4 Wing has welcomed its brand-new Honorary Colonel. Darlene Gates was welcomed in an acceptance ceremony on Friday presided over by 4 Wing Commander Colonel Paul Doyle at the Military Family Resource Centre on base.
Gates is no stranger to the Lakeland area. She had served as Operations Manager for Imperial Oil Cold Lake and currently sits as the head of Exxon’s Alaska operations. The mother of three says the job is something she looks forward to.
“It is sincerely an honour to have this opportunity to serve the great men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force. I am proud to accept with utmost humility the role of Honorary Colonel for 4 Wing.”
An Honorary Colonel is tasked with developing, promoting and sustaining strong community ties between the Lakeland and the base. Typically, they serve for three year periods.