Shilo Stag

There were plenty of plaudits and accolades from the visiting 3CDSG Command Team during a visit to CFB Shilo.
3CDSG Comd Col Robert McBride and GSM CWO Patrice Chartrand spent Nov. 22 visiting a number of locations on this prairie training Base, starting with morning PT with Capt Ilker Abo at the GSH.
Then it was an office call with CFB Shilo’s Command Team, BComd LCol Chris Wood, COS Maj Scott Youngson and BRSM CWO Jeremy Abrahamse.
During their visit, both the 3CDSG Comd and GSM queried the military and civilians members about their work, and what they required to be successful in their work space.
They heard about staffing, equipment and military clothing shortages, plus health care issues, and planned to address them with the appropriate Command Teams once back at Garrison Edmonton.
Both agreed a number of observations made to them from those posted to CFB Shilo provided key information which they planned to push up to the 3 Div Command Team.
During a visit to Range Control, the idea of using drones to monitor the vast RTA would be a solution to avoid having staff driving many kilometres to check on poachers in the fall and wildfires smouldering in the summer months.
“Why not sit back at your office with a laptop, and let the drone do the work,” said Col McBride, who acknowledged money is available, but sometimes policies in place can hold up the process of acquiring a much-needed forklift for Base Supply or add blue fleet vehicles for staff working out of 3CCTC C Coy HQ.
During a visit to her venue, OC Maj Melissa Marshall gave a short briefing on her current DP1 course, which graduates Nov. 28.
Then 2IC Capt Jason Tomlinson was presented with a 3 Div Command Team commendation which was initially issued in July 2021 by now retired BGen Fletcher.
His commendation reads: “From April to November 2020, MWO Jason Tomlinson demonstrated steadfast leadership and ingenuity as the acting Regimental Sergeant Major of 1RCHA. With the highest standard. With the highest standard of professionalism, MWO Tomlinson’s expires, guidance and sound judgement were crucial to the conduct of the unit during a period of minimal manning due to the global pandemic and Op UNIFIER deployment. His stellar leadership brought credit to 3rd Canadian Division.”
Col McBride’s first visit at Base HQ was to MPSS on the ground floor, where HRA Cpl Brianna Guimond garnered a 3CDSG Command coin.
Her G1 citation read: “Cpl Guimond has been identified as a critical member of the MPSS section. The [military] member has aided in the Reserve DAG for 2PPCLI, performing admirably during stressful and chaotic moments that occurred during that process. Cpl Guimond is a very fit member of the CAF, often arriving at the Base gym when it first opens for an individual workout prior to additional training with the unit. Cpl Guimond is known as the go-to HRA for answers as they have made it a point of being on top of all the latest publications and notices that come out from Ottawa.”
G8’s claims clerk Cpl Genevieve Leblond also received a 3CDSG Command coin from Col McBride.
Her citation read: “Over the course of June [to] August 2022, Cpl Leblond of CFB Shilo, consistently displayed high levels of initiative, drive and determination, whilst also performing well in duties beyond those expected of their rank and experience. Cpl Leblond’s fighting spirit and perseverance under periods of critical staffing and minimal supervision contributed to the mission success of the unit and to the credit of 3rd Canadian Division Support Group.”
A third 3CDSG Command coin was presented to a soldier with G4’s Base Supply. Cpl Vincent Pellerin’s received it “In recognition of Cpl Pellerin’s contributions and efforts to adjust to and support Garrison priorities and Base Supply’s mandate.
He citation further read: “In order to ensure continuity of services, Cpl Pellerin took initiative and liaised with SJS J4 to being training for the Dangerous Goods Instructor qualification, typically an expectation of a Master Corporal or higher [rank]. Cpl Pellerin consistently demonstrates the ability to work above their rank, displaying selflessness and dedication to the unit’s needs. Cpl Pellerin embodies the CAF military ethos and sets and example for others to emulate.”
Base Supply’s MWO Adam Harries received a 3CDSG Command commendation from Col McBride “in recognition of MWO Harris’ contributions and efforts to support Garrison priorities, lodger units in the CFB Shilo RTA, and 38 CGB tasks and exercises.”
His citation further read: “While simultaneously fulfilling Regimental and Branch Sergeant Major roles, MWO Harris continued to organize and provide transport services to sustain summer training exercises in the CFB Shilo RTA. MWO Harris also liaised with 38 CBG and significantly contributed by planning and providing solutions for equipment movement in support of Op PALACI, upholding CFB Shilo’s mandate to support Reserve units in the AOR.”
Base Supply civilian Brent Cullen received a 3CDSG Command Team commendation.
His citation read: “From Dec. 12, 2020 [to] Jan. 22, 2021, Brent Cullen and CFB Shilo’s Central Material Traffic Terminal (CMTT) section, successfully delivered key operational support to Op LASER and Op VECTOR under demanding and unprecedented times including the deployment of 21 flights from the Brandon municipal airport and three road moves in short notice. The team also fulfilled many other tasks with great confidence, competence and determination in order to ensure sustainable operational excellence and strengthen the posture and readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces.”
A trip to Range Control was also on the morning agenda before lunch at Flatlands Dining Hall, with WO Christopher Herbert receiving a 3CDSG Command commendation.
His citation read: “In December 2021, WO Christopher Herbert of CFB Shilo Range Control assumed all responsibilities and duties of the Range Control Officer, Chief Ranger Controller and the G3 MWO when the incumbent was released on very short notice. With no back fill, he carried on these duties until August 2022. His performance in these three higher ranked positions was outstanding. He personally co-ordinated all training activities in the RTA to include elements of the United States Air Force [USAF] on multiple occasions. The level of professionalism and dedication to provide outstanding support to all visiting units, brings credit to 3rd Canadian Division Support Group.”