General News

When one's two loves in life come together it can be a magical moment.

And that magical moment for 1 Wing's Warrant Officer Liz White came when she carried her country's flag on horseback during the opening ceremonies for Sudbury's North American Professional Cowboy Tour end July.

WO White, 1 Wing Headquarters A3 Standards Flight Engineer, was more than happy to volunteer her time - not to mention - riding and military expertise during the Extreme Rodeo Tour where the local Recruiting Centre's set up a booth.

"There were over 3,000 people daily passing through the gates and ultimately visiting the recruiting booth especially in between the rodeo events," she said.

The rodeo was a prime venue, said WO White, to "Connect with Canadians" under the Op CONNECTION recruiting initiative - especially Canadians not familiar with all the CF has to offer career and life experience wise.

 "It was worthwhile because it brought a public light to the military in a non-military community," she added.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier stated that recruitment is the CF's number one priority. Hence the inception of Op CONNECTION this February - a catalyst to create a long-term revitalized recruiting campaign with a goal of making Canadians aware of the many facets of the Canadian Forces, as well as the opportunities a career with the CF has to offer.

"When I was approached by Major Daniel Veillette, Commanding Officer CFRC Ottawa, he knew of my passion for horses and for the military," said WO White, who has been riding dressage style for 14 years.

CF members from all three branches were on hand to answer questions and provide first-hand experiences and advice to rodeo goers interested in a career in the Canadian Forces.

For WO White, who has been involved with the military for almost three decades, said it was her involvement with the Air Cadet youth organization that sparked her interest in a career in the forces.

"I started wearing an uniform at age 14 when I joined 58 Squadron in Kingston (Ontario)," she said. "And never took it off." WO White joined the CF as an Air Frame Technician (Rigger) and occupational transferred to Flight Engineer in 1993.

"I wanted to be front line - part of the action - not just hearing the stories," she laughed. "And Tactical Aviation (1 Wing) is the place to do it."