Former lieutenant-governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield was invested as the new honorary colonel for 15 Wing Moose Jaw during a ceremony Friday at the Royal Canadian Air Force base.
Solomon Schofield takes over the position from Lisa Franks, who held the title since April 2019.
The new honorary colonel was the 21st lieutenant-governor of Saskatchewan, serving from 2012 to 2018. She also served as chancellor of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.
“As the 21st lieutenant-governor of the province, she has that long history of service with the province. Quite frankly, we’re just super lucky to have her on board. Her expertise, her knowledge, her deep connections and her lifetime of service — well, that’s a great example for all of us,” said 15 Wing commanding officer Col. Daniel Coutts.
Solomon Schofield is a member of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and has received the Service Medal of the Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Her other honours include the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2009, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.
She previously served as honorary colonel for the 16 and 38 Service Battalions, as well as the 10 Field Regiment. However, this marks the first time she will wear a Royal Canadian Air Force uniform.
“It’s an honour. It’s truly an honour. This is a specific, different atmosphere than what I’m used to with the army. It’s a very important role for me. I’ve had other roles in my life, but I’m quite looking forward to this one. I think it’s very important to Saskatchewan to support this wing,” Solomon Schofield said.
The honorary colonel position is “honorary and advisory” in nature. Honorary colonels mentor commanding officers and help foster relationships with the local community and the broader region.
“The honorary colonel plays a vital role in helping us connect to the local community as well as the region and the rest of the country. So, having the Honourable Solomon Schofield invested today as our honorary colonel is going to help us connect to new, stronger and wider populations in Saskatchewan,” said Coutts.
Solomon Schofield said she is still familiarizing herself with the responsibilities of the new role but is especially looking forward to supporting military families.
“They sometimes get neglected and forgotten, and they are very, very supportive of the military and of their families, so they need a little bit of support from me as well,” she said.
Solomon Schofield will hold the position for a three-year term ending Jan. 27, 2028.