Constance Lake ranger is honoured guest at Canada Army Run

A Canadian Ranger from Constance Lake was one of 11 soldiers who were selected from across Canada to be “honoured guests” at Canada Army Run celebrations in Ottawa Sept. 20-22.
Master Corporal Stanley Stephens and the other soldiers were introduced at a number of events over the three days, including the Red Rally hosted by the Mayor of Ottawa, visited Parliament Hill, and participated in the annual Canada Army Run, an event that attracts more than 50,000 spectators.
He represented the 5,000 Canadian Rangers from across Canada and has been a ranger for almost 12 years. He celebrated his 74th birthday the day before he left for Ottawa.
“Coming to Ottawa as a guest of honour the day after my birthday was like receiving a huge birthday present which I will never forget,” he said. “I was impressed with the (five kilometre) run, which almost 12,000 people from all over the country ran.”
He did not run during the event but completed it, like many others, by walking the course. Monies raised by Canada Army Run help to support ill and injured soldiers and military families.
“The other night there was a mess dinner and I thought I would be the only person dressed in red,” he said, referring to his red ranger sweater. “I was very happy to see nearly all the military people were wearing red jackets and they were very interested in what was happening in Constance Lake.”
He also met Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, commander of the Canadian army and national defence champion for Aboriginal peoples.
“Master Corporal Stephens is an excellent example of what the army expects Canadian rangers to be,” said Lieutenant-General Hainse.
Captain Mark Rittwage, the officer commanding the 550 rangers in northern Ontario, said Master Corporal Stephens had an outstanding record as a ranger, working with both rangers and Junior Canadian Rangers.
“He is truly a very good ranger who is very well respected throughout Ontario,” he said.