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Members of 8 Air Maintenance Squadron (8 AMS) warmly welcomed their new HCol Ross McDougall, during an investiture ceremony at the National Air Force Museum of Canada in Trenton, Ont., on Dec. 2, 2019.
McDougall succeeds HCol Samuel Reid, who has held the position since 2012.
McDougall was born in Belleville, Ont., on May 12, 1949 and has spent his entire life in the city other than the four years he spent attending Queen’s University. McDougall has been an active participant in community life having served on numerous boards and charities. He was a municipal councillor for the City of Belleville from 1981-1988 and served as mayor of the City of Belleville for two terms from 1994 to 2000. Ross has also served as chairman of the board of governors of Quinte Health Care, chairman of the board of Belleville General Hospital Foundation, chairman of the Quinte Region United Way as well as numerous other regional boards.
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.
8 AMS is responsible for providing mission capable aircraft through safe, efficient maintenance and support to Canadian Armed Forces operations worldwide. 8 AMS is the premiere second line maintenance facility for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Air Mobility and fixed-wing search and rescue (SAR) fleets. Working together as a team to meet its diverse missions, 8 AMS members live up to the Squadron’s motto — Conjunctis Viribus (With Combined Powers).
“It’s an incredible honour to be selected as the 8 Air Maintenance Squadron honorary colonel. I am always looking for ways to support the local community and help it thrive. Now I will be able to help strengthen the incredible relationship between the community and our military partners. Thank you for this incredible honour and I cannot wait to get to work,” said McDougall.
“Honorary Colonel McDougall is an incredible leader and role model for the local community. We are very excited to welcome him to our family and look forward to working with him to strengthen the bond between 8 Air Maintenance Squadron and the local community. I thank Honorary Colonel Reid for his leadership and support over the past seven years,” added LCol Brian Tang, commanding officer, 8 Air Maintenance Squadron.
