Military Family Profile: Jaime Lynn Donaldson

Master Sailer Jaime Lynn Donaldson is pictured here with her family: Husband Matthew Richard and their two daughters, Rory and Nellie.

Hello Jaime! Can you tell us a bit about your family?

I’ve been in the military since 2009. My husband and I have two daughters, Rory (2.5) and Nellie (1.5).

What does being a military family mean to you?

It feels like a family. In particular, I’ve worked at a lot of different locations, but mainly on PEI, and I don’t know if I’d be in as long as I have been if it weren’t for the community feeling I get working on PEI. It really is like a big family—they’re there for you for the highest of highs and for the lowest of lows.

Speaking of those highs and lows…can you tell us about a few challenges about being a military family that either you’ve experienced now or you have in the past.

I haven’t had a lot of challenges. I’m a reservist so I’ve been in and out of school for the majority of my military career—balancing school and reservist work and going away most spring and summers. I now have a family and kids so new challenges arise because I’m in recruiting—you can work some odd hours, some weekends and evenings. And there’s situations you have a commitment to show up to work and yes, some days you’d rather be home with your family.

I’m going away on a course in January 2023 for eight weeks—that’s going to be our biggest challenge, being away from the kids and having my husband take on the responsibilities. I’ve reached out to the MFRC and they’ve been providing support. 

What about some of the joys that come from being a military family?

The accomplishment you feel after you complete a difficult course, or even every year being in the parade on Remembrance Day—it makes you feel like a proud Canadian. Making a lot of friends from all across Canada and getting to travel and really doing things outside of your comfort zone, pushing yourself, and celebrating your successes.

Can you speak to us about what the MFRC means to your family?

I’ve always known about the MFRC but until I had kids, I didn’t realize all they actually do for us. They’ve helped us out so much. During Hurricane Fiona, offering low-cost options for families and events—it means a lot.