During the holidays the last two years teacher Jillian Lawson and her Grade 4/5 classes from St.Mary School in Moose Jaw sent letters and goodies to soldiers deployed overseas during Christmas.
On Thursday morning at 15 Wing, Lawson and her students were given the Lois Boyle "Mother of the Snowbirds" award from the 15 Winf Fellowship for their letters and kindness.
Before that award was handed out, several 15 Wing personnel were recognized for their efforts and years of service with medals and certificates, which Lawson said she wasn't expecting.
"It was overwhelming, I didn't know anyone else was getting awards today and that was awesome to see and I think it was great for the student to see too. Seeing these people be recognized for hard work and dedication to something, that's really important for my students to see that."
Lawson added that the whole journey of a simple writing exercise in her classroom has ballooned into meaningful lessons the children have been able to learn.
"It's kind of just showing them how small of a world it is, it's giving them meaningful writing experiences in class, it's teaching them about what's going on in our Canadian military and overseas. There's so many different ways that's it has impacted the students and myself... it's definitely something that I'll do again."
She began the writing project in 2015 as one of her family members was deployed from home for Christmas and she wanted to be able to make the distance easier on him.
This year was different than the last as Lawson and her class were mailed a response from a soldier who had attended St.Mary school himself.
HONORS AND AWARDS DURING THURSDAY AWARDS CEREMONY
15 Wing Moose Jaw and 15 Wing Fellowship would like to recognize the students from St. Mary School who have undertaken this project to reach out to serving Canadian Forces personnel.
2015-16: 2016-17:
Makaya Arnott Payton Hemingway
Joshua Cooke Callie Klemenz
Brynne Daly Ben Mason
Chase Fister Jessica Meyer
Nevaeh Gray Russel Parrene
Tayden Hill Jake Wilk
Taylor Lang-Wiley Lila Wilk
Luka Pollock Chloe Calubia
Sean Ramos (Pron. Shan) Avery Chabot
Cate Schiltroth Evan DeGagne
Portlyn Schultz Kayla Kruse
Paislee Watt Kiera MacNevin
Jacinda Goy Brooke Myers
Mikayla Gusa Lucy Savard
Phatia Kojah (Pron. Pa-tee-ya) Stephen Walcer
Mackenna Nogue
Liam Riley
MEDALS –
Capt Andrew Wetmore – CD
Capt Do Kim – General Campaign Star –Ribbon
Maj Rob Doucette – General Campaign Star – EXPEDITION Ribbon
Maj Rob Doucette – General Service Medal – EXPEDITION Ribbon
Capt Sean Hill – General Service Medal – EXPEDITION Ribbon
1000 HOUR PATCH (dress of the day)
Capt Mark Shular |
Capt Brent Morrison |
Capt Yanga Zhu |
Capt Olivier Markon |
Capt Sean Finn |
|
Capt Adam Sobchuk |
|
Capt Neil Gabourie |
|
Capt Do Kim (Aurora w/pin) |
|
A CAT CERTIFICATES
Shawn Finn
The 15 Wing Commanders Commendation is presented to: Maj Tipper, MCpl Doyle, Capt Khadij
15 Wing Commanders Coin:
-
Carla Forester for her professionalism and dedication in her position as 15 Wing General Safety Officer
15 Wing Chief Warrant Officers Coin:
-
Scott Osmachenko – for organization the hockey trip and the upcoming ski trip – these events are an important part of the military and family activities that make 15 Wing a great place to be – the support to our families and activities organized by PSP and MFRC are considered the best in the CAF
Canadian Decoration:
LCol Dunsterville
Capt Pistilli now be promoted from Capt to Major.
Canadian Decoration:
-
Sgt Reinson, 1st Clasp – ARAF – this represents 22 years of service
-
MCpl Clark, CD – ATC
-
Cpl Reid – 5000 PAR runs certificate
-
Director General Aerospace Equipment Program management Special Award:
MWO Marc Charbonneau, WTIS is awarded the DGAEPM Special award.
2 CFFTS (Big 2) Coin Presentation:
Cpl Reid