404 KITCHENER-WATERLOO WING R.C.A.F.A. 510 Dutton Drive Waterloo N2L 4C5 519-884-1272 www.404wing.ca

WE PROUDLY PERPETUATE THE GLORIOUS TRADITIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE

December2015

THIS ISSUE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Donna Kuehl

The Wing Ding is published monthly. The opinions expressed are those of the editor and contributors and in no way reflect opinions of the Air Force Association of Canada or of the 404 K-W Wing, who jointly and separately assume no liability.

Meeting will be held Thursday, December 3rd, 2015Meet & Greet 5:00 pm, Dinner at 6:00 pm

Meeting starts at 7:15 pm

GENERAL MEETING NOTICE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 1GENERAL MEETING 1PADRE’S CORNDER 2LADIES AUXILIARY 3 SHUFFLEBOARD 3JUST US JAMMING 3SILVER OUTREACH 4HELP WANTED 4AIR CADET NEWS 5ENTERTAINMENT 5SPECIAL THANKS 5BID EUCHRE 5SIT & BE FIT 5FRIDAY LUNCHES 5BAR HOURS 5EUCHRE 5CRISTMAS DINNER 6AIR FORCE NEWS 7NEW YEAR’S LEVEE 8CALENDAR 9EXEC’S PHONE LIST 10

The busiest season of the year is here. It is great to get together with family and friends to share some yuletide joy. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of getting ready for Christmas, take time to drop into the Wing or meet up with friends over Friday lunch. We have quite a few special events in December – the annual Christmas party, Auxiliary luncheon, a New Year’s Eve party and our traditional Levée on January 1st to list just a few. There will still be special activities on Saturdays, so drop by and participate.On November 11th we pledged “to remember them” and pursue our quest for a peaceful world. The Wing had a good contingency on parade and in attendance. Thank you to all who participated, laid wreaths, volunteered and to the Ladies Auxiliary for preparing another excellent luncheon serving more than 300 at the reception. Thanks to Zehrs, Conestoga Mall for donating the fresh-flower wreaths to the Wing again this year.On November 13th the world was saddened and horrified by the tragic loss of life in Paris. Keep in your prayers those who died, were wounded or are still suffering from this senseless act of terrorism. The peace that we all hope and wish for seems elusive, but we can and must endeavour to achieve it. And here in Canada we have our own less fortunate people who need our support. A kind

word, a thoughtful act or a generous deed can go a long way in making this a better world. If you’ve been keeping up with the TV news, you’ve likely seen profiles of many of our new cabinet ministers. The Liberal government has three separate postings relating to defence and veterans. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent ministerial mandate letters the Canadian Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan and the Federal Minister of Veterans Affairs, Kent Hehr outlining their primary goal; excerpts are included elsewhere in this newsletter. A letter also went to the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence. Full copies are posted at the Wing for you to read and be informed.The Fall series for Silver Outreach chaired by Peter Sumlick is now completed. I hope you were able to attend the November talk. Ms. J. Breithaupt brought forth some excellent points regarding legal concerns and contracts.The Wing was very pleased to host Branch 530 Legion throughout this past summer and fall. We wish their members the very best now that their new facility is ready for them. We hope they come back and visit with us periodically. We have a new sub-committee called the Membership Revitalization Committee. The mandate of this committee will be to come up new events to bring in new guests and potential members. Thank you Allison and Gina Arnold for taking on this initiative. Their kick-off is a Grey Cup party on Nov 29th.Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy Year to all. See you at the Wing. Per Ardua Ad Astra.

Regular Features The Wing Ding November/2015Page 2

PADRE’S CORNER Dr. Bruce Street

Most Memorable ChristmasI grew up on a farm in Essex County, Southern Ontario. Christmas was special and the most important part, for me, were the gifts. About a month before this special day the Sears and Eaton's catalogues would come in the mail and the Christmas editions were the only ones that my brother and I ever looked at. We actually wore them out as our minds raced with the new possibilities of what was here presented. I don't remember all of the colourful offerings but I certainly do recall the year that I wanted a hockey game. This was one that would sit on the table and you moved the players up and down the playing surface with the long rods that were affixed on the underside of the game. I recall that year my parents came to me to tell me that they had looked all over for a game but with no success. I was upset but what more could they do? I did know that getting gifts was not what Christmas is all about but, actually, it sort of was. Oh well, I had

