Catching up with three Canadians who make a difference – in the eyes of the Royal Canadian Air Force – highlights the community connections that make RCAF work and life better.
Through 2024, in the RCAF’s centennial year, the 100 Coins to 100 Canadians initiative is recognizing Canadians who, through their behaviour and contributions, exemplify the RCAF’s values and embody the characteristic spirit of the Canadian Armed Forces’ ethos.
In Middleton, Anne Crowell was shocked into silence – for just a moment! – as 14 Wing Greenwood Lieutenant-Colonel Alex Gignac and Wing Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Proulx dropped in on a meeting of the Mid Valley Region Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee. The wing has been a committee partner since its inception, as incoming military families face the same challenges Nova Scotians do finding health care providers.
Crowell, a founding member and now vice-chair of the committee, has had an “immeasurable impact on primary health care for our people,” Gignac said.
“You’re the glue that drives us, and this committee handles a lot of the panic and pressure for our people coming in.”
Proulx said he and then-Wing Commander Colonel Jeff Davis put their heads together to consider who in the 14 Wing Greenwood environment would make good RCAF100 Coin recipients: “Anne, you were one of the first to come to mind, and we knew there’d be no chance of disagreement from the committee – except for you! You bring so much energy, so much commitment into the committee, and it’d be a shame not to recognize that,” Proulx said. “We’re very grateful.”
Crowell has led many of the committee’s projects – but does more, finding housing, school and recreational contacts for incoming healthcare workers; writing grant applications, keeping the financial records and particularly assisting African recruitees as they navigate permits, travel and licensing. She is also the secretary/ treasurer for the Annapolis County Active Kids Healthy Kids Society; holds a seat on the Annapolis Community Health Board and is vice chair of the Soldiers Memorial Hospital Foundation.
In Bridgewater, Captain Wendell Eisener and the Bridgewater Fire Department Band were recognized as strong supporters of the RCAF for many years. Under Eisener’s direction, the 35-member band has participated in numerous military and community events and ceremonies. They have presented benefit concerts, raising thousands of dollars for the Greenwood Military Family Resource Centre. They have provided musical support for military appreciation hockey games, during opening ceremonies and during the games’ breaks. Recently, the band prepared a video message honouring the RCAF100 centennial, playing the RCAF March; at its completion, the entire band wished the RCAF a “Happy Birthday.” Whatever the local RCAF and wider military community asks of the band, it is guaranteed to happen.
In Aldershot, members of the Royal Canadian Air Force Academy Detachment Aldershot, based at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Detachment Aldershot, paid a visit to the always-convenient TJ’s Convenience, just a neighbourhood walk from the camp gates; to recognize owner Steve Morine and his staff. The coin is in recognition of TJ’s’ “continued dedication to the community through their philanthropy and generosity to various community programs and initiatives.
“Your flexibility and continued support to our RCAF Academy Detachment has been recognized and truly appreciated,” said Major Melissa Irvine, officer commanding. “Opening early to let us grab coffee for our personnel in the field, kind words, and a smile are all small acts of kindness that make a profound difference to our morale. You and your staff are a bright reminder that kindness is free.”
