Virtual Shout-Outs – Bulletin #45

November 26, 2024 - Defence Stories

Check out who received a shout-out in this
month’s edition of Virtual Shout-Outs!

"Recognition is not a scarce resource. You can't use it up or run out of it."

- Susan M. Heatherfield

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!

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As the Naval Training System continues to modernize, and staff work to maintain a high standard for the instructional content delivered to sailors, the efforts of Mr. Robert Byrne need to be recognized. Mr. Byrne manages a curriculum repository that both ensures the security and positive control of an enormous amount of content known as the Naval Courseware Library (NCL). His collaboration and communication with both instructional staff and standards experts in Operations, Deck, Submarine and Diver training aids and multimedia ensures the latest, approved content is readily available and distributed in a timely fashion. Most recently, Mr. Byrne leveraged the Naval Training Group (NTG) Learning Support Centre (LSC) to update more than one hundred training videos, identifying legacy content that no longer met the necessary standard.

Following more than three decades in uniform as an NCI Op, and throughout his continued service to Canada as a Public Servant, Mr. Byrne’s commitment and stewardship are very deserving for a shout-out!
– Grant Rivalin, CD

Shout-out to Sheila Bergeron (EEPM HR-CIV), Genevieve Dupont (EEPM HR-CIV), George Kourtakos (DEAAS), Bruce Wang (DEAAS), and Ravi Gidijala (DEAAS). This working group was able to successfully launch the automation for onboarding messages to new employees and then managers who will be welcoming them. Their collaboration and hard work launched an idea that had been ruminating for months. Together, they successfully implemented this endeavor and increased the efficiency of the onboarding program. Their efforts are greatly appreciated!!
– Stephanie Vigier

Huge shout-out to Soba Edayangilil for stepping up as our team leader during this challenging time! Your professionalism and strong leadership skills are truly inspiring, leading us all with assurance and determination. Thank you for steering us forward!
– Jessica Lamoureux-Desforges

I would like to express my sincere congratulations to the leadership team comprising MCpl Turner and PO2 Vachon for their invaluable support, remarkable energy and exemplary management of the 3 Wg Finance Section. Thanks to them, the section maintains high moral standards, sustained operational efficiency, and a professional, respectful working climate conducive to participation, initiative and recognition of the work accomplished by the whole team.
– Lt J. Ricardo Garcia-Galviz

A huge shout-out to Capt Nieforth for their unwavering dedication to our section and the positive impact they've made on our team’s growth and success. Their support in decision-making empowers our team to lead with confidence, while their insightful guidance on personnel issues and encouragement for independent problem-solving have greatly enhanced my own leadership abilities. Capt Nieforth fosters open communication, providing invaluable feedback and mentorship to support professional development. They trust the team with critical tasks, demonstrating confidence in our abilities, and ensures objectives are clear to align with our strategic goals. Leading by example, Capt Nieforth’s professionalism, commitment to military standards, and integrity-driven decisions set a strong foundation for myself and team which inspire, rise to their example. Their emphasis on team collaboration and their steady, solution-focused approach amid HQ pressures have created a cohesive, motivated, and resilient working environment. Thank you, Capt Nieforth, for everything you bring to our team!
– WO Angel Coffin

Shout out to Dean Verbrugghe: Creator and sole support of the Digital Defence Approvals (DDA) application, which has shortened document approval (previously by paper) in our HQ, some Ops and some L2s, from days or weeks to mere HOURS from submission to final digital signature. Dean also created the Travel Approval tool that allows travel for HQ and Operational staff to be approved digitally and includes logic to manage budgets and accommodations for ease of planning and reference.

Shout out to Tyson Chambers: Creator and support for many small-but-mighty tools that CJOC and Operations use such as Training Waivers, Operation Support Task Requests (OSTR), SharePoint templates, UX and UI design for D365 sites. Tyson has been the smiling front-line support at CJOC for over 10 years and his corporate knowledge is essential to the business continuity and planning for Information Management.
– Derek Hilmer

Shout-out to our hard-working supervisor, Sgt Dawna Humble. She is always thoughtful and helpful. Her professionalism and attention to detail does not go unnoticed! She does not hesitate to help a team member, and we all feel very lucky to have her as our clinic coordinator!
– The 1 Dental Unit Det Toronto Staff

We would like to extend a shoutout to our amazing teammate Heather Ivany. Your hard work and dedication make a real difference in our teams financial responsibilities. Your attention to detail & your tackling of complex analysis always go above and beyond. Your positive attitude and willingness to help others always is so appreciated and really makes working with you a pleasure. Thanks for all you do for us Heather!
– Rachelle Norlund and Emily Gordon

Shout-out to the DGCB Comptroller team! Your hard work, dedication, and teamwork are what make everything possible.

