A Glimpse into the Air Force Day on the Hill 2026

Written by Brook Bangsboll, Executive Director of the RCAF Association

Photo above: Lieutenant-General Speiser-Blanchet, Commander of the RCAF speaks with Major (Retired) Desmond “Dez” Peters, of 410 (LCol William Barker, VC) Wing at the Air Force Day on the Hill reception on Parliament Hill. Dez, a WWII Spitfire Pilot received the Commanders Coin in recognition for his continued volunteer work with the RCAF Association.

As a highlight of the Air Force Day on the Hill event, a joint venture between the RCAF Association and the RCAF Foundation announced two new, named scholarships for Canadian youth pursuing careers in the RCAF or Canadian Aerospace industry. These two new scholarship awards have been named in honour of the late Syd Burrows of 888 Wing (Comox) and Desmond Peters, of 410 Wing (Ottawa). The awards winners will be announced later this summer.

Air force Day on the Hill, is an annual event hosted by the RCAF Association on Parliament Hill, that facilitates the gathering of senior leadership form the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the Canadian Aerospace Industry, Parliamentarians, as well as partners, stakeholders and sponsors of the RCAF Association. The event includes a visit to the House of Commons and the Senate, where RCAF Veterans and serving members of the RCAF are publicly recognized by the representatives of the Government of Canada. The reception that follows is a valuable networking opportunity that fosters greater engagement between the RCAF, the Government of Canada, and the Aerospace industry.

The message from the RCAF Association is clear – we are a Veterans’ Association whose main objective is to advocate for a well-equipped, well-trained, well-prepared air force for Canada; motivate young Canadians to develop an interest in an aerospace (civil or military) career; and to

inform new generations of Canadians about the importance and history of their country’s air force. The association is also active in advocating for veterans’ rights, with community service, and with promoting aviation heritage and youth projects, especially those supporting the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.

Announcement of the General Paul Manson Memorial Sword Award 2026.

(From left to right) Terry Chester, Acting Chairman of the RCAF Association, Senator Rebecca Patterson, Brook Bangsboll, Executive Director of the RCAF Association, LGen Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Commander of the RCAF and Andre Deschamps, Honorary Chairman of the RCAFA and last year’s recipient of the Manson Sword Award.

This year’s most-deserving recipient of the General Paul Manson Memorial Sword Award is Senator Pamela Wallin, who was the first strategic-level Honorary Colonel for the RCAF (2009-2014) and advanced many important issues on behalf of the RCAF. Accepting the award on behalf of Senator Wallin, who was unable to attend this year’s Air Force Day on the Hill event is Senator Rebecca Patterson.