MOOSE JAW — 15 Wing Air Base has honoured five residents with a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) centennial coin for the values and behaviours they exhibit that align with the Canadian Armed Forces’ ethos.
The base handed out the coins to Donna Fritzke, John Thomson, LJ Tyson, Lucille Gilliand and Alexis Epp during a traditional military honours and awards ceremony on Oct. 30. The residents are now part of the 100 Coins to 100 Canadians centennial initiative that the RCAF is promoting to recognize people who demonstrate RCAF values.
The specific values that individuals must exhibit include loyalty, integrity, courage, excellence, inclusion and/or accountability. Furthermore, people considered worthy of recognition must have a positive effect within their communities.
Col. D. S. Coutts, 15 Wing Base Commander, and Chief Warrant Officer R.I. Fox handed out the coins to the recipients.
Coin recipients
Donna Fritzke
Donna Fritzke is a fundraising co-ordinator for the Moose Jaw Humane Society and has enhanced the shelter’s care for abandoned pets through innovative fundraising.
Her bookstore initiatives, including a partnership with Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, have raised nearly $2,000 monthly and totalled $26,000 in 2023. With community support and volunteer dedication, her efforts address book excess and strengthen community backing for the shelter's mission.
John Thomson
John Thomson is a dedicated volunteer at the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank who has demonstrated exceptional leadership during a crisis caused by a water leak. He launched a successful six-day GoFundMe campaign, raising nearly $24,000 to cover repair costs and enabling the food bank to reopen quickly.
Supported by businesses and a compassionate community, Thomson’s initiative highlighted the resilience and solidarity of Moose Jaw and showcased the powerful effect of community action in times of need.
LJ Tyson
LJ Tyson, a Cree/Metis folk-pop artist, has turned his journey as a queer Indigenous person into a source of inspiration through his music. His heartfelt song, “Home on a Rainbow,” reflects the challenges he faced growing up in rural Saskatchewan and serves as a beacon of hope for others navigating similar struggles.
Recognized with a special distinction award from the SOCAN Foundation’s TD Indigenous Songwriter Award, Tyson aims to connect diverse audiences and deliver powerful messages of acceptance and resilience. By sharing his story, he not only celebrates his identity but also fosters understanding and encourages others to embrace their true selves.
Lucille Gilliand
Lucille Gilliland, executive director of the Â鶹´«Ã½AVwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre, has been pivotal in leading a critical fundraising campaign to prevent the venue’s closure due to unexpected renovation costs exceeding $200,000.
Under her leadership, the centre has organized several fundraisers to rally community support. A respected educator, Gilliland received the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education in 2013 for her innovative teaching methods.
Since 1975, the daycare has cared for over 2,000 children, providing welcoming and safe early learning experiences, particularly for those with special needs. Her commitment to preserving this vital resource highlights the effect of dedicated leadership in challenging times.
Alexis Epp
At just 22, Alexis Epp transformed her struggles with mental illness into a powerful initiative to help young people. She co-created “Mental Wellness 30,” a groundbreaking course for high school and university students in Saskatchewan, designed to equip them with tools to manage anxiety and depression.
Launched by the Sun West Distance Learning Centre, the course emphasizes prevention and self-care, fostering a supportive environment for students. Epp's dedication to improving mental health education ensures that young people do not feel alone in their struggles, while she continues to have a lasting effect on her community.
