Honorary Colonel Laura Money became part of 400 THS solidifying the units all-female leadership
The 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (THS) Command Team includes Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Lemay, Chief Warrant Officer Janet Ekstrom and now Honorary Colonel Laura Money who was welcomed to the unit in an Investiture Ceremony on 9 February 2024 at Hangar 18 on CFB Borden.
The new command team signed the investiture papers in front of an audience and HCol Money addressed members in attendance and the unit with a speech.
“I’m humbled and honoured to join this all-woman command as Honorary Colonel of 400 Squadron in the RCAF’s centennial year,” HCol Money said.
In her day job, HCol Money is the Executive Vice-President and Chief Information and Technology Innovation Officer of Sun Life. She specializes in protecting Sun Life from global cyber attacks and implementing new and useful technologies in the fast-changing landscape of artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
“The need for Canada to have a strong military has never been greater,” HCol Money said. “We need to support our allies, influence the future, monitor and protect Canada and help Canadians in crisis.”
CO 400 THS LCol Lemay welcomed HCol Money and explained how she cherishes relationships with such outstanding members of the community.
“HCol Money, I know that today officially marks your first day on the job, but I wanted to thank you for the investment you’ve already made into building this relationship,” LCol Lemay said. “I know that I have so much to learn from you and look forward to our many engagements in the future. HCol Money, as of today this is your Squadron. Your presence will always be welcome.”
HCol Money was previously asked by former CO 400 THS, LCol Lyle Holbrook if she would be interested in becoming the unit’s Honorary Colonel back in 2021.
Following the ceremony, HCol Money was invited to fly in a Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopter, providing her a warm welcome to the 400 THS and reviving familial ties to the unit through her late father, Major Ken Money who served as a reserve pilot with the unit for over 30 years.
“My dad was a reserve pilot,” said HCol Money, “training in Moose Jaw when he was 19 and 20 years old in 1955. I found his letters home and he talked about love being much better than hate and this was in the middle of the Cold War, just 10 years after World War Two.”
Maj Money served 400 Squadron at a time when it was a reserve search and rescue unit, flying mainly CC-138 Twin Otters and Beechcraft CT-134 Musketeers. In his final year with 400 Squadron in 1981, Maj Money learned to pilot CH-136 Kiowa helicopters and was thrilled to do so, according to HCol Money.
HCol Money recalled the trying times of seeking care for her father who developed dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic, prior to his passing on 6 March 2023. Maj Money was 88 years-old when he died.
“LCol Holbrook helped find all the information I needed to get great care at Sunnybrook Veteran’s Centre [Toronto],” HCol Money said. “When he passed last March, a piper and trumpeter, current and former 400 Squadron members, showed up to my father’s passing. It meant so much that the 400 Squadron family was there for my father from the time he was a new pilot to the time of his passing.”
“I know that I’ll share all of his qualities with 400THS…”
Immediately after the ceremony RCAF and 400 THS members joined together to enjoy lunch, celebrate the new Honorary Colonel and remember the sacrifices of the fallen.
By: Caleb Hooper
