VETERANS UN/NATO CANADA******-------------------"NEW VETERAN GENERATION"--

2011-10-24T09:02:00.002-06:00

VETERNS UN NATO CANADA WEST HAS MOVED TO:

www.veteransunnatowest.ca

C U THERE!

LLOYDMINSTER and VERMILLION RUN SUNDAY 25 SEP

2011-09-24T08:41:00.007-06:00

Some members are heading out to Lloydminster Sunday to hook up with the Cold Lake Crew, Wainwright and other members. Meeting at Rickies Bar and Grill in Lloyd. South side (right) of HWY 16 as you come in from Edmonton by the first Tim Hortons and before the CDN TIRE.

Temps in the mid to upper 20s will make this an awesome fall day and a couple new members being patched in. Anyone interested contact Eric Hine to hook up with him and others coming out.

C U then and Ride Safe!

EDMONTON TOY RUN SUNDAY 25 SEPT

2011-09-24T08:39:00.003-06:00

Anyone heading out for the Toy Run can meet at Tim Horton's on 97th St by CDN TIRE at 8am

C'mon out, enjoy the day and help the kids!

Ride Safe

BATTLE OF BRITAIN COLD LAKE 18 SEPT 2011

2011-09-21T08:44:00.002-06:00

Portraits of Honour led by Chris, Salty and 90 members and guest of UN NATO

2011-09-16T20:27:00.002-06:00

LUC LIZOTTE at GINO's Place in Edmunston NB

2011-08-19T07:07:00.002-06:00

Vermillion Fun Run 3 Jul 2011

2011-07-03T19:29:00.007-06:00

More pics here:
https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/media/set/?set=a.122470881175198.32449.100002368596656

2011-07-02T11:15:00.001-06:00

ust go to: WWW.CFAPPRECIATION.CA

CANFORGEN 111/11 CMP 054/11 231509Z JUN 11
LAUNCH OF THE CF APPRECIATION PROGRAM
UNCLASSIFIED
ON BEHALF OF THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE, THE HONOURABLE PETER MACKAY, AND THE CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE STAFF, GEN NATYNCZYK, I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF THE CANADIAN FORCES (CF) APPRECIATION PROGRAM, EFFECTIVE 23 JUNE 2011. THE CF APPRECIATION
PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE THE CF COMMUNITY WITH ACCESS TO A WIDE ARRAY OF INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL AND LOCAL DISCOUNTS FOR GOODS AND SERVICES, WITH EMPHASIS ON LEISURE TRAVEL, INCLUDING INDIVIDUAL AS WELL AS FAMILY HOLIDAY PACKAGES, AND MANY OTHER GOODS AND SERVICES OF INTEREST

CF COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH ACCESS TO THE PROGRAM INCLUDE: CURRENTLY SERVING REGULAR FORCE AND RESERVE FORCE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, FORMER CF MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES OF DND, OF THE NON-PUBLIC FUNDS, AND OF THE CF, AND FOREIGN MILITARY PERSONNEL SERVING WITH THE CF THE CF APPRECIATION PROGRAM CAN BE ACCESSED PRIMARILY ONLINE AT WWW.CFAPPRECIATION.CA. INITIALLY, THIS WEBSITE WILL FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM COMPONENTS:
THE CF R AND R CLUB PROVIDES ACCESS TO TIMESHARE VACATION RENTALS AT HIGHLY DISCOUNTED PRICES. THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ARMED FORCES VACATION CLUB, A PRODUCT OF WYNDHAM WORLDWIDE, SPACIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS AT 3,500 RESORTS, APARTMENTS, CONDOMINIUMS AND HOMES IN MORE THAN 80 COUNTRIES WILL BE OFFERED TO THE CF COMMUNITY AT COMPETITIVE PRICES. FROM SANDY BEACHES TO SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAINS, THE
CF R AND R CLUB PROVIDES UNIQUE, WELL-DESERVED AND WELL-PRICED VACATION ACCOMODATIONS AND CF DISCOUNTS, WHICH ARE EXPLAINED BELOW THE DISCOUNTS MADE AVAILABLE TO CF COMMUNITY MEMBERS THROUGH THE CF APPRECIATION PROGRAM BUILD ON THE SUCCESSES OF THE CANEX DISCOUNT PROGRAM (CDP) AS WELL AS ON LOCAL DISCOUNT PROGRAMS OPERATED BY
MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRES AND LOCAL COMMUNITY RECREATION ASSOCIATIONS. ALL DISCOUNTS THAT WERE FORMERLY AVAILABLE THROUGH THE CDP HAVE BEEN INTEGRATED INTO THE BROADENED AND ENHANCED SELECTION OF DISCOUNTS OFFERED BY THE CF APPRECIATION PROGRAM
DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING EIGHT CATEGORIES:
ACCOMMODATIONS
ATTRACTIONS
ENTERTAINMENT
DINING
HOME LIFESTYLE
SHOPS AND SERVICES
TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL
IN PREPARATION FOR THE LAUNCH, THE CF APPRECIATION PROGRAM HAS FOCUSED ON OFFERING DISCOUNTS FOR ATTRACTIONS ACROSS CANADA AND IN THE USA. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT USERS CHECK THE SITE OFTEN, AS DISCOUNTS, CONTESTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS WILL BE ADDED FREQUENTLY. THE WEBSITE ALSO PROVIDES THEOPPORTUNITY TO GIVE FEEDBACK IN ORDER THAT THE CF APPRECIATION PROGRAM MAY EVOLVE TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE CF COMMUNITY
ADMINISTERED BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL PERSONNEL AND FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES, MR. D.E. MARTIN, THE CF APPRECIATION PROGRAM AIMS TO ENHANCE THE MORALE AND WELFARE OF CF COMMUNITY MEMBERS BY PROVIDING UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES FOR REST, RECREATION, AND STRENGTHENING OF FAMILY BONDS FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CF APPRECIATION PROGRAM, PLEASE VISIT WWW.CFAPPRECIATION.CA OR CONTACT COLIN BAYNE AT BAYNE.COLIN (AND SIGN) CFPSA.COM <mailto:bayne.colin@cfpsa.com> SIGNED BY RADM A. SMITH, CMP

REGIMENT VMC POKER RUN AUG 13th

2011-06-23T09:08:00.003-06:00

THE REGIMENT VMC is holding a charity poker run for the new Veterans Center in Edmonton

DATE: 13 Aug 2011

TIME: registration 11:00 hrs. Run starts at 12 noon

PLACE : Red Line Pub, Spruce Grove AB

COST: 20$ a hand

All members of Veterans UN NATO have been invited to participate, enjoy the day with fellow Veterans and supporters of this great cause!

Military Police National Motorcycle Relay Ride

2011-06-23T09:06:00.002-06:00

Contact Salty for pledge forms salty01@telus.net
AB Leg
Day	Event		Route Total	Day Total	Tour Total
13 Aug		Edmonton AB - Cold Lake, AB & rtn
	0730 hrs	Tim Hortons Edmonton Garrison, RR 244
Saturday	0800 hrs	Turn right out of Tim Horton's onto RR 244	5.1 km
		Turn left onto HWY-37 W	500 m
		Turn right at HWY-28 N (signs for Bon Accord)	24.9 km
		Take the ramp onto HWY-28 E towards Waskatenau	54 km
Event	Fuel/Snack	Waskatenau, AB		84.5 km, 55m
		Continue onto HWY-28 E towards Bonnyville AB	147 km
Event	Fuel/Snack	Bonnyville, AB		231.5 km,2hrs 30m
		Continue onto HWY-28 E towards Cold Lake AB	49.5 km
	Fuel/Eat	4 Wing Cold Lake, AB		281 km, 3hrs
Event	1200 hrs	Silent Auction, location TBD / 3 hrs		6 hrs

Return Trip	1500 hrs	Cold Lake, AB - St Albert, AB
13-Aug	Event	Turn right onto HWY 28 W towards Bonnyville AB	49.5 km
	Fuel	Bonnyville, AB		49.5 km, 30m
		Continue onto HWY-28 W towards Waskatenau	147 km
	Fuel	Waskatenau, AB		196.5 km, 2hrs
		Continue onto HWY-28 W towards Bon Accord
		Take the ramp onto HWY-28 W towards Bon Accord	54 km
		Continue onto HWY-28, turn right at HWY-37 W	24.9 km
		Head west on HWY 37 toward HWY-2	9.7 km
		Pass over ramp and head S on HWY-2 towards St Albert	8km
		Turn left at main intersection onto Bellerose Dr	300m
		Turn left into Crown & Tower Pub (11 Bellerose Dr)	End of Trip	293.4 km, 3.5hrs
Event	Silent Auction/ Eat	Crown &Tower Pub, St Albert, AB			574.4 km
	1900 hrs	Sponsored by Molson/Silent Auction

POPPY PATCH AND RIBBON

2011-06-19T13:00:00.004-06:00

Contact Bob Tarras to order: rjtarras@gmail.com Poppy patch is 12$ incl shipping

R4D Calgary 2011

2011-06-19T10:06:00.004-06:00

R4D Edmonton 2011

2011-06-12T16:56:00.006-06:00

More pics here: https://cid-ef8912aec0925ee9.photos.live.com/play.aspx/Ride%20for%20dad%20Pictures?Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos

More pics: https://picasaweb.google.com/cst1575/2011MRFD#

Ride for Dad - Edmonton 2011

2011-06-12T14:21:00.001-06:00

Link here: Ride for Dad - Edmonton 2011

RIDE FOR HUNGER REDWATER AB 5 JUNE 2011

2011-06-12T12:44:00.004-06:00

UN NATO AT ROLLING THUNDER

2011-05-31T20:30:00.000-06:00

Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/user/Veteransunnatohq#p/a/u/1/qhFGOQYoTbQ

RIP Bomardier Manning

2011-05-29T08:42:00.001-06:00

Canadian soldier found dead in Afghanistan

Published On Sat May 28 2011

Article

Bombardier Karl Manning, 31, shown in this undated handout photo, has died in a non-hostile incident in Afghanistan.

