14 MSS welcomes new chief warrant officer
14 Wing Greenwood members filled the Annapolis Mess June 20, recognizing outgoing 14 Mission Support Squadron Chief Warrant Officer Jean Plamondon as he “passed the cane” from what will likely be the last of his Greenwood postings, after almost 15 years of service to the wing. The crowd also welcomed incoming 14 MSS Chief Warrant Officer Mario Legnaro back to his home province, after over 32 years’ service outside Nova Scotia.
“Chief Plamondon’s impact has significantly outsized the time he’s been with 14 MSS. He brought with him a steady hand, a deep well of experience and a strong desire to bridge the gap between 14 Wing’s operational and support communities,” said 14 MSS Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Shawn McGeown, the event’s reviewing officer.
“He should take solace in knowing that the legacy that he leaves behind at 14 MSS will be felt for years to come.”
To thank Plamondon for his longstanding service, not only to 14 MSS but to all the squadrons he has served during his stay in Greenwood, including 405, 415 and 404 squadrons; McGeown presented him with a coin from each unit, all co-mounted on a 14 Wing Greenwood plaque.
Consistent with Plamondon’s goal to embody Greenwood’s motto of “Operate as One,” the change of appointment ceremony shared its celebration with members of 14 MSS who demonstrated exemplary service to the wing and commitment to Canadian Armed Forces values during Plamondon’s one-year term. Among the recipients of 14 Wing Greenwood Commander’s Coins were 14 MSS members Master Corporal Matthew Macleod and Aviator Tyler MacDonald, and Real Property Operations Detachment Greenwood members John Webber and Parker Matheson; for their outstanding performance of duties under adverse conditions in Hangars 5 and 8. Gold Crew firefighters, including Warrant Officer Justin Budaker, Corporal Tyler Currie, Corporal Keaton Young, Corporal Cory Langelaan, Aviator Maxime Clavette and Aviator Justin Mulch; were recognized with a 14 Wing Greenwood Commander’s Commendation for their dedicated and thoughtful attention when responding to a young child in distress; and Marie Corbett and Bryn Cade also received a 14 Wing Greenwood Commander’s Commendation for their quick and decisive actions when a 14 Wing member presented signs of a potential heart attack. Plamondon gave his heartfelt thanks to friends, family, command teams and to “the heart of the matter: 14 Mission Support Squadron.
“You’ve helped me understand what it really takes to keep the operational side of the Wing ready and effective.”
Plamondon leaves 14 Wing for Colorado Springs, where he will serve as the Canadian Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Formation chief warrant officer.
McGeown welcomed incoming Legnaro to the 14 MSS family, at a time when 14 Wing’s “ant” colony approaches a significant developmental phase.
“Together, we face a period of meaningful transformation: pursuing formal recognition of 14 MSS through a unique unit identification code, implementing structural realignments to bring 14 MSS in line with other Royal Canadian Armed Forces’ mission support squadrons, and positioning 14 MSS to better support 14 Wing – both now, and in preparation for the integration of multiple new weapon systems in the very near future.”
As for the incoming Legnaro, he looks forward to taking on these new challenges as the 14 MSS chief. He said, while the commanding officer’s intent is his intent, both the quality of life of personnel and the CAF ethos also will represent key factors in his efforts to support the unit during his term.
“You are the heart and soul of this wing, and it’s my job to make sure I’ve got your back.”
