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Food for thought – Battle of the Badges serves opportunity to build mental resilience for BFEMS and CFB Shilo soldiers

June 16, 2026

Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition

Brandon Fire and Emergency Services personnel serve up lunch to CFB Shilo Command on June 15, as a friendly penalty for losing the 3rd Annual Battle of the Badges Hockey challenge, which was held in March. The EMS team fell to the Shilo Team in a 3-4 loss. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media

 
Some would laugh it off as just desserts when Chief Terry Parlow and the crew of Brandon Fire and Emergency Services (BFEMS) served up lunch to CFB Shilo Base Commander Jack Nguyen and troops on June 15, as a result of a lost wager.
 
The emergency services team challenged the soldiers’ hockey team in the third annual Battle of the Badges on March 26, losing 3-4. The ice throw-down with a friendly bet saw Parlow have to replace his chief’s cap with a kitchen hat and dish duty at the base dining hall. Part of the ante was also donating $100 to the Base’s charity of choice, Soldier On.
 
Before the dish, best served cold, was sampled by Chief Parlow, he addressed firefighters and the CFB Shilo team, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience and reaching out for help when needed. He explained the programs available to first responders for support.
 
Base Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Eric LeClair also encouraged anyone struggling with their mental health to reach out. He talked about how the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has changed over the 30 years he has been in. He said there was once a dark cloud hanging over soldiers if they came forward to speak about any mental health challenges they were facing, but the stigma is ending, he said. That onus is no longer the missive the CAF want to promote to its soldiers.
 
“I think it’s important that no matter your rank, it’s monumental to speak up because cramming down issues just compounds problems and not talking to someone makes things more difficult,” he said, adding that he knows firsthand the positive impact that being honest and unburdening everything in counselling has.
 
“You wouldn’t take your car to the mechanic and not tell them everything wrong with it. It’s the same with speaking to a mental health professional,” the RSM said.
 
“Really,  what we wanted to talk about was the impact mental health has on the CAF, on  BFEMS and all first responders. Battle of the Badges is an opportunity to work together as a team and to extend support and esprit de corps to one another,” Chief Parlow said.
 
Base Commander Nguyen said games like Battle of the Badges help build mental resilience through camaraderie and support for each other as one unit.
“Sports is an incredible opportunity to build community with each other and share some of the same hardships with one another. Sport is an incredible avenue for a physical, social and mental workout.”
 
 
 
 
Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition

Brandon Fire and Emergency Services personnel serve up lunch at CFB Shilo Flatlands Dining Hall on June 15, as a friendly penalty for losing the 3rd Annual Battle of the Badges Hockey challenge, which was held in March. The EMS team fell to the Shilo Team in a 3-4 loss. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)

Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition

Brandon Fire and Emergency Services Fire Chief stands with CFB Shilo team before serving up lunch troops on June 15, as a friendly penalty for losing the 3rd Annual Battle of the Badges Hockey challenge, which was held in March. The EMS team fell to the Shilo Team in a 3-4 loss. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)

Cpl Maxime Proulx at 2018 Ex Heavy Loader Competition

Brandon Fire and Emergency Services Chief Terry Parlow serves up lunch to CFB Shilo troops June 15, as a friendly penalty for losing the 3rd Annual Battle of the Badges Hockey challenge, which was held in March. The EMS team fell to the Shilo Team in a 3-4 loss. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)

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