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Members of 436 Transport Squadron warmly welcomed HCol Cathie Puckering during an investiture ceremony at 8 Wing/CFB Trenton on Nov. 1.
Puckering succeeds HCol Julie Lange, who held the position since 2015.
Puckering is CEO of the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. Born in Hamilton, Ont., Puckering is a chartered professional accountant and graduated with an honours bachelor of commerce degree from Laurentian University.
The responsibilities of honorary appointments include fostering esprit de corps, developing, promoting and sustaining strong community support for the unit, establishing and maintaining liaison with unit charities and associations, establishing and maintaining a liaison with the commander as well as with other persons with honorary appointments, participating in parades and official functions in which the unit takes part, and advising the unit’s commander.
“I am a proud supporter of Canada’s military and as the sister of an officer currently based in Bagotville, Que., I consider the Royal Canadian Air Force as family. In addition to my family ties, my role at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport complements my new role as an honorary colonel. The airport was first built in 1940 as a wartime air force training station but transitioned from a military establishment into a public facility following the Second World War, coincidentally around the time that 436 Transport Squadron was formed,” said Puckering.
“As the chairman of the board for TradePort International and a former honorary colonel of the Argyll’s regiment, I am very excited for Cathie’s investiture today. Cathie’s extensive knowledge of the aviation industry along with her active participation in various community initiatives across the City of Hamilton make her the ideal candidate for this position. Being an honorary colonel has been life changing and I look forward to it having the same profound impact on Cathie as she officially assumes her new role as honorary colonel of 436 Transport Squadron,” said Ron Foxcraft, chairman of the board, TradePort International.
“HCol Puckering will be a great representative for 436 Squadron. As an active member of the community, she espouses the same values of commitment, charity and teamwork as we do. As we celebrate the squadron’s 75th anniversary this year, we are proud to have her with ‘Canucks Unlimited.’ I thank HCol Lange for her work in the community and at the squadron and for her support and guidance to the squadron during the past four years,” said LCol Andy Bowser, commanding officer, 436 Transport Squadron.
