CFMWS Exceptional Achievement Award Recipients

Client Service Excellence Award

Alex Hinkey

Accommodations Coordinator,

PSP17 Wing Winnipeg

Alex Hinkey

Alex Hinkey demonstrates exceptional dedication, leadership and an unwavering commitment to our Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) community.

As a key member of 17 Wing Accommodations, Alex has established herself as a reliable and compassionate professional who focuses on finding solutions. She is a solutions‑focused professional who always puts the needs of CAF members, employees, valued guests and the chain of command at the forefront of her work. Her ability to anticipate needs, respond to challenges and deliver high‑quality service makes her a valued and trusted team member.

Colleagues describe Alex as a “rock star human being”. She excels in her role and helps boost the performance and morale of the entire team. Alex is a trusted source of knowledge and support, ensuring her team has the tools and confidence they need to perform at their best to serve our members.

Recently, after a full workday, Alex received a call at home and discovered a school group from CFB Shilo needed emergency housing. Without hesitation, she returned to the office and supported the team with a flawless execution.

“Alex demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the CAF military community, their families, and internal clients. She consistently delivers service with professionalism, empathy, and a genuine desire to help.” Christian Kelly, Deputy Manager PSP, Hotel & Accommodations, CFB Winnipeg.

Well-being Award

Deanne Bennett

Health Promotion Specialist,

PSP17 Wing Winnipeg

Deanne Bennett

Deanne Bennett demonstrates a whole-hearted commitment to enhancing the well-being at 17 Wing Winnipeg. She continually reaches beyond her role to encourage well-being in others and create a more welcoming and inclusive environment.

In 2025, as organizer of the Wellness Triathlon, Deanne more than tripled the registration numbers. She led the local Health and Wellness Challenge, nearly doubling participants to 140 people over the previous year. As the co-chair of the Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization (DTPAO), Deanne spent hours leading the Positive Space Program, which grew from three to 200 2SLGBTQIA+ ambassadors in one year, creating a more inclusive base community Deanne also co-lead CFB Winnipeg’s first Men’s Health Initiative, a safe, three-day forum to discuss men’s physical and mental health.

Outside her formal role, Deanne is a well-being mentor, making a difference every day to all those she encounters. She cycles to work, invites new base members to fitness classes, offers bike-and-learns, promotes walking meetings, organizes disc-golf tournaments and hand-delivers inspirational cards to colleagues on Blue Monday.

“Deanne is a role model for well-being in all she does. She encourages people to take small steps toward a healthier lifestyle, promoting one change one behaviour at a time.” Diane Brine, Manager, Health Promotion, CFB Winnipeg.

Team of the Year Award

Owen Degen, Mess Manager

Khristin Wagner, Assistant Mess Manager

Christopher Merrithew, Manager, Fitness and Sports

Christian Kelly, Deputy Manager

Akshay Dayma, Digital Media and Marketing Coordinator

Christina Bailey, Senior Manager

Katherine Prokopowich, Deputy Manager

Alexandria Hinkey, Accommodations Coordinator

Matthew Hamilton,  Manager, Community Recreation

Heather Miller, Corporate Services Manager

Team of the year

17 Wing Winnipeg

Throughout 2025, the PSP CFB Winnipeg Team delivered one of the largest and most ambitious campaigns in the base's history—CFB Winnipeg’s 100th Anniversary. Their strong leadership led to a sold-out gala with guests from both the base and local community. They also organized a historic Freedom of the City Parade and award-winning public engagement through Doors Open Winnipeg.

Anchored in CFMWS’ mission to enhance resilience and well-being, the team’s anniversary campaign objectives—to celebrate history, connect communities, and inspire the future—directly supported base/wing and CFMWS goals of engagement and operational readiness.

The team showed strong planning skills by creating a full fundraising plan. This plan covered all campaign costs, allowing them to host inclusive, high-quality events without additional resource strain. Their creativity drove a dynamic social media presence, significantly boosting their engagement on VOXAIR and Instagram, helping CFB Winnipeg reach more people across Manitoba and beyond.

PSP’s initiatives, such as the anniversary dinner, inaugural Doors Open Winnipeg participation (earning Best Overall Experience), and commemorative plaques, helped strengthen community ties and elevated the CAF’s public profile.

Teamwork across many areas supported cultural and sporting events, including the Moose Hockey Game and the creation of a commemorative patch symbolizing unity and pride.

“By integrating care, integrity, teamwork and creativity into every facet of planning and execution, this PSP team delivered a historic, impactful program that advanced CFMWS’ vision and left a lasting legacy for both the military and civilian communities.” Colonel Jody Hanson, Commander 17 Wing / CFB Winnipeg.