Spring has sprung at National Defence: See who received a “Shout-out” in March
April 17, 2023 - Defence Stories

“Everyone wants to be appreciated, so if you appreciate someone, don’t keep it a secret.”
- Mary Kay Ash
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 would like to send a shout out to Anik Desrochers for her work in creating positive spaces within the defence team. Anik has dedicated countless hours facilitating Positive Space workshops and has helped in getting many Positive Space facilitators qualified. Thanks for all you do Anik!
- Penny M. Foster
All the members of DNSO team 3 would like to thank Jennifer Asselin, Sonia Bergeron and Joshua Lipson for the exceptional work carried out in February 2023. Even with only 25% of the staffing capacity of the HRA team, they managed to meet staffing requests with the creation of 116 files, in addition to their daily tasks, the excess workload of their absent colleagues and the mentoring of two new people in the team. Bravo Zulu! We are proud of you!
I would like to submit a shout out for my supervisor, Kelsey Lawrence for her outstanding care and attention during my onboarding process.
I joined the team in December of 2022 as an external candidate, and while I am blown away with all of the onboarding tools that have been provided to me throughout my first three months, it has indeed been a lot to learn; acronyms, the working of different departments, etc. Kelsey has been instrumental in making my transition a smooth one, and I am so thankful to be under her direction. Kelsey’s patience, empathy, and positivity has been so impactful on my experience, and I think she is a true of example of the importance of onboarding, and that it can really make or break the success of new employees.
Kelsey always has time for me, and if she does not have the answers to my questions, she seeks out the information and relays it to me immediately. She has been quite busy with some very unique contracts, however she never makes me feel rushed in our training and has often assured me that I am her priority. I truly feel like Kelsey is a great ambassador for the department, and I would be remiss if I did not take the time to share that with you. I look forward to going into work every day (no Monday blues here!) and having a supervisor like Kelsey is a key factor of my motivation.
- Kayla Shabsove
To Zach, Tina, Leighton, Mo, Sam, John, Ed, Chet, Randy, Andy and Will (who moved on sadly to a new job). The last year has been beyond busy as we fully re-opened post COVID. All the exercises, Camp Loon, Operational Deployments to communities in need as well as re-supply. While the rules drastically changed, you all did everything necessary to get the task done, on time, within guidelines and without loss or damage.
There isn’t much I can say about that.
I’m glad that you are on the team.
As always,
Good job.
- The GQ
A big thank you and shout-out to Nigel Bhagwandin, acting supervisor for the Division Training Team, DMPS / DGMPD!
Nigel not only improved overall customer service, contributed to a 100% increase in second-language training participants, but also explored and implemented the customization of specific second language training for our learners.
He showed initiative, transparency in his way of working while maintaining a touch of humour and a good dose of empathy. Without forgetting to highlight his excellent leadership, which has made it possible to rebuild and develop a team that has undergone significant staff turnover and multiple challenges over the past two (2) years.
Nigel, I consider myself fortunate to have a talented supervisor and leader like you on our team.
Thank you very much,
Janie Ranger
I would love a shout for Claudia that is a receptionist at 1 Dental Unit Detachment Kingston. I am a co-worker of Claudia, she is very patient, and always makes me have a brighter day. I am glad that she is patient and bilingual.
- Laura Clark
I’d like to submit a virtual shout out for Brent Dillon!
Brent consistently shows remarkable dedication and hard work in all positions he holds. The HR-Civ Corporate SWE Team is grateful for his patience, knowledge sharing and technical support. He is always a pleasant, responsive collaborator. Your efforts have made a significant impact on the work we do and we wish you luck in your new position which we are sure you will be great at! Keep up the fantastic work!
- Cathy Kealey
As a small unit that continually has members on the move we would like to give a big Thank You to the amazing team at the both the 1 HQ and Sigs orderly Room and the Fin Section! Your tireless efforts to support 11 Military Intelligence Company are greatly appreciated. You always ensure that all our administrative and travel needs are looked after. Special Shout Outs to MCpl Holland, MCpl Sutton and Pte Boldt who always go the extra mile and put in long hours on our behalf, it is truly commendable!
- MWO Brent Reeder
We’d like to submit a virtual shout out to Dale Pegg.
Dale has been filling in as Acting Director General, in addition to having an already very full plate. With this new role, Dale continues to support the team with a positive attitude, open door policy, and an excellent sense of humour. This hasn’t gone unnoticed, and here’s a small gesture to send a big thank you for all your hard work and professionalism, and for making this such a great place to work!
- The PPE Team
This is a virtual shout out to the entire CANSOFCOM Command Recruiting Team for its second annual International Women's Day event, “2023 Women in CANSOFCOM Panel” held on 8 March. The success of this second and perhaps the most technically complex edition was a culmination of the vision set by Lt(N) Loagan Stroud, 2IC CSOTC C Sqn, supported by Capt Thomas Edelson (PAO), Sgt Stuart MacNeil (Image Tech) and Cpl Anastasia Chernykh to present CANSOF Recruiting and why CANSOF is a great place to be through digital channels to all members of the CAF. More than 150 CAF participants got to hear stories and the lived experiences of nine phenomenal female SOF professionals. Bravo Zulu to CANSOF for this whole-of-command effort and achievement.
- Mr Garrick Ngai, Special Marketing Advisor, CSOTC C Sqn.