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CFB Shilo Officer of the Year, Soldier of the Year and many more awards presented

January 12, 2026

Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition
CFB Shilo’s 2025 Officer of the Year is awarded to Captain Kimberly Ervin.
From October 2024 to June 2025, Capt Ervin facilitated the role of Acting Officer Commanding Technical Services and Acting CFB Shilo Base G4. Operating above and beyond normal expectations, they demonstrated excellence in Operational Management and Planning, outstanding dedication to Institutional Support, while navigating the complexities of the most challenging sub-unit organization. Concurrently, they demonstrated synonymous dedication to their secondary duties of Unit General Safety Officer, 2I/C of the CFB
Shilo Spring Ball, while participating in multiple additional sub-committees. For outstanding dedication to achieving Unit Operational effectiveness, they are awarded the Officer of the Year.

Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News

Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition
CFB Shilo’s 2025 Senior NCO of the Year is awarded to Master Warrant Officer Darlene Skinner.
MWO Skinner has demonstrated exceptional leadership and professionalism as the Senior Supply Technician. Amidst ongoing transitions, they provided steadfast mentorship to the development of several supply officers while ensuring operational continuity and enhancing workflow efficiency. Leading critical initiatives such as stocktaking verification and wildfire season preparations, they fostered a unified team. Stepping into senior roles, they contributed strategic insights during high-level engagements. Their dedication, approachability, and selflessness exemplify outstanding service and commitment to the Base.

Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News

Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition
CFB Shilo’s 2025 Soldier of the Year is awarded to Master Corporal Derek Picklyk.
MCpl Picklyk demonstrated outstanding leadership and professionalism. As the sole Traffic Technician during Op CADENCE, they expertly managed the movement of critical freight under demanding conditions, directly contributing to mission success. They demonstrated commitment to physical readiness through Platinum-level FORCE results and continued involvement in fitness initiatives. They mentored and trained unit members through public speaking. For exceptional service and unwavering dedication to operational success throughout the year, they are awarded the Soldier of the Year award.

Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News

Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition
CFB Shilo’s 2025 Civilian of the Year is awarded to Ms. Andrea Bourgeault.
Ms. Andrea Bourgeault has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and initiative in her role as Human Resources Civilian Coordinator at CFB Shilo. She has taken full ownership of the staffing portfolio, significantly reducing the workload for the G1 and earning a reputation as a Staffing Wizard for her expert guidance to managers. Andrea developed a comprehensive Staffing OneNote and centralized repository for job descriptions, Statements of Merit Criteria (SOMCs), and questionnaires, streamlining hiring processes and ensuring consistency across classifications. She supports new hiring managers by reviewing submissions for accuracy and completeness.
Beyond her primary duties, Andrea serves as Civilian Co-Chair for the Defence Indigenous Advisory Group, collaborating with the Base Biologist to identify natural sage areas for cultural events. Had she not volunteered to take on this position, and with the military Co-chairs being posted out, there was a strong possibility that the DIAG would not be staffed for up to a year. Her drive, passion, and overall contributions in support of the DIAG, have enabled CFB Shilo to continue the fostering of relations with the local Indigenous Communities, while simultaneously strengthening the impact and commitment of the Base in support of Truth and Reconciliation initiatives. Additionally, her outreach to Assiniboine College (ACC), and Brandon University (BU) has enhanced DND’s visibility at career fairs, and her involvement with the Spring Ball Committee reflects her commitment to community engagement. Andrea’s contributions exemplify the highest standards of service and bring great credit to CFB Shilo and 3 CDSG. Not only has Ms. Bourgeault been awarded the CFB Shilo Civilian of the Year, but she has also been awarded the 3CDSG Civilian of the Year.

Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News

Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition
Fire Hall Medals:
The Shilo Fire Hall has awarded David Smithson with the Fire Service 30 Year Exemplary Service Medal. He has served in the Manitoba Fire Service for nearly forty years, beginning his career in 1988. He started as a firefighter in Flin Flon, then moved to Thompson in 2000, where he spent eight years before joining the team in Shilo in 2008. He has worked there ever since and will be retiring on December 31, 2025. All members from the Fire Hall would like to wish “Smitty” all the best in his well-earned retirement—his presence, and especially his cooking, will be greatly missed around the fire hall.
 
