Comox, British Columbia
Mr. Chester’s career in the Royal Canadian Air Force spanned 42 years, some 10,000 flying hours and multi-command tours; he retired with the rank of colonel. In 2011, Mr. Chester was elected National President of the Air Force Association of Canada (AFAC). As president, Mr. Chester is also the chair of the Association’s Board of Directors, whose ten members set the policies and oversee the operation of the organization. Under Mr. Chester’s leadership, the (AFAC) was a strong collaborator with Veterans Affairs Canada and its then-minister, Steven Blaney. As a result of this collaboration, the creation of the Bomber Command Memorial in London, England, and the Bomber Command Bar decoration were successfully achieved. Mr. Chester remains active in flying and during the summer months, he provides flight instruction to air cadets. Mr. Chester is a director at the Comox Air Force Museum, and a board member of several community associations.