Congratulations to our 2019 Volunteer of the year award winners!

Gold prize

Ka Chun (Jason) Tam
Montreal, Canada
Flight Systems Specialist

1,040 hours for 338 Junior Wildcats Brossard Optimist Squadron

Amount : CA$10,000
From : CAE
To : 338 Junior Wildcats Brossard Optimist Squadron

Ka Chun Uason) Tam vo lunteers his time to passing along his passion for aviation to young people through the 338 Junior Wildcats Brossard Optimist Squadron. Last year, he spent more than 20 hours per week leading workshops in robotics, flight simulation and practical activities like flying remote-controlled drones. Every week, a group of more than a dozen 12 to 18 year olds get together for Jason's dynamic learning activities.

The objective of these activities is to foster their interest in the fields of aviation, aerospace and technology. Jason has developed two mobile applications for things like attendance, inspections and weekly messages, empowering members of the group and helping them develop their leadership skills. He invested a great deal of time in the squadron's piloting activity, teaching participants the basics of flying. Jason also helps prepare members of the squadron for their higher education and future careers in aviation. Through practical exams and conducting practice interviews, he teaches students the skills required to get scholarships for flight school and achieve their objective of becoming a pilot.

Jason's dedication to the youth of the 338 Junior Wildcats Brossard Optimist Squadron, his ability to create engaging activities to spark young people's interest in aviation, and the passion he demonstrated with more than 1,040 hours volunteered in 2019 are an inspiration to us all and the reason he has been awarded the 2019 CAE Volunteer of the Year Gold Prize.

Jason, thank you for being such an inspiration!

Silver prizes

Alexander Carothers
Kirtland AFB, United States
HC/MC-130J Pilot/Cl

906 hours for Tuskegee Airmen

Amount : CA$5,000
From : CAE
To : Tuskegee Airmen

At the urging of an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen, Alex first flew an airplane at the age of eight, and the experience set him on course for an amazing career in the United States Air Force. Today, he is paying it forward by providing similar inspiration and knowledge to at-risk youth of New Mexico and other states to pursue transformat ive careers in aerospace and Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM). Every year, his chapter introduces GO young people from underrepresented communities to the exciting world of aviation and STEM by sending them to camp, where they are exposed to careers in aviation by learning how to fly in simulators, fly in real airplanes and build highpowered rockets and by taking a journey to Mars to learn teamwork in difficult conditions.

Alex also presented the Legacy Matters show to over 2,000 students in schools across the state. In his time with the Tuskegee Airmen, Alex has seen young people with failing grades turn t hem around and become air traffic controllers and pilots.

In addition to his work with the Tuskegee Airmen, Alex is involved in several other youth and community organizations. For his dedication to helping young people develop their talents and pursue careers they may not have without his help, Alex is awarded the 2019 CAE Volunteer ot the Year Silver Prize.

Thank you Alex for being such an inspiration!

John "Jay" Bowen
Colorado Springs, United States
Deputy Program Manager

1,256 hours for The American Legion, Neal Thomas Jr. - Centennial Post 209

Amount : CA$5,000
From : CAE
To : The American Legion, Neal Thomas Jr. – Centennial Post 209

John's commitment to honouring veterans and inspiring youth has allowed him to represent the members of The Amer ican Legion and shine a light on the work they do. Through this nonpartisan. non-profit organization?the largest wartime veterans service organization (VSO) in the United States?John dedicates over 100 hours per month volunteering in his community and supporting the four pillars of The American Legion.

Some of his many accomplishments include: establishing the first Colorado American Legion Ham Radio Club and sta1ting the Pikes Peak Veterans Honor Guard to support the new VA National Cemetery in Colorado Springs. He served as Post 209 Commander tor over tour years and also served as State Commander. In addition, he encourages Posts to continue their local community-based support.

He is currently serving as advisor to all Post officers and is a mentor to some. He also serves as the State Americanism Chairman. where he is responsible for all youth and Americanism programs. Lastly, he ensures that homeless veterans receive the care they have earned through service. John is a mentor to many in service of their communities not just in The American Legion, but to other organizations as well. For his tireless hard work and devotion to a great cause, John is awarded the 2019 CAE Volunteer of the Year Silver Prize.

Thank you Jay for your commitment and implication!

