The 10th Annual
Vancouver Military Dinner
Bringing Canada's Armed Forces to Canadians. One last time.
The 10th Annual Vancouver Military Dinner will take place on April 5th, 2025.
Keynote Speakers
Military Keynote Speaker
Lieutenant-General Lise Bourgon joined the military in 1987 and attended the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean. Upon commissioning in 1992, she completed her wings training in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
She started her maritime helicopter pilot career in Shearwater, Nova Scotia, with 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron serving in HMCS Preserver, HMCS Ville de Québec, HMCS Toronto and HMCS Montreal, and she also served as a pilot instructor with 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron. As a staff officer, she held positions from the tactical to the strategic level serving as the Wing Plans and Tasks Officer, Project Director at the Director of Air Requirements –
Maritime, EA to Commander RCAF, NATO Air Liaison Officer in Ramstein, Chief of Staff Operations at the Canadian Joint Operational Command, Director General Operations at the Strategic Joint Staff and Assistant Commander Military Personnel Command.
She has had the privilege to command at every rank, notably the helicopter detachment in HMCS Montreal, 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron, 12 Wing in Shearwater, Joint Task Force IMPACT, acting Commander of Military Personnel Command and Chief of Military Personnel. Since July 2024 has been Commander of
Military Personnel Command and Chief of Military Personnel.
Lieutenant-General Bourgon is a graduate of the Joint Command and Staff Program at the Canadian Forces College and of Maxwell Air Warfare College. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean, a Master Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University
and a master’s in public administration from the Royal Military College of Canada. Additionally, in 2021, she completed a one-year Defence Fellowship assignment with the Centre of International and Defense Policy at Queen’s University.
In addition to her position, LGen Bourgon is the Defence Champion for Women and a strong advocate for the Women Peace and Security agenda. She is married and the couple have two lovely children.
Lieutenant-General
Lise Bourgon, CMM CSM CD
Featured Organization Keynote Speaker
James Dunn joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1983 and found himself in Wainwright, AB on 12 July training in the PPCLI Battle School. He was posted to the First Battalion Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry in mid-December of that year, and was placed into Charlie Company 8 Platoon which was stationed in Calgary AB at that time. After his very first Christmas leave with 1 PPCLI, his platoon was sent to Norway in February 1984, as they conducted a platoon exchange with the Norwegian Army. As he has stated, "this was quite a surprise and an incredible experience for a brand new, fresh out of Battle School Private".
James enjoyed a wonderful military career from 1983 to 2017. Over the course of his service, he has been posted to Calgary, Edmonton, Wainwright, and Vancouver. He had the honour to assist Canadians with various aid to civil power tasks including fires in Alberta, floods in Manitoba, and ice storms in Quebec. He has deployed on seven overseas tours including Cyprus, Bosnia/Croatia, Kosovo, and three tours to Afghanistan.
Soon after retiring from the CAF, James realized that he required assistance with his psychological and emotional turmoil. He discovered that with his 34 plus years of service, it was paramount that he seek out those organizations that could assist him. He got involved with OSISS and became a group facilitator for Vancouver and the lower mainland of BC. He found that this was good, but not enough. He gratefully got directed to the Veterans Transition Network (VTN), where he found the healing he required and his newfound purpose in life. In his words he states, "the Veterans Transition Network courses I have been blessed to experience have, in my humble opinion, most certainly saved my life, but as well they have given me back that sense of comradeship and family that I missed upon departing the CAF." James presently is a proud serving member of the Veterans Transition Network as a Peer Supporter assisting fellow like-minded souls and the various uniformed professionals through their own trauma-related transitions.
Warrant Officer (Retired)
James Dunn, CD
Featured Organization
For 2025, we're partnered with the Veterans Transition Network (VTN), a charitable organization founded right here in Vancouver!
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VTN offers group counselling designed specifically for veterans to overcome trauma, improve mental health and well-being, strengthen family life, and aid the transition from soldier to civilian.
VTN's group counselling model reflects the military experience, where members train, live and serve together. Military personnel are accustomed to working in small teams to overcome difficult challenges. Their group program is designed to replicate this experience and build a team of veterans who help one another overcome the challenges they face as a result of service. After years of refinement at UBC, the researchers started our charity in 2012 to deliver their 10-day Veterans Transition Program (VTP) across Canada.
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VTN now offers programs to veterans in all 10 provinces. Anyone who has served in CAF or RCMP uniform are welcome, and services are provided free of charge. Proceeds from the 2025 Vancouver Military will support these important programs, and have a direct positive impact on veterans in Vancouver and across the country.
Wine Pull & Silent Auction
Two things we love: Raising money for deserving causes, and winning incredible prizes. We've combined the two, giving you more than one way to bring home some impressive swag that you can feel good about purchasing!
The #VanMilDinner Wine Pull
Back by popular demand, the Vancouver Military Dinner Wine Pull just keeps on growing!
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Back in 2019, we said chances were 'good' that you'd walk away with a bottle of wine far exceeding the value of what you paid for it. This year, we're upping the chances to 'almost guaranteed.'
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Purchase a token for a small fee and the associated bottle of wine is all yours! Thanks to our generous wine donors, some incredible, rare, and luxurious vintages will be available at a far-from-luxurious price.
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And remember: All proceeds support the Veterans Transition Network! Grab a few bottles; loving wine has never felt so good!
The Silent Auction
Like the Wine Pull, our Silent Auction is jam-packed with value. Simply bid on the prize you want, and if your bid is the highest at the end of the night, it's all yours.
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Previous prizes have included box seats at sporting events, custom suits, guided tours of military facilities, full-service hairdressing experiences, and more!
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Keep an eye on our social media channels and/or join our mailing list for updates on what prizes await you for 2025. One thing's for certain: You won't be disappointed.
Where, When, and The Rest
Where:
The Vancouver Club, 915 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
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When:
April 5th, 2025 at 1800 (6PM)
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Dress:
Black tie or military mess uniform. The wearing of miniature medals and decorations is encouraged.
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Tickets:
Available January 2025!