Inductees Will Be Introduced By Department Of National Defence Chief Of Air Staff

The Department of National Defence chief of air staff, Lieutenant-General André Deschamps (pictured) will be the official speaker and presenter at Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame (CAHF) annual dinner and ceremony at the River Rock Casino and Hotel in Vancouver, B.C., Thursday, June 10.

Deschamps will present inductees Julie Payette, Vi Milstead Warren, Redford Henry "Red" Mulock, and Willy Laserich.  

Lt-Gen Deschamps started his career with the Canadian Forces in 1977, graduating as a pilot one year later.  He has held positions ranging from Weapons Officer in 1 Canadian Air Group Headquarters in Germany, to his current position as the Chief of Air Staff for the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command in Ottawa. 

In this role, Lt-Gen Deschamps is responsible for training, generating, and maintaining combat capable, multi-purpose air forces that meet Canada's defence requirements. 

CAHF chairman John Holding said, "Lt-Gen Deschamps epitomizes the Canadian spirit represented by the CAHF.  He is well placed to present this year's four inductees, his achievements with the Canadian Forces are outstanding, and he has personally logged more than 7,500 hours flying during his career with the Air Force." 

The 2010 inductees are Canadian former Chief Astronaut Julie Payette, a pilot, engineer, and musician who has logged more than 1,200 hours flying and 25 days in space; inspirational female flight instructor Vi Milstead Warren, who also worked in remote and dangerous conditions as Canada's first female bush pilot.  WW1 fighter pilot Redford Henry "Red" Mulock will also be inducted; he is recognized for his combat flying in WW1 with a Distinguished Service Order and as a Companion of the British Empire who rose to the rank of RCAF Reserve Air Commodore; northern bush pilot Willy Laserich will also be inducted; he flew over 3,000 medevac flights and 100 search and rescue missions.

All of the Hall's now 200 inductees have been honored for their contributions to Canadian aviation and space endeavors.  Their achievements have been recognized as playing an integral role in the growth of modern Canada.

FMI: www.cahf.ca