by Val | Jun 17, 2017 | Community Outreach, Member Info, News & Events, Posts
Our Museum’s Deputy Director, W/O Mike Barnucz, has retired. Mike has been with us for some time now, and on Thursday, worked his last day for us. I asked him if he’d like to share a farewell message with us: “Well world, it’s been quite a ride. Throughout my military career, both with Regs and Reserve, I’ve had many enjoyable jobs. I can say with all certainty that one of the most enjoyable was this one as Deputy Director for CAFM. I’ve often told people it was the perfect semi-retirement job. To all of those who work and volunteer for the museum I’d like to pass on my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for making it so. During my tenure as Deputy Director, I was a part of a team that took great pride in Canada’s west coast military aviation history. That pride is proven by the amount of compliments we get from our 10,000 or so visitors a year. Whether it was giving tours, helping to create or adjust displays, or running around in circles dealing with the ever gorging bureaucracy monster, I’m glad that I had a small part in making our museum one of the finest military museums in Canada. Everyone has been asking me whether or not I’ll stay with the museum as a volunteer. My answer is, eventually. I have an old Mustang in the garage that needs preserving first. After that, most definitely yes. As long as it does not interfere with my lovely wife’s to-do list. To all my now former Comrades in Arms that I have served with, Bravo Zulu and Bon...
by Val | Jun 4, 2017 | Community Outreach, Links, Member Info, News & Events, Posts
The Comox Air Force Museum Association is proud to announce that our Volunteer Coordinator and Programme Manager, Jon Ambler, recently received an award from the British Columbia Historical Federation. Jon was selected for his exemplary work as Program manager and Volunteer Coordinator for the Comox Air Force Museum and his involvement in researching and promoting BC’s aviation history. Under the leadership of our former Board of Directors’ president, Bill Cuell, the board placed Jon’s name in nomination for a Service Award. In addition to his work as programme Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, Jon is involved in all things related to aviation history here in the Comox Valley and BC as a whole. Our nomination letter included a number of of his contributions. “In addition to performing his normal duties, Jon worked tirelessly over the past years to ensure that the Museum is front and center at many local cultural and historical events including the Cumberland Heritage Faire, the “Snowbirds” annual autograph signing session, the School District 71 Heritage Fair, numerous Meet and Greet events for the school district History and Social Studies teachers, the Battle of Britain ceremony and the associated heritage stone dedication ceremony, Empire Days activities in Cumberland, Comox Maritime Days in Comox, and the annual Canada Day parade in Courtenay. Had it not been for his vision, diligence, commitment and extensive work with numerous staff, volunteers and the various local government representatives, the successful display of West Coast aviation history at these events would not be a reality. He expends an incredible amount of personal time on program development, creating and promoting programs and displays within the museum that...
by Val | Apr 22, 2017 | Aircraft, Community Outreach, Member Info, News & Events, Posts
On Easter Sunday, our volunteers were busy supporting the Snowbirds and CF-18 Demo Team Autograph Session. They arrived early to prepare the Museum for the always popular event, they helped our special guests park, they set up the tables and chairs in the Library, they helped greet and guide the public through the lineup, they helped in the Gift Shop, and they cleaned up after the event. Without the support of our volunteers, this event wouldn’t be what it is. So first - a very special thank you to all of you! As always, you worked together to make it happen! We want to also thank the Snowbirds and Demo Team for their welcoming interaction with the public! We love having you in the skies each spring! Here are some memories of the Autograph Session ~ ...
by Val | Mar 29, 2017 | Community Outreach, News & Events, Posts
The CoVal Choristers have asked us to share with you information about their special upcoming performance. They’re also seeking help with related history. Please read this and share! “Below is a poster about the event and news article about the CoVal Choristers’ Vimy Ridge commemorative performance at 2 pm on the afternoon of SundayApril 9th. As you may be aware that is the exact 100th anniversary of the start of the Canadian assault. Using a combination of narrative and song from the era, the performance is evocative of those times. We would like to spread the word among the members of the forces. Also we are looking for people living in the Comox Valley who are descended from those who served at Vimy. Anything you can do would be appreciated.” Please check ARTICLE VIMY for a request for help with related history....
by Val | Feb 21, 2017 | Community Outreach, Exhibits, News & Events, Posts
Many people visited our booth at the Cumberland Heritage Faire this past weekend and had “The Ejection Seat Experience”! Some were very excited, some were fearful, some were totally relaxed… And then there was a pilot and navigator who brought their mascot with them! We hope you enjoy these photos! ...
by Val | Feb 19, 2017 | Community Outreach, Member Info, News & Events, Posts
Jon Ambler, our Volunteer Coordinator and Programme Manager wants to thank the volunteers who participated in this year’s Cumberland Heritage Faire. “Once again we participated and once again had a great day, delivering the ‘Ejection Experience’. Many thanks to Gary W, Mel, Rodney, Jed, Mike O and Len who ran the show with great energy and enthusiasm. We displayed new photos of the Museum (thanks Mike O) videos of ejections (thanks Len) and hauled a lot in Jed’s truck (thanks Jed). Steve M ensured we had lots of rack cards. We also had cool artifacts (thanks Mel) and the story of the RCAF tartan (thanks Gary W). As in all our successes, it was a true team...
The CAFM commemorates the role and history of 19 Wing (CFB/RCAF/RAF), documenting significant achievements in West Coast Military Aviation History.
Founded in 1982 as part of the Air Force Indoctrination School, CAFM was accredited as a stand-alone Canadian Forces Museum and officially opened its doors to the public on 12 September 1987.