Bursaries & Awards

Leliefontein Memorial Bursary

Leliefontein Memorial Bursary 2021_Daniel Poirier
Daniel Poirier 2021 Leliefontein Memorial Bursary Recipient

Background

In 2000, The Guild of The Royal Canadian Dragoons initiated a program to recognize the 100th anniversary of the military action at Leliefontein South Africa by establishing a bursary to a deserving member of The Royal Canadian Dragoons Regimental Family.  Retired BGen George Bell and Mrs Jean Bell became the patrons for this bursary and were instrumental in its popularity and growth.  Over time, this bursary has continued to grow into multiple monetary awards.

PURPOSE

To provide financial support for the pursuit of post-secondary education to deserving members of the Regimental Family and their direct descendants.

The bursary will be awarded annually, with at least one award of at least $500.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Must be a member of The Royal Canadian Dragoons Regimental Family as defined by The Guild but also includes a direct descendent of a former Dragoon (grandchild, great-grandchild,…).

Cadets in an affiliated Cadet Corps are not eligible for this award as they have their own bursary.

Must be accepted into an accredited post-secondary program, to include CEGEP.

Is not receiving any government compensation for educational advancement if a serving member or dependent.

In competition with new applicants, the award is available to previous applicants, provided the applicant is academically eligible.

NOMINATION GUIDELINES

Applications may be initiated by any Regimental Family member or direct descendent.

All nominees must meet eligibility criteria.

Applicants must ensure all required information is included with their completed application package and sent to the Secretary of the Guild.

Deadline for applications is the third Thursday of September each year.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

The Selection Committee will consist of The Guild Executive plus the Commanding Officer (CO) and Regimental Sergeant-Major (RSM).

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

All nominated candidates will demonstrate a commitment to excellence across a variety of skills and characteristics with a view to continued self-improvement and education.  Community service and overall participation in citizenry both within and outside the Regimental Family will also be considered.

Factors to be considered by the selection committee will be evidence of your pursuit of excellence and improvement, demonstrated initiative and innovation in volunteering with the public and/or community organizations, maintaining exemplary fitness and participation, completion of personal skills and competencies, and a dedication to the Cadet movement.   As an academic bursary, academic achievement will be strongly considered in any deliberation including formal grades, outside achievements/courses and other qualifications.

When submitting an application, the applying Regimental Family member shall submit the following documents to the Secretary of the Guild:

  • A completed Bursary application form, downloaded from this page.
  • An essay of 1000 words highlighting your education experiences and future intent, how it has helped you grow as a person and citizen, your community involvement and future goals in the community, and other factors that might be relevant by the Selection Committee.
  • Secondary School Grade records and as applicable, post-secondary school transcripts.
  • Proof of acceptance into an accredited Post-Secondary Institution (University, College, Technical Schools, CGEP).
  • Any letters of recommendation/achievement/appreciation that the applicant might want to include.

AFFILIATED CADET CORPS BURSARY

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BACKGROUND

In 2022, The Guild of The Royal Canadian Dragoons initiated a program to recognize deserving cadets in each of our three affiliated Cadet Corps (2332 763 (Ottawa) Maj EJG Holland VC, 2870 RCD, and 137 Ashbury) to support the pursuit of post-secondary education and recognize these future community leaders.

PURPOSE

Provide a bursary to each of the Cadet Corps for outstanding all-round achievement by a cadet.  Bursaries will be awarded annually at the Leleifontein Parade in Petawawa.

Each affiliated Cadet Corps will receive at least one award of at least $1000.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Must be a currently serving cadet or have been a cadet within the last 12 months in an affiliated cadet Corps.

Must be accepted into an accredited post-secondary program, to include CEGEP.

NOMINATION GUIDELINES

Nominations may be initiated by a cadet or the Cadet Instructors.  Ideally, a minimum of three (3) nominations from each unit will be forwarded for consideration.

All nominees/applicants must meet eligibility criteria.

Applicants must ensure all application information within their responsibility is complete before submission to their Cadet unit commander.

Cadet Instructor Cadre will complete and forward application packages to the Secretary of the Guild.

Deadline for 2022 applications (2022/2023 school year) is 15 October 2022.  Moving forward after 2022, the application deadline will be 15 May each year.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

The Selection Committee will consist of The Guild Executive plus the Commanding Officer (CO) and Regimental Sergeant-Major (RSM).  At the discretion of the President, the COs of the three affiliated Cadet Corps may be invited as advisors/non-voting attendees.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENT

All nominated candidates will demonstrate a commitment to excellence across a variety of skills and characteristics with a view to continued self-improvement and education.  Community service and overall participation in citizenry both within and outside the Cadets will also be considered.  Factors to be considered by the selection committee will be evidence of leadership within the Cadet unit, demonstrated initiative and innovation in volunteering with the public and/or community organizations, maintaining exemplary fitness and participation, completion of personal skills and competencies, and a dedication to the Cadet movement.   As an academic bursary, academic achievement will be strongly considered in any deliberation including formal grades, cadet achievements/courses and other qualifications.

