Herb Harrison
Interest Statement
Hi, Iam interested in running for the RCAFA board of directors because I believe in the
work they do both for the veterans and youth of our country. I have been involved with
the RCAFA at the wing, group and national levels and have seen first had the great
work that is currently and previously been done. Iam currently working on identification
of wing involvement with the Air Cadet programs. I believe that 100% of our wings are
involved in some way with their local Air Cadet squadrons but there are more squadrons
that need our help, and I plan on identifying where this could happen. I have been
involved in promotion of our veteran’s and our youth most of my adult life and will
continue to do so for a while yet. I have got more out of the program than I ever will be
able to put back but I think this is a great opportunity to contribute to the program.
Bio/CV
I was born in Winnipeg, Mb the oldest of five children, moving shortly thereafter to a farm in
Saskatchewan. In 1959 our mother passed away so dad moved us all to Regina where I finished my
public schooling and started high school. In 1962 we moved to Moose Jaw where I completed my high
school and left immediately for Centralia, ON to start my training in the RCAF. This did not last very long
and upon returning to Moose Jaw driving truck. I met and married my wife (Donna) and I applied to
Transport Canada to work in Air Traffic Services. In 1968 I started my training and over the years worked
in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, NWT and Nunavut. During the years moving around the country
(we were only allowed to work in one location for 2-3 years at that time) we had three daughters (two of
which are still in the military). Moving around so much gave us an appreciation for the vastness and
beauty of this country. For the most part the people are exceptional and willing to help at the drop of a
hat. A person could not ask for anything more.
I have not been a member of the RCAF Association for as long as most members of the council, but I
have learned a lot from the distinguished members that have come before me. At the wing level I have
held the position of Vice-President, President, Transport Chair and currently hold the fundraising chair
position for the last number of years. I have held at the Group level Vice-President and President (NOW
Chairperson) four terms. On the National level I have held the position of Director and a member of the
honors and Awards committee and currently the Air CADET Liaison Director. The members that I have
met from across the country were outstanding and a credit to their respective wings. I would like to get
the Members-at-Large more involved within the association. They are ALL members, and their voices
should be heard. I also have held various positions with the Royal Cadian Legion and Lions Clubs
International.
My military career has varied over the years starting with the Air Cadet Program. This program, the
whole cadet program, is the best that I have ever seen. During my cadet years I had the privilege of
going across Canada and parts of the United States seeing things I never would have seen otherwise. I
aged out in 1964 as a WO2 but did not get my wings as I would have liked. I joined the RCAF in 1965 but
did not last very long and joined Transport Canada/Nav Canada as an Air Traffic Specialist which I held
until 2004 when I retired accident free. In 1970 I joined the Cadet program as an officer and worked in
various locations in Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. I also aged out in 2004 at the rank of Major
which I never would have obtained had it not been for my colleagues, family and members of the
organization. After retirement I continued with the program as a Civilian Instructor and work both the
corps level and as Summer Camp Supervisor for the Air Cadet Power Pilot Training program. My time
with the Sask Militia District (1995-1996) was also great as a transport and a finance officer for the SYEP
program.