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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
FRECHETTE, Michael Phillippe - Windsor resident Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Michel Philippe Frechette was the sole occupant of a vehicle involved in a two-vehicle collision that occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13., 2008
Frechette -- a member of the West Nova Scotia Regiment and the Land Force Atlantic Area (LFAA) chief cook -- was in Virginia as part of the advance party for Exercise Southbound Trooper VIII, the largest annual exercise for soldiers of 36 Canadian Brigade Group, scheduled to take place Feb. 15-24. A release from Frechette’s family noted, “he was a dedicated family man and extremely professional in his duties, and was highly regarded by his military colleagues.” Born in Montreal, Quebec in 1959, the release noted, “he was the loving husband, soulmate and true love of Caroline Vigneault and proud stepfather to Kevin Verge and daughter Tanya Verge. “Mike was a very proud man with a wonderful sense of humour and was proud to serve his country,” the family said. “He was loved and will be missed by all.” West Nova commanding officer Lt. Col. Greg Starkey said, “the regiment is shocked and saddened by the news. MWO Frechette was an extremely well-respected member of the regiment, with whom we were looking forward to many years of continued service. He’s going to be missed.” Frechette had been a submariner among other things during his 29-year permanent force service, including service on the food services staff at Camp Aldershot before joining the West Novas. In the unit, he was sergeant major of the headquarters company. “It was unexpected,” Starkey said of Frechette’s death. As for participation in the exercise in Virginia, Starkey said, “the exercise will carry on.” The West Novas and other Nova Scotia troops will conduct training with United States regular force, National Guard and Air Reserve. “MWO Frechette served his country for many years in the regular force before retiring and joining the West Nova Scotia Regiment as a cook,” 36 Canadian Brigade Group commander Colonel David Henley said in a Feb. 14 release. “His dedication to Canada and his contributions to the CF are a great example of the selflessness and sense of duty of all soldiers serving this country. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and the regiment.” One person in the second vehicle sustained undetermined injuries. Virginia State Police are investigating the accident. Repatriation and funeral arrangements are to be determined. The West Novas have a sub-unit in Windsor and have provided individual members for United Nations, NATO and domestic operations. The reserve unit contributed 18 troops as part of the Second Royal Canadian Regiment’s rotation in Afghanistan early last year and suffered no fatalities or serious injuries. Former West Novas continue to serve on operations as part of other units and corps.
Ships served in: HMCS ONONDAGA - Served in Onondaga in 1993 HMCS VILLE DE QUEBEC - Served in Ville de Quebec in 2004
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For Posterity's Sake 
