Cpl Jamie Steeves Comradeship Award 2013

By Capt P.A. Buckingham

On 11 December 2013, the DP1 Armour Crewman graduation was held to mark the successful completion the Armour Crewman course Serial 0004.  Along with the perennial awards for Top Candidate, Top Communicator and Top Weapons Handler, a special comradeship award was presented for the second time.  The Corporal Jamie Steeves Comradeship Award was envisioned by the staff of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps School (RCACS) to honour the memory of an outstanding soldier, comrade and fellow Strathcona who tragically passed away on 31 May 2012, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.  The award was established in his honour in 2013 and is significant because the recipient is not selected by the Instructors of the RCACS, but by his peers.  The trophy awarded to the recipient was donated by Sgt Barker D.T. and Sgt Barker C.C. and consists of an oak pedestal adorned with the head of a Black Bear, symbolizing Cpl Steeves’ courage throughout his long battle.  The award recipient was selected based on the soldier who best embodied the characteristics of Teamwork, good humour and comradeship.  It is intended to recognize the recipient’s character as well as immortalize the memory of Jamie Steeves and the values for which he stood.  The RCACS has been fortunate and honoured to have his widow, Mrs Jocelyn Steeves, present the award to this year’s recipient, and was escorted by the Chief Instructor, Maj Pat McLaughlan, and the DSM, MWO Tom Holland.

The DP1 Armour Crewman course nominated Pte J.G. Comeau, who, continually displayed outstanding co-operation and soldier attributes throughout the Basic Military Qualification (Land).  He consistently supported his peers and fostered teamwork.  I had the honour of working with Cpl Jamie Steeves in 2008 and 2009 and I believe that he would have wholeheartedly concurred with the course’s selection.  Upon graduation Tpr J.G. Comeau also became a proud member of Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians).