The 9th Annual
Vancouver Military Dinner
Healing through sport, and the power of Invictus
The 9th Annual Vancouver Military Dinner took place on April 6th, 2024 at the Vancouver Club
Keynote Speakers
Military Keynote Speaker
Commodore
Patrick Montgomery, OMM CD
Commander, Naval Reserve
At HMCS Malahat, Commodore Montgomery served as the Deck Officer while completing his B.Sc. and M.Sc. at the University of Victoria. He obtained his Bridge Watchkeeper’s Certificate in 1989 and spent several summers serving in Porte Class gate vessels, PBs and “YAG” (Yard Auxiliary, General) training vessels. In 1993 he transferred to HMCS Nonsuch, Edmonton’s Naval Reserve Division, while continuing his postgraduate studies at the University of Alberta. While at Nonsuch, he served as the Operations Officer, and continued to go to sea at every opportunity, including as Executive Officer (XO) for the unit’s final Gate Vessel Weekend, which brought HMCS Porte Quebec alongside for the last time.
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On completion of his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Commodore Montgomery moved to Prince George as faculty at the University of Northern British Columbia. While there, he maintained his part-time career with the Naval Reserve, and trained with Nonsuch whenever possible. After gaining knowledge on the new Kingston class, he was awarded his Minor Warship Command qualification in 2004, serving several periods as XO of HMCS Nanaimo during the summer months.
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In 2008, after a tour as XO of HMCS Kingston, Commodore Montgomery moved to Victoria and assumed command of HMCS Edmonton followed by a hull transfer to HMCS Saskatoon. During nearly four years in command, he was involved in the full range of coastal operations, including Operation Podium, the CAF contribution to the Centennial of the Navy and Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics security efforts, Exercise RIMPAC 2012, and a variety of port visits from Juneau, Alaska to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. On completion of his sea posting, he moved ashore as the Mine Warfare Officer for Coastal Forces (Pacific), working towards growing our Navy’s capability in this important warfare area.
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In 2015, Commodore Montgomery transitioned back to part-time service while joining the faculty at Camosun College in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. He served as the Naval Reserve Western Region Captain from 2015 to 2018, followed by a posting as Special Assistant to the Director General, Naval Strategic Readiness. Commodore Montgomery was promoted to his current rank and appointed Commander Naval Reserve in July of 2021. He currently resides in Victoria with his wonderfully supportive wife and enjoys spending time with his two sons, sailing the Gulf Islands, and playing tuba in the Greater Victoria Community Band.
Featured Organization Keynote Speaker
Major (Retired)
Nick Holyome, CD
Team Canada Athlete
Invictus Games 2022 & 2023
Nick was born at High Wycombe in the United Kingdom, and has served across environments as an Army Intelligence Officer, an Air Force Intelligence Officer, and a Naval Warfare Officer
Over the course of his service, he has had the pleasure of working in Toronto, Calgary, Victoria, Halifax, Vancouver, Ottawa, Kingston, and
finally Comox, BC, where he now resides. He deployed to Kabul and three times to Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Two of his career highlights were spending eight years working the counterterrorism mission at Canadian Special Operations Forces Command and deploying with the Human Intelligence Teams.
His motivation to apply for the Invictus Games is the healing power of sportsmanship. In his own words: “I've met so many people over the past four years on my journey towards the Invictus Games that have inspired and moved me to continue to work on myself and help my fellow veterans. I am a passionate advocate of mental health recovery through sports and competition and there is no better way to spread that word than to put on the Team Canada uniform myself.”
He draws his inspiration from his amazing wife and two children who have helped and supported him as he completed the challenging transition to civilian life. He now works in cybersecurity and risk consulting. Nick was fortunate to represent Team Canada and attend two Invictus Games - The Hague (2022) and Dusseldorf (2023). He competed in Cycling, Rowing, and Wheelchair Rugby.
Featured Organization
Did you know that the Invictus Games are coming to Vancouver? How about that 2025 will be the very first winter-hybrid games in Invictus History, and it'll all play out it our own backyard?
We couldn't miss the opportunity to be a part of that, and we're humbled to have partnered with Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 for 2024!
Founded by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, the Invictus Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country. More than 500 ill and injured military personnel and veterans will come together in the spirit of friendship, camaraderie, and competition, leading to a thrilling, heartwarming, and world-class sporting event.
Invictus means 'unconquered', a term which perfectly embodies the fighting spirit of the participants, as well as their motivation to move on with their lives and to not let themselves be defined by the trauma they have suffered. We're proud to be even a small part of this incredible event, and look forward to telling you more about the brave athletes who'll soon be enjoying our beautiful city.
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 Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025! 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 2024. 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 6th, 2024 at 1800 (6PM)
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Dress:
Black tie or military mess uniform. The wear of miniature medals and decorations is encouraged.
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Tickets:
Sold out!