resigned myself to a blue Christmas and, I thought, that's the way it goes. Well, Christmas morning finally came and all of the children (there were six of us) were called downstairs. Our stairway had a landing. After coming down the first set of stairs you would make a right turn that would take you the rest of the way. On that day I reached the landing, made the turn, and then stopped short. There in full view was the hockey game! Apparently my face lit up like never before. I could tell by the way my parents laughed. They had set me up. They had the game the whole time, in safe keeping, under their bed. They had received the desired response. There was joy in that little farm house in Essex County on that Christmas day. I must tell you that my brother and I literally wore out that game. We played with it every chance we had. I became so adept that even today

I believe I could hold my own against anyone if we could actually still find a game. Everyone becomes good at something. I guess this was my thing. I know I should finish this piece by saying that Christmas is not about the presents. But maybe sometimes it is. I say that because this gift made me realize that my parents would actually move heaven and earth for the well being and happiness of their family - an important thing to know about one's parents. And, besides that, my brother and I had hundreds of hours of enjoyment together. We loved hockey.So, while the eleven year old version of myself would not agree, I must add, especially as we listen to news of recent terrorist attacks, that peace love and joy are also great gifts to consider. Merry Christmas - and when you go into the corners keep your elbows up!

Page 3 Regular Features The Wing Ding December/2015

WEDNESDAY ENTERTAINMENT Larry Allenson

Carol & Keith Norris

JUST US JAMMING! Come out to play or just to enjoy every Wednesday, at 7 pm. No jamming Dec 30th

370 Highland Road W., Kitchener, Ontario N2M 5J9Phone: 519-581-1158 Fax: 1-519-581-0624

LADIES AUXILIARY

SHUFFLEBOARD

Shuffleboard will be played Wednesday Dec. 2nd and 9th, 1:30 - 3:30.

Season’s GreetingsWe will return on January 6th.

Tom Stamp

Thanks to all the Ladies who gave their time to be at the Wing to welcome all our guests and serve them food on Remembrance Day. We have received many positive remarks on our selections of food and the service and smiles that were given by you special girls. I have noticed the remarkable way that you all seem to bond

to each other and get the job done which leaves me with a very happy feeling that all is well with our Auxiliary.Take your left hand and cross over to your right shoulder and pat yourself.Please remember our Christmas lunch which will be on December 16th at the 404 Wing at 11:30 am.

We are going to be spoiled by being served by 4 special men of the Wing. I have first hand knowledge from the senior elves that because of our good behavior all year that Mr. & Mrs. Clause will be also visiting us.

Ev Berg

Regular Features The Wing Ding December/2015Page 4

Social Dinner Helpers assist with preparations

for Christmas Party help plan and organize

one or more of the dinners in January, February and March

Newsletter Editor(s) collect submissions from

executive members and event/activity Chairs

submit information to newsletter producer

proofread draft issues coordinate distribution of

newsletter; Note: most are emailed by producer

Newsletter Assistant(s) assist with preparing

‘snail’ mail once a month

Call Donna at 519-744-3146

coffee and refreshments FREE ADMISSION

404 K-W WING, Royal Canadian Air Force Association 510 Dutton Drive, Waterloo, ON N2L 4C6

Phone: 519-884-1272 Website: www.404wing.ca Email: airmail@404wing.ca

An interesting topic for seniors to explore

SILVER OUTREACH Speaker Series

How to Find Support for Seniors in need

January 21st 1:30 – 3:00 pm Speaker

Community Support Services Waterloo-Wellington Region

Meal programs, transportation assistance, home maintenance, support groups, Day Programs, respite information & more

Page 5 Regular Features The Wing Ding December/2015

BID EUCHRE by Carol & Keith Norris

There will be no Bid Euchre Dec. 28th. We will resume cards Jan. 4th.

EUCHRE by the Desslers

Come out and enjoy Euchre on Tuesdays at 7 pm on December 1st, 8th & 15th. There will be NO cards on the 22nd and 29th.

Happy Holidays. See you on Jan. 5th.

