Cpl. Jonathan Benson with 15 Wing Airbase was left speechless after learning he was the 2023 Lois Boyle Award recipient, an award the Friends of the Forces Fellowship distributes for community services efforts.
“This is crazy. It’s very unexpected. I had no idea what I was coming for. I was just told to show up (because) I was getting an award,” he said on Jan. 31 at the conclusion of an awards ceremony that also recognized other base members for their military contributions.
“It’s fantastic. I don’t know what to say … . I don’t know if I deserve it,” he continued. “I was saying, ‘I don’t know if I deserve this. There’s a lot more people more deserving than I do.’”
Awarded annually, the Lois Boyle Excellence in Community Service Award recognizes long-time base commander’s administrative assistant Lois Boyle, who worked with the CO on developing the original Snowbird aerial demonstration team and was known as “the mother of the Snowbirds.”
The Friends of Forces Fellowship initiated the award to recognize individuals or groups who demonstrate the ability to inspire and encourage community service in others while strengthening the bond between 15 Wing and the community of Moose Jaw.
The group usually distributes the award during one of its ceremonies or meetings, but due to scheduling issues, the 2023 recipient — Benson — was only able to accept it now.
Volunteering is important to Benson because it’s something he’s always done and is something he’s usually the first to support. He enjoys going out into the community to help others since “it’s second nature” to him. His goal is to keep on keeping on.
“I have been in Moose Jaw since (2002) and I have no problem telling people all about Moose Jaw and what there is to do,” he continued. “I’m kind of proud to be part of Moose Jaw, and I’m proud to be out here at 15 Wing.”
Some volunteer activities Benson pursues include being the head trail groomer with the Moose Jaw Ski Club, helping the Church of Our Lady’s Knights of Columbus group and providing security at WHL games near the team benches.
“It’s nothing special, I think,” he added. “But this is very humbling (and) honouring to get this award.”
Joyce Walter, secretary-treasurer of Friends of the Forces Fellowship, was one of several members on hand to present the Lois Boyle Award. She said Benson was “very worthy” of the accolade, based on his community service and how he involves 15 Wing and the community together in events.
The Fellowship received six nominations this year and used a formula with criteria to decide the lucky recipient while it also read presentations, Walter added. During a regular meeting, the 10-member committee then decided to whom they should give the award.
Friends of the Forces Fellowship can be reached at 306-692-7357 or on Facebook.
