Celebrating a 45-year career: Captain Phillips

By Valerie Posthumus

The Haldimand Press

DUNNVILLE—Forty-five years after signing up as an Officer Cadet, Capt. Frank Phillips gave his final salute to the Royal Canadian Air Cadets at a Depart with Dignity dinner at the RCAF #6 Dunnville Museum last month.

On hand to help celebrate, congratulate, and reminisce with Phillips were his wife, Pauline, other Captains, Majors, friends, family, and even a handful of 611 Harvard Squadron Cadets.

Stories were shared of how Phillips made an impact on those around him, contributing to his success and evolution up the ranks within the corps. There were moments of heartfelt appreciation, such as when 611 Harvard Squadron Commanding Officer Scott Durward thanked Phillips for his time and effort in assisting him in developing the squadron into a growing and healthy unit.

Durward said, “Sometimes it is hard to recap such an outstanding career. Captain Phillips had a positive impact on the lives of over 5,000 youth in his time. He was truly Mission Before Self and the good of the cadet was his only focus. He has been a mentor to me and dozens of others during his storied career. On behalf of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Movement, I say thank you.”

Phillips thanked everyone for coming out to congratulate him and he especially thanked his wife as it took great family support to fulfill his roles and obligations over so many years of service.

Phillips’ years of experience, through the ranks and in different areas and units, allowed him the expertise to offer guidance and structure no matter his role throughout his years of service.

A snapshot of Phillips’ career