News Release

November 1, 2019 – Trenton, Ont. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Members of 436 Transport Squadron warmly welcomed their new Honorary Colonel (HCol), Cathie Puckering, during an investiture ceremony at 8 Wing/CFB Trenton on November 1.

HCol Puckering succeeds HCol Julie Lange, who held the position since 2015.

Cathie Puckering is CEO of the John C Munro Hamilton International Airport. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, HCol 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.

Quotes

“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. 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.”

– Honorary Colonel Cathie Puckering, 436 Transport Squadron

“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.”

– Chairman of the Board Ron Foxcroft, TradePort International Corporation

“Honorary Colonel 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.”

– Lieutenant-Colonel Andy Bowser, Commanding Officer, 436 Transport Squadron

Quick Facts

  • Prior to joining the John C Munro Airport in 1999 HCol Puckering was Controller at CARSTAR Automotive Canada.
  • HCol Puckering is an active volunteer with Liberty for Youth and CityzKidz in Hamilton, programs to provide inspirational experiences, mentoring and support to high-risk children. She is an active supporter of United Way, Canadian Cancer Society and St.Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton. She is also a member of the Hamilton and Burlington Chambers of Commerce.
  • 436 Transport Squadron was formed in India during the Second World War late in 1944. Equipped with the C-47 Dakota, the squadron’s role was to supply troops and materiel to the Allied 14th Army in Burma. The squadron adopted the moniker “Canucks Unlimited” soon after arriving in the China-Burma-India theatre of operations.
  • Proud of their heritage and achievements in air transport, 436 Transport Squadron operates the “workhorse” of the Royal Canadian Air Force transport fleet – the venerable CC-130J Hercules.
  • Living up to their motto “Onus Portamus” (“We Carry The Load”), 436 Squadron members are tasked with carrying personnel and materiel on a global response basis.
  • 436 Transport Squadron is celebrating their 75th Anniversary in 2019.
  • 436 Squadron has participated in virtually every major airlift operation that the Canadian Armed Forces have been involved in since the squadron’s post-Second World War reactivation in 1953. In 2018, the Squadron added the “Afghanistan” battle honour to their colours recognizing their service throughout the Afghanistan mission.

– 30 –

Honorary Colonel Puckering signs to assume responsibilities as Honorary Colonel of 436 Transport Squadron during a ceremony at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario on November 1, 2019.

Associated Links

436 Transport Squadron
8 Wing Trenton
Royal Canadian Air Force Honorary Colonels

Contacts

Captain Greame Scott
Royal Canadian Air Force
8 Wing Trenton Public Affairs
Email: GRAEME.SCOTT@forces.gc.ca
Phone: 613-392-2811 x4565