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When it comes to getting the job done, the men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force know their business. They perform not for accolades and awards, but because what they do is critical to operations of the Canadian Forces. But a little recognition never hurts.
Every year, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) issues awards to officers, non-commissioned members and civilians for outstanding performance in support of their mission. This year, there were approximately 3,000 nominations from across Canada and the United States at various levels competing for the privilege to represent their command at the N-NC Command annual awards. This year 45 members were selected from across these two great countries to participate in the N-NC Command annual awards competition. The awards are given out at a ceremony held at the headquarters at Petersen Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S.A.
As signatories to the NORAD Agreement, Canada sent some of its very best from the Canadian NORAD Region (CANR) to represent our country and the Canadian Forces at these annual awards.
This year, the awards competition occurred from April 3 to 5, 2012. Four members from 22 Wing/Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS) in North Bay, Ont., were chosen to represent CANR in four award categories:
Major John Roper of 22 Wing/CADS Telecommunication and Information Services Squadron (nominated in the NORAD Field Grade officer category)
Captain Olivier Lefranà§ois, deputy commanding officer of 51 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron (nominated in the NORAD Company Grade officer category)
Master-Corporal Sebastien Binczak of 21 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron (nominated in the NORAD Junior Non-commissioned Officer category)
Corporal Cory Fagan of 51 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron (nominated in the NORAD Junior Enlisted category).
The four members of 22 Wing/CADS were nominated for many reasons. Maj Roper received an Air Command Commendation last year. Capt Lefranà§ois was the driving force behind the re-opening of the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence in North Bay. MCpl Binczak holds and maintains qualifications in three areas of expertise – air surveillance technician, weapon’s assistant and identification technician. Cpl Fagan is dedicated both to his job and to his community.
But what they all had in common was outstanding performance, dedication to mission success and solid leadership.
The nomination of Maj Roper, Capt Lefranà§ois, MCpl Binczak and Cpl Fagan is a matter of great pride for the Canadian NORAD Region and the Royal Canadian Air Force, said Major-General Alain Parent, commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and the Canadian NORAD Region. The men and women nominated for these awards are among the best in the world in their respective fields, and for four of our members to be considered in their company demonstrates that our people are world-class.
To make CANR showing even better, Capt Lefranà§ois won his category. No matter where they placed, each of them was honoured to be chosen to represent CANR at the awards ceremony.
It was a humbling and extremely rewarding experience, says Capt Lefranà§ois. Competitors from all three NORAD regions were very well represented, and they were all accomplished and outstanding performers.
