2023 Award Winners

• 

  Sgt. Valery Switzer

  CAF Female Athlete of the year View Bio
  

  Sgt. Valery Switzer

  CAF Female Athlete of the year

  Sgt. Valery Switzer, a dedicated powerlifter from CFB Kingston, has achieved remarkable success on the international stage this past year. She secured second place in the 82.5kg open raw category at the Canadian Powerlifting League Provincials and triumphed with a first-place finish at the Nationals. Valery’s crowning achievement was winning the World Champion title in the same category at the International Powerlifting League Worlds in Coventry, UK. Balancing her roles as a primary caregiver, managing the largest section within CFB Kingston Base Transport, and pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, is a testament to her extraordinary resolve and dedication. It reinforces the ideology that with focus, hard work and resilience, one can overcome life’s challenges and achieve greatness.   Sgt. Switzer’s level of commitment, dedication and passion is nothing short of astounding and makes her the ideal candidate for Female Athlete of the Year. 
• 

  Master Corporal Jordan Stewart

  CAF Male Athlete of the year View Bio
  

  Master Corporal Jordan Stewart

  CAF Male Athlete of the year

  Master Corporal Jordan Stewart’s unconventional journey to Taekwondo excellence defines his candidacy for this award. Rising from humble beginnings and overcoming weight challenges, Jordan transformed his life through martial arts. His perseverance led to a bold weight class change, demanding a new fighting style and speed. Despite setbacks and self-doubt, his tenacity never wavered. He remained resilient through these times by finding comfort in the unwavering support of his comrades, and he continued to work hard, balancing the demands of full-time service, while staying committed to his athletic pursuit. Jordan’s impressive track record includes top ten placements in 4 different international championships this past year, and a first place at the Canadian Olympic Qualification. Aiming for gold at the World Military Taekwondo Championships, MCpl.Stewart is not just an athlete; he is an inspiration, embodying mental fortitude and the power to overcome adversity.
• 

  Sargeant Derek Brown

  CAF Coach of the year View Bio
  

  Sargeant Derek Brown

  CAF Coach of the year

  Sergeant Derek Brown is a beacon of leadership in CAF sports and has been a key element of the 8 Wing Trenton Flyers Hockey Team since 2016. His unwavering passion and commitment have not only guided and developed female athletes, but also championed gender parity in sports, fighting for equal opportunity and access for all athletes.  He was able to unlock hidden potential and maximize performance of players by encouraging them, developing their skills and believing in themselves.  He encouraged hard work and skill development in a highly motivating, respectful and fun environment. 
  
  Under Derek’s mentorship, the 2023 season saw the Trenton Flyers women’s team clinch gold at both Regional and National Championships. A good team starts with a great coach who is dependable, committed, and who has the enthusiasm and motivation to propel a team forward; traits Sgt. Brown possesses in excess. He is a role model within the CAF Sports community and is highly respected by his peers and the athletes he serves. 
   
• 

  Chief Warrant Officer Donald Farr

  CAF Official of the year View Bio
  

  Chief Warrant Officer Donald Farr

  CAF Official of the year

  Chief Warrant Officer Donald Farr continues to utilize his more than 30 years of experience as a high-level softball official to continually build the program, both within the CAF, and the local, provincial, and national levels. An international World Baseball Softball Confederation and Level 5 Softball Canada official, Donald’s expertise is recognized across the field. In 2023, he officiated gold medal games at Western Cups and was selected for the inaugural World Slo-Pitch Championships in Mexico. Locally, he led Vancouver Island tournaments and served as the Umpire in Charge for the BC Softball Association's provincial championship, while also working on the field and officiating the gold medal game. Off the field, he has enhanced the officiating program, increased the number of officials and improved league standards. CWO Farr’s leadership and development efforts have earned widespread acclaim and a perfect recipient for this year’s Official of the Year.
• 

  8 Wing Flyers women’s hockey team

  CAF Team of the year View Bio
  

  8 Wing Flyers women’s hockey team

  CAF Team of the year

  In 2023, the 8 Wing Flyers women’s hockey team demonstrated exceptional dedication and hard work. They played exhibition games against local civilian teams and maintained consistent weekly practices, balancing personal and family commitments, as well as operational demands. To further hone their skills, they joined the 8 Wing Hockey League, becoming the only women’s team in a predominantly male league. At the Ontario Regional Women’s Hockey Championship, the Flyers went undefeated, securing a gold medal with a 5-0-0 record.  At the CAF National Women’s Hockey Championships, the Flyers faced stiff competition, and had several close games, including an overtime loss to Valcartier. However, they persevered and defeated Halifax in the final in a thrilling overtime victory to secure the gold.  The coaching staff and leadership cultivated a respectful, fun and motivating environment, which was crucial to the team’s success. Their commitment and teamwork earned them the distinguished Team of the Year award.

Honour Roll

• 

  Major (Ret’d) Jason Burt

  Honour Roll View Bio
  

  Major (Ret’d) Jason Burt

  Honour Roll

  Major (Ret’d) Jason Burt stands as a paragon of athletic excellence and leadership within the Canadian Armed Forces. With nearly three decades of service, his contributions to military sports, especially basketball, are unparalleled.
  
  Starting as a cadet at the Royal Military College (RMC), Jason excelled in both basketball and soccer, showcasing exceptional talent and leadership. Throughout his career he led teams to multiple national championships, earning admiration for his skills, determination and work ethic.
  
  Beyond his athletic prowess, Jason has also distinguished himself as a leader. As a member of the Basketball CISM team, he served as captain and program manager, fostering a culture of excellence, he championed gender equality in military sports, advocated for women’s Nationals CISM basketball in 2012 and revived the Men’s CISM basketball in the mid-2000s.
  
  Major (Ret’d) Burt’s unparalleled achievements and unwavering leadership, from his early days as a cadet at RMC to his distinguished service, makes him a deserving candidate as a CAF Honour Roll recipient. 
• 

  Master Corporal (ret'd) Shane Wannamaker

  Honour Roll View Bio
  

  Master Corporal (ret'd) Shane Wannamaker

  Honour Roll

  Master Corporal (ret'd) Shane Wannamaker is highly endorsed by the Canadian Armed Forces Hockey Officials for his exceptional dedication to the CAF Sports Program. As a Military Police Officer, his commitment extends beyond his primary duties, having volunteered for 19 years in the CAF Hockey Officiating Program. His passion for hockey and adherence to fairness and sportsmanship have earned him widespread respect.
  
  Shane’s leadership is evident in his innovative design of the CAF Hockey Officials jersey, unifying officials across provinces and enhancing their professionalism. In his role as Chief Official, for both the Women’s and Men’s Hockey program, his ability to guide and instruct, from junior NCMs to senior officers, to rookies to senior officials, showcases his adaptive leadership skills. 
  
  With nearly two decades of contributions, MCpl Wannamaker exemplifies the highest ideals of the Canadian Armed Forces. His unwavering commitment to excellence, both on and off ice, makes him a role model and a true asset to the organization. His legacy will inspire future generations of service members.
   
• 

  Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Line Laurendeau

  Honour Roll View Bio
  

  Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Line Laurendeau

  Honour Roll

  Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Line Laurendeau has been a cornerstone of CAF women’s hockey since its inception in 1997. Her multifaceted involvement as a goaltender, coach, referee, and ambassador has profoundly shaped the sport. As a player, she was the star goalie for the Esquimalt Base Team from 1999-2014, leading them to a gold medal while also mentoring younger players.
  
  Transitioning to coaching, Line dedicated herself to developing aspiring goalies across various levels, including Pee Wee, Bantam AA, and Women’s Midget AAA. Her influence extended to officiating, where she served as CAF Women’s Referee in Chief and officiated at prestigious events like the 2016 CARHA and 2023 Hockey World Cup.
  
  Appointed CAF Hockey Co-Patron in 2023, she has championed gender equality, increased visibility for CAF hockey, and fostered collaboration with Hockey Canada. CPO1 Laurendeau’s tireless dedication and leadership have earned her immense respect, making her a deserving candidate for recognition as a CAF Honour Roll recipient.
• 

  Master Corporal Scott Makischuk

  Honour Roll View Bio
  

  Master Corporal Scott Makischuk

  Honour Roll

  Master Corporal Scott Makischuk has been a pivotal figure in the Canadian Armed Forces Soccer program for nearly two decades.  His contributions to the CAF soccer program are unmatched, earning numerous accolades, including MVP and Golden Boot Winner for being the highest scorer in various CAF Regional and Championships, as well as civilian leagues. Makischuk is also a dedicated mentor, using a personalized approach to teach others the skills he has perfected, aiming to help future teams achieve regional and national titles.
  
  Scott’s natural goal-scoring ability as a striker sets him apart in the history of NCR soccer. His instinctive positioning, ball control, and powerful, accurate shots have made him a dominant force, amassing hundreds of goals over his career. He has also played a key role in managing club teams and facilitating mergers to enhance player development. His efforts in connecting the CAF with local communities through charity tournaments have further solidified his legacy. MCpl Makischuk’s profound impact on CAF soccer makes him a deserving member of the CAF Honour Roll.
• 

  Master Warrant Officer Jeffery Bartlett

  Honour Roll View Bio
  

  Master Warrant Officer Jeffery Bartlett

  Honour Roll

  Master Warrant Officer Jeffery Bartlett has been a dedicated representative of CAF Sports for over 20 years. His commitment to multiple sports, coaching, and community programs is remarkable. Throughout his 22-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, he has competed in over 40 regional competitions in slo-pitch, basketball, and volleyball, earning multiple regional MVP awards. He has also participated in 18 National Championships, representing various regions and receiving numerous MVP and All-Star team awards. 
  
  Beyond his athletic achievements, Jeffery has devoted personal time to coaching sports within the CAF and his communities. His dedication earned him the 2022-23 Comox Volunteer of the Year award for his contributions to coaching and volunteering. An avid volleyball, basketball, and softball player and coach, he has competed in local and provincial tournaments across Canada. WO Bartlett’s accomplishments, dedication to sports and coaching make him a deserving member of the honour roll.

Outstanding Contribution

• 

  Master Sailor Fraser MacQueen

  Outstanding Contribution View Bio
  

  Master Sailor Fraser MacQueen

  Outstanding Contribution

  Master Sailor Fraser MacQueen has been a pivotal figure for the CFSG-OG Base Ball Hockey Team since 2016. Being in the reserves, he also serves as a Department of National Defense employee. Serving as both captain and manager, he has single-handedly kept the sport alive in the area, even as it has faded at other CAF bases. Known for his leadership and dedication, Fraser is a role model for new players and encourages participation at all levels. His hard work and sportsmanship have earned him widespread respect. In the fall of 2023, he finished as the leading scorer in the Hat Trick Ball Hockey League. MS MacQueen’s efforts ensure that CAF members in Ottawa can play competitive ball hockey year-round.
• 

  Joanna Jarrett

  Outstanding Contribution View Bio
  

  Joanna Jarrett

  Outstanding Contribution

  Joanna Jarrett has been a dedicated athletic trainer within the CAF and CISM since 1999. Initially supporting CISM and regional programs in the Naval Reserve, she continued her role in the Canadian Armed Forces Athletic Training Program as she transitioned into her role with PSP at 17 Wing Winnipeg. Joanna has supported multiple sports, including running, triathlon, and volleyball, at both the CISM and CAF National levels. For over 16 years, she has been the primary athletic trainer for CISM Swimming and Lifesaving, attending numerous competitions and training camps. Known for her excellent massage and injury prevention skills, Joanna is a key advocate for athletes, providing exceptional support to the coaching and management teams. Her 25 years of service have earned her widespread respect within the CAF Sports and PSP communities.