History of the Logistic Movers Association

Courtesy of Boe McNeil

With the closure of Air Movements Detachments in the late 1970's, the annual get together of Air Movers at such events as the AMU games, fell by the wayside due in part by the lack of finances. It was obvious that a new venue was needed to ensure that the Esprit de corps, fostered by Movers since the days of the Burma operation was necessary. This requirement became abundantly clear to me in 1979 when one of our highly respected members, CWO Stan Rohatinski, was about to retire from the Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Forces after 38 years of dedicated and professional service, without due recognition from his fellow trades people.

As a way of expressing, appreciation to Stan and to wish him and his wife Mary a fond farewell, I decided to organize a retirement party. Knowing how the Movers played, partied, and the friendship and caring that existed, I knew that I could count on at least eighty people to attend. After advising Movers from across Canada and Europe, and making bookings for accommodations, transportation, catering and booking the Yacht Club, the plan was in effect.

To my surprise, after only two days, the list of attendees grew to two hundred. After four days the list grew to the point that the numbers exceeded the capacity of the Yacht Club which meant that I was back at square one. With no financial backup for such a large function I had to hold many discussions with catering and other agencies to get the ball rolling. As luck would have it, after visiting the Knights of Columbus, I was able to book their facilities for the dates I required.

To no one's surprise, the retirement party turned out to be a huge success. A total of four hundred Movers and spouses were in attendance. It was obvious, not only to me, but to all in attendance that the camaraderie, friendship, not to mention the stories about the Burmese jungle, half inch manila rope, Monorail Systems, Evans Sky Loader Kits and movers parties of the past, it was essential that this type of function must continue.

In 1981, several movers were scheduled for retirement and we had the chance to organize another retirement party. With the help of Bob Lloyd and a host of other movers another plan was put into effect. However, on this occasion, to ensure that we had a basis to continue these function in the future, a draft Constitution and By-laws was prepared and a meeting was held on the day of the party to discuss the formation of a Movers Association. Needless to say, there was overwhelming support for the association.

The LMA lives today to bring about the unity of all movers, to further their spirit of comradeship and to perpetuate the memory and deeds of the fallen.

This is the Official Website of the Traffic Technician, Logistic Officers, and Civilian Movers of the Canadian Forces. The contents of this website no means are the official words of the Canadian Forces or the Government of Canada

lmacanada.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information supplied by its members, if you have an issue with anything posted please contact the Webmaster.