Our American neighbours are celebrating Independence Day today and here in North Bay more than 60 USAF personnel and their families are doing the same.
The NORAD facility at CFB North Bay actually employs 32 USAF personnel stationed here.
USAF Lt Col Rye Whitehead is originally from Missoula, Montana.
He says many of the Americans love the city of North Bay.
“We stay as a family in what we do and we make so many good friends with our neighbours and they help us adapt to the different environments. We are usually on assignment here from two to four years and our people love going on the trails, going to Laurentian Ski Hill, and all those other great opportunities that are here,” said Whitehead.
The USAF Lt Colonel says the Americans add about $1.3 million to the North Bay economy.
“We provide that along with contributing to the community through volunteering,” Whitehead said.