Great Lunches are here Friday 4th, 11th and 18th. from 11:30 - 1:00 pm. Appreciation Lunch is Friday the 18th. The Ladies will be happy to serve you once again

AIR CADET NEWS

Monday 1 - 6 pmTuesday 6 - 9 pmWednesday 1 - 10 pmThursday CLOSEDFriday 1 - 10 pmSaturday 1 - 6 pm

BAR HOURS FOR DECEMBER

FRIDAY LUNCHES

Capt. D. Bone, CO

ENTERTAINMENT SOCIAL DINNER Donna Kuehl

& Terry Bruce

SPECIAL THANKS Larry Allenson

Some timely reminders: Dec 12th – Christmas is coming; reserve your tickets now for a great Christmas Dinner and Dance. Dec 31st – the jamming group have a super evening of fun planned for you; be there! Jan 1st – drop by on New Year’s Day for some fellowship and ring in 2016.

Sit & Be Fit 10-11a.m. Tuesday Mornings January 5th to March 22nd A fun & gentle work out in a chair; exercise program for older adults. Register at the Wing at 519-884-1272 or email airmail@404wing.ca

$30 per person for 12 weeks. Drop-in fee $3 per visit.

Once again, many thanks to Terri, Debbie, Marilyn and Betsy for a well run kitchen for our Sunday Breakfast on October 25th. The Air Cadets, Officers and parents who helped to make this such as success were greatly appreciated.

The Air Cadet of 530 Havoc Squadron proudly took part in many Remembrance Day activities. They had a successful tag day earlier this fall. The weekend of Nov. 20-22 the cadets can be found at Peace Keepers Camp learning survival skills. On December 16 the cadets will hold a family fun night of games and desserts with their families. The squadron have 60 cadets registered now.

HAPPENINGSPage 6 The Wing Ding February/2015

Christmas Dinner-Dance Party Enjoy turkey and all the trimmings at the Air Force – 404 K-W Wing

Saturday, December 12th

Cocktails ~ 5:30 Dinner ~ 6:00 Dance ~ 7:00

$25 Reserve now ~ Call 519-744-1272

404 K-W Wing, RCAFA, 510 Dutton Drive, Waterloo

Res

KidsAbility serves over 4,000 children with physical, developmental and communication disabilities in

Waterloo Region and Wellington County each year.

Phone: 519-886-8886 x 201 www.kidsability.ca

Ad courtesy of Harvey Gib Newman

Charitable Business #89094 3673 RR0001

KidsAbility

“ Please support our advertisers”

Page7HAPPENINGSThe Wing Ding April/2015

AIR FORCE NEWS Donna Kuehl

Artist for busA recent article from RCAFA news included information on the responsibilities of two new federal ministers as sent to them by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. A letter was also sent to the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence. “Defence Watch will run the main portions of the ministerial mandate letters relating to defence and veterans in three separate postings”. Here are two excerpts: Mandate letter details for Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr:Veterans and their families have earned our respect and gratitude. Veterans should not have to fight their own government for the support and compensation they have earned. As Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence,

your overarching goal will be to ensure that our government lives up to our sacred obligation to veterans and their families. I expect you to ensure that veterans receive the respect, support, care, and economic opportunities they deserve. You will ensure that we honour the service of our veterans and provide new career opportunities, make it easier for veterans to access services – including mental health services – and do more to support the families of Canada's veterans. I ask you to work closely with your colleague the Minister of National Defence to ensure a seamless transition for Canadian Forces members to the programs and services of your department.Mandate letter details for Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan:

As Minister of National Defence, your overarching goal will be to ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are equipped and prepared, if called upon, to protect Canadian sovereignty, defend North America, provide disaster relief, conduct search and rescue, support United Nations peace operations, and contribute to the security of our allies and to allied and coalition operations abroad. It will be important that you ensure a close link between defence policy, foreign policy, and national security. I also ask you to work closely with your colleague, the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, to ensure a seamless transition for Canadian Forces members to the programs and services of Veterans Affairs.

The Wing Ding December/2015Page 8 Happenings

January 1st 2016 New Year’s Levée

2:00 – 5:00 pm

Come by for a ‘wee nip’ and some fellowship

Hot & cold finger foods Music, Fun & Games

Tickets: $5 at the door

“ Please support our advertisers”

NEW YEAR’S LEVEE Donna Kuehl

Calendar Page 9The Wing Ding December/2015

December, 2015

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

“Just Us” Jamming

7 pm

“Just Us” Jamming

7pm

General Dinner Mtg.

