14 Wing Greenwood leadership awards

Civilian of the Year – Deborah Pothier, 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron

For her demonstration of leadership, mentorship and “team player” attitude in ensuring the continuous success of 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron, as well as its members and staff, by providing guidance and direction in a supportive manner – all ensuring the unit’s mission is met with accurate efficiency.

Pothier’s attention to detail and pleasant demeanor create a healthy and positive environment, where open communication is encouraged and her ability to mentor and assist all personnel with a friendly smile is appreciated by all. She also provides her cheerful attitude and experience whenever needed to any departments on base, and has been the constant in an ever-changing turnover of staff over the past 30-plus years. Providing not only her administrative experience and wealth of knowledge through endless paperwork-related requests, Pothier is an invaluable help in her editing, budget aid, purchasing assistance, emotional support and just about any other request that seems to not have a home.

Junior NCM of the Year – Corporal Jenna Rushton-Stevens, 405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron

Rushton-Stevens makes significant contributions to the air operations support technician (AOS tech) trade through outstanding leadership abilities and the upmost dedication to 14 Wing and the Annapolis Valley. She was instrumental in broadening the scope of the AOS tech trade, advancing authorizations through policy and providing increased support to first line operations, and advocated for extra skills, such aircraft flight checks, aircraft towing and de-icing. She generated a formal, standardized training plan for new AOS techs, and applied for and was accepted to take the AOS tech junior supervisor (master corporal) position.

Rushton-Stevens takes on wing duties, such as WASF and Wing De-ice, and has been designated as a Sentinel, recognized for her abilities to assist and help member in need. Currently enrolled in a first responders’ trauma and recovery program at Simon Fraser University and having a background in mental health, she is able to assist peers by providing effective tools to cope with struggles and provide strategies to better manage stressors. She took it upon herself to source furniture and items to upgrade a room neglected for years. She gives time to assist with the 14 Wing Greenwood Combined Charities’ Festival of Tree fundraising event, and organized decorations for the squadron Christmas dinner. Most recently, she volunteered for and is now deployed for a six-month rotation in Alert.

In the community, she is a volunteer firefighter and a coach for the Middleton U11 boys’ soccer team.

Senior NCM of the Year – Master Warrant Officer Rodney Colbourne, 14 Operations Support Squadron

Colbourne is a trustworthy and dedicated leader who personifies the qualities expected of a senior NCM. Since arriving at 14 Wing in 2021, Colbourne has demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment at Communications and Information Systems (CIS) Flight, squadron and wing; in addition to the local community.

Colbourne has supported open discussions on mental health, inclusion and acceptance in both group and individual settings; notably, with a junior member struggling due to their own personal religious beliefs contradicting the CAF’s policies. This has fostered an environment within CIS Flight where members regularly engage the chain of command.

Colbourne’s professionalism helps educate all levels of leadership on the importance of military customs and values related to the presentation of honours and awards, and their knowledge of military traditions and dedication to the institution provides squadron members with an invaluable point of view regarding the importance of CAF customs. Colbourne acts as the wing honour guard master warrant officer, and has organized multiple parades and ceremonies.

When acting as SCWO for 14 OSS, Colbourne provides sound advice and, while coordinating with external parties, they ensure issues are handled professionally and in a timely manner despite challenges related to sensitivity of topics and geographical distance.

Colbourne regularly volunteers at the Upper Room Food Bank, ensuring it is able to pick up larger donations from local businesses and preparing items for families in need. Colbourne created the annual CIS Flight Holiday Food Drive, which has resulted in over $5,600 in donations and 1,700 pounds of food collected since 2021.

Officer of the Year – Major Kim Egert, Deputy Wing Commander Branch

Egert displays exceptional leadership abilities and consistently strives for team excellence, holding personnel accountable for their actions, mentoring them on any deficiencies and rewarding them for achievements. They are dedicated to ensuring equity, diversity and fair treatment of all personnel, both military and civilian. Their ability to make sound, timely decisions has had a positive impact on the Comptroller unit, 14 Wing and the CAF.

Egert consistently upholds the DND and CAF Code of Values and Ethics, as well as the RCAF values, even when faced with difficult ethical decisions. For example, Egert made a hard decision based on ethics in addressing a particular relationship in the workplace, choosing to do the right thing, despite the extra work involved. They also ensured unit disciplinary investigations were carried out when necessary, improving section performance, maintaining discipline and ensuring proper adherence of the chain of command. Egert demands professionalism, excellence, teamwork, and inclusiveness on a daily basis and has earned the respect of all ranks in the section, including civilians.