HANDOUT PHOTO/THE CANADIAN PRESS

The Canadian Press

More about

Afghanistan»

KANDAHAR — The position of the Canadian flag said it all.

In fact, it spoke louder than anything Brig.-Gen. Dean Milner could have said about the death of Bombardier Karl Manning, who became the 156th Canadian to die in Afghanistan.

The flag was at full staff when Milner announced the death early Saturday.

Manning, 31, died in what the military describes as a “non-hostile” “non-accident” incident.

The flag was at half staff after Milner's statement, in contrast to other times when it's been lowered the moment the headquarters learned of a death.

Manning, a native of Chicoutimi, Que., was an artillery soldier and radar operator, who spent the better part of a nearly completed tour at a remote base amid the desolate hard scrub villages of western Panjwaii.

It is a stark, hostile place that for years had been a Taliban sanctuary, until the Canadian battle group, led by the 1st Battalion Royal 22e Regiment, pushed into the area last December.

Manning's body was discovered by fellow soldiers at the outpost in the Zangabad area on Friday.

“While an investigation is still ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding his death, foul play and enemy action have been ruled out,” said Milner.

If ruled a suicide, Manning would become the fourth soldier involved in the Afghan mission to have died by their own hand overseas.

The most high profile case involved Maj. Michelle Mendes, an intelligence officer, who'd only been in theatre a short time when she was found dead in her room on April 25, 2009.

Her suicide put the military's career and mental health systems under close scrutiny with questions about how such an up and coming young officer could have suddenly decided to take her own life.

Another officer assigned to NATO headquarters in Kabul committed suicide. A corporal with a military police detachment at Camp Mirage in Dubai was another case.

The death of Manning is the second of the year, and the first for the Canadian mission in Afghanistan since March 27.

That's when Cpl. Yannick Scherrer was killed by an improvised explosive device southwest of Kandahar city.

Milner described Manning's death as a great loss and offered his condolences to the man's family, friends and comrades.

“His professionalism and dedication were admired by all,” he said in a brief statement before leaving without taking questions.

News of the death shook soldiers at the outpost and many of them gathered in an assembly on Friday to hear the news from senior officers.

Representatives of the Canadian Forces Health Services branch in Kandahar were unable to comment Saturday.

The military has instituted a myriad of new mental health programs since the army first started seeing major combat in Kandahar, including the establishment of operational stress injury clinics at major bases across the country.

There is a recently overhauled suicide prevention program, which the medical branch has gone out of its way to highlight.

A recently completed a study of suicides concluded the Forces could do more to reduce workplace and career stress.

The most recent figures from the military's health group show 16 uniformed members — men and women — took their lives in 2009, almost double the number reported in 2006 at the beginning of the latest Afghan mission.

But military doctors do not look at the number, but rather the overall rate of suicide, which is averaged over a number of years. That figure suggested suicide in the ranks has remained steady.

Men are overwhelmingly more likely to commit suicide in the Forces than women.

Between 2005 and 2009, 50 men in uniform took their own life. Five women committed suicide during the same time frame.

Military members are screened for suicidal thoughts as part of regular fitness reviews and following overseas deployments, but the study questioned the usefulness of some screening questions.

Experts wondered whether it was possible to get an honest answer when asking someone directly whether they'd had thoughts of taking their own life.

The report suggested military doctors pay closer attention to depression, which is sometimes a precursor to a suicide attempt.

Respect and Prayers to Family of Edmonton Soldier

2011-05-29T08:38:00.004-06:00

Body of missing soldier found near Redwater

BY BRENT WITTMEIER, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM MAY 26, 2011 BE THE FIRST TO POST A COMMENT

More Images »

Richard Curnow is described as five feet, 11 inches, with an athletic build and weighs 208 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the EPS ‘Dispatch Line’ at 780-423-4567.

Photograph by: Supplied, edmontonjournal.com

EDMONTON -- A body found Sunday near Redwater on Sunday is that of missing soldier Richard Curnow.

Curnow, 25, disappeared on the morning of May 5 while jogging along the North Saskatchewan River near Emily Murphy Park. Police, military, and Edmonton Fire Rescue crews searched for two days, while family and friends kept an ongoing search alive.

Police have deemed the death as non-criminal and will not be releasing the cause of death.

Redwater is northeast of Edmonton. The North Saskatchewan River runs through the area but police didn’t say if his body was found in the river.

2011-05-29T08:38:00.001-06:00

MFRC 4 WING COLD LAKE Award to Members of VETERANS UN NATO CANADA

2011-05-22T20:27:00.001-06:00

Some Patriotic Tat's

2011-04-26T08:50:00.004-06:00

VIM Ribbon 10$ Proceeds to UN NATO FOUNDATION Contact Salty

2011-04-21T21:31:00.003-06:00

2011-04-20T21:01:00.001-06:00

Quilts of Valour come to 4 Wing MFRC

By Andrew Serba

Posted 2 days ago

In 2006, when Edmonton resident Lezley Zwaal saw an interview with a Canadian soldier injured in Afghanistan, she felt the need to do something for the young man.

"With my friends, when someone is sick or hurt, everyone will get together and each person will sew a bit of a quilt and then someone will put it together to make a comfort quilt," Zwaal explained. "My reaction when I saw the soldier on TV was 'Where's your quilt?' This was someone who has given more than most for their country so that we can do what we want to do."

Zwaal fashioned a quilt for the young soldier and found a way to get it to him.

It was not easy, as a civilian, to get the quilt in the hands of the soldier. So Zwaal next set to work building a network of quilters along with a network of contacts in the military who could get quilts to injured soldiers.

Three years later, Zwaal named her organization Quilts of Valour and registered the group as a non-profit society. And to date, Quilts of Valour has distributed over 1,550 quilts to soldiers in need of comfort.

Last week, Zwaal came to 4 Wing Cold Lake with six quilts for the Military Families Resource Centre to distribute when they are needed.

One of the quilts was chosen by John Moreland, a Canadian veteran who continues his service to the country through his work with Veterans UN/NATO Canada.

"The biggest reason why we're here today is because someone who I think needs a quilt and a big hug is going to get one," Zwaal said. "That's what Quilts of Valour is all about."

Moreland chose a quilt portraying fall leaves – a quilt that matched a recent tattoo the veteran had done as a memento of his service. He was surprised when he heard how many quilts the group has been able to put in soldiers' hands.

"All I can say is a big 'Thank you,'" Moreland said. "For that many quilts to be out there is amazing. It's a simple gesture...but it goes deep. Something like this means a lot."

Michelle Bourdon of the 4 Wing MFRC said the base is careful to protect the identity of all of the quilts' recipients: The media is only notified if the recipient wants to publicize the work that Quilts of Valour does.

"The 4 Wing policy for distribution of quilts of comfort is always to protect the anonymity of any recipient," Bourdon said. "It's to respect the privacy of the individual soldier, but at the same time to let them know they have the support of caring Canadians."

Moreland said he decided to accept the quilt publicly to bring the group's work to the attention to local quilters who might want to help and to the attention of local soldiers who could use the comfort the group helps provide.

"For most of the guys and gals, the limelight is not what its about at all," Moreland said about the ethic many soldiers hold. "This is a nice, subtle way of recognizing them and if it helps get the word out to help any soldier in any way – big or small – then I'm for it."

The Cold Lake contact for Quilts of Valour is Lisa Dawson. She can be reached at lvgdaws@telus.net or at 780-594-0262 with any questions about the group or to arrange for a quilt to be picked up or delivered.

