Private(T) Caleb Zwicker was promoted from Private(b) at the CFB Shilo Soldiers Appreciation Dinner on Dec. 11. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Shilo Stag News
Twelve Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel and civilian staff received promotions and commendations at the 2023 Soldiers Appreciation Dinner on Dec 11.
The annual festive tradition where officers serve a meal to the enlisted personnel expresses gratitude for efforts well performed throughout the year. The celebration has expanded to include civilian department managers and staff.
More than 420 attendees had their fill of a seasonal turkey dinner with all the trimmings after applauding their colleagues and comrades for a job well done.
Promotions and awards:
Sergeant Cara Sandave was promoted from the rank of Master Corporal at the CFB Shilo Soldiers Appreciation Dinner on Dec. 11. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Master Corporal Alexandre Gosselin received the Command Coin at the CFB Shilo Soldiers Appreciation Dinner on Dec. 11. Master of Ceremonies, said at the presentation, “As a member of the cook trade and current IC of shift for the Shilo Flatlands Dining Hall MCpl Gosselin always displays respect and courtesy for staff and peers and is a participant in all activities related to their professional growth. MCpl Gosselin while maintaining focus on tasks related to supervising staff and ensuring food entitlements and quality are met has also managed their time effectively with secondary duties beyond their rank level. For the greater part of 6 months MCpl Gosselin has assumed the role of acting 2 IC kitchen and IC Production. They have managed to continue the administration functioning of the kitchen while simultaneously ensuring efforts for maintaining high quality food is served daily. This includes ensuring all lodger and visiting units are supported and effectively managed to not cause delays in service which could adversely affect exercises and operations for them while working at CFB Shilo. This passion for their career has inspired and invigorated others.”
Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Master Corporal Shawn Young received the Command Coin at the CFB Shilo Soldiers Appreciation Dinner on Dec. 11. Master of Ceremonies, said at the presentation,” From Sept. 2022 to present, MCpl Shawn Young of CFB Shilo, Base Ammo has performed duties and responsibilities that go above and beyond what is expected for his rank. He has excelled at conducting the Technical Services Supervisor duties despite this position being normally filled by a sergeant. His technical expertise and high level of initiative have permitted Base Ammo to identify and rectify several problems with ammunition items. He also provided excellent support to training units while making the Ammo Compound a safer and more compliant working environment for everyone, having contributed to this year’s successful Ammunition and Explosive Safety Inspection.”
Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
BombardierJason McGill received the Command Coin at the CFB Shilo Soldiers Appreciation Dinner on Dec. 11. Master of Ceremonies, said at the presentation,”As part of the Base Accommodations cell, Bdr McGill on numerous occasions, stepped up in a supervisory role, in absence of his supervisor. He was the member that the base cleaners and the Chain of Comd went to when questions were needed to be answered and problems solved. He was also able to continue his Barrack Warden duties-marching members in/Out, making last minute reservations, escorting CE, and keeping the Base Accns DA up to date while doing this supervisory role.”
Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Private Angele LeBlanc received the Command Coin at the CFB Shilo Soldiers Appreciation Dinner on Dec. 11. Master of Ceremonies, said at the presentation, “In recognition of her work within the CAF Indigenous community. Pte Leblanc is a member of the Defence Indigenous Advisory Group for Shilo and takes an active role in promoting awareness and education about Indigenous culture and traditions. She volunteered to participate in the video message given by the B Comd for Truth and Reconciliation Day, and took part in the ceremony and walk, performing a smudge for all participants. She also wore a traditional ribbon skirt, hand-made for the event, showing her pride in her heritage. Pte Leblanc also participates regularly in Sweats and is happy to share her knowledge of them. She openly answers questions about Indigenous culture and traditions, whether it’s explaining the Sweat experience, the significance of a ribbon skirt or talking about the different types of Teepees. Pte Leblanc’s passion for learning more about her own heritage, and sharing her knowledge with others, serves to expand awareness of Indigenous culture and traditions within the CAF community.”
Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Civilian staff member Gelina Alton received the Command Coin at the CFB Shilo Soldiers Appreciation Dinner on Dec. 11. Master of Ceremonies, said at the presentation,”In recognition of Mrs. Gelina Alton at CFB Shilo Base Transport. During OP LENTUS 2023 she provided vehicle contracting for both lead mounting units and vanguards on short notice. She was able to liaise with multiple suppliers within on the AOR and find Cruiser Busses and Trucks on extremely short notice. Because of her dedication and work ethic, she greatly contributed to the success of the deployment of CFB Shilo line units’ on domestic operations.”
Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
CFB Shilo Firefighter Tyrus Cobb received the Command Coin at the CFB Shilo Soldiers Appreciation Dinner on Dec. 11. Master of Ceremonies, said at the presentation,”In recognition of their exceptional dedication and contributions to the safety of all those who work and live in CFB Shilo. Tyrus has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, tirelessly working extra hours, staying late, and even coming in on weekends or days off to ensure the safety and success of our range training operations. Their unwavering commitment to supporting the training needs is commendable and has greatly enhanced the overall effectiveness of our military personal to deploy to domestic operations this summer in response to wildfires. Moreover, Tyrus has exhibited remarkable versatility by stepping up and taking on many of the duties of the Fire Inspector in their absence. They have undertaken responsibilities such as mask fit testing, PFET training, and building inspections with a high degree of professionalism and consistently positive attitude. Their exceptional work ethic, willingness to take on additional responsibilities, and invaluable contributions to our wild land firefighting efforts exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and outstanding civilian employee, and their commitment to our mission is truly commendable.”
Photo : K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Civilian staff member Janna Mushie received the Command Coin at the CFB Shilo Soldiers Appreciation Dinner on Dec. 11. Master of Ceremonies, said at the presentation,”During a period of low branch staffing within the Base Comptroller branch, Mrs. Mushie assumed the Base Comptroller (BCompt) / RDAO responsibilities for nearly two months in the spring. Mrs. Mushie herself was recently hired into the branch and nearly immediately was thrust into this position in an acting role. Although she had limited direct financial experience, Ms. Mushie showed tact and poise when managing these various responsibilities, in addition to her existing responsibilities as the Compliance Officer. Mrs. Mushie was instrumental in maintaining the overall functioning of the BCompt branch, which was in a period of transition between the former and now incumbent G8. With her strong organizational skills and initiative, the branch was able to maintain all core functions even with two key positions missing, in what is already a very small branch (10 people). Mrs. Mushie took on this challenge without complaint and showed a persistently positive attitude with strong leadership. Upon arrival of the new G8 she provided a detailed and clear handover on outstanding items and without her acting in this role during this the BCompt branch would not be where it is today.”
Photo : K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Captain Nick Ethier achieved platinum on their FORCE test and received the Platinum Pin at the CFB Shilo Soldiers Appreciation Dinner on Dec. 11. Master of Ceremonies, said at the presentation, “For the second time straight, Capt Ethier has achieved the highest level of fitness in support of operational readiness.”
Photo : K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Corporal Derek Picklyk from Base Traffic was awarded the 2023 CFB Shilo Soldier of the Year the Soldiers Appreciation Dinner on Dec. 11. Master of Ceremonies, said at the presentation, “Cpl Picklyk has demonstrated exceptional performance at Base Supply Central Material Traffic Terminal section. Assuming the role of Furniture Effects Coordinator, he successfully coordinated, organized, and facilitated over 200 move contracts during APS 2023. Cpl Picklyk provided exceptional service to each military member during their move. Cpl Picklyk volunteers to work with PSP and organize, develop, and run fitness competitions and training events. He has won numerous cross-fit competitions demonstrating his exceptional devotion to physical fitness. Cpl Picklyk’s motivation, tireless work ethic, leadership and dedication to duty reflect the highest standards of professionalism within the CAF.”
Photo : K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Civilian of the year award was presented to Jeremy Bates at the Soldiers Appreciation Dinner on Dec. 11. Master of Ceremonies, said at the presentation,”Bates’ efforts were essential during the range fires of the 2023 summer season, where they worked tirelessly to get firefighting equipment running promptly and provided continuous support. Without hesitation, they filled supervisory roles during personnel shortages and absences. Mr. Bates continuously tries to develop better ways of improving shop production, including researching new equipment to reduce repair times. As a Volunteer Firefighter for Carberry North Cypress-Langford Fire Department, on June 15, 2023, Mr. Bates was a first responder to the scene of a fatal bus crash near Carberry, MB. Mr. Bates is a force multiplier within the Base Maintenance team.”
Photo : K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