To our very own Radar (M*A*S*H reference) Kelsey Hawes! You know, the one who always seems to know what's going on before anyone else does. Her ability to keep us all in the loop and her knack for spotting potential issues before they arise is truly impressive.

Jasmin Fowler, who tirelessly updates the SWE reports ensuring that our forecasts are up to date for both the in-year and Business Plan.

Victor DaSilva, who has the difficult task of predicting the future to populate the Business Plan. Your strategic insights and attention to detail help steer our L2 in the right direction.

John Paul Patrick Corpus who joined our team only 6 short months ago, your hard work and dedication to improve DGCB's business operations through the use of business intelligence is truly inspiring. It’s no easy task, but your attention to detail and persistence are making a huge difference.

We appreciate everything you’re doing to help us move forward and streamline our processes. Keep up the amazing work!
– Michèle Bedard and François Desjardins

I would like to extend a very well-deserved shout-out to our D MAJ PROC 7 Section Head, Gwen Walsh. This is an appreciation note for a person who is all three- great boss, mentor, and manager. Your guidance and advice have been invaluable to your team. We can’t thank you enough for all the help & support that you've bestowed upon us. We’re grateful to work for a boss who always recognizes and celebrates the team’s wins — big or small. Thank you!

Another well-deserved shout-out to D MAJ PROC 7-3-2-2 Interim Materiel Acquisition & Support Officer, April Viau.

Your determination, motivation, and inspiration are a welcome addition to our team.
Keep doing exceptional work as always. We appreciate your contribution to the team.
You make the workplace a little bit brighter and a whole lot of fun.
Thanks for being a breath of fresh air amongst all the pressure that we are facing.

Additional well-deserved shout-out to D STARS 4 Section Head, Deanne Fergusonwho left D MAJ PROC recently.

We would like to thank you for making us a better group.  A colleague whose work ethics, discipline, and commitment towards the organization is legendary and can never be contested. You have always been so much fun to be around.

Thanks for being our mentor and confidante. We miss you and always thinking of you. Good luck in your new adventure.
– Anonymous

It is with great pride that I would like recognize PO2 Cashman for their outstanding performance during the recent REDO Guard weekend training exercise at HMCS CATARAQUI. PO2 Cashman expertly executed her duties, successfully planning and producing 640 Exercise meals over the duration of the exercise. PO2 Cashman meticulously planned and coordinated the meal preparation, ensuring that all dietary needs and preferences were accommodated. They managed the inventory and procurement of supplies, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills. Despite facing challenges such as limited resources, time constraints, and the need to maintain high standards of food quality and safety, they remained composed and efficient throughout the exercise.

Their ability to adapt to unexpected situations, such as last-minute changes in the menu, exercise timing changes and unforeseen dietary restrictions, showcased their resourcefulness and dedication. PO2 Cashman’s unwavering commitment to duty and the well-being of her fellow personnel is beyond reproach which resulted in the high morel. PO2 Cashman’s exceptional skills have set a high standard for all to follow, and their contributions to the unit, region and the Naval Reserves are invaluable. HMCS CATARAQUI are fortunate to have such a dedicated and capable individual as part of our team. their hard work and dedication are truly commendable.
– CPO2 Akol

I wanted to take a moment to extend a heartfelt shout-out and appreciation to William Jaenen for his tremendous contributions to the IM Team. His unwavering dedication and positive attitude have truly made a significant impact on our team.

No problem is too big or too small for Will, and his ability to tackle challenges head-on without ever getting discouraged is truly inspiring. His expertise and hard work in developing metadata organizational tools have been invaluable, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him on the team.
– Celina Stillman

I would like to acknowledge the hard work of Christine Demers. Christine has helped support our clients and has spent many hours guiding our clients through many different procurement methods. Christine has dedicated herself to assist these clients over and over and is committed to working hand in hand with the less seasoned Procurement Officers of our clients. Great work Christine keep it up!

I would also like to acknowledge Bruno Pedroza Daher. Bruno has taught me so much, and has lead our little cell in to a potential section. Bruno is always available to assist with questions, policy interpretations etc. Bruno is a great leader and I feel should be recognized for starting this project from scratch to where it is now with 3 clients and a fourth potentially in the near future.
– Nick Gagnon

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to Arielle Russell for all their support during my onboarding and training. Their willingness to be available for questions and guidance made my transition to the team so much smoother. I truly appreciate the time they took to help me navigate the file transfers and settle in. Their assistance has made a significant difference, and I’m grateful to have them as a colleague. Thank you once again for being such a reliable source of support!
– Jessica Hanschell

We are thrilled to nominate Jane Johnston, whose dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment make her an exceptional nurse and team member. Every day, Jane demonstrates a remarkable level of patience and empathy, ensuring that every patient feels valued and cared for. Her colleagues admire her for her reliability and support, always stepping up when needed. Jane never lets her patients or coworkers down, consistently going above and beyond. Her compassionate nature and genuine care touch the lives of everyone she meets. Let’s recognize her extraordinary contributions!
– Michelle Rimmer

A heartfelt shoutout to Nathan Beck, who has been an invaluable team member at the Directorate of Culture Progress Monitoring over the past two and a half years. Nathan has been a central force in shaping and implementing the department’s first Culture Evolution Strategy, leading the charge until October 2024 with unwavering dedication.

Through an empathic and people-centered approach, Nathan has inspired the team, modeling the behaviors we aspire to see in a positive, growth-oriented workplace culture. His vision, authentic commitment to self-improvement, and genuine care for others have left a lasting impact, motivating everyone around him. Nathan’s leadership has set a powerful example, and his contributions to our culture are truly appreciated.

As a result of his remarkable talent and skills, Nathan has been selected for an exciting six-month assignment on a DM/CDS Task force. Congratulations, Nathan, on an outstanding journey and a job incredibly well done, and our best wishes on this next challenge!
– Col Marie-Eve Bégin

In my military career and throughout my life, I’ve met some extraordinary people. People with charisma and natural leadership. People with a strong sense of duty in their blood. People who are not afraid to work, get involved and make decisions. In short, people whose energy and ethics shine through every day, and whom a commander wants in their inner circle! People whose subordinates are honored to support them.

In August 2024, MCpl Marie-Hélène Legault arrived in our lines from Bagotville. I can assure you that they lost someone of great value! Every day, MCpl Legault reminds me of the best interpersonal moments in a glorious era!

Thank you so much and BRAVO MCpl Legault for being the way you are!

I hope you’ll be around for a few more years!
– Étienne Legendre

Mrs. Tardif, as been a tremendous support every time I contacted her through the years. She always took the time to give/explain the policies, give the proper way to do things and always in such a manner that should be praised. Her professionalism and calm attitude are remarkable, and she is an example to follow.

Often in my dealing with her, I came to her with Urgent requests, and she amazingly dealt with each issue in time to meet deadlines that were not caused by her.

Again, Mrs. Tardif should be praised for her enormous work and attitude. She is, by herself, a real “PILAR” for the RCN.
– Michel Boisvert

Captain Martin Painchaud, Regular Force Infantry Officer (R22eR) and military career counsellor at Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Quebec, proactively helped Quebec Area and RCSU (Eastern), through his contacts, to provide a low-cost team-building activity for personnel from Valcartier, Val-Bélair, Nicolet and Bagotville at the Jacques-Cartier Curling Club in Quebec City. Participants were able to try their hand at this sport and forge ties between groups to enhance team synergy. Capt Painchaud is also fully committed to the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC), and his example has helped generate several substantial donations for the group (major donors category of $500 or more). Capt Painchaud is an experienced officer who makes a positive difference and volunteers in his community. His efforts and exemplary dedication reflect very positively on the Canadian Armed Forces and on Quebec City’s military community as a whole.
– Maj Sebastien Laporte

Shoutout to Ashley Liu, RMC’s Financial Policy and Procedure Officer, for her steadfast dedication to maintaining financial compliance at the Royal Military College (RMC). Through her insightful responses to complex policy questions, authorship of standing orders, and thorough reviews and data analysis of trending errors, Ashley has played a vital role in establishing transparent and efficient financial practices across RMC. Her meticulous attention to detail and deep knowledge of financial regulations ensure that transactions align with RMC’s high compliance standards. Ashley’s proactive approach has not only improved efficiency and compliance, but also supported departments in navigating complex policies with confidence.

Ashley’s commitment to continuous improvement and her embodiment of integrity and accountability are invaluable assets to RMC. Her exceptional work contributes directly to the college’s financial health, allowing us to focus on developing future leaders.

Thank you, Ashley, for your outstanding commitment to financial excellence—RMC is lucky to have you!
– Capt Hancock