913th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
Pagwa, Ontario, Canada
Commander: Major Paul D Jessop later: Major Max P Alley
Adjutant: 1st Lt. Ralph E Barbour later: Captain John Apostolos
Chaplain: 1st Lt. Leland B Stevens
Greetings from the 913th AC&W Squadron.
(insert name of individual) recently cleared through our office upon his arrival here at Pagwa. As Chaplain of this squadron, I though you might be interested in knowing something about the 913th, its mission, purpose, location, and the religious and recreational opportunities which it provides for him.
The 913th AC&W Squadron is part of the Pinetree belt of radar stations whose mission it is to give early warning of enemy air attack. It, along with other units of the Pinetree belt, forms a very vital link in the Continental Air Defense Command which is engaged in the mammoth task of protecting this continent from possible enemy aggression. The men assigned here are safeguarding the very existence of their loved ones and fellow citizens, wherever they may be in our beloved America. By their effort and that of their fellow airmen, they are insuring that all of us may continue to have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in this freedom loving land of ours.
The Commander shoulders the weight of full responsibility for the 913th. The "old man", as he is affectionately dubbed in military jargon, is always receptive to the needs of the outfit and its men. For not only is he the head of the organization - he is also its heart.
There are definitely some physical niceties of which the 913th cannot boast.
We have limited recreational facilities, furthermore hampered by a long, if not overly severe, winter. There is, however, an abundance of outdoor sports during all seasons of the year with fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, skiing, and skating challenging the sportsman enthusiast. During the past summer, the base sponsored a well organized softball league which proved to be an important factor in making the months of duty pass pleasantly. The men have helped themselves tremendously by converting a construction shack into a building housing the Base Theatre (with two showings nightly), pool and table tennis room, Photography-Lab (where the men develop and print their photographs), library, lounge room, and snack bar. This building also serves in the capacity of a Chapel on Sunday mornings. It has become the focal point of activity at the 913th.
The 913th is currently termed an isolated unit. There is no village or town close by where the men may seek entertainment or a change of scenery. Pagwa River, about a mile and a half down the tracks from the site, is a very tiny village, consisting of a Hudson’s Bay Trading Post, a General Store, and a few Indian dwellings.
The journalistic side of the 913th is ably provided by the "Noseeum News" which in its own words, "practically everybody reads"! Its name ( which is not derived from Latin) is Indian for a small bug which makes a pest of itself in the summer.
There is no doubt that the most unpleasant factor of this tour of duty is the separation of our married personnel from their families. Nevertheless, this consolation we do have. We are permitted to take a maximum leave of thirty days in the course of the year and emergency leave anytime if needed. It can be said without any fear of contradiction that most overseas assignments do not permit leave time to the States, with the exception of emergency leave. There is the added morale booster of allowing each airman and officer, in turn, the privilege of bringing his wife to Canada for a visit of fifteen days. However, the list can continue to be renewed as long as room is available.
One of the most important days of the week at the 913th is mail day. Mail day falls on Wednesdays and Saturdays of each week, the only time that the train (we call it the "Pagwa Cannonball") comes through. I would like to encourage you to write to your loved one faithfully, in order that he may look forward to those two days as high spots of the week.
And lest I forget, let me now reassure you that each man of this station continues to have opportunity to worship his God and keep in touch with his church. A Roman Catholic Rosary is conducted by one of our men every Sunday of the month, with Mass scheduled at least once a month when our visiting clergyman, Father LaFrance visits the base. I hope to be able to give our Roman Catholic personnel better coverage yet in the near future. Jewish personnel are invited and encouraged to hold their meetings of prayer. Protestant Morning Worship services are held every Sunday, conducted by Reverend Jeffries and myself. Furthermore, I am available at all times, to all personnel as a friend in whom to confide and seek guidance or help. Also included in the Chaplains Program is a Discussion Group which meets bi-weekly. A Chapel Choir adds the beauty of choral singing to our Protestant Worship Service and at the same time gives opportunity to those who have been blessed with a pleasing voice to worship their God with that ability.
We hope that this brochure has better acquainted you with the organization of which your loved one is now a part. Please feel free at any time to write us if we can be of assistance to you. May God Bless and keep you and yours that soon you will again be united.
Signed by:
Leland L Stevens
Chaplain (1/Lt.) USAF
Base Chaplain
Maurice Saucedo
S/Sgt. USAF
Chaplain Services
Specialist