Malmstrom recognized with Canada's top military honor

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. (AFPN) --  Canadian Forces and the Malmstrom Air Force Base members gathered here May 17 to recognize the actions of the base community in the wake of a fatal aircraft accident during an open house practice May 18, 2007.

Canadian Forces Capt. Shawn McCaughey, a Snowbirds aerial demonstration team pilot, was killed when his aircraft went down at Malmstrom AFB.

Canadian Forces Lt. Gen. Charles Bouchard, the North American Aerospace Defense Command deputy commander, and Canadian Forces Col. Richard Foster, the 15 Wing commander from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and the entire Snowbirds aerial demonstration team returned to celebrate the bonds created between Malmstrom and the Canadian Forces following the crash. 

General Bouchard and Colonel Foster presented Col. Sandy Finan, the 341st Space Wing commander, with the Canadian Chief of Defence Staff medallion, commendation and commendation flag. Malmstrom AFB is only the fifth unit outside of the Canadian Forces to ever receive the Chief of Defence Staff commendation.

The Chief of Defence Staff is the highest ranking member of the Canadian Forces said Capt. Jennifer Jones, the Snowbirds public affairs officer. The 341st Space Wing received this commendation as a result of the tremendous support following last year's tragic accident.

"That's what friends do for each other," General Bouchard said after presenting the commendations. "Canada and the United States are friends during peace and war, and against those who wish ill upon either of our countries."

Following his speech, Colonel Finan thanked General Bouchard, and said she wished these recognitions could come under better circumstances.

"We are allies, friends and family," she said. "I'm beyond words. We thank you very much. We're on the same team forever."

Shirley Ball, the honorary consul of the Canadian Consulate, spoke of the closeness of Canada and Montana, who share more than 600 miles of border. She also praised the Snowbirds' performance at the installation's open house earlier in the day.

"I'm honored to recognize the Snowbirds and Malmstrom, and the cooperation to make this happen," she said. "All those who worked for this event should be very proud. The loss of Captain McCaughey is still felt, and we're lucky to have the relationship between Canada and Montana to support each other. Our relationships are long standing."

Ms. Ball also called for a moment of silence for Captain McCaughey and a moment of prayer for the safety of the Snowbirds during this year's demonstrations.

"I'm here to recognize the great work the 341st Space Wing has done," General Bouchard said. "And we are also here today to remember Shawn. He has joined the other heroes from the United States and Canada who have lost their lives in military service."

General Bouchard thanked Malmstrom AFB for the plaque placed in the Great Falls veteran's park to honor Captain McCaughey.

"You have helped make sure we never forget, as we don't forget, all who have given their lives," General Bouchard said.

He then described the journey of Malmstrom AFB and Canadian Forces following the tragic event with "per aspera ad astra," which is Latin for "through adversity to the stars."

"We have been through adversity together and we continue to reach toward the stars," General Bouchard said.

"After the accident last year, we decided to do something to recognize the 341st Space Wing," he said. "It is a great pleasure for me to present you with the Chief of Defence Staff commendation. When we went through this tragedy, it was great to see the 341st leadership and compassion. We are most thankful for the moral, spiritual and recovery support."

The Great Falls city commissioner, Bill Bronson, also said a few words at the ceremony.

"Our city shared in the loss of your pilot, as we have a strong military community," Mr. Bronson said to the Snowbirds. "I think that is why we in Great Falls understand one of the deepest and greatest bonds is one that exists among a band of brothers, such as yourselves."

He then presented Maj. Robert Mitchell, Snowbirds commander and team leader, the key to the city Great Falls.

"The event that occurred last year really affected the team" Major Mitchell said, after receiving the key. "The immediate response on base and from the community was overwhelming. When we were in town in our red flight suits, people would share their sympathy, and most wouldn't even take our money. The way they reached out touched us deeply. This is a really special place and Malmstrom will forever be a part of Snowbirds history."

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