Spring Time Apr 10th at CFB Suffield AB

2011-04-10T10:44:00.002-06:00

NATIONAL WEBSITE AND UN NATO FOUNDATION

2011-04-10T08:47:00.001-06:00

Website is here for both:

http://www.veteransunnatohq.com/

Veterans UN NATO RALLY 29 Jul-1 Aug Chilliwack BC

2011-02-27T10:43:00.002-07:00

Canadian Veteran and also Canadian Vietnam Veteran Ernie Laney SR, Joins VETERANS UN NATO CANADA

2011-02-22T16:07:00.003-07:00

2011 Events in the West

2011-01-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

Ride For Hunger June 5 REDWATER AB

http://www.motorcycleridefordad.org/edm/ 11 June Edmonton AB

RIDE FOR DAD CALGARY 18 June Calgary AB

http://www.sturgisnorth.com/ 13-17 Jul SALMON ARM BC

http://greatcanadianbikerally.com/ 14-17 July Merritt BC

VETERANS UN NATO CANADA Gathering Chilliwack BC 29 Jul – 1 Aug

Details to follow

EDMONTON BIKE SHOW

2011-01-18T17:22:00.001-07:00

AFGHANISTAN NEWS

2011-01-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

News Releases

First CC-130J Hercules arrives in Afghanistan

Jan. 4, 2011

Canada’s first J-model CC-130 Hercules and crew to be deployed to Afghanistan arrived at Kandahar Airfield on Jan.1, 2011 after departing from their home unit, 436 (Transport) Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton, Ont. on Dec. 28. Credit: Cpl Tina Gillies.

» Related Photos

The Canadian Forces started 2011 off on a proud note by welcoming their first deployed CC-130J Hercules tactical aircraft into operational service at Kandahar Airfield on Jan. 1 in support of our UN-mandated, NATO-led mission to Afghanistan.

“This Government has an incredible record of providing our men and women in uniform with the necessary tools to do the job that is asked of them,” declared the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, during his recent visit with Canadian Forces members serving in Afghanistan.

“These impressive new aircraft – which were delivered on budget and ahead of schedule – will serve Canada and Canadians well for years to come,” he said.

“The quick introduction of the J-model Hercules in Afghanistan clearly demonstrates the Air Force’s flexibility to sustain vital airlift mission in the complex environment of high-intensity joint operations,” said Lieutenant-General André Deschamps, Chief of Air Staff. “Our air wing operations in Afghanistan highlight the value of an agile and expeditionary Air Force.”

The CC-130J provides additional capability and reliability, and will help ensure our continued success in operations thereby helping the Air Force to meet its goal of being the “best in class” for its size, while remaining highly interoperable with our allies.

“The operations in Afghanistan clearly show that the men and women of the Air Force are expertly trained, extremely professional, and highly motivated to make a vital contribution to operational success,” said Colonel Paul Prévost, commanding officer of Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing.

The first CC-130J Hercules tactical aircraft arrived in Canada on June 4, 2010, six months ahead of the original scheduled delivery date. The Air Force team demonstrated its agility, flexibility and professional capabilities by readying the aircraft and its crews for deployment to Afghanistan in fewer than seven months.

Training, maintenance and operation procedures needed to be adapted to the specific characteristics of this aircraft, while ensuring an efficient and effective implementation schedule that will facilitate safe, effective, and sustained operations.

The new CC-130J Hercules aircraft will belong to the Tactical Aviation Unit (Task Force Canuck), which is part of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing. This tactical aircraft will be used for missions such as intra-theatre transport of troops and cargo, battlefield illumination, and drops of combat packages. A second CC-130J Hercules aircraft will deploy to Afghanistan in late spring 2011.

All 17 CC-130Js will be based at 8 Wing Trenton, along with the future Air Mobility Training Centre that will house the equipment and personnel required to train the operators and maintainers of the CC-130J Hercules aircraft.

» Related Photos

A loadmaster from 436 (T) Sqn, 8 Wing Trenton, Ont. guides a forklift driver towards the aircraft at Kandahar Airfield on Jan.1, 2011.

Photo Credit: Cpl Tina Gillies.

Members of 436 Transport Squadron, 8 Wing Trenton, Ont., including first officer, Capt Jason Danyluk (centre), wave goodbye aboard their CC-130J Hercules as they depart Trenton for Afghanistan on Dec. 28.

Photo Credit: MCpl Lori Geneau.

2010-12-21T08:54:00.001-07:00

HANDOUT

Corporal Steve Martin was killed Saturday after an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on patrol in the Panjwai district of Kandahar Province.

Kenyon Wallace December 21, 2010 – 8:38 am

The repatriation ceremony for the latest Canadian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan, Corporal Steve Martin, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at CFB Trenton.

The ceremony will pay tribute to Cpl. Martin, a soldier with the Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group, who died Saturday after a roadside bomb exploded in the dangerous Panjwaii district west of Kandahar City.

Cpl. Martin had been in Afghanistan about three weeks on his second tour of duty and was just two days shy of his 25th birthday when he died.

A native of the Quebec village of St. Cyrille de Wendover, near Drummondville, Cpl. Martin was a member of the Van Doo’s 3rd Battalion, and had previously worked with the Canadian Forces during aid efforts in Haiti. He was serving with the 1st Battalion at the time of his death, becoming the 154th Canadian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan.

“We will never forget Cpl. Martin’s bravery and his sacrifice to make life better for others,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement Sunday.

Cpl. Martin’s death brought the death toll to 700 among foreign soldiers in the NATO-led security mission to Afghanistan.

National Post, with files from Postmedia News

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2010

2010-11-12T12:09:00.011-07:00

Afterburner Cup Flames Vs Oilers Alumni & Military & MLAS's

2010-11-12T12:04:00.005-07:00

Vermillion Run OCT 3rd & New bikes in Cold lake

2010-10-14T09:40:00.003-06:00

EDMONTON TOY RUN SEPT 26

2010-10-02T12:13:00.002-06:00

Poker run childrens hospital in Calgary‏

2010-09-27T22:24:00.001-06:00

Cold Lake presentation $16,401.00What a Bike Night it was!

2010-09-23T08:01:00.005-06:00

Actual cheque total was $16401.00 Thank you Cold Lake!

MCPL CHRIS DOWNEY BIKE NIGHT COLD LAKE AUG 26

2010-08-27T17:52:00.007-06:00

Radium BC Run Aug Long

2010-08-20T18:32:00.003-06:00

Aug18, 97st Bike Night, Edmonton AB

2010-08-20T16:00:00.006-06:00

Veteran's members meeting with Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture)

2010-08-19T07:16:00.003-06:00

2010 Radium Run

2010-08-10T14:59:00.001-06:00

Cold Lake Sun Talks to Chris

2010-07-07T21:56:00.004-06:00

Wounded soldier returns to Cold Lake

Posted By Andrew Serba

Updated 1 day ago

A Canadian soldier injured in a fatal Afghanistan blast has returned to Cold Lake determined to help other wounded soldiers.

Master Cpl. Chris Downey returned to from hospital in Ottawa on July 3 to a hero's welcome.

He landed in Edmonton and for the last 50 kilometres of his journey, Downey was surprised by coworkers, friends, family and Canadian veterans riding in a convoy of 38 motorcycles, along with an impromptu police escort put together by the Bonnyville RCMP.

Downy said the show of support was a touching surprise.
"Just to have your family is good enough, but this is overwhelming," he said. "It pretty much took everything in me not to fall down and cry."

Downey was injured in the May 3 IED blast that killed Petty Officer Second Class Craig Blake in the Panjway District southwest of Kandahar City. Downey, who was part of Blake's bomb squad team and on his first overseas tour, said his recollection of the events is not perfect. But he does remember the hours the team spent diffusing another IED earlier that day.

He also remembers that Blake performed the "render safe" on the bomb and "had done an amazing job."

After the team packed up and began walking back to base, another IED hidden along their path was detonated. Blake took the brunt of the blast's force and was killed.

Downey, who was talking to Blake from about seven feet behind, was thrown 25 feet back.

The blast burned Downey's right arm, shrapnel hit his left leg, his helmet was thrown off, his jaw was split and his right eye was lost. The team was just shy of its third week in Afghanistan.

"They targeted the two of us," Downey said. "(Explosive Ordinance Disposal) operators are very targeted out there because of our specialty. They let all the other soldiers walk by and hit it specifically when Craig and I were there. So they knew exactly who they were going for and what they wanted to do, but Craig's last gift to me was saving my life."

Downey praised the work of the Canadian Forces to help him and his family deal with his injuries.

"I could spend hours talking about the medic that was there on the day, the (Military Family Resource Centre) here…everybody that has been involved has been phenomenal," he said.

By Downey's guess, the MFRC has spent over $2,000 to fly his girlfriend, Sari Moreland, to be with him since he arrived in Ottawa from a military hospital in Germany to convalesce. That money comes out of a pool of donated funds, Downey said, and his first thought was to ensure enough remains to help other soldiers, should they need it.

