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 12, 2017 | Member Info, News & Events
A thank you to all the volunteers who supported our annual garage sale ~ whether you contributed items for sale, helped set up, helped to sell on the day of the event, counted money earned, or dismantled at the end of the day, it all makes a difference. The Jedi-licious hot dogs were, as usual, out of this world! Special thanks must go to Bill Cuell, who took the lead on this annual event once again. For the past ten years, Bill has organized us and made sure everyone was well fed. And as usual, he took time to express his thanks to his fellow volunteers. Thank you,...
by Val | Jun 8, 2017 | Member Info, News & Events, Posts
We belong to the Organization of Military Museums of Canada which recently held it’s Annual Conference in Oshawa. In 2016 it instituted an award to one volunteer from one of it’s affiliates. This years recipient was Bill Cuell, our recently retired Association President. The award was presented at the OMMC’s Annual Dinner by Commodore Sean N. Cantelon, Chief Executive Officer, Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces. The citation on Bill’s award reads: “Mr. Bill Cuell has served the Comox Air Force Museum as a volunteer for over 13 years. His dependability, consistency and skill have been truly exemplary. His Membership of the Association for ten years, the past four years as President, has showcased his calm leadership, team-building expertise, creativity and love of our history.” Congratulations, Bill! The volunteers and the Board of Directors feel this recognition is well deserved! In addition, an award was also presented to Lt. Col (Ret’d) David Stinson for his work as Secretary to the OMMC. David was previously Secretary on our Association Board. To have two members of this museum recognized speaks highly of the calibre of volunteers who work...
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 | May 14, 2017 | Member Info, News & Events, Posts
This past Thursday, our volunteers gathered at Hangar 268 ( in our Heritage Air Park ) for a BBQ. We love “working for food” here at the Museum, and the BBQ was well attended. Jed, one of our Gift Shop volunteers, grilled the hot dogs for us. Thanks, Jed! We hung around for some time, chatting: We took time to celebrate Nort Kennedy‘s 25 year volunteer service with a lifetime membership. Nort, you are appreciated! ...
by Val | Apr 26, 2017 | Collections, Exhibits, Member Info, News & Events, Posts
The world came to our door in 2016! We’d like to share information about the many visits we had during 2016. Bill, our Association’s Past President, compiled an interesting report for us. Our Guest Book is a great source of information as to who visits us and where they come from. Last year we had 10,956 recorded visitors to the museum. As before, they were happy to give us their comments. Some of them follow: “Belle and Bonne.” “Excellent displays.” “Absolutely wonderful and fascinating.” “Very nice. I learnt a lot.” “Brought back many memories.” “Best Nuke Ever!!!” “Great for kids and adults.” “A great museum. So glad you have school kids learning about history.” “WOW! Very Cool.” “So much information. Even I learned a lot.” “Very commendable and Great Stuff.” “Kids loved looking and learning.” “Wonderful collection. Very informative. Nice counter fellows.” “Wow. Such history. Loved the flight simulator.” “Amazing museum. Well designed and executed.” “Bravo, Bel Accueil. Merci.” “Best part was seeing actual notes/diaries. Very moving.” “One of the best Air Museum we have seen.” “Great to see the spirit of the 407th alive and well. My grandfather would have been proud.” “Very commendable and Great Staff.” “Excellent. Thanks Canada.” (from Dutch visitors). Our visitors came from all around Canada and 33 countries around the globe. Canada - B.C. - ALB – SASK - MAN - ONT - QUE - NFL - N.S. - N.B. - YUKON U.S.A. - Alabama - Arizona - California - Colorado - Georgia - Illinois - Indiana - Idaho - New Mexico - Nth. Dakota - Ohio -...
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.