Lower Mainland of BC: Unpaid 2nd Man Award Presentation Ceremony

Since the creation of the Force, the wives of members have played a significant role on Detachments and at isolated posts.  Their unwavering support for their husband and other members has been legendary.

The hardships faced by member’s wives have been documented in many books such as:

• “A Mounty’s Wife” by Luta Munday;

• “Red Serge Wives” by Joy Duncan;

• “My Mountie and Me : A True Story” by Norma Kelly;

• “When The Second Man Was A  Woman” by Ruth Lee-Knight; and

• “The Unpaid Second Man“‘ by Ex-Sgt. A. Harold Clark

In 2010, the initiative to recognize the contributions of Member’s wife was undertaken by Calgarian Ivy-Anne Mitchell when she wrote to Commissioner William Elliot asking that the RCMP recognize the invaluable contributions made by the wives of members. Upon receiving the request, the Commissioner directed that the RCMP Honours and Recognition Directorate work with the RCMP Veterans’ Association to develop a mechanism to recognize the wife’s contributions.  Based on joint initiative, a Second Man commemorative brooch was designed. At present, these brooches are now being presented to women who have contributed to supporting their husbands and their communities. The following are the details for the brooch presentations in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

LOCATION: “E” Division HQ – 14200 Green Timbers Way, Surrey, BC

DATE & TIME: Monday, October 7, 2013 – 1:00 PM – “E” Division Officers’ Mess

DETAILS: As a result of the contributions made to the RCMP by wives, or the “Second Man” as they have been commonly known throughout the years, twenty six (26) Ladies from this area will be the recipients of “Second Man” commemorative brooches.

Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens, Commanding Officer “E” Division will make these presentations at an Awards Ceremony as noted above.  All RCMP Veterans and their spouses are hereby invited to attend.

ORDER OF DRESS: As this will be a “Review Order” event for serving Officers and Members in attendance, Veterans are requested to wear their Red or Blue Blazer or business suit.  Attendees are requested to arrive at “E” Division HQ no later than 12:30 PM to facilitate check-in at the front desk.  Security passes will be issued.  The Ceremony which will commence at 1:00 PM, may last approximately 1 hour and will be followed by a reception.  Light refreshments will be provided.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO NEW “E” DIVISION HEADQUARTERS BUILDING      14200 Green Timbers Way Surrey, BC  

1. Travelling  westbound on Highway #1 from Chilliwack, Abbotsford  

Take exit 50 for 104 Ave/160 St toward Surrey City Centre

Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Surrey City Centre/104 Avenue W/160 Street 

Keep right at the fork and merge onto 104 Ave 

Turn left onto 156 St 

Turn right onto 96 Ave 

Turn right onto Green Timbers Way

 2.  Travelling eastbound on Highway #1 from the North Shore/Vancouver 

Take exit 48 for 152 Street toward 108 Avenue W/Surrey City Centre 

Merge onto 152 St 

Turn right onto 96 Ave 

Turn right onto Green Timbers Way 

PARKING DETAILS: Suggested driving directions are include outlined below

The area marked “Temporary Parking” will be available for FREE PARKING.  Signs will be erected to help guide drivers.  It is suggested that passengers who may have difficulty walking be dropped off near the front entrance.  There is a “Visitor”parking lot situated between the front entrance and the temporary parking lot that may be utilized if space is available.  However, please ensure that the required parking ticket is purchased from the clearly marked machines.  The parking rate is $2.00 per hour.  It is suggested that 3 hours may be required.  Cars will be towed if a paid ticket is not displayed.

To facilitate the check-in process, please advise the names of Veterans and spouses who will be attending directly to Larry Proke – email  larryproke@shaw.ca or telephone (604) 501-4824 by October 1, 2013.