Bronze prizes

Angela Rogers
Tampa, United States
Proposal Coordinator

160 hours for OneBlood; The Humane Society of Tampa Bay; Operation Helping Hand Inc.; Habitat for Humanity; Feeding Tampa Bay; Under The Bridge Ministry Inc.; Spring Hill Baptist Church and Ministry

Amount : CA$2,000
From : CAE
To : OneBlood; The Humane Society of Tampa Bay; Operation Helping Hand Inc.; Habitat for Humanity; Feeding Tampa Bay; Under The Bridge Ministry Inc.; Spring Hill Baptist Church and Ministry

Passionate about the ways in which she contributes to her community. Angela embodies the spirit of giving back by volunteering her time to various organizations. She sees these acts of selflessness as way of uplifting the spirits of people and their pets.

In 2019, Angela dedicated 160 hours to feed veterans, build homes and prepare food baskets for the hungry. She also distributed blankets, clothes and personal care items to the homeless and provided food and care for pets. In addition, she has donated six gallons of her blood specifically to cancer, infant, ICU and organ-recipient patients.

Angela demonstrates compassion t hrough these acts of kindness and contributes to building a stronger community. Through her volunteer work, Angela also forges connections with the people she volunteers with as well as with those who are on the receiving end of her work. Leading by example, encouraging others to donate and making volunteer work a way of life are some of the many reasons why Angela is awarded the 2019 CAE Volunteer ot the Year Bronze Prize.

I thank you Angela for being such a passionate volunteer!


Kim Cartlidge
Sarasota, United States
Marketing and Communications Specialist, CAE Healthcare

80 hours for UN Women USA, Gulf Coast Chapter

Amount : CA$2,000
From : CAE
To : UN Women USA, Gulf Coast Chapter

Kim volunteers her time serving on the board, recruiting other volunteers and planning, publicizing and executing events for the Gulf Coast Chapter of UN Women USA Kim's work is very much aligned with CAE's mission to encourage men and women to to persue careers in the aviation and Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) fields.

An amazing ambassador for women, Kim began volunteering for the UN Women USA Gulf Coast Chapter in 2018 because she believes in their mission and appreciates the exposure to global issues affecting women. During one of the events that Kim contributed to last year, Roberta Jameson - a CAE training director and one of the first female C-130 pilots - was brought in to speak to the audience before the screening of the documentary film Fly like a Girl. In addition, Kim and her coworkers recruited a team of CAE employees and their families for the Community Walk to Eliminate Violence Against Women, primarily a fundraising and awareness walk. They also fil led a table at the chapter 's annual luncheon.

Kim volunteered about 80 hours to the UN Women USA Gulf Coast Chapter In 2019. Not only does Kim contribute to an organization that raises awareness locally of global women's issues, but she also sees the importance of encouraging women to pursue careers in the STEM fields. For the time and work she has put into an organization that is dedicated to advancing equality for women, she is awarded the 2019 CAE Volunteer of the Year Bronze Prize.

Thank you Kim for your involvement!


Shauna Sinclair
Moose Jaw, Canada
Aircraft Technician

323 hours for Bridges of Hope

Amount : CA$2,000
From : CAE
To : Bridges of Hope

Shauna volunteers her time with Bridges of Hope, a medical mission that brings hope to the very impoverished citizens of Guatemala, particularly in the area of Patzun. In 2019, Shauna dedicated 323 hours to fundraising, participating in meetings and going on missions where she leads the installation of stoves - particularly Important because many families in rural Guatemala prepare their meals over an indoor, open fire in their homes, which represent a significant danger. The stoves are designed to prevent and virtually eliminate exposure to smoke and open flames. In addition, she assists the medical team by sorting and packing all the necessary medications and tools required for a mission.

Shauna's community of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, supports her work by sponsoring surgeries and stove and water installations. Because of the visibility she has brought Bridges of Hope, a huge connection has been created between her community and the village of Patzun.

The skills Shauna has learned as a CAE Aircraft Technician, such as teamwork and oganization. have allowed her to succeed as a stove team member and now, a stove team leader/organizer. She never misses an opportunity to talk about CaE in the community and on mission, crediting her supervisor for giving her the flexibility to volunteer, and even promoting CAE Healthcare to the doctors she works with. Shauna has also been recognized as a female role model in her community. For her important work in f'atzun and the way she has rallied her community for support, Shauna is awarded the 2019 CAE Volunteer of the Year Bronze Prize.

Thank you Shauna for being such a passionate volunteer!