302 (Québec-Valcartier) Wing

History

302 (City of Québec) Wing was founded early in 1949 and received its Charter on August 4th of the same year. It is the oldest AFAC Wing in Québec. The original Charter was destroyed by fire on February 16th, 1968 and was replaced by a new Charter on June 10th, 1982. At that moment, the name of 302 (City of Québec) Wing was changed to 302 (Québec-Valcartier) Wing.

2009 marked the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of 302 Wing. 2009 also coincides with the longevity of a Charter Member. Indeed, Mr. Léopold Villeneuve joined the Association on March 1st, 1949 and has continued to be a member without any interruption of service. 302 Wing presented him with a 60-year service pin along with a letter dispatched on behalf of Her Majesty to mark this event.

How to Contact Us

You may reach us by e-mailing one of the members of the Wing Executive Committee listed under the page Wing Executive.

Mailing address

302 (Québec-Valcartier) Wing - AFAC
c/o T. Doré - Secretary
1247 de Foe
Québec, QC  G2E 4H4

Paramilitary Activities

302 Wing maintains a close relationship with 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Valcartier. Our members are invited to participate in many of their activities. They also participate in 3 Wing (Bagotville) annual Battle of Britain commemorative ceremonies and in Remembrance Day ceremonies in the Beauport borough.

430 Squadron has appointed a Liaison Officer to 302 Wing.

Social Functions

The members of the Wing Executive Committee organize about six social functions throughout the year for Wing members. As the Wing does not own its own quarters, these activities are usually held at restaurants, clubs or hotels, or in one of the two military Messes in the Québec region.

Sponsorships

Since 2007, 302 Wing sponsors 881 (Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce) Air Cadet Squadron. Wing member Armand Maheu oversees the smooth functioning of this sponsorship.

Recruiting

302 Wing works constantly towards recruiting new members. We believe that recruiting is every member's business even though this task is overseen by our Membership Chairperson, who's e-mail address can be found in the Wing Executive page. Membership fees are currently $50/year (July to June). This will be increased by $5.00 to $55.00 as of July 2010.

Guest Speakers

302 Wing provide two World War II veteran pilot guest speakers, subject to their availability and consent upon request by groups including Air Cadet Squadrons and schools.

Association Life Members

Mr. Léopold Villeneuve – Mr. Villeneuve has been an Association member since March 1st, 1949. He is the Wing's most senior member and received his 60-year pin along with a letter from Her Majesty the Queen to highlight this important milestone. Mr. Villeneuve was Wing President from 1955 to 1959. He oversaw the Wing's business effeciently and with much determination during his tenure and has continued since to attend Wing activities regularly. Throughout his sixty years' service he has provided invaluable services to the Wing, particularly during our first years of existence. He was decorated with the CVSM and bar, the Defence Medal and the War Medal.

Mr. Berchmans Pettigrew Joined the Association on 1 Dec 1958. His name was proposed to the National Executive Committee for the award of a Life Membership in 2002 and was selected for this award. Mr. Pettigrew was always actively involved in the affairs of 302 Wing ever since he joined the Association. After having been through some difficult times (fire in Wing's quarters in 1967, lawsuits resulting from the fire, etc), indeed some very dark times for 302 Wing. Following this period, membership figures had declined to a mere twenty-odd members. Over the past ten years, Mr. Pettigrew spearheaded a membership recruiting campaign and it is because of his efforts that the Wing now has around 110 members.

Christina Handler Memorial Award

In 2003, Mr. André Falardeau, member of the Wing since November 1984, became the first recipient of the Christina Handler Memorial Award. His protocolar work towards deceased members was remarkable in all respects, as was the assistance he provided to their families. He brilliantly carried out this delicate and thankless task for over five years.

Service with distinction

Major Pierre Bouchard. In October 2004, the President had the honour of presenting a certificate underlining his service with distinction to Major Pierre Bouchard, Liaison Officer to 302 Wing and Quebec Group. This recognition was awarded for his outstanding work as Liaison Officer and for his ongoing devotion to the veterans as well as his continued presence at Wing activities for over 17 years as member.

Mr. Numa Lachance. In October 2004, a certificate for service with distinction was presented to Mr. Numa Lachance, recognizing his overall work within 302 Wing and the Association. Member for over 45 years, he held the offices of Secretary and Treasurer for 12 years, from 1968 to 1979. He was one of the members having the most regular attendance at Wing and national meetings until the time when his health forced him to limit his activities. Mr. Lachance joined the Association in March 1959.

Member having 60 years of service

• Mr. Léopold Villeneuve, 01 Mar 1949

Members having served 50 years

• Mr. Léo Arseneau, 01 Dec 1958
• M. Berchmans Pettigrew, 01 Dec 1958

World War II Veterans

Although World War II ended sixty five years ago, 302 Wing still counts a significant number war veterans within its ranks who served in the RCAF or other services. Here is a list of these members: