June Shout-Outs for the Defence Team are Heating Up! – Celebrating National Public Service Week!

June 30, 2023 – Defence Stories

Virtual Shout-Outs – Bulletin #28

"Keep your eyes open and try to catch people in your company doing something right, then praise them for it."
– Tom Hopkins

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, and submissions can remain anonymous.

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

 

Shout out to Nicholas Sabbagh and Norma Newcombe for their exceptional support to my team during a challenging end of fiscal year.  Their expertise and collaboration helped us execute a multi-million dollar procurement on the last day of the fiscal year. Thank you so much for your support, we couldn’t do it without you!
– LCol Konrad Eyvindson

I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize the HMCS Carleton Ship’s Office (SHO), which is the administration and human resources section.

I’d like to send a well-deserved virtual shout-out to the entire team at the HMCS Carleton SHO. They are an incredible, highly dedicated group. HMCS Carleton is a reserve unit with more than 90 Class As. For us Class Bs and Regular Forces who do administration and follow-ups, it’s always an extra challenge for part-time Class A personnel. This year, we had two administrative inspections, one by the NAVRES department, Québec City HQ, and the other by DMPAP. Since HMCS Carleton is a unit with more than 266 members, one of the largest in Canada, SHO members had to pull out all the stops, especially because of the pandemic over the past few years, and work even harder to catch up. Following the inspections, we received a score of 88% from NAVRES HQ and 94% from DMPAP, which is remarkable and richly deserved for a section that has worked hard and given 200%. The SHO section spared no effort and showed a level of dedication I had never seen before. They kept their spirits high even with all the admin changes requested in a short space of time, and they adjusted very well.
Once again, I’m very grateful for the team’s hard work and commitment.
– WO Marc-André Champagne

This virtual shout-out is to the Ship’s Office of HMCS Champlain for its tireless efforts in launching Operation LENTUS 23-03 in Sept-Îles. Your ongoing dedication made it possible to validate the operational readiness of personnel and help deploy members in the Naval Reserve contingent attached to JTF(E). You accomplished this very quickly, considering that Naval Reserve units typically do not have any personnel on high alert.

With a small staff, your full-time team can rival and surpass the expectations of a large orderly room. Your smile and your professionalism are contagious, not only during events like LENTUS but also in supporting the unit’s year-long sailor training program.
Thank you for being you.
– M1/PO1 | Sylvain Parenteau

Virtual kudos to Véronique Millette Gordon for completion of the nine month Certificate in Complex Project and Procurement Leadership (CPPL), all while fulfilling your role as Deputy Project Manager for the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive Enhancement Project! Vero, you skillfully managed your learning along with a busy and stressful family life (including a new puppy), at the same time as bringing your new (“green”) Project Manager up to speed on all the intricacies and details of this unique project. Your patience with silly land force related questions and careful explanation of why tasks are done certain ways were very much appreciated! Your new expertise will surely be appreciated when we get to see some exciting rich pictures, and hear more about your plan to apply the Viable System Model to the project!
A stellar job!
– Matt

In this National Public Service Week (NPSW), I would like to extend virtual congratulations to the Repair and Disposal (R&D) Section at the Montreal Garrison, which I have the pleasure of managing. The members of this team of civilian employees constantly excel in their duties as storespersons for repairable items, hazardous materials, major equipment and the procurement sorting centre, demonstrating remarkable flexibility during this unprecedented period. Their professionalism, their dedication to their work, and their unfaltering support for clients, including the public, have had an immense effect on the workload in our section and a very positive effect among people who have purchased lots and lodger and integral units. A BIG THANK-YOU to the entire R&D team for taking such pride in their work and support. As I always say, I have the best team a warehouse manager could ask for. Excellent work!
– Robert Picard

I’d like to recognize the excellent work of Emmanuelle Mercier. She did a remarkable job organizing Indigenous Awareness Week while juggling her regular tasks. The event was a huge success, thanks in part to her organizational skills, her attention to detail and her involvement with Indigenous communities. Despite the challenges she faced, she did not give up but kept trying new things to find a solution.
Again, many thanks to Emmanuelle for her contagious cheerfulness around the office!
#VirtualShoutout
– Josianne Leduc – QG 2 Div CA

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the excellent work of the administrative assistants at CFB Bagotville. They are a group of people committed to supporting our troops at every level. Whether they are supporting wing commanders, unit commanders or commanders of lodger units, every member of the group gives priority to the team’s work and the values that of the Canadian Armed Forces members and Department of National Defence employees should always live up to: respect, integrity, stewardship and excellence!
Great work, admin assistants!
– Isabelle Blackburn

Victoria Ark is a Public Service member who works adjacent to the office I am in; despite the fact that we are in different sections I know I can call on Victoria for help at any time.

