Commitment and dedication rewarded
Her dedication and commitment to volunteering for the Kings County army cadets has led to special recognition from the Governor General of Canada.
Corporal Joan Dorey of Cambridge, a full-time primary reservist with 5 CDTC who works at Camp Aldershot, was presented with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers at a Commanding Officers Parade earlier this month.
Dorey first got involved with volunteering as an army cadet parent, as both of her sons went through the program. After her boys moved on, she recognized the 2444 Kings County Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC) was growing so she continued volunteering.
Dorey discovered she would be receiving the award after the Governor General’s office called her home while she was working this summer. Her husband called her, saying she had to call the number they had left right away. Dorey asked who it was but her husband wasn’t sure.
“When I called and she answered the phone ‘Governor General of Canada’s office’, I said I think I have the wrong number,” Dorey said.
She double-checked with her husband to make sure he had given her the correct number, but he had. Dorey thought she may have transposed the digits, so she called again. The woman asked Dorey if she was receiving an award or presenting one and, not knowing, Dorey told her “no.” The woman asked Dorey who she was looking for but Dorey told her she didn’t know.
“It was probably about two weeks later that they called me at home and they got me,” Dorey said.
She said it’s great to be recognized by the Governor General and the cadets and hopes it will serve as an incentive for others to volunteer. Also, Dorey recognizes cadets might not be a good fit for all children but, if they stick with it and put the effort in, it can be a transformative and highly beneficial experience.
2444 Kings County RCACC Com- manding Officer Captain Mandy Forbes described Dorey as a “highly committed” volunteer who is happy to offer help in any way she can.
Forbes said they were excited to learn Dorey would be the recipient of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. It’s a great feeling to have a staff member recognized, especially with such an important medal. Dorey has volunteered with the cadet corps for eight years.
“Joan is a hard worker and valuable member of our team,” Forbes said. “As a volunteer, she chooses to help and doesn’t seek recognition.”
Forbes said since they are a larger cadet corps, there is a lot of paperwork and files to manage. Dorey has also used skills gained through her military career to help the unit’s administration staff keep the paperwork well organized and up-to-date, easing the burden on them.
Cadets is open to ages 12 to 18. Participants are taught leadership, mentoring, citizenship and physical fitness and learn marksmanship, map and compass and bush craft skills. Regular training for 2444 RCACC takes place at Camp Aldershot every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m.