It’s “ale” in a day’s work for this paramedic and women’s rights advocate
September 22, 2026 - Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 1:35
Caption
Beer brewed at the Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day in March 2024. Edmonton’s Pink Boots Society organizes the annual fundraising event for International Women’s Day.
Photo credit: CWO Alicia Marshall.
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Alicia Marshall, Member of Military Merit (MMM), Canadian Forces’ Decoration (CD), is a former paramedic by trade and unit disciplinarian at work. Her day-to-day work involves running her unit and enforcing the rules as the Regimental Sergeant Major at 5 Field Ambulance in Valcartier, Quebec.
At the same time, she advocates for women’s rights by participating in groups and initiatives that help women.
A long-time fan of brewing and judging beer, she joined the Edmonton Homebrewer’s Guild and raises money for women’s initiatives for International Women’s Day. “All the women brewers in the Edmonton area get together and they brew a batch of beer. Well, I say a batch, but it’s a lot of beer,” she commented.
Defence Women’s Advisory Organization
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CWO Alicia Marshall (middle) receives her Member of Military Merit in 2026 from the former Governor General (right) alongside the Chief of Military Personnel and Commander of Military Personnel Command (left).
In 2025, as the Edmonton Defence Women’s Advisory Organization (DWAO)’s military co-chair, CWO Marshall and her team organized International Women’s Day at their base. The day showcased the women of the Royal Canadian Artillery Band, a Gender-Based Violence professional development session, and a speaker’s panel consisting of women in different ages and trades. Many organizations participated, such as the Military Family Resource Centre, local businesses, and the Edmonton Veterans Food Bank.
CWO Marshall has been involved in the DWAO for the past four years. It is part of Defence Advisory Groups, which enhance diversity and inclusion across the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). She wears many hats within the organization such as Defence representative for the Restorative Engagement on Sexual Misconduct, Gender Advisor, and Victim Liaison officer.
“I’ve always had an affinity to help people,” she said. “I get to help folks in different ways other than just medicine.”
Among other projects, the DWAO is currently focused on establishing gender-neutral washrooms in military bases across the country.
CWO Marshall was inducted into the Order of Military Merit in 2026. The recognition highlights CAF members who show distinctive merit and exceptional service. It made her look back at what she has accomplished during her 24 years of service. CWO Marshall believes it’s important to challenge herself to keep learning.
“I believe we never really are finished learning anything,” she said. “Knowledge is power. The more I learn, the more I can help people.”