Annual wing awards recognize strength, leadership, success
Coffee, muffins and 14 Wing Greenwood’s sports best: the annual Sports Awards were hosted May 15, kicking off a wing-wide day all about being active, together.
While 400-plus people took off later in the morning on the 10K and 5K RCAF Run routes, several hundred arrived early to watch work peers be recognized for 2025 sports success: individually, as a team, official or supporter.
“This is a great turnout,” said Colonel Luc Vachon. “Sports is not simply activity: participation is our strength, and a fitness mentality helps us grow and be ready. A lot of today’s recipients are leading and representing our wing.”
Wing Chief Warrant Officer Justin Harper was also pleased to look over the crowd, in a mix of PT gear, run-ready; or in military dress of the day, attending the awards to support peers, but then heading back to the office or hangar floor for the day’s work.
“Thank you for coming out, supporting each other, and supporting sport,” Harper said. “Sports deeply connects us, but there is so much more going on: it supports readiness, wellness and our team.”
Vachon also thanked wing members for nominating potential wing Sports Awards recipients, acknowledging the time and thought the process does take.
Harper was recognized for multi-sport versatility, discipline and leadership, including acting as the Annapolis Mess sports representative. She won rowing gold with an elite six woman team in St. John’s at two regional regattas, and turned to powerlifting when posted to 14 Wing. She won powerlifting gold in the 84 kg class and silver as second strongest overall female at the Gagetown Atlantic Region meet.
(Left) and 14 Wing Greenwood Chief Warrant Officer Harper (Right),
goes to Sergent Bertrand (Middle) at the Annapolis Mess at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia on May 15, 2026.
Please Credit: Corporal Fazal Roy 14 Wing Greenwood.
Kennedy has won multiple major titles in strength athletes: Canada’s Strongest Man (U105 kg) in 2024, national deadlift record (727 lbs), oldest athlete to earn pro status without competing in a master’s division, consecutive Nova Scotia’s Strongest Man victories (2022–2025), and a 16th place finish (U105KG) at the Official Strongman Games World Championships in Texas (2025). He is a consistent top tier FORCE finisher, and consistently demonstrates resilience, leadership and sustained high performance.
Knight has a team-first attitude, demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship, a dedication to personal growth and keeps a supportive and encouraging demeanor. He is humble, resilient and unwaveringly enthusiastic.
Gagnon has acted as the both the Atlantic Region referee-in-chief and the CAF hockey officiating manager, demonstrating outstanding leadership, professionalism, technical expertise, sound judgment and sustained excellence: he has the deep respect of his peers. He is a previous runner up for the CAF top official award.
Bertrand brings both balanced leadership and on field performance to the 14 Wing men’s slo-pitch team, resulting in a CAF Atlantic second place finish in 2025. He led structured training and focused on skill development, elevating both individual and team performance and creating a cohesive and resilient team. He displays composure under pressure, and made a defining impact on the season.
The Bar Benders collectively demonstrate a dominant, cohesive and unwavering commitment to excellence. Members are deeply embedded in the local lifting community, and are formidable competitors. Their team-first culture makes them strong CAF ambassadors, and contributes to their unmatched competitive success.
Arsenault demonstrates exceptional sportsmanship, respect, integrity and a positive attitude. As a team setter, she is committed to personal growth and athletic development, and maintains upbeat energy, a sense of humour and is a supportive presence. She is a positive role model for her teammates.
