A 14 Wing Greenwood member was recently recognized with an Excellence in Defence Award, for her personal commitment to connection, community and reconciliation.
Master Corporal Crystal Brown, with 14 Air Maintenance Squadron’s Quality Management office, was presented the award for Inclusive Excellence and Reconciliation at the October 5 2026 Celebrating Excellence Awards ceremony, held at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. The event was led by Department of National Defence Senior Associate Deputy Minister Kevin Brosseau and Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan. Ninety-five recipients, sharing 35 awards, were recognized for their contributions in collaboration, leadership, transformation, community engagement and similar areas; highlighting outstanding service to the tradition of excellence the department upholds.
For more than four years, Brown has helped strengthen the relationship between 14 Wing Greenwood, Indigenous communities and the people who call the surrounding area home. As military co-chair of the wing’s Defence Indigenous Advisory Group, Brown has worked closely with Indigenous leaders, elevated Indigenous voices and helped bring reconciliation into the everyday life of the defence community.
Her efforts included coordinating cultural initiatives, such as the raising of a tee pee at the base entrance and personally painting an Indigenous-themed crosswalk near 14 Wing headquarters: visible reminders of inclusion, respect and relationship-building. Most significantly, Brown was entrusted by the community to become an Eagle Staff Carrier, an honour reflecting profound trust and cultural responsibility. Her service extends further, as she consistently and compassionately supports military families facing hardship, strengthening morale and quietly ensuring others feel recognized and cared for.
“Her selfless approach to service, coupled with an unwavering commitment to ensuring people feel valued, respected and included, exemplifies the transformative power of inclusive leadership,” the program announced. “Through action, humility, and sustained commitment, Master Corporal Brown has helped build a community where reconciliation is not simply discussed, it is lived.”
Brown says being nominated and receiving the award is an honour.
“I have a great supporting wing here that recognizes all the behind the scenes work and love I have put into this DIAG over the years.”
