5th Canadian Division appoints new honorary colonels

Irene d’Entremont of Yarmouth was appointed honorary colonel of 84th Independent Field Battery

Ten honorary colonels and honorary lieutenant-colonels have been appointed to units throughout the 5th Canadian Division within the past nine months. All appointments were made by Defence Minister

Harjit Sajjan upon the recommendation of General Jonathan Vance, chief of the defence staff.

The appointments included

Irene d’Entremont of Yarmouth, who was appointed honorary colonel of the 84th Independent Field Battery.

Honorary colonels and honorary lieutenant-colonels are vital to fostering esprit de corps within their communities, says a media release.

Through their established relationships and reputations, they build and develop community support by enhancing the public profile of the women and men of the Canadian Army. “Honoraries” are seen to be the guardians of military traditions and history, promoting regimental identity and ethos, and for providing critical support to commanders and commanding officers.

“I offer my sincere appreciation to our new cadre of honorary colonels and honorary lieutenant-colonels of the 5th Canadian Division,” said Brigadier-General Roch Pelletier, commander, 5th Canadian Division. “I know they will be tireless in their support to our soldiers and deeply committed in their efforts to promote the interests of our women and men in uniform.”

Also welcoming the appointments was Paul Hindo, honorary colonel of the Canadian Army.

“My sincere congratulations to the honorary colonels and lieutenant-colonels of the 5th Canadian Division as you join the Canadian Army family,” he said. “I believe you will find your time rewarding as you learn about our great women and men in uniform and develop a deep appreciation for the history and heritage of the units you will so proudly represent in the coming years.”