of accomplishment and, most importantly, to visiting communities across North America."

Sergeant Shillingford was a Snowbird technician from 1993-1994, has maintained CC-130 Hercules around the world, instructed on the primary leadership qualification course, and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.

Sergeant Shillingford will officially begin her duties at the end of October 2006, making her the first female Canadian Forces Snowbirds Crew Chief.

 

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Note to editors/news directors: For digital imagery or background information, please visit the Canadian Forces Snowbirds website at www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca. For interviews with Sergeant Shillingford, please contact Lieutenant (Navy) Petra Smith, Public Affairs Officer, at (306) 684-3005.

 

Sergeant Marlene Shillingford, Canadian Forces Snowbirds Crew Chief Photo Credit: DND

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