The Royal Canadian Air Force’s Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron welcomed its new Honorary Colonel, Mark Phillips, in a ceremony on March 10.
The investiture ceremony took place at CFB Trenton Officers’ Mess.
Canada’s National Defense says HCol Phillips’s primary role is President of Mystical Distributing Company Ltd but he is credited for his large community presence and volunteer work.
“A former 8 Wing Commander once described the essence of an Honorary Colonel as someone who honoured and was proud of our past, someone who would foster and maintain the incredible relationship we have with the citizens in this community, a highly respected, and engaged individual who led by example, and embodied the values that we do in the Royal Canadian Air Force,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Leslie Dicks, Commanding Officer of ATESS, in a release.
“Someone who puts service before self, who is dedicated to serving the members of Aerospace Telecommunications and Engineering Support Squadron (ATESS), and someone who supports our mission. Mark, the consensus is in, you are the perfect fit.”
Canada’s National Defense says in a release that an “honorary rank does not confer authority or command function. Honoraries can provide continuity within the unit on matters of community events and activities, unit traditions, etc. – of importance can be speaking to new recruits and young officers on unit history and traditions.”
