The organization that acts as liaison between the military and civilian communities in Westman, Brandon Salutes, is welcoming member, Barry Cooper, as their new Chair.
Cooper is a longtime, well-known member of Brandon and the local business community. He was a decades-long employee of Federated and Heritage Co-Op, member and President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, and the Fundraising Chair and volunteer with the West Central Manitoba United Way among other activities.
“Brandon Salutes plays a key role in building the relationship between our civilian and military populations in Shilo, Brandon and Cornwallis," shares Cooper. "Having a large military base in our area provides both economic and cultural benefits to our community. I am excited to have the opportunity to take on this role and serve those who are in service to our country. I am joining a well-established committee and look forward to working closely with them to uphold our slogan “Good Neighbors, Proud Partners”.
Barry’s enthusiasm and experience will give the committee a boost in its efforts to strengthen the community connection between Brandon, the R. M. of Cornwallis and CFB Shilo.
Current initiatives of the Brandon Salutes committee include Salute recognition to military and civilian members whose actions contribute to the committee’s mission statement, as well as ensuring deployed soldiers are acknowledged and supported while on deployment through small gestures like a letter from home.
In addition Brandon Salutes advocates for CFB members to receive discounts from the local business community to our military neighbours and their families.
The Brandon Military Relations Committee was formed in response to a growing need for a forum where issues between the military and civilian communities in the Brandon and area community can be addressed and untapped opportunities can be brought to fruition.
Brandon Salutes is a sub-committee of the BMRC whose mission statement is 'to foster unity of the military and civilian communities in Westman, based on a mutual respect of their unique contribution toward a strong and proud partnership.'
The Brandon Salutes slogan is “Good Neighbours, Proud Partners”. Brandon Salutes will support events and public awareness initiatives that will achieve this mission.