By Martin Zeilig
Joanna Jarrett, the facility coordinator at 17 Wing, describes receiving a crystal sculpture for her “Outstanding Contribution” to CISM as “most rewarding.” CISM is the world-leading military sports organization, according to its website.
Ms. Jarrett, who is also a trainer for the Canadian Armed Forces sports trainer program, was presented with the award at the Canadian Armed Forces Sports Banquet in Ottawa, Ontario, on November 27. She was nominated for the award by the manager of the CISM Swim Lifesaving Team.
“I did know in advance (about the award) just before I left for Ottawa,” Ms. Jarrett said during an interview with The Voxair on December 3. “I put a lot of time into that program. I started in 1999 as a massage therapist, and I put my reserve time in as a massage therapist with the CAF CISM volleyball team. I got a lot of comments after the award from these athletes who knew me and who said ‘well deserved.’ It was amazing, and I felt so good.”
Ms. Jarrett joined the Navy Reserves in 1991 and spent most of her summers training in Esquimalt. “During my time in the Reserves, I decided to go to massage therapy school,” she said. “Once I completed my massage therapy diploma, I contacted the Fitness & Sports Director at 17 Wing Fitness & Recreation Centre to see if there were opportunities for massage. At that time, he said that he had an opportunity for me to go to Croatia for the World Military Games.
“I would first have to put my time into Regional and National Sports events to earn my spot to go to the WMG. I started with doing massage for the Regional Basketball Championships and did some work with the CISM Volleyball team. I was assigned a spot as a trainer for the Women’s CISM Volleyball team to go to Croatia.
“Once I returned from Croatia, I was asked if I would be interested in working with PSP as a Fitness Instructor. I had to give up my role as a trainer for the CISM Volleyball when I had my son. I later got on with the CISM Swim/Lifesaving Team in 2008, a sport that I am passionate about. I am still working with the team to this day.”
Ms. Jarrett describes herself as a “military brat.” “My dad was in the military,” she said. “I was born in Pembroke, Ontario. Then, we went to PEI and Winnipeg and Ottawa, and then back to Winnipeg where my dad wound up working at Bristol Aerospace (now Magellan Aerospace). My dad was an airframe tech in the military. He got on as Project Manager for the helicopters and the F-5s.”
She was in the Naval Reserves at HMCS Chippawa Winnipeg and left the reserves in December 2013. “I was a part-time reservist,” she commented. “I did consider joining the Regular Force, but didn’t want to move around a lot. But, parts of me wish I had.”
She joined CFMWS/PSP in 2000. “I was only term until I had my son in 2001,” said Ms. Jarrett, who has three adult children and an eleven-month-old grandchild. “So, I didn’t have a job until 10 months afterward. For me, it’s always been about the military community, which I’ve always felt most comfortable with.”
She emphasized that the highlights of her career are definitely “my times with the teams, and feeling respected.” “I enjoy helping people,” she said, which started with massage therapy. “I felt like that with sports and fitness and providing them with the tools to do the job. It’s the small things, not the big things. Working with the CISM Swim Lifesaving Team has definitely been the top highlight for me.”
Her active life also includes teaching spin classes five times per week at the Rady Centre, something she’s been doing since 2011. “I love lifting weights, biking, kayaking, and swimming is one of my passions,” said Ms. Jarrett.
She also praises the support she’s received from her partner, Chief Warrant Officer Rob Valente, a Search and Rescue Technician at 418 Search and Rescue Operational Training Squadron at 19 Wing Comox. “He’s always been at my side,” she commented.
Joanna Jarrett continues to bring commitment and excellence to her work and life.
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