WINNIPEG, Man. - I have just experienced our Air Force operations in aid of the people of Haiti, and viewed the final air component preparations for the Olympics in support of the RCMP.

Such a short time ago we were telling our people, 'Enjoy the holidays with our families, and when we come back, we will be focused on getting ready for the Olympics. With Afghanistan and training, things should be busy for us in the coming months.' Then tragedy takes place in Haiti and we must act. In a matter of hours, our people, and our families commit to help save lives and heal the wounds caused by this devastation. And 'busy' was redefined.

I share with you just one example of your commitment, from Op Hestia. Due to the amount of international aid coming into Port-au-Prince, the airport was so congested that Canada had just four time slots per day to land and deliver supplies. We needed an additional entry point into Haiti. Our airfield engineers assessed the Jacmel airfield, and with confidence in the capabilities of the Hercules, and the experience of our personnel, we took the risk of the first Hercules flight into this tiny airstrip in the hills. Less than 24 hours later, your Air Force had opened a strategic 'backdoor' to deliver more aid to the Haitian people, and equipping the DART and the field hospital.

Wherever you work, whether in the Division, within the Air Force or within the Forces, you are helping carry the workload of a nation both at peace and at war. Your Wing, and every Wing, is executing an impressive scope of missions each and every day. You are stretched, but you are doing as much as you can and delivering results, showing your professionalism and your dedication.

Your work is impressive, and I thank you, and your families, for what you are doing for Canadians, for Haitians, for Afghans, for sailors on the high seas, and for so many other people in need.

Yvan Blondin

Major-General

Commander, 1 Canadian Air Division