Virtual Shout-outs: See who received a “Shout-out”

July 7, 2022 - Defence Stories

“People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise and rewards.”

- Dale Carnegie

Do you know of a co-worker who deserves a special shout-out or are you looking for a way to recognize someone who has made an impact, big or small? Virtual Shout-Outs are a quick and easy way for you to publicly recognize a colleague, or team of colleagues, for a job well done.

Here’s how to submit a Virtual Shout-out:

• Email your shout-outs to the Corporate Awards and Recognition Secretariat and
• Provide the email(s) of the person(s) being recognized.
• Shout-outs are collected on an ongoing basis.

Note that shout-out recipients will be given the option to “opt out” of having their message displayed on the Bulletin Board (accessible only on the National Defence network) on the Maple Leaf and the Defence Team intranet (accessible only on the National Defence network), and submissions can remain anonymous.

Don’t delay! Virtually shout-out your hard-working colleagues today!

“I want to send a “Virtual Shout-out” to our I.C. of shift, MCpl Chand.

His planning and organizing skills have made for an efficient work load. He is fair and patient. I attribute my progress to his leadership. I’ve gotten over nerves of a new career and see progress in my own organization and planning.

The structure he has instilled in our team has left us with the time and clarity to cook proficiently. It’s been an honor to learn from a cook as great as him.” – Cpl Lee T.C.

“I would like to give a virtual shout out to two of my colleagues, Rodney Venis and Hadley Parsons, whom I work with in Base Public Affairs at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.

Why they are being acknowledged: I have worked at CFB Esquimalt for 11 years with PSP-CFMWS and have recently been awarded a new job in the Federal Public Service as a Projects Officer, a position I am very excited about. Since I have started in mid May 2022, they have both gone out of their way to make me feel welcome by ensuring my work station was adequate and functioning well (i.e. Stand up desk and monitors) and have allowed me to feel welcome and contribute to the team and overall mission of the department.

How they achieved their goal: As an experienced employee at CFB Esquimalt, they have achieved their goal by helping my transition from PSP-CFMWS to the Federal Public Service a smooth one. Their small kind gestures by offering to bring me a coffee to the office by even asking and being interested about me, and how to support me best in my role with the team has made me feel welcome and motivated to help them achieve their tasks. Goal achieved!

Impact on the team or organization: Because of their efforts, I feel the impact on the team and organization is huge. I come to work excited to contribute to the group and am proud to tell family, friends and colleagues of my new position and responsibilities.” – Matt Carlson

“I wish to post a virtual shout out to: Ms. Christie Strazza, Wing General Safety Officer (WGSO) at 4 Wing Cold Lake.

Ms. Strazza is a true professional who consistently provides rapid support and sound advices. When she is needed, she is efficient and provides the support needed in a short time frame. She is a highly valuable public servant who’s dedication to her work and support she provides the Wing is worthy of thanks and recognition. Thank you Christie!” – Hélène Perreault

“Shout out to our team members Robert Roux and Gregory Roberts. The electrical team at CFB Edmonton have gone from 6 lighting maintainers to 2 in the past 4 years. Our lighting maintainers cannot keep the lights on everywhere but they do their best and prioritize their work. They also assist when required to operate our scissors lifts and Genie lift for other trades and photo shoots for units on the base. They also are called upon occasionally to assist the electricians performing tasks around the base.

They are a dedicated team who work extremely hard under trying circumstances. The electrical team locally recognize their hard work with thank yous and atta boys posted in our lunch area.” – Graham Pardoe

“I’d like to nominate Bobbi-Jo Oliver for a Virtual Shout-Out to recognize her years of service with the CAF/DND and her dedication to excellence in her work. She has been here at CFC for 15 years. She is a continuous support for others in the department and takes the utmost pride in attention to detail and level of service every day. She’s a dedicated employee, teacher and treats everyone with respect and kindness. Thank you!“ – Lisa Cyr

“The first person in the Orderly Room and the last one out each day, Mr. Adrien Lemieux is the Admin Assistant at Canadian Forces Postal Unit (CFPU). Adrien spent two years as our Adjutant, retired and came back as our Admin Assistant (to our great relief).

He encourages CFPU troops to participate in Unit IS Sports such as Curling and Golf and will coach those of us with no experience.

The Command Team and OR staff rely on his abilities to complete tasks efficiently and accurately on a daily basis. Mr. Lemieux is an essential part of our team and doesn’t hear how much we appreciate him often enough.

Mr. Lemieux, We truly appreciate everything you do and we are so proud to have you on our team!” - All of CFPU

“I would like to thank Shannon O'Reilly for all she does for us at the Clinic (31 CF H Svc C), she has many hats and wears them all equally well. You are somehow the stability of the OR and once again you will prove it again this year. Thank you for training me when I arrived, I leave Borden with many memories. Thank you for contributing to the magical life of the clinic.” – RoxAnne Boutin

"I would like to make a virtual shout-out regarding our Public Service Claims clerk. Her name is Sue Peel. She is a consummate professional who knows the claims system expertly. She is respectful and provide the best service and advice I have ever seen. Bravo Zulu to Sue Peel.” – Mike Gleeson

“I wish to give a virtual shout-out to my colleague Paul Trimble for his excellent work at DRDC.

As the Head of the Security, Paul sets an absolute benchmark within our organization. While working tirelessly overseeing multiple projects and areas, Paul maintains a positive attitude and treats people with equality, which I believe are worth to be recognized.”

“I would like to send out a virtual shout out to my entire team (National Security and Intelligence Review and Oversight Coordination Secretariat (NSIROCS)) for the ongoing dedication, collaboration and support they provide to each other, the Defence Team and to the Public Service as whole. They are dynamic, inspiring and talented; continually demonstrating their professionalism and expertise in all that they do.” – Linda Rizzo Michelin

“This is a shout out to: Pam Tholberg and Mike Leipert. Just to let them know their hard work, work ethics and contribution to Science Engineering Group at CFB Suffield is greatly appreciated.” – Taorid Ashiru

“A SHOUT OUT to Micheline Eves and Danielle St.Pierre. A HUGE Thank YOU to these amazing ladies! for always being so supportive. You never say no, wait or I don’t have time! You get pulled in so many different directions and always remain helpful and knowledgeable as you continue to answer questions and offer guidance not only to myself but to multiple departments throughout 1 Dental Unit. Thanks for being you!” – Sonia Gibbs

“So proud to work with our awesome General Service Officer Personnel & Training team in Military Justice Policy!! You all bravely tackled a super tough learning curve, and rose to every new repositioning and course-correction!

Above and beyond the support you’ve given our team, I owe you all a drink for taking a load off my plate—or enjoyable treat of any sort! Please keep it up in the next phase!” – Nick

“We’d like to give a shout-out to our Administrative Assistant, Ms. Donna Pedersen. She’s a methodical and dedicated public servant who helps keep the ship sailing smoothly. We very much appreciate the professionalism and cookies she brings to the front office. Thank-you, Donna.” – CFSMI Comd Team

“I would like to recognize Bobby Covell for training multiple staff members while conducting his regular team lead functions and also juggling year end activities and tasks as well as everything trial balance related all at the same time! Your commitment to DFA, the high quality of your work as well as your level of dedication and effort is impressive!  You go out of your way to help others, and it is very much appreciated by those who benefit from your guidance.

Thank you for leading by example, for all your hard work and for generously sharing your valuable expertise!”

“In recognition of her hard work and dedication to 1 Dental Unit Detachment Esquimalt, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Darla Gibbins! Above and beyond the expectation, Darla has graciously stepped up as the Detachment General Safety Officer, ensuring we adhere to the policies of work place safety. She is a key asset in supporting Dental Administration, and always willing to lend support to their colleagues. Employees like you enhance a Unit’s strength. Thank you for bringing your best to work every single day.” – Dana Bridges

“I would love to recognize my co-worker Capt. Alesha Deschamps. Learning a new job is not always easy, couple that with learning the culture within a new enterprise and now your learning curve is twice as steep.

Alesha is a phenomenal leader in recognizing individual ways of learning. She is always available to answer a question, show something new, or even just point me in the right direction so I can find the answer on my own. She is always keen to share her resources and learnings that she has accumulated over the duration of her career. She maintains a perfect balance of guiding while still keeping the ability to build self-awareness at top of mind in all the tasks she assigns. With her patience and ability to adapt to different learning styles I have been able to build confidence in a new role.

