Dieing, doing what he loved...................

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are one man disadvantaged with the sudden death of Shawn MaCaughey No. 2 Inner right wing in a tragic accident doing what he loved to do. The Snowbirds represent the professionalism, dedication, and team work of all women and men in the Canadian Military, and I am very saddened by this event.

I am a daughter of an RCAF Pilot the late F/L Harvey Carnahan, I know the deep ( right to the bone)feelings family's have when their son, brother, father, husband, friend are killed in such a tragic accident.

Only, a few weeks ago the very same Snowbird's were practicing their breathtaking and inspiring aerial displays over the Comox Valley, Shawn McCaughey was in year 2 of his tour flying the CT-114 Tutor jet.I was fortunate to meet the entire Snowbird Team and get all their autographs.

I am an Air Force brat, who loves the sound of airplane engines, for the past 15 years I have stopped anything I'm busy at just to watch the Snowbirds practice over the beach in front of my home. I have sat on the hood of my car watching them take off in formation. I have watched them at airshows in Comox, Abbottsford, and Ottawa. I am always impressed with the skill & precision the training our Forces receive. I remember my father talking about flying the "M" in formation for Margaret when the Princess visited Canada in the 1950's. My dad was a Flying Instructor with the RCAF teaching NATO students how to fly.Dad died 10 years ago of complications with Diabeties, I know he would have been happiest: dieing, doing what he loved...

I'll always miss my Dad.

I know the McCaughey family will always miss Shawn.