6 pm Mtg 7:15 pm

COMING EVENTS

Singles Selective (Large Hall)

7:30 pm

1 2 3 4 5

“Just Us” Jamming

7 pm

Sit & Be Fit10 - 11am

27 28 29 30 31 Jan. 1 2

Ladies Exec Mtg 1 pm

Aux Mtg 2 - 4 pm

Singles Selective 7:30 pm

CLOSED

Bid Euchre1 - 4:30 pm

Euchre 7 - 9 pm

Lounge1 - 6 pm

Christmas Dinner &

Dance5:30 pm

CLOSED

Bid Euchre1 - 4:30 pm

Euchre 7 - 9 pm

Friday Lunch 11:30 - 1 pm

Friday Lunch 11:30 - 1 pm

Appreciation Friday Lunch 11:30 - 1 pm

Singles Selective 7:30 pm

Bid Euchre1 - 4:30 pm

CLOSED

Shuffleboard 1:30 - 3:30 pm

“Just Us” Jamming

7 pmEuchre

7 - 9 pm

Jan. 1st - New Year’s Levee

Lounge1 - 6 pm

Merry Christmas

to All

New Year’s Levee

2 - 5 pmCLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

Private Party

Lounge1 - 6 pm

CLOSED

CLOSED

WEC meeting 10 am

Sit & Be Fit10 - 11am

CLOSED

Shuffleboard 1:30 - 3:30 pm CLOSED

CLOSED

Christmas Eve

Drop In1 - 6 pm

404 WING EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 2015 - 2016

EXECUTIVE OFFICE DIRECTORSPresident Donna Kuehl 744-3146 Director (R) Bob Drummond 226-972-25281st Vice President Wilf Dippel 664-2669 Director (R) Larry Allenson 576-99292nd Vice President Doug Arnold 888-0902 Director (R) Dick Trussler 578-6413IMM. P.P. Harvey Fry 743-2958 Director (R) Howard Dessler 885-3666Secretary vacant ---------- Treasurer Ernie Dyck 746-0496 Appointed Chairpersons and Committees Air Cadets (P) Wilf Dippel 664-2669 Poppy Fund Rep(P) Sid Kenmir 748-1778Air Cadets(P) Pending Poppy Fund Rep(P) Vic Snowden 744-1206Bar Officer (P) Larry Allenson 576-9929 Regalia1 Wilf Dippel 664-2669Dinner Meetings (1) Doug Arnold/Dick Trussler ----------- Sgt-At-Arms(P) Bob Berg 745-0212 Entertainment (P) Pending ----------- Visiting Pending -----------Events Booking (P) Harvey Fry 743-2958 Veterans Council(P) Sid Kenmir 748-1778Historian(1) Vic Snowden 744-1206 Veterans Council(P) Vic Snowden 744-1206House (2) Larry Allenson 576-9929 Membership Committee(M) Donna Kuehl 744-3146 Western Region RVP(P) Jim Scherb. through President Ontario Group President(P) John Hooper through President Wing Ding (Editor)(P) Larry Allenson 576-9929Padre Dr. Bruce Sweet 886-1471 Wing Ding (Producer) (E) Trish Walker ----------- Parade Co-ordinator(P) Bob Berg 745-0212

LADIES AUXILIARY EXECUTIVE 2015 - 2016 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS President Ev Berg 745-0212 Secretary Anne Mulhall 885-7030 Immed. Past President Carol Totzke 885-6173 Treasurer Michelle Leschak 505-7913Vice President Nancy Ellis 579-4583

DIRECTORS Kitchen Dinner Meetings Joan Fry 743-2958 Phoning Jean Ross 888-5235 Ada Monaghan 885-0975 Jean Jarosz 743-7333 Kitchen L.A. Meetings Gretta Fletcher 725-1527 Publicity Pat Snowden 744-1206Liaison Ev Berg 745-0212 Special Events Terry Bruce 884-3642 Carol Totzke 885-6173 Nancy Ellis 579-4583Membership Dorothy Dippel 664-2669 Sick & Visiting Elizabeth Maurer 742-7810

Page 10 EXECUTIVES 2012-2014 & MEMBERSHIP

1 Reports through 1st Vice President2 Reports through 2nd Vice PresidentE Reports through EditorP Reports through PresidentM Reports through immediate Past President

(Call 519 area code unless otherwise stated)

The Wing Ding December/2015