When submitting an application, the Cadet shall submit the following documents to their Cadet chain of command:

  • A completed Bursary application form downloaded from this page.
  • An essay of 1000 words highlighting your experiences in the cadets, how it helped you grow as a person and citizen, your community involvement and future goals and other factors that might be relevant by the Selection Committee.
  • Secondary School Grade records.
  • Acceptance into an accredited Post-Secondary Institution (University, College, Technical Schools, CGEP).
  • Any letters of recommendation/achievement/appreciation that the cadet might want to include.

On receipt of an application by a Cadet, the chain of command shall:

  • Ensure all papers are complete and included by the cadet.
  • Complete the Unit portion of the application based on Cadet Corps Records.
  • Make a recommendation.
  • Forward the complete application package to the Secretary by the deadline.

Volunteer & Community Service Award

MCpl Guzman 2021 Community Service Award
MCpl Guzman 2021 Community Service Award

Background

Established in perpetuity in 2014 by LCol (ret’d) Dean Tremblay, The Guild of The Royal Canadian Dragoons Award for Volunteer and Community Service has the objective of acknowledging individuals who exemplify the strength of the military community, both in and out of uniform. This is reflective of the leadership and selfless service inherent within our community volunteers, and more importantly that their commitment contributes directly to the mental and physical health of our friends and families. Family instability is often a reality of life in uniform, and those who dedicate their time, energy and often personal resources to creating a climate where stability is increased should be recognized appropriately. Their service is invaluable, and is entirely aligned with the vision of The Guild of The Royal Canadian Dragoons and promoting family Quality of Life.

Nomination Guidelines

Annual nominations may be submitted by peers, subordinates, or supervisors alike. Nominations for serving members should be submitted via the Regimental chain of command for furtherance to the selection committee. Nominations for extended Regimental family can be submitted to the Secretary of the Guild. A narrative that underscores the member’s suitability for the award must accompany all nominations.

The monetary award of $1,000 will be presented annually at the Leliefontein parade.

Deadline for nominations is the first Thursday of September each year.

Purpose

The Guild of The Royal Canadian Dragoons Award for Volunteer and Community Service recognizes a member of the Regimental Family who demonstrates outstanding commitment to community service through volunteer work, both in and/or out of uniform.

Eligibility

Members of the Regimental Family - regardless of rank, occupation, or years of service - are eligible for nomination for this award.

Selection Committee

The selection committee will mirror the process currently in place for the Leliefontein Memorial Education Bursary, with the inclusion of LCol (ret’d) Dean Tremblay as a voting member.

Criteria

Nominated candidates will have demonstrated a commitment to the promotion of community service that benefits the military families within the community. Factors to be considered by the selection committee will be evidence of leadership and/or innovation in volunteering with the public, and/or community organizations for the wellbeing of citizens and communities directly associated with the Military Community. For currently serving members, the following extra conditions must be submitted with applications:

  • Cover letter
  • Narration
  • Citation
  • MPRR
  • Supporting documentation (thank you letters, etc)

GUILD DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

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BACKGROUND

As a charity whose work is reliant on volunteers, the GUILD determined the necessity of recognizing persons or organizations who give distinguished service over time that directly help the GUILD achieve success in executing its mission.  A trophy, appropriately engraved and displayed at The Regiment, was selected as the enduring record of recognition for this award.  Additionally, other forms of recognition may be selected based on the Board’s sole decision.

When warranted, the Board of Directors will consider nominations for the Distinguished Service Award.  Nominations can be submitted at any time but will normally be presented during the Leleifontein parade.

PURPOSE

To recognize persons and/or organizations that provided exemplary service to and for the GUILD.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Must have undertaken a significant action or actions that furthered the GUILD's objects over time and/or made a lasting impact on GUILD operations.

 

NOMINATION GUIDELINES

Nominations can only be submitted for consideration by a serving GUILD Director.

Nominations should explain the details of the contribution(s) and impact on the GUILD.

Supporting statements can be included to enhance the narrative.

Nominations can be submitted by email to the GUILD Coordinator.

While there is no set period for this award, consideration of nominations will normally occur at the June Board of Director’s meeting or may be done at a special meeting no later than end-September as required.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

The Selection Committee will consist of The GUILD Board of Directors.

More than one nomination may be selected for this award based on a vote of the Selection Committee.  Other recognition methods may also be selected at the sole discretion of the Board.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

All nominations will demonstrate a commitment to excellence and being instrumental to the enhancement and improvement of GUILD effectiveness.  Community service and overall participation in citizenry both within and outside the Regimental Family will also be considered as appropriate.

Factors to be considered by the selection committee will be evidence of enduring/long-term service and dedication to the GUILD and Regimental Family, a pursuit of excellence and improvement, a demonstrated initiative and innovation that goes beyond the expected level of volunteering to improve GUILD operations and governance and a spirit of camaraderie/teamwork that impacts the wider Regimental Family.

When submitting a nomination, the nominating Director shall submit the following to the GUILD Coordinator:

  • An email (or an attached Word document) that explains the nature of the accomplishments and impacts of the nominee
  • Any letters of recommendation/achievement/appreciation that the nominator might want to include.
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