There's a new Honorary Colonel at 22 Wing CFB North Bay

Following an impressive seven year assignment John Cutsey’s appointment as Honorary Colonel for 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay came to an end Thursday.

Cutsey signed over his appointment to Scott Clark, former Honorary Colonel of 21 Aerospace Control & Warning Squadron (21 AC&W Sqn) during a special ceremony presided over by 22 Wing Commander, Colonel Namiesniowski at the 22 Wing Fitness and Wellness Centre.

Cutsey, attempting to do his best to keep composure as he reviewed his treasured post, took a page from Clark’s outgoing address to the 21 AC&W Sqn to thank the men and women of the 22 Wing for their continued and tireless commitment to Canada.

“If you have the opportunity to say thanks to someone in uniform it is a privilege to do so.”

“So as we Honorary Colonels cannot begin to explain the sacrifices these men and women and their families make every day,” states Cutsey.


“And to our commanders it is indeed a privilege and an honor for the honorary colonels and myself to be empowered by you our military commanders, each with your own individual strengths and styles of leadership, I have been enriched by this memorable experience and personally think the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Minister for allowing me to be amongst this very esteemed group of Honorary Colonels.”

Namiesniowski thanked Cutsey for fulfilling the role of Honorary Colonel which is to act as a link between the wing and the local community, to “Connect with Canadians”.

He notes that incoming Honorary Colonel Clark has big shoes to fill as Cutsey has been an integral member of the wing for seven years but notes Clark chosen because of his record of community service and unwavering support as the 21 Squadron for the past three years.

Clark says he is honoured to continue the great work Cutsey started.

“My role is “honorary and advisory” and over the last few years, I’ve listened, learned, laughed and have ultimately been inspired. The quality people who I have become friends with have given me more than I could ever have imagined. I will continue to tell my story and that of what the men and women at 22 Wing accomplish everyday on and off the base with the support of their families.”



The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Honorary Colonels’ program has been active across the squadrons since 1992. There are some sixty appointments throughout the RCAF at any one time. Honorary Colonel’s act as advisors to unit commanders and become key members within the air force.