Friday, November 7th was the Milton Menace’s 3rd Annual Canadian Forces Appreciation night.
Today, marks the 107th Armistice of World War One. On this day, soldiers laid down their arms, at the 11th hour to end “The War to end all wars”. Fridays ceremony marked this occasion and honoured those lost in the fight, those who came home with lifelong scars, and those who continue to serve and defend our great nation. We honour the freedoms that we now enjoy, because of their sacrifice.
The Milton Menace were honoured to have with us extraordinary Canadians who have chosen to serve and protect our country and way of life.
Honoured Guests:
Escort to the Canadian Flag: Warrant Officer 1st Class Lee Wo is the Squadron Chief Warrant Officer at 820 Chris Hadfield, the Air Cadets of Milton. The past two years, she has been a member of the National Cadet Advisory Council, representing and creating recommendations impacting over 60,000 cadets. Earlier this year she was presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. In her free time, she volunteers at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 136, and she is in her final year of high school.
The Canadian Flag Bearer and Friday’s Flag Party Commander is Master Warrant Officer Jenna Farwaha. She is the current Company Sergeant Major of the 2990 Lorne Scots Royal Canadian Army Cadets here in Milton. MWO Farwaha has been in a member of the Milton Army Cadets for 3 years now and spent one year prior in the Milton Sea Cadets. She has held the position of Flag Party Commander and the Standards Cadet and is now Drill and Ceremonial Instructor certified after successfully completing her course at Rocky Mountain Training Centre in Alberta this summer.
The 2nd Escort to the Flag is Chief Petty Officer Second Class Mhari O’Donnell, joined NLCC Compass Rose in 2017 and has served as Guard Commander, Flag Party Commander, RPO, and now Coxswain. With five years in sea cadets and entering her sixth, she’s been recognized with the Legion Medal of Excellence and was awarded the CO’s Coin at Quadra CTC for outstanding leadership in high-stress situations.
A lifelong Milton resident whose deep family legacy includes grandparents, parents, uncles, and cousins who served in both World Wars and peacetime across Canadian and British forces. She continues that tradition of service through her leadership in the Royal Canadian Legion as 2nd Vice President and Chair of Membership, Honours & Awards for Branch 136 Milton—Judi Bonnar.
Serving in the Cadet Instructor Cadre since 2017, she is currently the Administration Officer for 2990 Lorne Scots Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. She also promotes the Canadian Cadet Program through community events as the Unit Public Affairs Representative. — Captain Shannon Pecore
Serving our community since joining 304 RCSCC Chaudiere as a cadet in 1988, this local CAF member has 6 years of cadet service and 28 years as a Cadet Instructor Cadre member of the Canadian Armed Forces. Totaling 32 years of dedication and initiatives within the Canadian Cadet Organizations. Please welcome, Lieutenant (N) Monika Hannon, CD.
A dedicated veteran whose 38-year career in the Canadian Army Reserves included leadership roles in artillery units across British Columbia and Ontario, alongside a successful civilian career in chemical research and management. He’s been honoured with the Officer of the Order of Military Merit, Member of the Order of the Hospital of St. John, the Canada 125 Medal, Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, King Charles III Coronation Medal, Canadian Forces Decoration with two bars, and the Order of St. John Long Service Medal with one bar. Now the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 136 President, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Bob Elliott, CD.
A distinguished veteran and accomplished financial leader who served 26 years in the South African Naval Reserve. He currently holds leadership roles as 1st Vice President and Sergeant at Arms of Branch 136 Milton, and Parade Marshall for Ontario District B of the Royal Canadian Legion. He’s a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute and a Chartered Professional Accountant, serving as treasurer for both the N.O.A.C. Toronto Branch Scholarship Fund and Milton Toastmasters. A proud husband, father, and grandfather—retired Lieutenant Commander Richard Lewis.
Miltonian and a lifelong supporter of youth and service whose journey began as a teen cadet with 820 Chris Hadfield Squadron. She has since dedicated over 25 years to the Canadian Cadet Organization—first as a civilian, then as a member of the Cadet Instructor Cadre in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves. Her mentorship has inspired many cadets to join the military, including two who served in Afghanistan. In civilian life, she’s an educator in Halton and Waterloo Regions and seasoned executive with over 22 years in the OJHL, currently serving as Manager of Sales & Advertising with the Menace—Captain Jade Wiseman, CD.
This night wasn’t just about hockey. It was about gratitude, remembrance, and community. Thank you to the veterans, active members & cadets who continue to serve with courage and honour.
Lest We Forget.