The MFRC's timely response was all the more touching given that he and Moreland are not common law spouses and there was no obligation on the MFRC or the Canadian Force's part to provide her with support.

He credits a good part of his recovery to the support and company she offered him in Ottawa.

Since his biggest passion is riding motorcycles, Downey has decided to hold a motorcycle show in Cold Lake in late August with the money raised going to the MRFC. By then, he hopes to be riding his motorcycle alongside the friends who have supported him.

He also hopes to get back to work on 4 Wing as a CF-18 weapons technician as soon as possible and, if given the chance, he'd serve in Afghanistan again.

"If I could deploy right now, I'd be back in a heartbeat," Downey said. "I still want that very much and if the day comes when I'm cleared I will still go back to where the country needs me, for sure."

The fundraiser for the CFB Cold Lake Military Family Resource Centre is scheduled for Aug. 26. Event Organizer is John "SALTY" Moreland @ 780-594-0268 for more info or donations.

A Hero Returns Home...MCPL Chris Downey Cold Lake AB

2010-07-04T07:48:00.025-06:00

file:///var/folders/ZP/ZP-qeIppHNClOykgmBbh7U+++TI/-Tmp-/com.apple.mail.drag-T0x7102e0.tmp.3uHK4B/photo.JPG

Saturday July 3rd Chris returns, 2 months to the day that he was wounded by a remote fired IED in Afghanistan
Welcome home Chris!

June 12th Ride for Dad (fighting prostate cancer) Edmonton Garrison

2010-06-17T09:12:00.004-06:00

June 6th, Redwater Ride for Hunger

2010-06-17T02:22:00.003-06:00

2010-06-17T02:15:00.002-06:00

2010-06-17T02:09:00.002-06:00

12 soldiers charged over drug lab

2010-06-16T12:37:00.000-06:00

Calling a case of this magnitude "a rare occurrence" in the military, army police laid drug charges against 12 current and former soldiers at CFB Wainwright.

The most serious were laid against ex-Pte. David McKinnell and Pte. Matthew Wright, who were charged with operating a drug lab on the base, along with trafficking and possession. They are accused of manufacturing (DMT), a hallucinogen.

Two others were charged with trafficking and the remaining eight face possession charges.

Military police say they seized 10 kg of DMT, pot, cocaine and prescription drugs.

Wainwright-based soldiers facing drug trafficking charges

2010-06-16T12:36:00.000-06:00

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Four Wainwright-based soldiers are facing drug-trafficking charges. (File photo/ www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca) Four low-ranking soldiers stationed at CFB Wainwright have been arrested for drug trafficking while several more could be slapped with possession charges.

Details were sketchy Thursday. Military officials would say only that the allegations are still under investigation and no names will be released until charges are laid.

Capt. Sandra Bourne with the Canadian Forces Provost Marshall said the suspects were arrested, but have since been released with conditions, such as where they can go and who they can associate with. They remain on active duty.

She said all involved are lower-ranking soldiers “who’ve served only for a short time. They are not in positions of authority.”

Bourne could not say when anyone will be formally charged.

Military police are still trying to determine exactly what drugs were allegedly being trafficked.

“The arrests were made in relation to some type of hallucinogenic drug,” she said, “but they’re still testing to determine its exact nature.”

A recent survey by the Canadian Forces found that the illicit drug of choice among soldiers is marijuana.

The study found that nearly 4.7% “recently” smoked pot, nearly one in 20.

Military officials are quick to point out that the figure is much lower than the Canadian population in general, where surveys have found that up to 14% like to smoke up.

Alcohol abuse, however, is another matter. The Department of National Defence website says that binging (downing five or more drinks in a sitting) is “a common drinking practice by 40% of Canadian Forces members.”

Only 32% of post-secondary students – generally considered the heaviest drinkers in society – party that much.

One rank-and-file soldier stationed in Edmonton said it shouldn’t be surprising that military types like to party.

He compared the lifestyle to working in a boomtown like Fort McMurray.

“You get these young guys, many single and right out of high school, suddenly making good money. They work long hours in a tough, stressful job,” said the soldier, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “This is how some blow off steam.”

But when soldiers are in a combat zone, they’re all business, says retired major general Lewis MacKenzie.

“Outside the wire, supervision is 24-7,” he said. “It’s cheek-to-jowel and nobody, but nobody, in the majority group is going to tolerate anybody in the minority group abusing drugs. You have to trust the guys on your right and on your left.”

However, he added, “I’d be very concerned about it in a training environment.”

CFB Wainwright is Western Canada’s major training ground, where soldiers have been honing their combat skills before deploying to Afghanistan.

“I’m glad they were caught, if the allegations prove to be true, because you’re talking about people who are pretty close to recruit status out there, and they’re very vulnerable,” MacKenzie said.

The Canadian Forces has a zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse.

Random drug testing can be done at any time, and all troops shipping out to Afghanistan is subjected to a short-notice urine test.

Anyone who tests positive stays home and is subject to disciplinary action and possibly rehab.

The blanket testing began in 2007. Of the first 1,500 tested, 4.8% failed.

Another 2.6% submitted diluted urine samples. They were immediately removed from pre-deployment training and faced an administrative review.

Cris (WIA), Sari and Brian (Cris Dad)

2010-06-14T09:16:00.003-06:00

Death of a Hero, and Veterans UN/NATO Canada group member.

2010-05-29T06:50:00.006-06:00

It is my duty to announce the death of Mr. Lloyd Hartley.
Lloyd was from Sudbury and a member of our Ontario region group.
Lloyd was a WW2 Veteran. He passed away at 20.30 on May 27th.
Lloyd joined the Canadian Army in 1939 at the age of 16 and served until the end of the war in 1945, he remained in the military and served in the Provost Corp in England until 1947.
He was wounded 4 times while serving on the front line, but kept going until the job was done.
He was the guard of the war criminal Major General SS Kurt Meyer. " http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Meyer_(soldier) "

Lloyd moved to Sudbury and joined the 2nd Battalion of the Irish Regiment to become the Regimental Sergeant Major and retired as a Capt.
He also served as an Officer with the Navy Cadet League
REST IN PEACE (MINISTER), YOUR MISSION HERE ON EARTH IS NOW COMPLETED.
WE WILL REMEMBER YOU ... Veterans UN/NATO Canada (Western Canada Area)

Bike and Car Show, May 15th Edmonton Garrison

2010-05-17T01:02:00.009-06:00

www.rewaco.ca - Chilliwack B.C.

2010-04-28T09:20:00.002-06:00

CHANGE NEW VETERANS CHARTER NOW SAYS OMBUDSMAN PAT STOGRAN

2010-04-27T19:55:00.000-06:00

By Dave Pugliese Sat, Apr 24 2010 COMMENTS(1) David Pugliese’s Defence Watch

By David Pugliese

Defence Watch

Veterans Ombudsman retired Col. Pat Stogran is calling for immediate changes to the Veterans Charter.
Since January, Stogran has travelled across the country listening to what veterans have to say about the New Veterans Charter. He has also launched an online public consultation with Veterans.
According to his office, the New Veterans Charter lump-sum disability award came under sharp criticism at the town halls he attended because it is viewed as a step back from the commonly recognized obligation of the people and Government of Canada to Veterans.
Another concern raised by veterans and their families at the town halls was their perception of a change in commitment by Veterans Affairs Canada to veterans’ long term well-being. An example raised is VAC’s decision to stop maintaining contract long term care beds for elderly veterans. Currently only Second World War and Korean War Veterans have access to Veterans Affairs Canada's contract beds. For the 592,000 Canadian Forces Veterans who are not eligible for these beds, is the country less committed to their needs?, veterans ask.
Here is Stogran’s speech before the Commons committee on Veterans Affairs on Thursday:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for affording me the opportunity to appear before you once again. As we understand it, you have asked me back to comment on the New Veterans Charter. You are probably aware that, since January, I have travelled coast to coast with my team and listened to what Veterans have had to say about the benefits and services they are receiving or not receiving. In addition, I have also launched on-line public consultation through our website. These meetings and consultations have been highly instructive. They have helped me understand, much more clearly, the concerns of Veterans with respect to the New Veterans Charter.

As you all know, the Charter was given Royal assent in May of 2005, five years ago, with the clear acknowledgement that it was not perfect. At the time, it was agreed that, as a living charter, it would be continuously reviewed and evaluated, presumably to ensure that “the recognized obligation of the people and Government of Canada to those who have served their country so well and to their dependants may be fulfilled”. I say “presumably” because while that obligation is clearly stated in the preamble to other pieces of legislation regarding Veterans, nowhere in the Charter does it say as much. Other Acts also direct that they shall be “liberally construed and interpreted”. 1 Although it might be argued that the Interpretation Act accommodates this, however, it does not do so to the end of ensuring that Veterans and their families receive the treatment they rightfully deserve. Once again, saying nothing says a lot!

