Brigadier-General Stephen Graham, Commander of 3 Canadian Division presents Master Corporal Stephanie Bisset with 3 Canadian Division Command Coin for going above and beyond in her duties. The presentation was held on Aug. 21. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Two Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Shilo personnel were recognized with awards presented by Brigadier-General Stephen Graham, Commander of 3 Canadian Division and Chief Warrant Officer Wayne Bantock, 3 Canadian Division (3 Can. Div.) sergeant major, on Aug. 21.
Master Corporal Stephanie Bisset and Mess Manager Patsy Marion were honoured with awards for their service of going “above and beyond” in their duties.
Marion was presented with 3 Cdn. Div. Command Team Commendation for overcoming the challenges caused by COVID-19. She was recognized for providing outstanding services to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and CFB Shilo during the pandemic.
Brig.-Gen. Graham said it was by exception that people like Marion did everything they could to help others during the “horrible time” of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a level of support that was so critical.
“Certainly, Patsy was the one who did that here in Shilo,” he said. “Thanks very much on behalf of everyone who benefitted from what [she] did in what was not a fun time. [She] stood up and supported the whole division.”
Master Corporal Stephanie Bisset received the 3 Division Command Coin commendation for contributions over and above her duties as a transport driver and being an active role model for her peers and subordinates. Bisset was the OPI for the Saulteaux Band at the Swan Lake First Nations PowWow Centre for an outreach initiative through the base commander and public affairs officer.
During the awards presentation, the audience heard how Bisset organized the event, drafted the operational orders and coordinated with the fire hall, 2PPCLI and Base to maximize equipment displays and recruiting perception.
“She took the lead on the ground for the event and established a positive relationship with the Swan Lake First Nation. Because of this, the Base was also able to try out a summer camp exchange program between the MFRC and Swan Hills. In addition, she continually volunteers to take on extra duties such as BRSM assistant, freight and VIP coordinator and IC roles, which are all normally for senior sergeants. Master Cpl. Bisset is deserving of a Div. Command Coin for her leadership and dedication to CFB Shilo,” a verbal biography stated.
The Brig.-Gen. said it was “amazing” what Bisset has accomplished with engaging the battalions, fire hall, different organizations and putting together a major outreach event that represented the base.
“Thank you very much. I hope you keep doing that again in the future. Well done,” he said.
Brigadier-General Stephen Graham Commander of 3 Canadian Division and Chief Warrant Officer Wayne Bantock, 3 Canadian Division sergeant major present Patsy Marion, mess manager with the 3 Canadian Division Command Team Commendation for service above and beyond during COVID-19. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Canadian Forces Shilo Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk and Base RSM Chief Warrant Officer Eric LeClair greet with a handshake Brigadier-General Stephen Graham, Commander of 3 Canadian Division on Aug. 21. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Brigadier-General Stephen Graham, Commander of 3 Canadian Division said hello to onlookers as he arrived at CFB Shilo on Aug. 21. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
CFB Shilo Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk and Base RSM Chief Warrant Officer Eric LeClair greet Brigadier-General Stephen Graham, Commander of 3 Canadian Division and Chief Warrant Officer Wayne Bantock, 3 Canadian Division sergeant major on Aug. 21. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News