The Lieutenant-Colonel D.V. Currie VC Armoury has opened its doors to the public for an open house hosted by the 38 Canadian Brigade Group’s Saskatchewan Dragoons. 

Members of the public are invited to come learn the long history of the armed forces in Moose Jaw, speak to members of the service, and inspect the equipment and vehicles used by Saskatchewan’s own armoured regiment. 

The open house began April 22 and will take place until April 28, with doors opening every weekday at 9:30 a.m. 

Adorning the walls of the massive brick building is an impressive assortment of artifacts detailing the military history of the Moose Jaw area. Serving as an armoury and a museum, with artifacts ranging from earliest years as the 95th Saskatchewan Rifles, to the First and Second World Wars, through to modern peacekeeping operations the world over. 

The open house will also provide members of the public with a chance to hear firsthand what it is like to serve as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and learn about the wide range of career options available to those who enlist. 

“When I was 17 years old, I entered the Canadian Armed Forces with the program called Bold Eagle. It is a program that is dedicated for First Nations people (and) it is a great program,” said Corporal Emerson Pambrun.  

“The first week they do something called a culture week. They do things from smudges to sweat lodges, as well as teaching from our First Nations and Metis, and then after that, it kicks right into the BMQ, which is basic military qualification.” 

He goes on to say that one of the good things about the Bold Eagle program is that you can enter, and graduate from the program but there is no obligation to join the military.  

“For young men and women, there’s all kinds of benefits when it comes to schooling and things like that. So, if you’re young and you’re looking for life experience the reserves is a great place for that.” 

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces at the open house spoke about their experiences during their careers in the military. 

“One of the prime positives of being in the reserves and the Canadian forces as a whole is the camaraderie. There’s absolutely nothing that supersedes that cohesive family that you have when you’re here and you’re wearing green,” said Corporal Jerry Heilman. 

“We are all a family. We look out for each other. We take care of each other.” 

Corporal Heilman said that in his 17 years of service the most exciting experiences for him have been the large brigade exercises conducted with all the primary reserves from across Western Canada, where the Dragoons initially performed a reconnaissance role. 

“The reconnaissance role required us to be sneaking and peeking, looking for the enemy, and reporting to higher command.”  

For some who serve the best experiences aren’t always had riding in armoured vehicles, taking part in exercises or out on the range.  

“One of the proudest things I’ve done through the Canadian Armed Forces is actually going out through a domestic operation for forest firefighting,” said Master Corporal Keaton Bell. 

“Back in 2018, my first year in, I had the opportunity to go out and assist with the forest fires in B.C. I was able to do that and actually put my training to use and help the people of Canada.”   

If you are interested in attending the Saskatchewan Dragoons open house a full list of dates and times is below. 

April 22, 23, 25, 26 from 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

April 24 from 9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.  

April 27 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  

April 28 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

People who are interested in viewing the museum portion of the armoury can arrange an appointment by calling 306-692-2133.