As the moderator of the Captain Nichola Goddard Leadership Series Fireside Chat, I had the privilege of guiding a deep, meaningful conversation between two remarkable women Veterans: Able Wren (ret’d) Gwen Settle and Chief Warrant Officer (ret’d) Shelley Lamothe.
Gwen Settle was born into a military family and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1962. She became part of the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service, known as “Wrens”, and was part of a top-secret group whose work consisted of tracking, analyzing, and reporting Soviet submarine movements during the Cold War.
Shelley Lamothe is a decorated Veteran with operational medals for her work with NATO, and tours in Afghanistan and Bosnia. She proudly served the Canadian Armed Forces for 27 years in the Royal Canadian Medical Corps.
You can watch the recording here.
Their stories, reflections, and honesty made a lasting impression, and as a Veteran myself I want to share just a few of the highlights that resonated most:
- Gwen’s remarks about sometimes feeling like she doesn’t measure up to modern Veterans, despite her remarkable service, were especially poignant. That sense of imposter syndrome is something many women Veterans across generations carry with them. This was a central theme of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (ACVA) report Invisible No More, and we’re so glad Gwen is using her voice to share her incredible story.
- Shelley’s experience deploying a field hospital to Afghanistan at just 25 years old underscores the immense responsibility the Canadian Armed Forces places on its young leaders, and the rich experience they gain in return.
- Gwen’s description of the limitations women faced when she joined the military—having to be single, not being allowed to wear slacks, and being barred from operational roles (though Gwen cleverly found a loophole)—reminds us of how far the Canadian Armed Forces has come in 50 years. While there is still much work to do, it’s good to celebrate this progress.
- Shelley’s reminder that service takes a significant toll on families, and that this was a key factor in her difficult decision to end her military career, brought real emotional weight to the discussion. Her question—whether there might have been another path that allowed her to continue serving—was powerful and left us all reflecting on how we can better support those who serve.
- Gwen shared that her time in uniform gave her discipline and an attention to detail that carried through the rest of her life. Shelley echoed this and added that the ability to assess and assume risk, and to think and plan at a strategic level, were invaluable skills she’s taken into her civilian career.
Finally, Gwen’s closing advice to never stop learning was especially meaningful, coming from someone who continues to lead by example through her energy, curiosity, and commitment to volunteerism.
Shelley’s parting advice to never say no to opportunities was equally inspiring, particularly when we consider all she’s accomplished by doing just that.
Thank you so much to Gwen and Shelley for taking the time to speak with True Patriot Love Foundation.
It was an honour to moderate this fascinating conversation.
LCol (Ret’d) Eleanor Taylor
Head, Community Engagement & Advocacy
True Patriot Love Foundation
