With immense honor and respect, we celebrate the centenary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), an institution that embodies courage, excellence, and dedication to service over a remarkable century. Since its founding in 1924, the RCAF has played a crucial role in defending and promoting peace, shaping history, and inspiring generations.
Over a hundred years, the men and women of the RCAF have fearlessly taken to the skies, defending the ideals of freedom and justice that are fundamental to the Canadian identity. Their bravery in times of conflict, such as during World War II, where RCAF pilots significantly contributed to the Allied victory, is a testament to the courage and commitment of this exceptional air force.
Beyond combat moments, the RCAF has been a vital force in responding to natural disasters, humanitarian missions, and protecting Canadian airspace. Its legacy extends beyond geographical boundaries, touching lives and communities worldwide.
On the centenary of the RCAF, we pay tribute not only to the aviators and support personnel but also to the families who, with patience and resilience, supported their loved ones in service. We recognize the sacrifice and devotion that have permeated each decade of this extraordinary journey.
To the Royal Canadian Air Force, we express sincere gratitude for its exemplary service, continuous innovation, and vital role in defending the sovereignty and security of Canada. May this centenary be a moment of celebration, reflection, and inspiration for future generations who will continue to carry forward the impressive legacy of the RCAF. May the wings of the RCAF continue to soar high, defending freedom and peace for many more years. Congratulations on 100 years of exemplary service!
With very few exceptions, this Tribute is taken from an autobiographical story written by Sam Newman himself.
Sam’s formative years were spent in the Northern Ontario gold mining community of South Porcupine, located just east of Timmins. His parents, Frank and Marge Newman, adopted 4 of us children ( all from different families from the Children’s Aid ) shortly after we were born, I being the eldest. Having completed primary and high school, belonging to Cubs and Scouts, and later a member of the Army Cadets, and subsequently apprenticing in the clothing retail field, Sam became restless and anxious to see the rest of the world aside of and outside of Northern Ontario, and decided to join the Military.
He first joined the Royal Canadian Navy in the late 50’s with the rank of Ordinary Seaman. He later transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force in the ranks, working in Administration. In the early 70’s, following integration of the Canadian Forces, he appropriately trained for and received his Commission in the Logistics Branch, which essentially meant working in Transportation, Supply, Finance, and anything else related to that field of knowledge, as an Officer. Sam served 34 + years working in all sorts of jobs; most of them very challenging, many of which fell through the slots and cracks of normal type jobs, and offered something remotely related to LOG work, but NOT NECESSARILY! Nothing was ever boring or dull! Besides working aboard ships and bases in the Navy, Sam has served at Air Bases, numerous Stations, a couple of Service Battalions, Headquarters, and Centers from coast to coast in Canada, as well as London, England; Metz, France; Air Weapons Unit in Sardinia, Italy. Included in that listing, he adds a 6 month deployment with the 1976 World Summer Olympics, and a 9 month deployment in the Middle East with the United Nations. He retired in the rank of Captain in 1993, and moved to London, ON.
Most of Sam’s entire lifetime, since leaving home, has revolved around various aspects of the Military. Since Sam ‘officially’ retired, he has served eight complete summers as a Senior Supervising Officer with the Air Cadet League of Canada, working with Air Cadets who were qualifying for their Private Pilot’s license. During this time, he has also completed 16 years service to the Ontario Group Executive of the Air Force Executive of Canada, which included President of the Group itself in the later years. He continues to involve himself and his membership with the 427 (London ) Wing, AFAC. Besides that, Newman finds time for Executive Memberships in the local Branch 145 RC Legion; NATO and Peacekeeping Veterans Associations, and is a Life Member of the Air Cadet League of Canada, due to his continued Leadership work with Cadets since 1972, while stationed in Moncton, N.B. and serving in his positions as Squadron and Regional Director here in SW Ontario. He retired from the Regular Force in June, 1993. Recognition of his service and passion for the Armed Forces is obvious in the medals he proudly wears on his suit jacket at military functions: NATO Service Medal for England, Italy and France, Canadian Peacekeeper Medal, United Nations Emergency Force Medal (two tours), Queens Jubilee Medal, Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal, Sovereign Volunteer Medal, and the Canadian Forces Decorations (with two clasps).
He still attends and is active on the Executive functions with the Royal London Military Institute, as well as Br 145 of the VIMY Legion, here in the city of London. Sam has been accorded a Life Membership with the Knights of Columbus, due to his membership and executive contributions since 1988. Over the years, Sam was, and is still an active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association ( EAA) where he has volunteered his expertise ( time permitting) at Lakeland, Florida and Oshkosh, Wisconsin Air Shows. Also, in past years, he volunteered his knowledge and experience with the Executive of the 2001 Canada Summer Games, and 2003 Ontario Senior Winter Games. He and his wife are long time London Knight Jr. ‘A’ Hockey supporters.
It is easy to see there is no moss growing under Sam’s feet, even in his ageing years! Sam has had steady employment with summer employment for 9 summers supervising Air Cadets on Power Scholarship training for their Pilot’s license, and managed to work full time when available with Robert Q Couriers and Passenger service, and Value Mart’s Grocery Store, since his retirement in 1993, until COVID forced a complete shutdown in 2018. He has loved all of his post Service secondary employments. Sam also is an experienced, artistic needlepoint expert who sometimes creates his own designs. Two of the pictures are of Sam displaying his works of art! Along with the various Associations mentioned, Sam makes time to advocate for the Canadian Hearing Society, plays a little golf, and expands his knowledge and appreciation for this great country. Sam and his wife still enjoy travelling and they greatly cherish the time they spend with their children and grandchildren.
