Kelowna

Photo: Contributed - Big White

Big White Ski Resort welcomed 26 members of the British Columbia Dragoons (BCD) to the mountain Sunday to enjoy a day of skiing and snowboarding. In addition to having a fun day on the mountain this was a community relations event for the BCD and provides them with an opportunity to interact with the community and educate them on the BCD.

The BCD is a Primary Reserve Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment of the Canadian Forces based in Kelowna and Vernon that was formed in 1911. The BC Dragoons currently have 110 active members, both men and women, ranging from the ages of 17 to 59. The Regiment trains locally with G-Wagons, Milcots, and Medium Support Vehicle Systems (MSVS).

Photo: Contributed - Big White

Each member is highly trained and capable of fighting side by side with regular force personnel in various capacities, and many have chosen to do so in Afghanistan and with United Nations and NATO operations globally. The BCD also provides domestic support to the community, like in the Okanagan fire in 2003.

Nigel Whittaker, Lieutenant Colonel and Commanding Officer of the The British Columbia Dragoons presented Big White with a medallion as a token of the BCD’s appreciation. This prestigious medallion has the image of their current cap badge on one side and the centre of the regimental flag on the other and Big White is one of a very few lucky recipients.

To learn more about the BC Dragoons and their 100 year history pick up a copy of Always First: A Pictorial History of the B.C. Dragoons. On sale for $25, proceeds from the book go to the Kelowna Museum's Society.