Was the omission of such a pre-amble an oversight, or is it yet another sign of an evolving change to our commitment to Veterans. My perception of a change in commitment is also apparent in other Departmental plans, policies and programs. The most noteworthy is the Department’s clear intention to stop maintaining Priority Access Beds or contract beds for elderly Veterans. Currently only World War Two and Korean War Veterans have access to Departmental contract beds. For the 592,000 Canadian Forces Veterans who are not eligible for these beds, is the country less committed to their needs?2 When our World War II and Korean War Veterans finally pass on, what will happen to this program?

The lump-sum disability award has been the focus of fierce criticism from the Veterans Community. In Town Hall meetings in communities across Canada I have encountered this criticism first hand. As an incentive to making it more appealing for disabled Veterans to go back to work than remaining on disability, the program is viewed by many as a step back from the commonly recognized obligation of the people and Government of Canada. We should not be under the misapprehension that this issue is new. In 1928, the House Committee on Pensions and Returned Soldier Problems dealt with the same issue of having given soldiers lump sums under the Pension Act, where in retrospect a committee member stated: “We should never have passed that law” to which the Chairman replied “ I think we are all agreed on that now.”3 In my view it doesn’t make sense to hand disabled Veterans a fist full of money and expect that they have the means to go off and start a new life for themselves? 2/2

While the intent of the Charter to reintegrate Veterans is laudable, I would submit that the fundamental premise upon which it appears to be based is flawed. Service in the Canadian Forces or the RCMP is not just another job. Within the CF and the RCMP, changing jobs is not uncommon. During my career in the Army I probably had at least fifteen jobs. However, service in the Canadian Forces and the RCMP is a way of life. It is a culture unto itself. As my wife says, “Soldiering is not what he does, it’s who he is.” For me and I daresay many, many Veterans, leaving the military was a huge culture shock that makes reintegration into the civilian workforce much, much more problematic than simply “finding another job”.

Indeed, if my wife’s views are not as compelling for you as they have become for me, I can offer the words of Dr Anne Irwin, Assistant Professor with the Department of Anthropology at the University of Calgary and CDFAI Chair in Civil-Military Relations who says: “I have always thought that it is astonishing that the military spends so much institutional energy socializing recruits into a new culture (what some could call a "total institution"), spends inordinate amount of time and institutional energy reinforcing the different values and ways of behaving throughout a career, and then expects people to be able to leave the military and integrate into civilian society unproblematically with nothing more than a few briefings on changing careers.”

While that might be considered by some to be an overly simplistic statement, its message must not be lost in the New Veterans Charter debate. When a psychological or physical disability is combined with culture shock, the transition from the CF or RCMP back into civilian life is much more difficult than what the New Veterans Charter would have us believe. I hasten to suggest that this may be beyond the comprehension of anyone who has not served in uniform.

A wound or an injury suffered in the line of duty preparing for combat operations cannot and should not be likened to an industrial accident. The treatment of Veterans and the families of service personnel who have been wounded, injured or killed in the line of duty is not an issue for insurance companies and workmen’s compensation. Yet, the design of the NVC even incorporates the prescriptive long-term disability based formulas of an insurance company?4 We talk about Canada’s commitment to meet Veterans needs and then the enabling legislation and supporting guidelines fail to foster the Department’s new needs-based philosophy.

In closing, I reassert my urging that the New Veterans Charter is revised quickly, comprehensively, transparently, and with full retroactivity to all Veterans who have been affected by it. We have come to a significant milestone in our history regarding the treatment of our Veterans, and the decisions we make now will affect Veterans, their families and indeed our Country for decades to come.

2010 events

2010-04-20T22:56:00.001-06:00

http://veterans-un-nato-canada-events.blogspot.com

Tim Horton, Apr 18, Fort-Saskatchewan

2010-04-20T22:40:00.001-06:00

65th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands

2010-04-19T09:13:00.002-06:00

Ceremonies and Events - Tentative Public Schedule of EventsMonday, May 3
14:00 Ceremony of Remembrance at the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery (organized by the Government of Canada).

Tuesday, May 4
11:00 Commemorative ceremony at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery (organized by the Netherlands)*.

Wednesday, May 5
15:30 Liberation March Past in Wageningen (Opens a New Window) (organized by the Netherlands).

Thursday, May 6
11:00 Ceremony of Remembrance at Bergen op Zoom Canadian War Cemetery (organized by the Government of Canada).

Friday, May 7
20:00 Voorthuizen Military Tattoo* (Opens a New Window)
(Cost of 25 Euros) (organized by the Netherlands).

Sunday, May 9
12:00 Apeldoorn Parade (organized by the Netherlands).

Next Canadian troop deployment up for debate

2010-04-03T03:30:00.001-06:00

OTTAWA — Canadian troops could move from the desert to the jungle.
After the federal government confirmed the military mission in Afghanistan will come to an end next year, debate has already begun on where Canada’s next deployment might be.
Walter Dorn, a professor at the Royal Military College of Canada, said we are “long overdue” to make a substantial contribution to a UN peacekeeping mission. He believes troops should be deployed in the Congo, Haiti, southern Sudan or Darfur.
“At the UN I’ve heard surprise, disappointment and dismay that Canada has been making such little contribution in the last 10 years to an activity that it pioneered,” he told QMI Agency. “I think there are many situations in the world that are quite ripe for a Canadian contribution that would be very constructive for Canada and wouldn’t have the same hazards as the Afghan operation.”
Dorn believes the Afghanistan mission was unsustainable because it did not have widespread support from Canadians. But he thinks a future peacekeeping role would win public backing.
“It goes with the image of Canada that many Canadians have of Canada being a peacekeeping nation — one of the pioneers and one of the staunchest supporters over the decades,” he said. “We’ve definitely gone astray in that role, and I think a military that is out of touch with the demands of the public is going to run into big troubles.”
Embarking on a UN-led peacekeeping mission would be less strenuous and more rewarding for the troops, while being cost-effective for taxpayers, Dorn said. The UN reimburses contributors a significant portion of expenses, he added.
But retired Col. Alain Pellerin, executive director of the Conference of Defence Associations, said future deployments must be in Canada’s “national interest” if the government is to justify costs and danger posed. He doesn’t see the Congo fitting that bill.
“If we are to be involved in missions abroad, the first criterion should be that it is in our national interest to be there,” he said. “If the government undertakes a mission, it has to explain to the public why we are doing it, why our men and women are being sent in harm’s way and possibly killed.”
Pellerin believes most soldiers, if asked, would prefer to remain in Afghanistan to see the job through. While there could be a strong role for Canadian troops in Haiti, he said the government should conduct a thorough review of defence and foreign policy to determine next steps.
“We haven’t done that, so getting involved in Africa just because we’re pulling out of Afghanistan is not my idea of useful deployment of the armed forces,” he said.
Dan Dugas, a spokesman for Defence Minister Peter MacKay, said it’s premature to discuss the next mission as the current focus remains on Afghanistan.
But NDP MP Paul Dewar said the government must advise the Canadian Forces, the public and international community of its next deployment plans now — and he believes it should be the Congo. While many international experts say traditional peacekeeping is a thing of the past, Dewar said that should only drive Canada to innovate.
“Generally speaking, what’s required in the world and what Canada is good at is peacekeeping,” he said. “And I don’t think we should shy away from that — we should embrace it.”

Sunday 28 March, Tim Horton Morinville, Alberta

2010-03-28T23:40:00.008-06:00

Good information for all Veterans

2010-03-23T23:10:00.001-06:00

http://www.veteranvoice.info/Archive/Periodicals/Periodical_10Mar.htm

The Changing of the Peace Tower Flag video

2010-03-19T23:02:00.001-06:00

http://www.parliamenthill.gc.ca/histoire-history/paix-peace/drapeau-flag-eng.html

Canadian Flag

2010-03-19T22:57:00.000-06:00

Add your name to the waiting list for a Canadian flag that has flown on Parliament Hill
To request a flag that has flown on Parliament Hill, you must send a written request with your name, complete home address, telephone number as well as your choice of flag.

The approximate waiting period is currently:

Flag Size Pole requirements Waiting period

Peace Tower flag 230 cm x 460 cm 10.7 m pole 27 years
East Block flag 137.2 cm x 274.3 cm 9.1 m pole 19 years
West Block flag 137.2 cm x 274.3 cm 7.9 m pole 19 years

Our policy is to give only one flag per household. As these flags are paid for by Canadian taxpayers, they are given to residents and are not sent outside of Canada. Should you move before having received your flag, it is your responsibility to notify our office of your change of address so that we may update your file.

To request a flag or to report a change of address, please contact PWGSC by letter, facsimile or e-mail:

Public Works and Government Services Canada
Office of the Minister
18A1, Portage III
11 Laurier Street
Gatineau, QC
K1A 0S5

Fax: 819-953-1908
E-mail: Minister@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

The Books of Remembrance

2010-03-03T11:57:00.001-07:00

Each book acts as a record for all of the names of the Canadians who fought and lost their lives in each of the six wars.

http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=collections/books/listing

Very well done...

Ottawa unveils First World War commemoration plan

2010-03-03T11:15:00.001-07:00

The federal government plans to hold a national commemorative ceremony April 9 to honour Canadians who served in the First World War now that the last of them has died.

The ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa is one of several events to be held countrywide on the anniversary of the day in 1917 when Canadians famously took Vimy Ridge in France.

Remembrance ceremonies will also be held at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France and the Canada Memorial at Green Park in London, Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn announced Tuesday.

Mr. Blackburn and other Canadian dignitaries attended a memorial service in Spokane, Wash., on Saturday for John Henry Foster (Jack) Babcock, who died Feb. 18 at the age of 109.

Mr. Babcock was acknowledged to be the last of 650,000 Canadian men and women who served in what was then known as the “war to end all wars.” About 68,000 of them died between 1914 and 1918.

“While we have lost our last direct link to the First World War, we will continue to encourage young Canadians to remember and understand our proud military history and heritage,” Mr. Blackburn said.

“The First World War is a defining part of the Canada we know today and it is a legacy that must be preserved for generations to come.”

Ottawa is displaying special books of reflection which people can sign at locations across Canada, including Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, the Canadian War Museum, and in all legislatures.

Books will also be available overseas at the Vimy Ridge National Historic Site, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial National Historic Site, Canada House in London, and at the Canadian Forces Base in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

An electronic version of the books will also be available on the Veterans Affairs website .

Because he never saw combat, Mr. Babcock never made much of his veteran's status. He moved to the United States after the war, where he eventually became an electrician.

While he was said to be a proud veteran, he turned down the honour of a state funeral: “They should commemorate all of them, instead of just one,” he said.

At Mr. Babcock's memorial service last Saturday, Mr. Blackburn presented the soldier's widow, Dorothy, with the Maple Leaf flag that was flying over the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill the day he died.

Canadians can also pay their respects to Mr. Babcock and family in a virtual book of condolences available on the department's website.

Mental Health Strategy Focuses

2010-02-19T01:20:00.000-07:00

Canadian Forces members serving with courage, only to struggle silently with mental health problems once they arrive back home, is becoming a thing of the past.

Veteran Affairs Canada’s Mental Health Strategy has helped create new attitudes about operational stress injuries (OSIs) and provide a balanced approach (with the right programs) to help Veterans lead fulfilling lives following their service.

As an important part of VAC’s New Veterans Charter, the Mental Health Strategy focuses on five key points for good health set out by the UN World Health Organization. These include health services environment, as well as physical, economic and social environment and personal factors. Complete mental health requires a balance in all five areas.

Key principles of the program
It’s client-centred, as each person needs different resources.
The relationship between all five factors is key and the goal is recovery and ability to contribute to both family and community.
The focus is on achieving recovery, health and wellness.
Veterans are both recognized and honoured for service to their country.
Clients have access close to home to the right resources at the right time.
To learn more about the VAC’s Mental Health Strategy, and other programs and services offered through the New Veterans Charter, please visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca
or call 1-866-522-2122..

Examples of services offered by VAC and how they fit into the Mental Health Strategy:
Health services – Operational stress injury clinics, detoxification/addiction programs, psychiatric services, mental health counseling and vocational rehabilitation

Physical – Home care, transportation costs, long-term care

Economic – Disability benefits and economic loss benefits

Social – Operational stress injury social support program, family support, recognition/remembrance, pastoral outreach

Personal – Case management, clinical care manager support, psycho-educational materials.

Article by Dan Lefort - Roundtable Parliament

2010-01-31T06:34:00.007-07:00

On January 28, 2010, Denis Beaudin (Ryfell), Sylvain Verville and myself went to Parliament Hill to attend a roundtable organized by the Liberal party to inform and improve the help and support to Canadian veterans and their families.

It was also the first official presence of Veterans UN/NATO Canada in politics and at the Canadian parliament.

After a warm welcome from a brother at arms who works at the Parliament's security, we were escorted to the front door.
Next, a nice lady accompanied us to the House of Commons where we were able to proudly present ourself to participants comprised primarily of veterans, journalists and others interested in being involved. You agree that Jello and I wearing the Veterans UN/NATO shirt and Ryfell wearing the colors, did not need to move to be noticed.

During the day, we listened carefully to the speakers:

· Tom Hoppe, former president of the Association of Canadian peacekeepers

· Sean Bruyea - Lawyer veterans

· Captain Perry Gray, Editor in Chief of the Veteran Voice

· Dr. Zul Merali, President and CEO of the Institute of Mental Health Research

· Brintnell Sharon, Professor, Occupational Therapy, University of Alberta

· Lyn Williams-Keeler, Trauma Therapist

· LGen The Honorable Roméo A. Dallaire (Ret) Senator.

During the periods of testimony and questions, we have among others attended the presentation by Denis Mannuge on his fight with the Supreme Court regarding long terms disability benefits. Other veterans also shared their problems or concerns about the new Veterans Charter.

Ryfell, also testified with pride about our organization in front the panelists. Denis went with his heart, stressing the brotherhood existing within the group and the spirit of mutual assistance, friendship that bind us.

He then continued with our rules of engagement, demonstrating our seriousness and the growing number of members from east to west and Europe.

He also completed indicating the dignitaries and speakers, by pointing his finger, that he wish to see rapid changes to the charter and to the treatment to veterans. He also said that starting today the Veterans UN/NATO Canada Group would follow the case.

His speech was followed by the speach of Senator Dallaire addressing the physical and psychological injuries suffered by our brothers. He said that 200 recommendations to the charter had been made but as yet nothing moved and that it was urgent that this issue is resolved. Regarding the budget cuts and rumors of closure of the support program for trauma-related operational stress (OSI), "Over my dead body". Declaration was followed by applause.

Although support from family, friends and professional advisers is essential, we must not forget that we are not therapists, even if we have a personal experience. It is important to refer those who ask the board to the right resources. The HMO program was created for this purpose and we must work hand in hand with these people to provide maximum support and assistance to those who request it.

Veterans Bill of Rights

2010-01-29T00:53:00.002-07:00

Application

The Veterans Bill of Rights applies to all clients of Veterans Affairs. They include:

Veterans with war service
Veterans and serving members of the Canadian Forces (Regular and Reserve)
Members and former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Spouses, common-law partners, survivors and primary caregivers
Other eligible dependants and family members
Other eligible clients

Rights
You have the right to:

Be treated with respect, dignity, fairness and courtesy.
Take part in discussions that involve you and your family.
Have someone with you for support when you deal with Veterans Affairs.
Receive clear, easy-to-understand information about our programs and services, in English or French, as set out in the Official Languages Act.
Have your privacy protected as set out in the Privacy Act.
Receive benefits and services as set out in our published service standards and to know your appeal rights.
You have the right to make a complaint and have the matter looked into if you feel that any of your rights have not been upheld.

Canada’s disabled soldiers: Canada’s courts are their reluctant battlefield

2010-01-20T05:43:00.001-07:00

Canadian soldiers expected to return to a supportive Canada, believing that they and their families will be cared for and wars will not follow them home.

By Sean Bruyea for THE HILL TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2010

OTTAWA—For many injured Canadian soldiers, the horrific war zones of the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Rwanda, Somalia, and Afghanistan are bearable for one reason only, they expected to return to a supportive Canada, believing that they and their families will be cared for and wars will not follow them home.

On Jan. 21, the Supreme Court will hear about how that dream has been shattered for more than 4,000 disabled Canadian men and women who proudly donned Canadian Forces uniforms. At issue is how disabled soldiers are compensated for their career of sacrifice and their lifelong injuries. I am one of these 4,000 disabled soldiers.

At issue is how disabled soldiers are compensated for their career of sacrifice and their lifelong injuries.

Prior to April 1, 2006, when Canadian Forces members were injured in the service of Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada compensated them with a lifelong monthly payment for pain and suffering which they collected along with their full salary. Even by June 2007, more than 9,000 serving soldiers were collecting pain and suffering payments along with their full salary. If a soldier was too disabled to continue in the Forces, he or she was summarily kicked out and placed on a long-term disability plan belonging to the Canadian Forces. This plan pays out 75 per cent of the soldier’s salary. Then, in of some seeming act of vengeance, the Canadian government-structured insurance plan deducts the same amount paid for pain and suffering from the already reduced salary.

This is why Dennis Manuge has brought his case, representing more than 4,000 other veterans with disabilities, all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada.

These “profoundly unfair” deductions as described by the National Defence ombudsman have been widely condemned. The House and Senate Committees on National Defence have both strongly recommended that the process be stopped “immediately.”

