KAMSACK — A former Kamsack resident was presented with the King’s Coronation Medal during a ceremony June 10 in 麻豆视频port, Man.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tami Marchinko, the daughter of Karen Bodnaryk of Kamsack, who had served as the reviewing officer and guest speaker at the Kamsack air cadets’ annual general review last month, was presented with the medal by Lt.-Col Kim Wilton, Commandant of 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School and a family friend.
Marchinko's husband, Maj Jason Marchinko, and children, Greyson and Lochlan, were present for the presentation and a small number of family and friends attended online.
"The King Charles III Coronation Medal is more than a symbol, it is a celebration of service, of community and of the quiet strength found in everyday acts of leadership, active citizenship and compassion, said Brig. Gen. D.N. Brais, commander Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers, at the King’s Coronation Medal presentation ceremony on June 1.
“The medal's design of 13 triangular shapes, representing Canada's provinces and territories, are arranged in a ring that reminds us of our unity and inclusion and a powerful symbol of equity, continuity, and the cycles of life that connects all of us Canadians."
In Marchinko's position as branch advisor, Brais is the person to whom she is an advisor.
Marchinko was selected for this medal through a nomination process last year and was nominated for several reasons.
“Her dedication to the Cadet Program and Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service (COATS) community can be evidenced in her concurrent dedication to the local training program, the summer training program, and to numerous training and training development projects,” the nomination said. “For 26 of her 35 years, she has been actively involved at the local level of training at seven squadrons and one corps. For six of those years, her time at the corps/squadron was purely volunteer.
“Even in her current role as branch advisor, she still volunteers weekly with the local squadron, completing the day-to-day functions of an administrative officer and mentoring the junior staff,” it said. “While pursuing two degrees, a civilian career, and starting a family, she managed to dedicate 30 summers to working at four cadet training centres (CTCs) across two regions.
“During that time, Marchinko successfully commanded three CTCs where she fostered a safe, inclusive culture and where she strove to ensure all members felt respected, valued, and that they had a voice,” it said. “She balanced all of that while working on numerous training development projects, facilitating e-Learning, and mentoring and instructing on the Senior Officer Training Course.
“In her current role as branch advisor, she is deeply committed to the COATS community and advocating on their behalf. In addition to this, when faced with a shortage of gymnastics coaches in her local community, she volunteered for the training to enable her to fill that role and assist in maintaining the viability of the boys' gymnastics program. She has now been coaching gymnastics for 11 years.”
“I'm humbled and honoured to receive this recognition,” Marchinko said. “Like most CIC officers, I do this because I care about the program, about the cadets, and about helping young people grow into confident, capable leaders.
“We don't do it for recognition, we do it to see the cadets succeed, and to know we played even a small part in their journey.”
Marchinko thanked her family for their patience and support, especially during the time she had spent away.
“Their support and understanding makes it possible for me to do this work, and I'm deeply grateful for that,” she said.
