In February 1979, approximately sixty people - our Charter Members - formed 888 (Komox) Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association.

Initially, meetings were held in the Lion's Den, Comox Legion, Dusty's Den - wherever a spot could be found!  The bar was run from the trunks of cars!  We also took on the responsibility of co-sponsoring 386 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron with the local Lions Club. 

In 1981, serious fundraising was underway.  As our membership steadily increased, it was obvious that a "real" home was necessary.  As well, we had now taken on FULL sponsorship of 386 RCAC Squadron. 

"Beef on a Bun" was born, and was present at every opportune venue i.e. Cumberland Days, Courtenay July 1st celebrations, Comox Nautical Days and Air Show days on the Base. This was very much a

labor-intensive project; Al Scott took on the task of building (and storing) the collapsible booth and almost all the members were involved in the planning and operation of each event attended. 

With the funds realized from this endeavour and our bar profits (yes, we did!) and interest-free loans from members, the Wing purchased the old Bank building located between Canex and the Post Office, just outside CAF 19 Wing gate.  Volunteers manned the bar, performed routine maintenance and took turns performing janitorial services - and we kept growing!  Initially, the bar was open only on Friday and Saturday afternoons; then, as we introduced more social events, the hours increased. 

In 1982, the Ladies Auxiliary was formed and they, too, became actively involved in fundraising.  Their first donation to the Wing was a used vacuum cleaner!  By the time we moved into our new Wing they had accumulated sufficient funds to purchase a commercial dishwasher, two gas stoves and the cupboard wall units!

By 1984, our social programs were extended to include more pot luck dinners and Oktoberfest.  We were now at a point where we were usually filled to capacity...we could seat fifty people comfortably...and, oh, the fun we had!  Much of it was spontaneous - at six o'clock on a Friday night a dozen or so members would decide to "dine in" and order Chinese food...Set the tables with candles in beer bottles and dandelions in vases!  Turn on the tapes and dance up a storm on that tiny dance floor and try not to bump into people at the bar!

Financially, we had reached a point where we retired our loans, either by repayment or donation.  A big step for our small Wing!

We had formed a "Housing Committee" and these volunteers proceeded to build the "Stockade" around the property, as well as putting in a horseshoe pitch, picnic tables, gardens and a BBQ area.  This was the year our Summer Saturday Nite BBQ's were born. All preparation and cleanup was done behind our tiny bar!  We had one domestic stove, one domestic fridge and one domestic dishwasher (all second-hand and donated!). 

That was the year we started to forge ahead financially due to the hard work of our volunteers. We purchased a 2.7 acre parcel of land on Knight Road in anticipation of building our new Wing there. 

More fundraising was required to get to that point though, and so our weekly Bingos were born!  We started out in the Lion's Den in Comox with the assistance of some very able people from Victoria.  The first night of operation we had to lock the doors because so many people showed up and their numbers exceeded the capacity!  Again, we had teams of volunteers working these Bingos - including our own callers and cashiers - until the Bingo Palace opened in 1986 and EVERYTHING changed!

Initially, an "umbrella group" was formed to compete and we took turns holding our Bingos in the Elks Hall in Courtenay.  We then moved to the Bingo Palace, where we remain today...still depending upon our volunteers!  Proceeds from these Bingo's have averaged $20,000 a year and have enabled us to support 386 Sqn. RCAC as well as donate considerable monies to many worthwhile causes within our community.

In 1987, we sold the Knight Road property.  Our six-man Financial Committee recommended investments which allowed us to realize a healthy interest!  This, plus our profits from Beef-on-a-Bun and the bar put us into a viable financial position. 

This was also the year that we began our close relationship with the Comox Air Force Museum.  Several of our members volunteered to make the letters for the museum sign and they remain today!  Our contribution began when CE Section delivered the necessary materials to Bob Hallowell's house on 7th July  and on the 17th July, Bob together with Doug McQueen, John Haughton and Al Adams declared the project completed! 

In 1989 we purchased the present Wing property.  Our membership had grown to over a hundred and we were all anxious to get started on our new quarters!  Realizing the cost of decorating and furnishing our new Wing spurred on our many volunteers.  We continued our fundraising and expanded our social programs.  We set up bars for Squadron reunions and weddings to earn extra dollars - our volunteers were always there with a smile.

In March 1991, our volunteers set off to Holberg  with their food, tools and "comforts" to dismantle two metal buildings which we had purchased from DND at the enormous sum of one dollar each!!!  They were allowed to use the empty PMQ'S on the old base while they were carrying out their tasks.  There is many a story to tell of their experiences...and some wonderful photos in the Wing albums!

In June 1991, work commenced on "the new Wing" - lots of excitement!!!  The average age of these 43 volunteers was 65, but to watch them work - laughing, singing, joking - they all appeared much younger!  A number of ladies took turns providing substantial lunches for them every day, and they also enjoyed the cajoling and stories!  This was all sounding very much like a labour of love...work continued right through the wind and rain that only our sou'easters can bring!

Our official opening took place in March 1992 and we invited EVERYBODY!  About 200 people showed up to wish us well and our membership increased to 150! 

We now had a $60,000 mortgage to pay off, so there was no letting up!  Fundraising continued and our President ensured we spent not a penny more than was absolutely essential!  Boy, was he tough...but smart!  Not only did we have a mortgage but considerable overhead.  Two Air Cadet buildings plus our own to heat, clean and maintain! It was time to hire janitorial services, and start paying a part-time manager...we had reached a point where the work was more than our volunteers could handle on their own. 

But the penny-pinching and fundraising paid off...we burned our mortgage in 1994!  Since then our landscaping has been completed as well as the Memorial Garden - a special place for many of us.

Our present membership - including Regular and Associate members - is close to six hundred.  We are the largest Wing in Canada and have the most extensive social programs. 

Located beside the "Heritage Park" aircraft display, our Wing has a commanding view of CAF 19 Wing airfield and the Coast Mountains across the Straits of Georgia! 

Our major priority is to preserve and enhance Canada's Air Force Heritage, through our programs and our support for the Air Force Association of Canada.

We are proud to have 101 Squadron, Port Hardy under our Wing and we support and sponsor 386 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.

Our Charter Ball observes the anniversary and founding of 888 (Komox) RCAF Wing; our  year-round Wing social programs encourage members to meet new friends and enhance old friendships.  Programs include summer BBQ's, Friday Pub Nites, Games Nites, Candlelight Dinner Dances, Dinner Theater, Talent Nights, Golf Tournaments, Sports Teams and much, much more!

You're welcome to check us out!  For a convivial brew, a game of darts or cribbage, a browse in our libary, or conversation with friends in friendly surroundings, "the Wing" offers the ideal meeting place for like-minded people.