Dr. Sam Shaw, president and CEO of NAIT, is the latest Goose to be honoured by the 408.
The 408 Goose Tactical Helicopter Squadron invested Shaw as the squadron’s honorary colonel Thursday.
“It’s pride,” Shaw said regarding the honour. “When you think about what Canada represents, and certainly the men and women who serve in the 408 squadron, it really is about pride.”
Shaw is the fourth honorary colonel/lieutenant-colonel named by the 408. Honorary colonels are officers on virtually all issues except operations. They work behind the scenes and provide a much-needed connection between the community and the Canadian Forces.
“It really is the public face representing the 408,” Shaw said. “It’s important for the public to understand what the 408 squadron does.”
Maj. Trevor Teller agreed, saying having an honorary colonel keeps the 408 in touch with the community.
“It allows us to advertise what we do,” he said. “He’s a link to the larger community.”
Shaw’s connection to the military spans generations. His father was a captain in the Merchant Marines and his grandfather was a pilot with the Royal Air Force.
“Way back, I was a cadet and won the best cadet award,” Shaw said. “In fact my father, 35 years earlier, had won the best cadet. So there’s a legacy of cadets that are doing well in my family.”
Shaw’s tenure will last at least three years.