The Shilo Fire Hall has awarded John Roberts the Fire Service 20-Year Exemplary Service Medal. John began with Shilo Emergency Services in 2002 and has been a valuable member of the organization throughout his tenure. Accepting this award on his behalf is Colleague Aaron Bull. All members from the Fire Hall would like to wish John all the best in his retirement and thank him for his contribution as a public servant for over 24 years.
 
 
Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition
Receiving a CFB Shilo Base Commander Coin, Sgt Shawn Young.
Throughout 2025, Sgt Young of CFB Shilo demonstrated exceptional leadership, adaptability, and professionalism. Assuming the responsibilities of both Explosives Area Supervisor/Platoon Warrant Officer and Senior Ammunition Technician, during APS 2025 Sgt Young ensured operational continuity and effective leadership during a critical personnel transition. Despite managing personal challenges as a single parent due to spousal deployment, their unwavering commitment and ability to maintain mission support under demanding circumstances exemplify the highest standards of service. They frequently worked beyond normal hours to support ammunition issuances for reserve units.
 
Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition

Receiving a CFB Shilo Base Commander Coin, Ms. Shelia Carter.
Since mid-September 2025, Sheila Carter has demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism as the Procurement Section Lead at CFB Shilo. Faced with the extended absence of a key team member, she single-handedly managed the section’s workload, provided professional development support to the Transport section, and assisted Maintenance during a critical procurement crunch. Despite overwhelming demands, Sheila remained resilient and ensured all tasks were completed effectively, maintaining operational continuity during a challenging period. Her adaptability, leadership, and commitment to mission success exemplify the highest standards of service.

Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition

Receiving a CFB Shilo Base Commander Coin, Mr. Mark Ludrigan
In recognition of Master Warrant Officer (Retired) Lundrigan’s outstanding leadership, steadfast dedication, and exceptional expertise, this coin celebrates his remarkable commitment to excellence. With his vision, tireless effort, and a deep sense of responsibility, Mr. Lundrigan has consistently led with integrity and fostered collaboration, which has made a lasting difference, setting a standard of professionalism and elevating organizational performance. His unwavering commitment to service and ability to lead with both authority and compassion have made a lasting impact, earning the respect of supervisors, peers, and subordinates alike.

Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition

Receiving a CFB Shilo Base Commander Coin, Mr. Robert Shearer
Robert Shearer has been instrumental in advancing the base’s use of Unmanned Aerial Systems to support both routine operations and emergency response. He successfully employed UAS capabilities to catalogue key areas of interest across the training area, improving situational awareness and enabling informed decision-making for range management planning. During wildfire response operations, Robert delivered critical Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) aerial surveillance, providing real-time intelligence to incident commanders. His efforts significantly enhanced firefighting effectiveness by identifying fire progression, hotspots, and safe routes for crews.

Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition

Receiving his 5-, 10-, and 15-Year General Safety Pins, Mr. Michael Weisgerber.
Michael Weisgerber has been a cornerstone of the CFB Shilo General Safety Program for many years, serving as the Base Hazardous Materials Officer since 2005. His genuine passion for his work—coupled with his professionalism, technical expertise, and extensive institutional knowledge—has made a significant and lasting impact on the health and safety of all CFB Shilo personnel. Michael’s unwavering dedication and consistently positive approach have strengthened workplace safety and contributed greatly to the ongoing success of the General Safety Program. In recognition of his exceptional service, he has also been awarded the 5, 10 and 15-year pins.

Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition

Linda Hildebrand was awarded with a framed CFB Shilo crest in recognition of her years of spreading holiday cheer and decorating Base Headquarters for the festive season. She received the honour at the CFB Holiday Recognition Lunch on Dec. 11.

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