Cathie Puckering was sworn in as the new Honorary Colonel of 436 Transport Squadron on November 1, 2019 at an investiture ceremony.
She is the CEO of the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.
Puckering was born in Hamilton and is a Chartered Professional Accountant and graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Laurentian University.
“I am a proud supporter of Canada’s military and as the sister of an officer currently based in Bagotville, Quebec, I consider the Royal Canadian Air Force as family,” says HCol Puckering. “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 World War II, coincidentally around the time that 436 Transport Squadron was formed.”
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.
HCol Puckering takes over the role from HCol Julie Lange who has held the position since 2015.