Elder served with navy, army and reserves

Mishkeegogamang’s Isabelle Mercier has served with the Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and the Canadian Reserves.
“I was first in Navy and went through new entry in (Canadian Forces Base - CFB) Cornwallis,” said the Thunder Bay Elder who received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation in 2009 for her contributions to the care and well-being of veterans and to the remembrance of their contributions, sacrifices and achievements.
Mercier retired as a lieutenant in the Canadian Reserves after serving with the army after the unification of the Canadian Forces in 1968.
“I did administration and went into 115 Manning Depot (in Edmonton, Alta) and did enrollment documents and filing,” Mercier said.
Mercier also worked in the Canadian Women’s Corps and the Service Corps during her time with the army.
“I was doing work in the office and actually went out driving the trucks, everything from a quarter-ton jeep up to deuce-and-a-half (ton truck),” Mercier said. “It was very interesting. I served in (CFB) Petawawa and anywhere they assigned me.”
Mercier was also stationed with the Lakehead Service Battalion for a good portion of her service with the army.
“I ended up in brigade headquarters, enjoyed myself and learned a lot,” Mercier said. “Service is always good and when you’re working for the community and you’re a part of something, it’s a lot of teamwork.”
Canadian Forces veterans will be remembered Nov. 11 during Remembrance Day services across the country.