By Andrew Shepherd

Saskatchewan soldiers recognized for lengthy service

Nov 18, 2014 | 6:34 AM

Saskatchewan-based soldiers are being recognized for their long and dedicated service to Canada.

The Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal was handed out by Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield at Government House on Monday afternoon. The medal recognizes 25 years of service by either volunteers or those serving full-time.

The medal recipients include:

Master Cpl. Silas Belonio – Saskatchewan Dragoons, Moose Jaw
Cpl. Christopher Clark – North Saskatchewan Regiment, Saskatoon
Maj. Bruce Hanbridge – North Saskatchewan Regiment, Saskatoon
Sgt. Timothy Huckle – Saskatchewan Dragoons, Moose Jaw
Pvt. Jeffrey Ironside – North Saskatchewan Regiment Band, Saskatoon
Capt. Rae Sloan – Saskatchewan Dragoons, Moose Jaw
Lieut. Col. Malcolm Young – Deputy Commander of the 38 Canadian Brigade Group, Saskatoon

Sgt. Timothy Huckle was one of seven soldiers to stand proud as the medal was pinned to their chests. He’s been with the reserves based out of Moose Jaw for 26 years. He also served nine months in Afghanistan as a Convoy Escort Commander and worked security at Kandahar Airfield.

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“I don’t want to be the guy that just cuts the lawn every Sunday afternoon,” he said after the medal presentation.

Leaving his family to go overseas was tough, but his son James and daughter Jenna were proud to see their father recognized for his service, even if that meant giving up nine months of their time together.

Huckle explained the great part about being a reservist is that although he may be away for extended periods of time, he can choose those times. He still lives in Moose Jaw where he also works as a district sales manager.

Serving in the reserves for 37 years is also like a second job for Maj. Bruce Hanbridge. He’s with the North Saskatchewan Regiment based out of Saskatoon and served six months in Afghanistan and six months in Bosnia. He also works as a biologist and consultant.

“That’s what Canadians do,” he answered when asked why he devoted so many years of his life to the reserves.

Hanbridge humbly received the medal and said it reminds him of the history behind it. He explained the medal also recognizes of a lot of other people he served with over the years.

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