Murders not a reflection on military

Posted By ERNST KUGLIN, QMI AGENCY
Posted February 9th, 2010

The military is struggling to come to grips with the stunning arrest of Col. Russ Williams, now the former commanding officer of 8 Wing.

At a press conference Monday evening, Gen. Yvan Blondin, Commander of 1 Air Division, said base personnel at Trenton are in a state of shock.

Ultimately, in the chain of command, Blondin is Williams' boss, despite the fact he didn't know the base commander well.

"There are a lot of mixed emotions right now,'' said Blondin. "Marie France Comeau (whom Williams is charged with murdering) is one of us.

"Today we learned one of us is charged with the crime. It's shocking. How do we reconcile that?''

It was a question Blondin couldn't immediately answer.

But the general said that base personnel are part of the broader Quinte community.

"This affects people on both sides. We are a big part of the community.''

Blondin wasted little time in saying the murder charges against one of their own was not a reflection of the Air Force or the military.

"Whoever did the crimes ... it was the act of an individual,'' said Blondin.

The general said there was nothing in Williams' personal file to suggest he shouldn't have been picked for a top command posting.

"When we pick people for command, we observe them closely. We look for extraordinary people. That's why Williams was picked as a wing commander.''

Blondin said he personally didn't know Williams.

"But from his file, he (Williams) was a shining example of leadership,'' he said. "Right now we don't know what to think.''

Lt. Col. Dave Murphy, 8 Wing Operations Office, is now 8 Wing's acting commanding officer.

Top ranking officers spent most of Monday talking to base personnel.

They say troop morale at the base is high despite the arrest of their commanding officer and ongoing round the clock operations.

"We, everyone were both surprised and shocked to find out about the arrest. Base personnel are trying to absorb what has happened,'' said Murphy. "Right now we are trying to focus on the job at hand -- the Olympics, Haiti and Afghanistan.''

Base officials will meet with their civilian counterparts as soon as possible in an effort to maintain close relations.

The base has close ties with communities in the Quinte region.

"We were all taken aback with the news. Our hearts go out to family members and friends of the victims. It's extremely important to communicate with the community.''

Blondin said he couldn't comment on the details surrounding the police investigation.

"We are relying on the Canadian justice system ... our priority is the people of 8 Wing, the busiest Air Force base in Canada,'' he said.

"They are members of the military and local community. They are neighbours and friends.''