Pictured above: Preston Meier and Captain Jackie Book

Bust out your dancing shoes for the 2nd RCAF Gala at the Southport Hanger! The RCAF Gala is rolling out the red carpet for an unforgettable night filled with military tradition, music, guest speakers and amazing food. It's all for a great cause: The Portage Rotary Club. Rotary public relations coordinator Preston Meier and Captain Jackie Book, RCAF multi-engine instructor pilot at Southport, explain the partnership between the base and Rotary:

 

 

The first gala was held at the Canad Inns in 2013.  This year they are moving the event to Hanger 1 at Southport. Preston explains the change in venue: 

 

 

Holding the event at the Hanger will showcase the strong military tradition, heritage and history in the Portage area. Jackie talks about the types of traditions you will see: 

 

 

Citizens will be dressed in suits and gowns while military personnel will be wearing outfits only seen during graduation and special events:

 

 

The Gala will also feature the Jet Stream military band, along with prestigious guest speaker, Raymond Henault, who will speak about his extensive history within the military. General Raymond Henault talks about his strong roots within Portage la Prairie as the last base commander in 1992, how his career has taken him from the Chief of Defense to NATO and beyond and how he looks forward to returning to Portage to speak at the Gala:

 

 

The RCAF Gala is a fundraiser for various projects supported by the Portage Rotary Club. Tickets for this unique event are selling quickly: