Staff

Dean Black

National Executive Director and Publisher Airforce Magazine

Dean Black is responsible to the National Executive Council (Board of Directors) through the National President, for implementing the policies and directives of the National Executive Council; advising the National Executive Council on the effectiveness of the Association’s policies and procedures; maintaining liaison with applicable government agencies and departments relevant to the activities of the Association; and, organizing and supervising the conduct of National Annual General Meetings and National Executive Council meetings. He is also responsible for liaising with all levels of the Association, working through Group and Wing Executives as required.

Dean retired from the Canadian Forces in January 2007, as a Lieutenant-Colonel, after 30 years of service as a tactical helicopter pilot and senior defence analyst. His last flying responsibilities were as Commanding Officer 403 (Helicopter) Operational Training Squadron, in Oromocto, New Brunswick. He has a B.Sc. (Applied) and a M.A. (War Studies) from the Royal Military College of Canada at Kingston, Ontario.

Vic Johnson

Airforce Magazine Editor

The Editor is responsible to the Publisher for preparation and presentation of Airforce magazine. Vic enjoys the latitude, independence and authority needed to build each issue to the satisfaction of the members of the Air Force Association of Canada and many other individuals who purchase the magazine from newsstands throughout North America. A great deal of forethought goes into each issue, to ensure topics of interest are presented in a timely and professional manner, and to ensure the editorial content appeals to the majority of members and prospective members alike. Airforce is the primary means by which the Air Force Association of Canada’s members provide the context that defines their common air force identity and experiences.

Retired MWO Vic Johnson joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1959 at age 17. He was selected for training as a photographer and spent 32 years in that trade, four of them in France and Germany serving with 1 (Cdn) Air Division in NATO. During his career his duties included a variety of trade specialties including photo reconnaissance, air-to-air photography, and finally, public affairs /photo journalism in which he was involved for the last 12½ years of his military career. He has travelled extensively during his assignments both domestically and globally. Two highlights of his career include accompanying the entourage of the late Prime Minister Indira Ghandi of India during a cross-Canada official visit in 1973, and appointment as staff photographer to the Royal Family during their 1976 Canadian Summer Olympics visit. During his years in military public affairs, Vic Johnson began writing and photographing feature stories for military publications. Following six months as a military photo journalist and news cameraman during the 1991 Gulf War, he took early retirement from the air force to assume the position of assistant editor of Airforce magazine. In December 1993 he was appointed editor.

Rose Lalonde

Regalia

Rose joined the staff in 1999, bringing very respectable retail and product development skills to the Association. Products are an important part of the Association, especially where regalia is concerned. Members join associations to share a common identity and experiences. In the Air Force Association of Canada the experiences shared more often relate to the years of service members have given to their country and community. Rose is aware of this important and she takes great care advising on the kinds of products members might like, in order to help project their identity. Additionally, Rose is committed to high-quality service and responsiveness. We are proud to have Rose on our team

Wenjun Song

Accounting and Corporate Financial Records

The Air Force Association of Canada benefits from the talents of the association’s incumbent accounting and corporate records staff member. Wenjun brings years of accounting and business experience to the Association. she earned a B.Sc. (Electrical Engineering), a B.Comm. (Business Administration) and a Diploma/Certificate in Quality Control. Her cogent financial advice informs development of annual budget proposals for the association’s Board of Directors, and her quarterly reports apprise the Directors on the progress being made on all budget line items, as the year unfolds. Wenjun also serves as Treasurer to the Royal Canadian Air Force Association Trust Fund Board of Trustees. Wenjun is always available to discuss issues and challenges Wing and Group Treasurers may experience, during their tenure.