A Little Information About Myself

Hi There:

My name is Fred Paradie. I guess I just wanted to let you know a little about the guy who started this site. It sure is an interesting adventure in computers for me.

Anyway, I am a Canadian Air Force officer and have been serving in the Canadian Forces (Reserves and now Regular)for just over 15 years now. I am also a "Base Brat" from such bases that include CFB Kingston, CFB Debert, CFB Penhold, AFCENT (the Netherlands), and CFB Lahr (Germany). AFCENT and Lahr were my favorites. I met some great people and it was an incredible experience which helped me decide on a military career.

In order to help pay for university I joined 3 Field Engineer Squadron of the Canadian Forces Reserves. Upon graduation from Carleton University, I was accepted into the Canadian Forces as an Air Force officer. I went to Basic Officer Training at CFB Chilliwack on Course 8809. That was probably the best 13 weeks of my life and I still remember the great times and the excellent people that I served with. Upon graduation, I headed off to BFC St. Jean for Second Language Training.

Survived my first flight

After St-Jean I wanted to go into another Air Force classification, but had to take my release from the Regular Force in 1992 because there were no positions in the areas I was interested in.

I moved to Ottawa and I joined 28 Service Battalion as a Transportation Officer and platoon commander. In keeping with my goal of getting back into the regular Air Force Officer, I transferred to 2 Int Platoon in 1995 while I was working for the Ottawa Board of Education. In February 1998, I was offered and accepted a regular commission in the Air Force. After classification training I was posted to National Defence Headquarters where I spent just over three years. Currently, I am assigned to 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron in Bagotville, Quebec - Canada.

My latest flight - this one with 400 Squadron and my friend Captain Andy Kraska - Then a Reg Force pilot attached to the squadron

Apart from collecting military aviation material, I enjoy working out and playing most sports (especially ice-hockey). I am an avid fan of the Montreal Canadiens, the Montreal Expos, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Recently promoted to Captain, I hope to be posted to a flying base soon (please God - make it very soon!!!) so I can be around the Air Force and aircraft as I had hoped upon starting this great experience and wonderful career.

Well, I hope this site provides you with some entertainment and maybe even some useful information. Feel free to e-mail me and say "Hi", or provide some suggestions. This is an ongoing project so please don't be too critical. Take care and have a great day!

Per Ardua Ad Astra

Cheers

Fred Paradie