Loreena McKennitt appointed Honorary Colonel of the RCAF

News Release

September 5, 2014 - Ottawa, Department of National Defence

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is proud to announce that Ms. Loreena McKennitt has been appointed as the new honorary colonel (HCol) of the RCAF by the Honorable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence.

Quick Facts

HCol McKennitt is a world-renowned Grammy- and Juno award-nominated singer, song writer and producer. She has sold more than 14 million records worldwide.
HCol McKennitt is a Member of the Order of Manitoba (2003), and Member of the Order of Canada (2004). She holds an Honorary Doctor of Letters (Wilfrid Laurier University, 2002), an Honorary Doctor of Laws (University of Manitoba, 2005), an Honorary Doctor of Laws (Queen’s University, 2005), and an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Business (George Brown College, 2010).
In 1998, HCol McKennitt started the Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety after three people very dear to her perished in a boating incident.
HCol McKennitt was appointed in 2006 as Honorary Colonel of 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, 17 Wing Winnipeg, Manitoba and will now serve in the capacity of Honorary Colonel for the RCAF. She will report directly to the Commander of the RCAF, Lieutenant-General Yvan Blondin, who is located at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa.
Honorary Colonels are integral members of the Air Force family. They may be former Air Force officers or distinguished Canadian citizens, hailing from a diverse range of backgrounds, including many well-known public and community figures. Honorary Colonels are "honorary and advisory". They are vital to fostering esprit de corps within the family.

Quotes

“As a successful musician Honorary Colonel McKennitt’s has a demanding career, but she is committed to making time to support our Canadian Armed Forces. I commend her passion and dedication in working with RCAF members at all levels.”
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, PC, QC, MP for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence

“I have known Ms. McKennitt since her appointment as Honorary Colonel in Winnipeg in 2006. Through the years, I have seen up close the stellar work she has done for the members of 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron. I am extremely proud that she will continue to be part of the RCAF family.”
Lieutenant-General Yvan Blondin, Commander of the RCAF

“I am deeply honored to have been appointed Honorary Colonel of the RCAF. Since my direct association with this organization in 2006, I have come to learn that our present Canadian Armed Forces are the extension of the history and traditions of the very brave men and women, who from across this land, fought and died in vast numbers in two great wars and more. It is they who have afforded us this life of liberty, privilege and affluence. “
Loreena McKennitt, singer, songwriter, producer and Honorary Colonel of the RCAF

-30-

Associated Links

For more information about the HCol program, please visit the RCAF web page.

Contact

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

Search for related information by keyword

National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Military

Page details

2016-12-14

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

Loreena McKennitt appointed Honorary Colonel of the RCAF

News Release

Page details