Little know fact - at Portage we did OJT on Jamaican "B" Stands prior to them going on course at Borden. One CF ATC member, Cpl Barry Bonitto, a Jamaican, was a local guiding light to the Jamaican "B" Stands and the Jamaican student pilots. So much so that when the base threw a formal Mess Dinner for the Jamaican High Commissioner,he insisted the Barry be invited so he could show Jamaica's gratitude for Barry's guidance. This was the only time I ever saw an Airman at a formal Mess Dinner. Unfortunately Barry did not pass the GCA course and was reclassed to Photo Tech. Also had various African students at Portage for OJT and on one occasion, one of Mao Tse Tungs little Red Books was found at the base of the Tower stairs.
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Updated: June 21, 2005