5 Wing Mess Dinner

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On April 11, 2019, 5 Wing Goose Bay held its annual mess dinner at the Canuck Club in Goose Bay. I am privileged to be 5 Wing’s Honorary Colonel.

Helping to celebrate the event and the accomplishments of the men and women of the RCAF are (L-R) HCol Dr. Ron Sparkes, 444 Squadron; Mike Reyno, MHM Publishing; Lt. Col. Stephane Racle, CO of 5 Wing; yours truly, HCol for 5 Wing and MWO David McDowell, 5 Wing’s Master Warrant Officer.

oyal Canadian Air Force Anniversary Mess Dinner
GB2019-04-027
From left to right:  Honorary Colonel Ronald Sparkes, Guest of Honour, Mr. Mike Reyno, photographer and publisher of Vertical, Vertical 911, Skies, RCAF today and Insight magazines, Lieutenant Colonel Stéphane Racle, Commander of 5 Wing Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Honorary Colonel Geff Goodyear, and Master Warrant Officer David McDowell, Wing Chief Warrant Officer, all pose in front of a burning piano during the Royal Canadian Air Force Anniversary Mess Dinner held at 5 Wing Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, on April 11, 2019
Photo by MCpl Krista Blizzard W Imaging/5 Wing Public Affairs
© 2019 DND-MDN Canada

No More Music Lessons

You may notice a burning piano behind us. It is a tradition which dates back to the RAF from the second world war and there are several stories behind the tradition’s origins. The one I like was that various messes burned their pianos to prevent obligatory music lessons which did not sit well with some of the crews!

Please note that no serviceable piano was hurt during this (or other) 5 Wing events!