I am so thankful to have a counter-part who is so amazing in her role that I can call on her for help with almost everything. Victoria has offered help on numerous occasions to help with bandwidth when she knows we are short staffed, she is very knowledgeable in her work and because of such she is able to answer a lot of technical questions should something un-encountered by myself comes up. She is also very well versed in a lot of forms what we both use and is often able to help work through those “one off” scenario’s that don’t always fit in the box perfectly.

Further to this she is an amazing person to work in proximity to. She always brightens peoples day with her contagiously positive attitude and when it comes to unit events (celebrations etc.) she is always willing to participate however she can. I am lucky to have such an amazing person to draw on as a resource and who is dedicated to seeing our unit function in success. Her positive spirit and vast knowledge are greatly appreciate and I am thankful to have this venue to recognize her for that. Thank you.
– Ryan Somcher

Could I please give a shout out to Bruce Campbell, SSO @ CF H Svcs Gp in Ottawa. The customer service he provides to the staff here at CF H Svcs Ctr Suffield, especially myself as ISSO, is phenomenal.  I’ve had to reach out on many occasions to him due to a variety of issues that surface and he always takes the time to assist us.  He is such an asset to Canadian Forces Health Services and I just want him to know how much he is appreciated.
– Shelley Locke

CCMS Central Region (Lyne, Danielle, Natasha, Toni, Billie-Jo, Sharon, Pierre, Marie, Wagenda, and Samba)

I would like to send you a virtual shout to thank you for your hard work and dedication over the past 12 months (plus). Despite resourcing challenges, that resulted in many offices operating with ¼ of their normal personnel, you were able to meet the mandate of assisting Defence Team members and Chains of Command with managing their conflict and complaints in a healthy and productive manner and providing alternative dispute resolution training. You pulled together and found creative ways to support each other and the Defence Team while facing extremely challenging circumstances.
Thank-you!
– Charlene
RM CCMS Central Region

A sincere thank you to all those that work for the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre. Your dedication and passion for the work you do every day is inspiring and humbling. You work with some of the most challenging situations and as a result have helped so many.  Thank you for your commitment, grace, and perseverance. Know that you are making a difference in so many lives. Thank you.
– Linda

In recognition of NPSW I want to take a moment to recognize the simply outstanding team of public servants we have the pleasure of calling our teammates. Our Weapons System Management team under DGAEPM in ADM(Mat) supports the delivery and sustainment of CH147F Chinook aerospace equipment, maintaining an operationally focused and airworthy platform. Managing the day-to-day challenges while enabling the ongoing improvement of this heavy-lift platform is no small feat and many hands have contributed to its ongoing success. Mr. Scott Bradley expertly stick-handles the business side of the fleet and spearheaded the recent in-service support contract renewal and stellar SBCA submission. Mr. Mike Steffin continues to move mountains, managing our GFE and LCMM related activities. And Mr. Zarley Hutt, Mrs. Brittany Clouthier and Mr. Jonathan Holla comprise our terrific fleet-projects trio, bootstrapping and enabling an incredible number of fleet modifications and capability improvements that keep our platform safe and relevant to the present and future operational need. You are all amazing and from all your counterparts here at the WSM, we want to let you know that we’re proud to be a part of this team alongside you – thank you.

 

IM/IT Corporate Services, Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Center (SMSRC) – Sophie Hunter-Racicot, Kim MacDonald and how I am lucky to be a part of this amazing team!

Your commitment has been exemplary, and your hard work is an inspiration to everyone around you.” “You are several of the people who makes this job great!” “SMSRC’s future is sure to be bright with team members like you! Your hard work and creativity is an inspiration to all!”

At the end of the day, we perform and deliver as a team and applauding the efforts of our coworkers is an excellent way to recognize individual & team contributions to our overall success.

