2015 Women in Defence and Security Memorial Scholarship Award

Honouring a fallen officer, investing in promising women

OTTAWA, March 12, 2015 /CNW/ - Jana Lee Murray, President of Women in Defence and Security (WiDS), today announced the recipient of the WiDS annual Memorial Scholarship award:

"Today we honour the memory of a fallen member of the Canadian Forces, Master Corporal (MCpl) Kristal Lee-Anne Giesebrecht. MCpl Giesebrecht was a dedicated and fun-loving medical technician, mentor and an inspiration to her fellow medical technicians. In 2010, while on her second tour of Afghanistan and responding to a report of a mine found in the doorway of a local home, she would pay the ultimate price when her vehicle detonated an improvised explosive device," said Mrs. Murray.

"We recognize the integrity and sacrifice demonstrated by this remarkable woman, who serves as an example to us all and to young Canadian women who are looking for a way to make a difference in our world. I am extremely pleased to announce that, in honour of MCpl Geisbrecht's memory, Women in Defence and Security will support the studies of Kathleen O'Brien. This $5,000 WiDS Memorial Scholarship Award is granted to Kathleen as she pursues a Masters Degree in Political Science at Dalhousie University and begins her work on issues related to health policy within the security sector. We wish her well in her studies," added Mrs. Murray.

The 2015 WiDS Memorial Scholarship Award brought together prominent members of the defence and security field, including the RCMP, the Department of National Defence, the City of Ottawa Emergency and Protective Services and numerous industry representatives. WiDS was also honoured to receive the family of MCpl Kristal Lee-Anne Giesebrecht and Barbara Dumont Hill, an Algonquin Elder.

WiDS is a volunteer organization whose primary goal is the advancement of women leaders in defence and security professions across Canada.

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SOURCE Women in Defense and Security

Jana Lee Murray, Presidtent, WiDS, [email protected], www.wids.ca; Erika Paulson, VP Communications, WiDS, [email protected]