Brandon Salutes

10/12/2026

Happy Thanksgiving from Brandon Salutes!

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the people, relationships, and communities that make our lives richer.

Today, we're especially grateful for the military members, veterans, and families whose service and sacrifices help shape our communities. We recognize that service often means time spent away from loved ones, missed celebrations, and sacrifices made by entire families.

We're also thankful for the businesses, volunteers, organizations, and neighbours throughout Brandon, Shilo, and Westman who continue to strengthen the bonds between our military and civilian communities.

It's these connections, acts of kindness, and shared commitment to one another that make our community stronger.

From all of us at Brandon Salutes, we wish you a safe, peaceful, and happy Thanksgiving!

10/06/2026

Preserving a Piece of HMCS BRANDON’s Story

Last week, Brandon Salutes members Barry, George and Zoe George were pleased to be part of an interesting and important conversation about the future of artifacts from HMCS BRANDON as the ship moves toward decommissioning and eventual divestment.

For Brandon, this is about much more than acquiring a piece of naval history. HMCS BRANDON has carried our city’s name — and built a relationship with our community — for decades. Preserving some of that history here in Brandon would give our community an opportunity to honour that connection for generations to come.

The meeting also included a special moment when Mayor Jeff Fawcett received a coin from HMCS BRANDON — another small but meaningful symbol of the relationship between the ship, her crews and our city.

And, of course, George and Barry couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get a photo with Mayor Fawcett and the HMCS BRANDON plaque. Look at those well deserved smiles!

As discussions continue about what may happen with the ship’s artifacts, Brandon Salutes is pleased to be part of the conversation and to help ensure the long-standing connection between HMCS BRANDON and the City of Brandon continues well beyond the ship’s service.

That is what Brandon Salutes is all about — connecting our military and civilian communities, recognizing our shared history, and preserving those relationships for the future.

09/30/2026

Today, September 30, Brandon Salutes joins Canadians across the country in recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

Reconciliation begins with listening.

It means taking the time to learn the truth about residential schools, honouring the children who never returned home, recognizing Survivors and their families, and understanding the lasting impacts these systems continue to have on Indigenous Peoples and communities.

As an organization built around community, connection, mutual respect, understanding and education, we believe stronger communities are created when we are willing to listen to one another, learn from our shared history, and build relationships rooted in respect.

Today is a day to remember. A day to learn. And a day to consider the role each of us can play in reconciliation—not only on September 30, but throughout the year.

Every Child Matters.

09/27/2026

We will be there! Stop by, Say Hi!

Military families. Veterans. Serving members. Retirees. Job seekers. Community members.

The Shilo MFRC Symposium is for YOU!

Come discover resources, explore education and employment opportunities, connect with local organizations and learn about supports for you and your family.

Don't forget to check out the Shilo Symposium Facebook Event page for updates, vendor spotlights and more!
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Familles de militaires. Anciens combattants. Militaires en service. Retraités. Demandeurs d'emploi. Membres de la communauté.

Le symposium du CRFM de Shilo, c'est pour TOI !

Viens découvrir des ressources, explorer des opportunités de formation et d'emploi, entrer en contact avec des associations locales et t'informer sur les aides disponibles pour toi et ta famille.

N'oublie pas de consulter la page Facebook dédiée au symposium de Shilo pour suivre les dernières actualités, découvrir les exposants à l'honneur et bien plus encore !

09/26/2026

We were honoured to be part of CFB Shilo’s 8th Annual Military Family Appreciation Day, hosted by the Shilo Military Family Resource Centre on September 16.

More than 350 people came together for an afternoon dedicated to something that deserves far more recognition: the families who serve alongside those who wear the uniform. The event brought together military families, community organizations, vendors and volunteers to celebrate the spouses, children, parents, siblings and loved ones whose support makes military service possible.

Military service affects an entire family. Deployments mean time apart. Postings can mean new homes, schools, careers and communities. Families continually adapt, build new connections and provide the stability that allows Canadian Armed Forces members to do their jobs.

That is why events like this matter so much to Brandon Salutes. Our mission has always been about strengthening the connection between our military and civilian communities and recognizing the unique contributions each makes to our shared community.

Board members Barry, George and Brian were proud to represent Brandon Salutes and spend the day connecting with military families and the organizations that support them.

To the Shilo MFRC, the volunteers and everyone who made the day possible — thank you. And most importantly, to our military families: we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you for everything you contribute to our community.

When we stand together, no one stands alone.

09/20/2026

Last night, Brandon Salutes Board members George, Chris and Michelle had the honour of attending the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th Anniversary Gala at Branch #3 in Brandon.

For 100 years, the Legion has represented something that is at the very heart of what we believe in at Brandon Salutes: connection, community and ensuring those who serve never stand alone.

We were especially honoured to help support two local organizations doing important work for Veterans, serving Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP members and first responders: Project Resilience 911 and Paws 4 Valour.

Those who dedicate their careers to serving and protecting our communities can carry the stress and trauma of that service long after a shift, deployment or career has ended. Supporting them means building communities where connection, understanding, camaraderie and meaningful resources are there when they are needed.

That is what strong communities do. We show up for the people who have spent their lives showing up for us.

Congratulations to the Royal Canadian Legion on 100 years of service, and thank you to all of the volunteers and organizers for bringing our community together for an evening that celebrated the past while helping support those serving our communities today.

At Brandon Salutes, our mission has always been about strengthening the connection between our military and civilian communities across Westman. Nights like this remind us just how powerful those connections can be.

09/18/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Veterans park FREE at City of Brandon parking meters — all year round with their Manitoba veterans plate!

It’s a small gesture with an important message: we recognize your service.

Under the City of Brandon Traffic By-law, any vehicle displaying a Veteran’s Licence Plate is entitled to free parking at City of Brandon parking meters on City-owned property throughout the year.

This is a great example of what partnership between our military and civilian communities can look like. Recognition doesn’t always have to come through a ceremony or a special event. Sometimes it’s built right into the everyday life of our community.

A quick reminder: The exemption applies to City of Brandon parking meters on City-owned property. It does not include parking at BRHA, Assiniboine College, Brandon University, the Town Centre or Brandon Shoppers Mall.

Know a veteran with a Veteran’s Licence Plate? Share this with them — they may not know!

09/14/2026

Stop by our booth on Wednesday and say Hi to our board members!

While you're there fill out a postcard to send greetings and well wishes to our deployed members...

A message from home!

08/28/2026

Last week, Brandon Salutes was honoured to attend the Change of Command Ceremony for the 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1 RCHA) at CFB Shilo.

The ceremony marked the conclusion of LCol Jordan Beatty’s two years of leadership and the beginning of a new chapter under the command of LCol Pat Knox.

We extend our sincere thanks to LCol Beatty for his leadership, service, and contributions to 1 RCHA and our broader Westman community during his time in command.

We also congratulate and welcome LCol Knox as he assumes command of the Regiment. We look forward to continuing to strengthen the important relationship between 1 RCHA, CFB Shilo, and the communities of Westman.

These traditions are an important reminder of the history, service, leadership, and commitment that connect our military and civilian communities.

From all of us at Brandon Salutes, thank you to LCol Beatty, congratulations to LCol Knox, and best wishes to both as they begin their next chapters.

08/03/2026

Something exciting is coming.

Brandon Salutes is preparing to launch a new website designed to better connect military members, veterans, families, businesses, and the wider community.

You'll discover local resources, community connections, participating businesses offering military discounts, events, and opportunities to get involved.

Because building a strong military community isn't something the base does alone, it's something we all do together.

Stay tuned.