Article by: Capt Kyle Ho, Program Officer
Recently the Commanding Officer (CO) of Real Property Operations Unit (West) (RPOU-W), Lieutenant Colonel Johnathan Hallett visited Real Property Operations Detachment Wainwright (RPOD-W) to celebrate significant achievements and milestones within the unit.
The promotion of Capt Bryon Boyes who originally joined the Reserve Force in 1998 in Trail B.C as a Field Engineer. After multiple deployments and successful postings, in 2022, then WO Boyes, was selected for the commission from the ranks program, and promoted to Lieutenant. To celebrate his commissioning achievements, Lt Boyes received a posting to Wainwright in 2023. After a year and half working in programs and operations in the infrastructure stream, Capt Boyes was promoted to his current rank on in July.
The promotion of MCpl Mitchell LeBlanc. MCpl LeBlanc joined the CAF in 2016 as an Electrical Generator System (EGS) technician. During their posting to Cold Lake from 2017 - 2022, they were deployed on Operation REASSURANCE, Operation CARIBBE, and Operation IMPACT. In 2023, MCpl Mitchell was posted to RPOD-W in the production section.
Craig Robertson was awarded the CO’s coin. Craig received the CO’s Coin for their exceptional handling of an emergency involving frozen sprinklers within Building 673. Craig’s quick and efficient response enabled them to identify and isolate the frozen and damaged sections of the fire suppression system. Their expertise prevented further damage to the fire suppression system and the building fixtures, showcasing their critical problem-solving skills and dedication to maintaining operational safety.
Troy Ronjom was awarded the CO’s coin. Troy received the award on 24 Jun 24 for their professionalism and meticulous work completing water line changes within the new Community Center. After tests revealed lead contamination in the water lines, Troy’s methodical approach ensured the copper pipe replacement was carried out with minimal disruption to the building’s fixtures and finishes. Their efforts eradicated lead contamination and preserved the building’s aesthetic integrity, reflecting their commitment to high standards and quality.
Reana Szabo-Mansfield was recognized on 24 Jun 24 with a CO’s coin for their rapid adaptation and improvements as the Real Property Clerk. Their initiative to develop a visual aid to track mineral rights and development within the Regional Training Area (RTA) significantly enhanced data management efficiency. The visual aid, which was also provided to Natural Resources in Ottawa, was praised for its ease of use and effectiveness in helping staff and end users quickly identify stakeholders. Reana’s innovation has significantly contributed to streamlining operations and data accessibility.
In addition to these commendations and promotions, RPOU-W CO also presented Captain John Hufnagel with their commissioning scroll. Captain Hufnagel joined the CAF in 2013 and was posted to 1 CER after completing their Bachelor of Engineering and phase training. Captain Hufnagel gained exposure to RPOU (Pacific) during their on-job employment, which paved the way for a career in the infrastructure stream. After their employment as the heavy equipment troop commander and a deployment on Operation REASSURANCE, Captain Hufnagel was posted to RPOU-W HQ as the program officer managing over $151 million dollars of operating budget. They received VCDS commendation in 2023 for their forward planning in program management.
Congratulations to all the recipients.
CHIMO!