Soldier of the Year honours went to Base Maintenance’s MCpl Jean-Pierre Cliche, while Cyril Chartier garnered two awards, after he was named 3CDSG Civilian of the Year and CFB Shilo’s Civilian of the Year. Promotions and medal presentations are always part of the annual event, with four CDs presented and a Corporal being promoted to Master Corporal before dinner was served. Photos Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag

Shilo Stag

Dedication and leadership best describes the recipient of CFB Shilo’s 2022 Soldier of the Year award.

MCpl Jean-Pierre Cliche’s was recognized for his outstanding dedication, leadership and service to CFB Shilo and Base Maintenance during the annual soldiers’ appreciation Christmas dinner held at L25.

“MCpl Cliche has administered and led a section, and provided thorough mentorship to OJTs, all while simultaneously supporting the unit’s National Recovery mandate,” said dinner emcee Base Adjutant Capt Amanda Fisher.

“MCpl Cliche has provided outstanding maintenance service and support to Reserve and lodger units in the AOR, and has been recognized for their efforts by visiting units conducting courses or exercises in the CFB Shilo RTA.”

It was a double award for Base Maintenance’s heavy equipment technician Cyril Chartier.

He not only was named 3CDSG 2022 Civilian of the Year winner, but he also garnered CFB Shilo’s 2022 Civilian of the Year award.

“Cyril Chartier is being recognized for [his] outstanding performance and dedication to 3CDSG and CFB Shilo,” acknowledged Capt Fisher. “Throughout the year Mr. Chartier has been a major contributing factor to the successful serviceability of high-priority base assets such as emergency and snow removal equipment.”

She added, “Despite limited resources and logistical delays caused by the [COVID-19] pandemic, Mr. Chartier’s section was able to stay afloat and meet the needs of the Base. [His] contributions have proven them to be an invaluable member to 3CDSG and CFB Shilo.”

Prior to the dinner being served, four military members received their Canadian Forces’ Decoration (CD), which is awarded to Officers and Non-Commissioned Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who have completed 12 years of service and have a good record of conduct: From CFB Shilo, both from Base Maintenance, Cpl Brendan Groom and Cpl Marcus Mulrooney; from RPOU-W Det Shilo, Cpl Martin Maze and Cpl Charles Blanchette.

Base Supply’s traffic technician Cpl Derek Picklyk was presented with a 3 Div Command Team commendation.

His commendation reads: “From December 2020 to January 2021, Cpl Picklyk of CFB Shilo CMTT section, successfully delivered key operational support to Op LASER and Op VECTOR during the COVID-19 pandemic environment, thus sustaining operational excellence and strengthening the posture and readiness of Third Canadian Division.”

There was a lone promotion acknowledged prior to dinner, with Ammo Tech Cpl Shawn Young receiving his Master Corporal rank.

MWO Michael Borkofsky received a special Base citation for his work with CFB Shilo’s Base Supply.

Capt Fisher then explained some of the military traditions which occur at functions such as an appreciation dinner.

“For those who may not know, a long-standing tradition is the exchanging of the tunics,” she explained. “Initially, only exchanged between the Commanding Officer and the youngest member of the unit, the tradition has since expanded to include an exchange between the RSM and the oldest member of the unit. Per tradition, once the tunics are exchanged, the youngest member will take on the role of CO and the oldest will take on the role of RSM.

With BComd LCol Chris Wood unable to attend the dinner, COS Maj Scott Youngson obtained his dress uniform and presented it to the youngest military member, 20-year-old Avr Samantha Snow from Base Supply.

BRSM CWO Jeremy Abrahamse exchanged his dress jacket with Base Transport’s Cpl Stephanie Bisset.

Following this exchange, Capt Fisher pointed to a small table to the right of the head table set in place of honour for one.

“This table is our way of recognizing the kindred feeling that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. We call them brothers and sisters, they are unable to be here with us and so we remember them,” she explained.

There’s more to this tradition:

• This table set for one is small; it symbolizes the frailty of our comrades against oppression.

• The table cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions, to respond to their country’s call to arms.

• The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and the loved ones of our comrades who keep the faith by remembering them and never forgetting their sacrifices.

• The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase bears witness to their determination to demand a proper accounting of their valour and sacrifice.

• The slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate.

• The salt upon the bread plate is symbolic of the family tears as they remember and mourn them.

• The glass is inverted — they cannot toast with us tonight.

• The chair … the chair is empty … they are not here.

• Do not forsake them, pray for them and remember them … we will remember them.

• Ladies and gentlemen, to our fallen comrades.