Shilo Stag

“I was looking around for Rosalind Lebel when I heard the name called,” offered a shocked Rozy Lebel during a rare outdoor CFB Shilo awards and honours parade.

A “lifer” working on this Base like her colleague mess manager Patsy Marion, Lebel finally realized it was her name emcee and Base adjutant Capt Amanda Fisher had called out over the PA system at the Leslie parade square.

She moved nervously to an area out front of a large audience, where BComd Chris Wood and BRSM CWO Jeremy Abrahamse awaited her with a commendation certificate plus the “secret” BComd’s coin, handed to her in a handshake.

It has been many years since Base parades have been held outdoors — cancelled altogether during the COVID pandemic — with the MPTF serving as an indoor venue since 2014.

Why did LCol Wood present Lebel with her Command Team commendation during his final Base parade prior to his June 26 Change of Command (CoC) parade, where LCol David Cronk will take on the job once the official scrolls are signed?

Her certificate reads, “Rosalind Lebel has performed admirably as the assistant mess manager for PSP over the last 10 years. Her friendly and outgoing demeanour is one that is appreciated by all of the staff, clients and community. Her hard work and dedication to serving the community is beyond reproach and this was demonstrated when she filled the role as the acting mess manager during a period of absence of the incumbent from 15 August 2022 to 16 September 2022 and 17 January 2023 to 14 April 2023. During these periods, Rosalind ensured services were maintained and all three messes received continued support for their events. The mess executives and memberships were supported and the morale and welfare of the community were always her top priority. Rosalind Lebel has brought great credit to CFB Shilo PSP and the messes and her service as the acting mess manager was astounding.

MWO Adam Harris also received a Command Team Commendation.

His certificate reads, “Since being posted to CFB Shilo in June 2021 as the MSE Controller, MWO Harris has demonstrated continuous dedication to not only his soldiers at Base Transport and the services they provide to the Base, but also to the unit as a whole especially as the Branch Sergeant Major and while acting as the Base Regimental Sergeant Major on numerous occasions. He has also proudly served the Base as the president of the mess committee for the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess. Finally, MWO Harris has been meticulously involved in the success of countless support tasks for local community relations, but also for operational deployments, either overseas or domestically, ensuring CFB Shilo was part of the solution in Canada’s military commitments.”

Another PSP staffer was also recognized for her outstanding efforts working out the GSH.

Capt Fisher explained why PSP fitness co-ordinator Melissa Green from the GSH was being recognized, “PSP fitness and reconditioning staff are required by their job description to complete an annual FORCE Evaluation​ and must maintain a minimum bronze fitness level. The PSP fitness employee FORCE recognition program, started in 2021, is to recognize staff who achieve Platinum on their first official evaluation of the calendar year.​ For the 2022 calendar year, Melissa Green has set the high standard for the fitness and reconditioning staff by attaining the highest fitness level, platinum.”

The Canadian Forces’ Decoration is awarded to officers and Non-Commissioned Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who have completed 12 years of service. The decoration is awarded to all ranks, who have a good record of conduct.

Receiving the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD) recognizing 12 years of service: Sgt Raymond Castel from Base Ammo.

Receiving the second Clasp for the CD, recognizing 32 years of service: Base G3 Maj Stuart Smoley.

The General Campaign Star is awarded to members of the CAF and members of allied forces working with the CAF who deploy into a defined theatre of operations to take part in operations in the presence of an armed enemy. Receiving the General Campaign Star – Expedition was MCpl Martin Maze with RPOU-W Det Shilo.

Up next during the outdoor parade on a relatively cool morning compared to the past few weeks when temperatures in the morning were around 24 C, not 12 C, were promotions. The following Base military members were promoted, with help from family members at the urging to LCol Wood and CWO Abrahamse. This is something both from the Command Team have encouraged during their time congratulating military members on their achievement to a new rank:

Promoted from Cpl to MCpl effective June 26 – Cpl Stephanie Bisset driver with Base Transport

Promoted from Cpl to MCpl effective June 26 – Cpl Alexander Barnes with Base Transport

Promoted from Cpl to MCpl effective June 30 – Cpl Cody Johnson-Schekeveld vehicle technician with Base Maintenance

Promoted from Cpl to MCpl effective July 3 – Cpl James Beebe with Base Supply

Promoted from MCpl to Sgt – MCpl Jared Potvin 2IC traffic with Base Supply

Promoted from Sgt to WO effective July 3 – Sgt Jean-Marc Rouleau with Base Supply

LCol Wood then presented a few of his BComd coins to individuals on the Base who have shown outstanding service and dedication to the CAF.

• Jeremy Bates – For his persistently outstanding work and positive attitude at Base Maintenance contributing to the high morale of the organization.

• Chris Storozinski – For his tireless efforts in reorganizing the Base Supply MSA warehouse resulting in a more efficient and accountable system.

• Avr Samantha Snow – For her professionalism when dealing with a sensitive situation at clothing stores ensuring a safe and productive appointment.

• Cpl Christopher Hoyle – For his resilience and positive attitude in operating heavy equipment during the fires in the Range Training Areas (RTA) contributing to the safety of the Base and its residents.

• Cpl Dany Beaupré – For his resilience and courage in operating heavy equipment during the fires in the Range Training Areas (RTA) contributing to the safety of the Base and its residents.

• Sgt Ryan Draper – For his expertise and leadership under pressure during the fires in the Range Training Areas (RTA) ensuring effective work was being accomplished despite the difficult conditions.

The final parade presentation saw the BRSM recognized by his Command Team partner.

“After four years of being RSM spanning two units, today marks the final parade for CWO Abrahamse, apart from the Change of Command parade. In appreciation for their time here and in commemoration of their last parade with CFB Shilo, the BComd would like to present a token of their appreciation,” said Capt Fisher.

LCol Wood presented a special pen to CWO Abrahamse, who following his Change of Appointment June 26, where CWO Eric LeClair, currently CSM with 1RCR Foxtrot Coy at Garrison Petawawa, takes on the role of BRSM, will become Capt Abrahamse and he’ll return to Garrison Edmonton and work within 3CDSG.

CFB Shilo honours and awards photos Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag