SAR Tech of the Year Award 2024

Posted to 426 Sqn in July of 2023, Sgt Barker very quickly assumed her duties preparing to teach new C130H students. Despite this work load, she volunteered herself to help at 424 Sqn and very quickly stepped into an instructor and standards role. Additionally she steps in holding numerous standby shifts, lessening the burden on the schedule. Her extremely kind and jovial demeanour has been a welcome presence at 424 Sqn and her happy disposition brightens the room and aircraft, raising morale and bringing people together. She is often observed taking the extra time to teach new members skills and theory and plans comprehensive check-rides that challenge new members. On top of all this, she is routinely found helping in the day to day of numerous sections; cleaning, fixing and packing equipment, none of which are who duties, nor has she been asked to these tasks. She takes the time to attend standards meetings and makes extremely valuable suggestions and contributions. She has made such an impactful contribution to our section, that most would assume she is posted here, as she carries herself as a professional and very senior member of the occupation. She does so however, without a proud demeanor or without any sort of entitlement or chip on her shoulders. This is testimony to her dedication and commitment to military ethos. She represents the values, ethical principles  and professional expectations outlined in the Canadian Forces manual on Ethos. She is loyal, exhibits excellence in everything she does, is a champion of teamwork and fighting spirit and is a natural leader. She is selfless, self-sacrificing, caring, compassionate, and combined with a tireless professionalism and infectious work ethic, is an ambassador and example of what not only a SAR Tech should be, but what the Canadian Forces hopes to foster in it’s members.