The majority of Parliament voted to stop the deductions in 2006. The first Veterans Affairs Canada ombudsman also agrees. And still the deductions continue. Parliament and oversight agencies are ignored and disabled soldiers, often with young families, suffer the indignation and financial struggles of having their disability income essentially negate what should be a well-deserved and proud award for pain and suffering.

The Supreme Court of Canada, however, will not be making a decision about stopping the unfair deductions. Government of Canada lawyers have forced Manuge’s lawyer to argue what he describes (in his submission to the court) as the removal of “artificial and costly legal barriers” placed by Canada in order “to shield itself from liability.”

Government lawyers are attempting to force the case to go to what is known as a “judicial review” as opposed to being heard in Federal Court. That a “judicial review” does not have the powers to decide upon the remedies being sought in Manuge’s class action claim raises the issue to an increasingly absurd level. The actions of Canada’s government appear to seek one goal, to place as many obstacles in the path of Manuge so that Canada never has to pay what is justly owed to more than 4,000 disabled soldiers.

Of course, the government’s argument has much broader implications for all Canadians who seek damages from the Crown. Manuge’s submission to court aptly cautions: “These added requirements will act in effect to deprive an ordinary citizen of his or her day in court and to shield the Crown from meritorious litigation.”

A judicial review has a 30-day time limit to submit a claim. It is unlikely that a lawyer will represent an individual client on a contingency fee basis if the judicial review is limited, at least in Manuge’s case if not all subsequent cases, to awards which apply solely to an individual. It is possible that forcing the disabled soldiers down this judicial review path would require that each of the 4,000 disabled soldiers come up with $10,000 to $15,000 to hire a lawyer. More importantly, the soldiers would have to overcome their disabilities in order to fight the government which the soldiers became disabled defending.

This is what is so inexplicable for all who served in the military and most poignant for disabled soldiers.

Why is it that government bureaucrats can fight tooth and nail to avoid paying an obvious and clear liability owed to our bravely disabled when Canadian Forces members must accept what is known as “unlimited liability” at all times, up to and including loss of life?

On April 1, 2006, the government of Canada implemented new legislation to replace the lifelong payment for pain and suffering with a one-time lump sum as part of what bureaucrats claim is a completely new suite of programs. Curiously, the lump sum amount is not deductible in anyway shape or form from the unemployable soldier’s long-term disability income.

The truth is that what came after April 1, 2006, offers nothing remarkably new for disabled soldiers than what was already in place in some form before April 1, 2006… except for substituting the lifelong payment with the lump sum. Ignoring the obvious injustice of a lump sum to compensate young soldiers for lifelong disability, the government of Canada, in effect, has corrected the injustice of the “unfair deductions” for all future wounded soldiers. But what about the 4,000 forgotten disabled soldiers and their families?

Should bureaucrats be able to ignore any, let alone strong, unanimous and repeated recommendations from Parliamentary committees?

Should senior mandarins be able to ignore oversight agencies like offices of the ombudsman?

Merely because the tool is available to deny payment, should our government lawyers use that tool when it is clear it is causing harm to disabled soldiers and other marginalized citizens while clearly breaching fundamental principles of natural justice?

Should Department of Justice lawyers continue to be allowed to pursue a policy that the end of avoiding payment justifies any legal means even for those who clearly have been wronged?

Of course there is the broader question of not enough money to go around. Should we not have soldiers sign a document with independent legal advice before they go into harms way, that the Canadian government may not pay in a timely manner if at all for any disabilities suffered?

Or that there is only enough money for every other wounded soldier but not for all?

The risk if the Crown wins is that our justice system, already complex and in many cases inaccessible by many Canadians, will acquire more of the same unenviable qualities.

The risk for our military is that citizen’s willingness to sacrifice for a selfish government may diminish in the face of such unfair actions. For more than 4,000 disabled soldiers and their suffering families, they have already endured many risks but they never imagined that they would fight a war with Canada.

Sean Bruyea is a retired and disabled Air Force intelligence officer, advocate for veterans and their families and a writer on issues relating to veterans, military and government. He is also a member of the class action for the 4,000 disabled soldiers.

Harper Government Supports Allied Veterans and Their Families

2010-01-20T05:37:00.000-07:00

Vancouver - Low-income Allied Veterans and their family members who live in Canada may now apply for support, thanks to changes to the War Veterans Allowance Act that have taken effect.

The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, held a roundtable with members of the Korean-Canadian community in Vancouver today to promote awareness of the changes that took effect with the New Year.

"Allied Veterans fought alongside Canadians in the same quest to provide peace and freedom," said Minister Thompson. "These deserving men and women have earned the right to the same services and benefits our other Veterans already receive."

Allied Veterans who live in Canada may be eligible to receive services and benefits, including payments back to October 14, 2008, if the application is received by December 31, 2010. For those who apply after December 31, 2010, payments will be effective from the day they applied.

Changes to the War Veterans Allowance Act provide low-income Allied Veterans of the Second World War, who live in Canada and have for at least ten years, with access to War Veterans Allowance and associated assistance and health benefits. Eligibility was also expanded to include those who fought for Allied Forces in the Korean War who live in Canada now and either lived in Canada before the war or moved here after the war and have lived here for at least ten years. Family members may also receive benefits.

For more information or to request an application form, visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca or call 1-866-522-2122 (service in English), 1-866-522-2022 (service in French) or 1-800-465-7735 (TTY/ATS).

Grieving Military Families Helped by Those Who Have Been There

2010-01-20T05:32:00.002-07:00

Paul Davis getting the Christmas tree during his last holiday at home.
“Sometimes you don’t even need words. Sometimes you just need a hug from someone who knows. And that’s comforting.”

That sentiment was shared by Jim Davis whose son Paul was killed in Afghanistan on March 2, 2006 at age 28. On the day Jim received that devastating news his house was a flurry of activity, yet he was oblivious to it all—except for one thing. The phone rang, and on the other end of the line was a father who’d lost his son in action just three months earlier.

“It was so powerful. I can still hear his voice today. He said, ‘You are today where I was three months ago,’” Jim recalled.

Because of that phone call, and the support and comfort it provided, Jim found himself in a meeting in May 2006 along with another father who’d lost a son and seven widows. They talked about the lack of support for people who lose loved ones in military service and wondered what they could do about it.

From that discussion, the OSISS Bereavement Peer Support Program was born. OSISS is the Operational Stress Injury Social Support program. It’s a partnership between Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and the Department of National Defence (DND) that began in 2001. OSISS provides peer support to Canadian Forces members, Veterans and family members who suffer the effects of operational stress injuries.

Thanks to the group who met in May 2006, with leadership from VAC and DND, OSISS was expanded to provide support to family members when a loved one dies as a result of military service. The philosophy of the bereavement program is HOPE: Helping Others by Providing Empathy.

While the support of family, friends and professional counsellors is essential, one cannot underestimate the support that can be provided by someone who understands—someone who’s been there. That’s the role played by OSISS Bereavement Peer Support volunteers.

“Nobody else can know what you’re going through unless they’ve been there,” said Jim, one of 21 trained volunteers who include parents and spouses. “We provide an ear and a shoulder. We care and we listen. We comfort each other, and that gives us both strength.”

Volunteers are trained, but do not provide advice or counselling. The training focusses on better understanding bereavement, the stages of grieving, peer support as a non-clinical intervention, developing communication skills, understanding the boundaries of peer support and the importance of taking care of yourself. When a soldier dies in military service, family members are contacted by an OSISS bereavement volunteer. Much of the support happens by phone and e-mail.

A key to success of the bereavement program is for anyone who has lost a loved one to know that they’re not alone.

“We’re here together and we’ll get through it together,” Jim said. “There is hope.”

To learn more about OSISS Bereavement Peer Support, visit www.osiss.ca or call VAC at 1-866-522-2122 or the DND Centre at 1-800-883-6094.

2010 Edmonton Motorcycle Show

2010-01-20T04:58:00.005-07:00

Bomb victim soldiers on in Afghanistan

2010-01-11T06:53:00.003-07:00

Captain Simon Mailloux who lost his left leg to an IED blast is back on tour as he stands by the Kandahar Air Field Canadian Memorial at the Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan. (Jason Franson/Sun Media) KANDAHAR AIRFIELD – Capt. Simon Mailloux has faced many battles on Afghanistan soil. But his greatest victory is returning to the war zone after losing his left leg to an IED blast that killed two of his men on Nov. 16, 2007. He is just 26.

 “In our history we have experience of Canadians doing stuff nobody thought we were able to and that's what makes us what we are – we have the will to achieve stuff that nobody thought was possible,” says the self-effacing Quebec City native.

When Mailloux finally came to in the hospital in Germany, his first thoughts were that he had abandoned his platoon, that he had to get back on the battleground.

“I left the guys over there. I was commanding a platoon and the guys were left without a commander. I felt guilty about that,” says Mailloux, who promised his major he'd be back within weeks.