Alesha is also a Positive Space Ambassador and speaking as a non-visible minority I am privileged to recognize her efforts in creating such a safe and inclusive work environment. For the first time in my life I did not hesitate to share my true self with my coworkers.

Leaders like this don’t always know how impactful they are because it’s just what they do every day.” – Ryan Somcher

“I would like to send a “shout-out” to Anne Richardson, Team Leader of Advisory Services in Policy and Governance at DAIP. Since my arrival at DAIP as a new Analyst, Anne has been providing mentorship and training to me. Anne consistently demonstrates patience, optimism, expertise and an ability to actively listen and adapt training approaches to different ways of learning. I am fortunate to have Anne Richardson as my Team Leader and acknowledge her commitment to professional excellence while creating a positive work environment.” – Maria Chumak

“Bravo to Johanne Rossignol for her dedication and commitment to the DND Payment Card Program team! Johanne, your hard work is recognized and appreciated especially during these challenging times when the team experienced staff turnover. Thank you for staying the course! You have an excellent work ethic and your breadth of experience and depth of knowledge shine through!” – Christine Ashton

“I would like to shout out the clerk team at 33 CF H Svcs C and 33 CF Health Services - Detachment RMC. They have done a fabulous job during the pandemic and have persevered through the trying times we have had here at the MIR. Thank you all for all your hard work and dedication to the team. Keep up the great work!” – Lt Jayaluxmi Karunakaran

“I would like to send a virtual shout to Rhonda Marshall for all of her hard work in helping members with all their travel arrangements, especially during the past very challenging years with Covid restrictions. Her support to the Trinity team is greatly appreciated.” – Myra Rowsell Stewart

“I’d like to send a virtual shout out to all of the Public Service Employees of 23 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre, located in Dundurn, Saskatchewan, Moose Jaw Saskatchewan and Winnipeg Manitoba.

This remarkable group of people are being acknowledged for their dedication, compassion and perseverance all in the face of the myriad of challenges encountered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout, they have remained alongside their Canadian Forces and contractor team members to continue to provide the best possible support for the patients under our care. Way to go!!” – Major Terrance Patterson

“This shout out is for Frankie! I have joined the DAP 5 team on November 26^th, 2021. As a civilian public servant who has on-boarded virtually, I can say with confidence that Frankie is a great team player. Frankie has a wealth of information at her finger tips and is always willing to share her knowledge. She participates at all gatherings and events; hence I have been able to meet her a handful of times in person. She introduced me to other members of military and donated her support with me running for the Perley Fundraiser this year. Frankie gives a good boost of moral to her teammates and I really want to acknowledge this quality of hers.” – Amy Johanis

“I would like to send a huge bravo to the 2021 Mental Health Internal References Project (PRiSM) team. Since October 2021, several members of the mental health team of the Valcartier Health Centre have been mandated to work at the development of solutions under the Lean project, referred to as PRiSM 2021. A significant number of hours was dedicated to the development and implementation of solutions. The hard work is now being rewarded. The new mental health references management procedure has clearly had a value-added impact on our clientele, such as avoiding waste and improving access to our mental health services.

Thank you to all staff members involved, either directly or indirectly: You have accomplished incredible work and continue to do so.” – Chantal Bérubé

“Special thanks and gratitude to both Brandon Mallette and Iliass Abdelhalim for their support and hard work in addressing the vendor data management backlog especially during these challenging times when the team is experiencing staffing shortages. Your commitment and dedication are noted. Thank you for going above and beyond.” – Christine Ashton

“We’d like to give a shout-out to Mr. A.J. Krause who has been a steadfast team player at CFSMI. He’s been keeping us going in the right direction for many years. Thanks, A.J.!” – The team at CFSMI

“I would like to send my virtual congratulations to the Repair and Disposal (R&D) Section of the Montreal Garrison in which I have been responsible for the section since the beginning of the pandemic. The team of civilian employees continuously go beyond their duties as storepersons of repairable items, hazardous materials, major equipment and the procurement sorting centre, and demonstrate outstanding flexibility during these unprecedented times. Their professionalism, dedication to their work and unwavering support of our clients, including the public, have an immeasurable effect on our Section’s workload and a very positive influence among the population who has purchased lodger and integral lots and units. A BIG THANK YOU to the entire R&D team for being so proud of their work and for their support. As I always say, I have the best team that a person responsible for a warehouse can ask for. Excellent work!” – Robert Picard