15 Wing Moose Jaw welcomes new honorary colonel

Canadian Armed Forces base 15 Wing Moose Jaw named a new honorary colonel on Friday. 

Vaughn Solomon Schofield is stepping into the position after 13 years of serving as honorary colonel for 10 Field Regiment and both the 16 and 38 Service Battalions. She also served as Saskatchewan's 21st lieutenant-governor from 2012 to 2018.

Her new role will include mentoring commanding officers and members in the unit, building relationships with other units across the country through the Honorary Colonel Network, and helping the base to maintain customs and traditions.

The position has been held by honorary Col. Lisa Franks since 2019.

Solomon Schofield said she has had a lot of help stepping into her first Air Force uniform.

"As you can imagine, all the decorations and things take a lot of learning, so I'm on a learning curve at the moment but very excited," she said.

Solomon Schofield said she is already having conversations with the outgoing commanding officer about where she can assist the base. She is also thinking about how she can support the families of those in the military service.

"They sometimes get neglected and forgotten and they are very, very supportive of the military and of their families," Solomon Schofield said.

Col. Daniel Coutts, commander of 15 Wing, said the base is honoured to welcome Solomon Schofield.

"She has demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to the province of Saskatchewan, but also the Canadian Armed Forces," he said.

"I have complete faith that Mrs. Solomon Schofield will be a valuable addition to the 15 Wing team who will further enhance the bond between 15 Wing and the local community."

The change of command ceremony will take place on June 12. Solomon Schofield will be sworn in for a three-year term.