Thank you for the many ways you invest yourself in the vision we share. The hard work of each employee contributes to SMSRC IM/IT Corporate Services great accomplishments!
Make a Ripple!
– Kimberly

I want to send a virtual shoutout to, Sven “Olle” Fritsch, for his dedication and commitment to the operational aspect of 17 Wg. The in-depth knowledge of policy and procedures, ensure 17 Wing is ready to respond when required!
– OSS Comd Team

A huge shoutout to the PAC Dream Team for doing such wonderful work as Response and Support Coordinators for the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre. Your efforts to go above and beyond for your clients and grace during a time of being short-staffed has not gone unnoticed. I am so grateful for each and every one of you for the wonderful qualities you bring to your clients and to your team.
– Susan Young

My amazing DTCP crew – Sarah, Mike and Constance – it is a pleasure and an honour to work alongside you. Your passion, commitment, and energy are contagious!  Merci pour tout!
– Roxana

After the big return to office, things were initially out of place or lost, luckily someone came to the rescue and put the pieces back together at my workstation, that person was Peter Carter-McAuslan from L2 Resource and Planning. Huge shoutout and major thanks to his consistency over the past few months, his kindness, patience, and his impeccable delivery of service. High cheers.
– Charbel Chamoun

Tammy Morris – She treats each and every member with such respect and kindness. She not only coordinates the clinicians in her unit but also collaborates with the Immunization dept and does a lot of extra duties behind the scenes to make sure that these areas function with high efficiency.
– Elizabeth Tozer

A virtual shout-out and big thank you to Joël Léonard Brouillet at RP Ops for sharing your knowledge and expertise in Power BI. I greatly appreciate your time (and patience!) as our team starts using this valuable tool. Thank you for being a great team member.
– Amanda Di Maio

I would like to express my gratitude to Joanne Beaulne, Team lead for Compensation Knowledge Centre.  Joanne seems to have unlimited knowledge related to compensation and has been a mentor for me and many others over the years.  I appreciate all her hard work, support and going that extra mile to make sure everyone is successful.  Joanne’s famous words are… “I believe in you, you got this!”.  Because of her displaying the utmost professionalism in carrying out her daily obligations and caring for colleagues, I have skills/knowledge to support and mentor others.
– Vanessa

I would like to send a big shout out to Melinda Switzer, manager for compensation Knowledge Centre (CKC) for all her hard work over the years.  She has revamped our unit for the better with her hard work and dedication, she is brilliant and the core of our unit.  With her leadership and understanding she has made an environment where employees love their work and helps each other to succeed. I am proud to be a part of her team.
– Vanessa

Dawn began working for CFFCA in January 2023 as our Admin Support Worker. Despite having no background in claims, she quickly immersed herself into the job, used her preeminent networking skills to connect with the experts, and learned the job in no time. She’s improved the filing system for claims, briefed staff on policies efficiently, as well as briefed students on entitlements and quickly became a claims SME. She is very motivated, efficient, helpful and friendly. She often completes her workload in such a timely manner that she also reaches out to her co-workers to assist in any way possible. She has been a breath of fresh air, a real team player, a great asset to the unit and very much a morale booster.

She and her spouse are posted this APS and her absence will be felt across the unit and I have no doubt her yummy baked treats will be as well.

Dawn, this is to let you know how much you are appreciated and that your efforts and work ethic are greatly valued!
– WO Dianne M. Traill

I would like to recognize the skills, exemplary work ethic and devotion of one of my PSAC coworkers, Lora Daley. She has on multiple occasions shown her diligence and always goes above and beyond at any task given to her. Lora takes on any roles where she might be needed. Her positive attitude and efficiency make her a jack of all trades within our Dental Unit. Lora always perfects her role as a dental assistant but also gives her time and energy as part of our entertainment committee She is a valuable part of our dental team and I believe she deserves recognition.
– Capt Tasnime Soullane

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Micheline Leguerrier, Technical Advisor Compensation Knowledge Centre (CKC).  Micheline is the go-to person for anything and everything.  We depended on her expertise a lot and she always has a positive attitude and is always willing to help.  Micheline has 35 years of service and her wealth of knowledge and willingness to help others is much appreciated. Thank you for all you do!
– Vanessa

Simon Derome – He is an amazing resource for knowledge and collaboration between his colleagues and clinicians but also across the entire Health Services dept. He is often very thoughtful, taking into consideration when we are short staffed to cover extra duties etc. Simon is outgoing and prides himself on connecting with people and being able to meet their needs.
– Elizabeth Tozer