PSP’s Health Promotion Administrative Assistant Honored for Unique Coin Design
On 17 August, after redesigning PSS’s challenge coin, Health Promotion Administrative Assistant, Denise Bushey was awarded the very first production coin featuring her own work by Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Natalie Cathcart.
The coin numbered 001 features elements that represent Base Borden and hold deep symbolism and meaning for the local community while reflecting the core values of PSS. Bushey describes the coins creation as a learning experience that considers CFB Borden’s history and future.
“I wanted to learn more about what PSS’s history was and how it fit as a puzzle piece into Borden’s extensive environment,” Bushey said. “Learning more about the symbolism of colours, shapes and how its application speaks to a military audience was all-encompassing as well.”
In early December 2022, Bushey first learned about the opportunity to design this special coin. An email was distributed, seeking entries that would shape a new vision for the future of PSS at CFB Borden. Nearly nine months later the coin was presented to Bushey in front of the Buell Gym on Base Borden, surrounded by fellow PSS staff and members.
LCol Cathcart was impressed with Bushey’s work and commemorated her for encapsulating the entire department into a simple, yet heavily symbolic design.
“We changed our name from the Administration Branch to Personnel Support Services and there was a need for identity,” LCol Cathcart said. “As much as we love the base, we wanted our own patch.”
The coin prominently features a Douglas Fir Tree, symbolizing Borden’s location and its strong roots enriching the community. The blue line represents the abundance of Canadian freshwater in and around the area, available for all to enjoy year-round. The brown line signifies the respect for the borrowed land on which the base has grown and developed. The brown rings represent tree rings, not only indicative of age and maturity but also symbolizing the interconnectedness of different departments, fostering engagement among members.
By Caleb Hooper
