14 Air Reserve marks milestone enlistment
“I always wanted to, circumstances changed so I could – and here I am.”
Austen Purdy, from Sackville – now Aviator Austen Purdy, after his June 11 swearing-in to the Royal Canadian Air Force Air Reserve as a new air operations support technician (AOS Tech) – worked for nine years at IMP Aerospace on the CP140 Aurora. He and his partner, Corporal Robin Sheaves, a supply technician for the past five years and now posted at 5th Canadian Division Support Group Garrison Aldershot; have just bought a house. Purdy is waiting for his basic training start date – “hopefully July.
“I’m ready for it.”
14 Air Reserve marked a significant milestone with the June 11 swearing-in: seven new members enlisted at one event, its biggest ever, and the largest inject of Reserve personnel destined to support 14 Wing Greenwood operations. Candidates and their families were welcomed to the Birchall Theatre ceremony by Deputy Wing Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Damon Murray, who, immediately, gave them a reason to think they’ve chosen well with the promotion of Officer Cadet Dailyn Slute to second lieutenant. Slute enrolled with the reserves in February, went through basic training and now moves into the job of Deputy Wing Commander Branch’s administration officer.
“This is the exact same position I was in 14 years ago as a Reservist,” Murray said. “You now have that time to become a Regular Force lieutenant-colonel!”
Slute was also the first person whose application file 14 Air Reserve recruiting and attractions Master Corporal Jenna Howe oversaw from initial inquiry to swearing-in. Getting seven more people’s applications to this stage, at various points from when she came into the role last year, and all ready for their swearing-in at the same time; prompted the larger-than-normal ceremony.
“It’s amazing,” said 14 Air Reserve Major Fred Stanley. “We hire based on vacancies here in Greenwood, and we’ve been out planting seeds, visiting schools, being part of Cadet visits, out in the community at events – we’re out there, working hard, passing out cards… We’re not subtle!
“It doesn’t mean these recruits are going to stay in Greenwood – they could eventually go Regular Force; they could be posted with a spouse; they could be young, and just trying the military….”
“We’re growing on the wing, bringing people in – the more of you we have, the better!” added Murray. “As each of you steps forward, do so with confidence and pride. You’re now part of something greater than yourself – a force that protects Canada, and represents us at home and abroad. Your journey starts today – we can’t wait to see where you all go in your future.”
Along with Purdy, enlistees included Aviator Sarah Doman, human resources administrator; Aviator Jasmine Brushett, Aviator Lucas Scott, Aviator Jackson Arenburg, all AOS Techs; Aviator Summer Jamer, mobile support equipment operator; and Aviator Iryna Sakalova, financial services administrator.
Sakalova comes to the 14 Air Reserve from previous on-wing work with the Non Public Funds accounting office and the Canadian Forces Housing Agency. She moved to Canada in 2007 from Belarus, and speaks French, Russian and English.
“I’m 52 – I could be 53 when I get the basic training date,” Sakalova says. “I’m prepared: the physical? I’m not worried about that! I’m more worried about the classes, all in English. But, financial services is my objective: I like it, and I’ll follow that.”
