Special
accomplishments...
Last Update:
Mar 2007
TOM RAY October 4, 2003
Tom Ray, our Saskatchewan Provincial Training Officer, attended the National Military Sarex, Sept. 29 to Oct. 4, 2003 in Gander, Newfoundland. This National Sarex is a Search and Rescue competition where all the Military Search and Rescue Squadrons in Canada assemble for a friendly contest. It includes actual searching, medical competitions, skydiving and rescue. Each year it is held in a different location. Next year will be Comox, B.C. All the training officers from each province and territory were invited by CASARA National to attend and learn from the experience.
As part of this National Sarex, beginning in 2002, CASARA was invited to send crews from the local area to compete along with the military crews. This year, 5 crews from the Atlantic provinces attended. Because they were short some personnel, two of the provincial training officers participated as well. Tom Ray, CASARA Sask., piloted a crew from New Brunswick. At the last minute, because of a rental aircraft switch, one of the New Brunswick spotters had to be dropped and a lighter, female Newfie joined the crew.
Their crew was evaluated on navigation skills, flight planning, weight and balance, time till airborne and target finding ability, with Tom and his crew won the SAR Excellence Award. This is a new award this year for the CASARA portion of the National Sarex. The four members of the crew were honoured at the Awards Banquet held the final evening of the Sarex.
The winning crew included:
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Tom Ray, pilot, Saskatchewan
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Ernie Jones, navigator, New Brunswick
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Tyrone Blizzard, Spotter, New Brunswick
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Sharon Kenny, Spotter, Newfoundland
Congratulations to all!
ROD LANNING RECEIVES AWARD - October 11, 2003
Rod Lanning, CASARA Liaison Officer for Saskatchewan, was recently honoured by the Air Force Association of Canada. At the AFAC's annual convention, held in Regina, October 11, 2003.
Rod was presented with the Gordon R. McGregor Memorial Trophy for 2003. This award recognizes outstanding contributions or highly commendable achievement in the field of air transportation in Canada. Success in being selected for one of Canada's more prestigious awards is in recognition of his outstanding career as a Canadian Forces transport pilot and member of the Air Mobility Community.
Rod has a long history of Search and Rescue experiences having been involved in SAR for 33 years. His time with the volunteers of the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association began in 1996. It was then that he was appointed as CASARA Liaison Officer with 435 squadron in Winnipeg. As CASARA Liaison Officer, Rod was responsible for 23 CASARA zones in the Prairie Provinces and the North West Territories. Rod Lanning was the primary force in bringing the CASARA units on the Prairies up to the quality of service they provide today. While in Winnipeg, Rod still maintained his currency on the C-130 Hercules.
Rod and his wife, Lois, were both present for the awards ceremony. Tom and Joyce Ray represented CASARA. Tom was given a moment to bring congratulations from our National President, John Davidson and from all the 8 zones of CASARA Saskatchewan. Tom thanked Rod Lanning for his dedication and enthusiasm for Civilian Search and Rescue and congratulated him on receiving the Gordon R. McGregor Memorial Trophy.
Congratulations Rod from all of your friends in CASARA Saskatchewan!
Chris Rule - Receives Medal- November 20, 2003
On November 20, 2003, one of Zone Commanders' received a very special award. The Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal. This medal recognizes some twenty-five years exemplary service by individuals in the public service sectors working in a direct capacity to protect people and/or property to ensure the safety and security of Saskatchewan citizens.
Chris Rule, Zone 2 Commander was recognized by his peers on November 20, 2003 in Prince Albert for his contribution for his work in the Fire Fighting Sector and also in CASARA and KOSAR (Ground Search & Rescue). He received his medal from Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Dr. Lynda Haverstock.
Congratulations Chris !
(This was the man who just wanted them to send the medal in the mail. He thought it was no big deal, just another day in the works.)