Former Escort Officer Experiences

Hi, my name is Stephanie O’Donnell. As the Regional Manager of Human Resources, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as the Show Tour Escort Officer for the Op-REASSURANCE Show Tour in May 2024, featuring Finger Eleven and comedian Chuck Byrn.

In my role as Show Tour Escort Officer, I was responsible for meeting the band and comedian at Toronto's airport and accompanying them to Latvia. I ensured they were comfortably settled into their hotel and addressed any questions or concerns they had. Additionally, I acted as the liaison between the performers and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), ensuring that schedules were adhered to and that both parties had everything they needed. My responsibilities also included facilitating interactions between the performers and CAF members, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and boosting morale. The role was very rewarding, providing me with invaluable experiences and the chance to contribute to the well-being of our deployed troops.

During the late afternoons and evenings, I had the pleasure of dining and exploring downtown Riga with Chuck and Finger Eleven. We often ended our evenings with a nightcap at the bar on the 26th floor of our hotel, which offered stunning views of the city. The band members and Chuck were incredibly friendly and down-to-earth, making the experience truly enjoyable. Their genuine warmth and openness allowed for engaging conversations and memorable moments. Whether we were sharing stories over dinner or laughing at Chuck's impromptu jokes, the camaraderie we built was unforgettable. This unique opportunity to connect with such talented and kind individuals added a special dimension to my role and made the entire experience even more rewarding.

Show Tours are highly anticipated events for CAF members being deployed for six months or more. These tours significantly boost morale by providing a much-needed taste of home and a break from the rigors of deployment. The performances offer a moment of joy and relaxation, helping to alleviate the stress and isolation that can accompany long-term deployments. In some cases, Show Tours align with the end of a tour for some members, making them a celebratory reward for their sacrifice and dedication. The presence of familiar entertainment not only lifts spirits but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and connection among the troops, reinforcing the importance of their mission and the support they receive from home.

Being a Show Tour Escort Officer was a true privilege, and I would be thrilled to participate in another tour if given the opportunity.

Serving as the escort officer for a show tour was an unforgettable experience—one that combined operational responsibility with cultural exchange and meaningful connection.

When I was first asked to take on the role, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. The responsibility was significant, but the opportunity to travel and help coordinate such an important morale-boosting initiative for our members was deeply motivating.

The show tour I escorted was for the HMCS TORONTO, while docked in Izmir, Turkey on Canada Day 2019. I lead a small but impactful group: 2 sound technicians, a comedian (Lars Callieou), and a single musician (Dean Brody) with his guitar and broken hand. Their performances brought laughter and music to our deployed personnel, offering a heartfelt tribute to their service. Dean’s ability to play through the pain a testament to how important giving this performance to the ship’s crew was to him.

This tour held personal significance for me. I had been supporting this ship’s crew remotely throughout their deployment, coordinating their Home Leave Travel Assistance. Meeting them in person allowed me to connect faces to names and express appreciation for their dedication.

Beyond the performance, we had the chance to explore the local culture, sampling regional cuisine, participating in cultural activities, and embracing the landscape and history of Izmir. These experiences enriched our journey and deepened our appreciation for the host country.

Equally memorable was the camaraderie that developed within our group. Working, traveling, and sharing excursions together fostered strong bonds and a spirit of teamwork. I remain in regular contact with many of them, a testament to the lasting connections formed.

In short, I highly recommend this experience to others. It was professionally rewarding, personally meaningful, and a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we bring people together through art, service, and shared purpose.