Then the full realization of his amputation set in.

 “The worst time is when you wake up in the hospital, when you are helpless in the bed,” says Mailloux, who has since visited injured soldiers in hospitals across Canada to lend them words of support.

“It gets better. There's going to be surgeries, hard times but the rehabilitation does work; keep focusing on what you want to achieve, not the problems you have right now.”

He describes the blast that killed two of the men he was commanding – Cpl. Nicolas Beauchamp and Pte. Michel Levesque — as “a shock wave of heat.”

“When I woke up I could feel my face was bruised and swollen, I had my jaw fractured so I couldn't speak much,” he says.

“You are out of it then; your skills kick in. I was trying to reach my weapon, trying to defend myself. You're helpless at that time.”

He says the LAV3 armoured vehicle he was in saved his life. “Had I been in something else, I probably wouldn't be here right now.”

Mailloux went back to work in March of last year, redeploying to Afghanistan Nov. 11 - Remembrance Day.  With a prosthetic leg and steely determination, he passed the required physical fitness tests to return to Kandahar, where he now works at Joint Task Force headquarters developing operations.

He says it's important for other injured soldiers to know the option of returning to service is open. “Coming back over here is a step, but if they just want to go back to work that's a message too.”

His wife and family initially struggled with his intent to redeploy.

 “They were worried like any family would be, but then they said, 'You know you're hard-headed and we know what you want to accomplish.'”

 But, Mailloux adds lightly, the caveat is that he not do a third tour. His drive to soldier on, he adds, is also of course inspired by the fact that the multinational effort to restabilize Afghanistan – the second most impoverished country in the world — is far from over.

“Not only in defeating the insurgency, but in helping the Afghanis, there is so much work to do.”

Dear Mom and Dad,

2010-01-08T15:52:00.000-07:00

By Rita Nguyen
Regina, SK

It's been over two months since arriving at the Western Front, and still I can't get used to these horrible conditions. Everyday I spend in the front-line trenches is like a hell multiplied a hundred times. Not only is the living situation completely unhygienic and revolting, there's always the fear of having to go over the top or being hit with a surprise attack. The trenches are about three feet deep and are dug down until the water seeps in. Every step you take oozes with mud and water. My feet have spent such a long time in the water that I've begun to develop a mild case of trench foot. Other soldiers have had such bad cases of trench foot that they developed gangrene and had to have their legs amputated.

It's hard to fight off any colds that we contract in the tenches. The food here is inadequate and provides little to no nutrition. The biscuits that they feed us are as hard as cement, and taste like it too! I almost chipped a tooth the other day trying to eat one. It's also been a long time since I've had a shower or felt the softness of clean clothing.

The worst part about trench warfare is hearing the cries of fellow comrades in no-man's land. From the trenches, we can hear our men lying injured and crying for help. Yet we cannot do anything about it for fear of a counter-attack by the Germans. In every breath I take I can smell the dense odour of death and decay. The cat-sized mice never have to worry about starving. They just feed on the dead bodies.

I am not sure when and if I will be able to return home. Many of us here in the trenches wish that we could suffer a "blighty" - a serious injury - so that we could be sent home. Otherwise, I think I might have to stay here in the Western Front for an indefinite period of time. But don't worry, I will try to write as often as I can to keep you informed of my welfare. I cannot write too often, however, because some of our mail is being censored.

As you've probably heard, the Germans are attacking us fiercely at Verdun. Word amongst the soldiers is that General Haig has decided to go on the offensive. As part of the Newfoundland Regiment, I will be involved in the Battle of the Somme. We are supposed to go over the top and meet the German soldiers head on in a couple of days.

I must put the pen down now, because daylight is fading and I can no longer see well enough to write. As this will probably be the last letter I write before the Battle of the Somme. Let's just say that I hope I will be able to write another letter afterwards, and that I love you all very much.

Love,
Joe

Handsome Young Son, By Reginald MacLellan

2010-01-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

They watched him go,
Their handsome young son,
As he marched from the train to the ferry.
His father and mother held back tears
For he was leaving Prince Edward Island
To fight for our Country - Canada.
They shivered in the cool air
As they watched him go -
Their handsome young son.

Once aboard he turned and waved
And a ray of sunlight shone through the clouds.
Was it a sign they wondered?
Would he return to his home?
As the father and mother watched the ship sail away
They prayed to God with their hands clasped tight.
"Be with him, Lord,
Our handsome young son."

Two years later
On a cloudy day in November of 1945
A hospital ship pulled into a Halifax dock.
The couple saw a young man - minus a limb.
Just then a ray of sunlight shone through on him.
He smiled and waved ... much older
From his days in Europe.
The couple waved back
And whispered a thankful prayer ...
For God had returned
Their handsome young son

Dennis Manuge v. Her Majesty the Queen

2010-01-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

DATE OF HEARING / NAME AND CASE NUMBER /

2010-01-20/21 Dennis Manuge v. Her Majesty the Queen (F.C.) (Civil) (By Leave) (33103)

NOTE: This agenda is subject to change. Hearings normally commence at 9:30 a.m.; however, cases with multiple parties often commence at 9:00 a.m. Where two cases are scheduled on a given day, the second case may be heard immediately after the first one or at 2:00 p.m. Hearing dates and times should be confirmed with Registry staff at (613) 996-8666.

Government of Canada Honours 105-year-old Female Veteran

2009-12-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

Lethbridge, AB - On behalf of the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Member of Parliament (Lethbridge) Rick Casson, presented greetings from the Prime Minister to Fay Meikle as she celebrated her 105th birthday among family and friends.

"Mrs. Meikle is a remarkable woman who is a source of pride to all women and all Canadians," said Minister Thompson. "She represents a generation of Canadian women who blazed a path for all women in the Canadian Forces. I know all Canadians join me in honouring her achievements and wishing her a very happy birthday."

Mrs. Meikle is Veterans Affairs Canada's oldest female client. She enlisted in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENS) at the same time as her son joined the Navy in 1943. She served on a number of ships throughout the Second World War and was a recipient of the Canadian Volunteer Service and War Medal.

"Veterans such as Mrs. Meikle came home after their service to build this country through their contributions in communities from coast to coast. They made the Canada we know today and it is our duty to always remember their great achievements and their great sacrifice," said Rick Casson, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge.

2009-12-22T07:47:00.001-07:00

Government of Canada Opens Edmonton Operational Stress Injury Clinic

2009-12-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

Edmonton — The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Marianne Stewart of Alberta Health Services announced today the opening of a clinic in Edmonton dedicated to the treatment and support of service men and women living with operational stress injuries (OSI) such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression or addiction.

"The Edmonton Operational Stress Injury Clinic ensures that specialized services are available to meet the mental health needs of those in and around Edmonton and northern Alberta who have served our country," said Minister Thompson. "Edmonton is the ninth clinic to open in this expanded network so that Veterans, active Canadian Forces members and other clients of Veterans Affairs, as well as their families, have access to a full range of quality care services."

The Edmonton OSI Clinic is a joint initiative funded by the Government of Canada and operated by Alberta Health Services. The funding was provided to double the number of OSI clinics across Canada in Budget 2007.

Marianne Stewart, Vice President, Edmonton Zone, joined Minister Thompson in announcing the opening of the clinic.

"Through close collaboration with the federal government, we began operations at a temporary location within an existing health centre to ensure we could serve Veterans as soon as possible. In the spring of 2010, we will hold an official opening when the Operational Stress Injury Clinic moves into its permanent location."

Greg Prodaniuk, Western Canada Region Coordinator for the Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) program, stresses how important it has been to establish services in Edmonton for military and ex-military clients and their families who feel the impact of operational stress injuries.

"When we meet with peers who are in need of help, it's essential for us to know they can get services nearby. The Edmonton OSI Clinic is a critical component in a range of mental health care services for Veterans."

The Edmonton Clinic will have the capacity to provide specialized mental health services to between 100 and 150 clients a year. These could include Veterans, Canadian Forces members and eligible current and former members of the RCMP who have suffered service-related operational stress injuries, as well as their families. In addition to standardized assessment, treatment, prevention and support services offered through the clinic, educational programs and individual, group, and family counselling services are available. This clinic is part of an integrated network with National Defence's operational trauma stress and support centres-a key part of mental health services for Canadian Forces members and Veterans.

Government of Canada Helps Canadians Honour Veterans

2009-12-17T10:19:00.001-07:00

15 Dec 2009
Ottawa — The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced today federal government support for community-led memorial restoration projects honouring Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Monuments and cenotaphs serve an important role in our remembrance because they are a permanent symbol of the pride and gratitude Canadians share for our nation's truest heroes," said Minister Thompson. "It is important that we maintain the glory of our cenotaphs and memorials, and in doing so, inspire a renewed sense of remembrance within the community. This is why our government continues to provide support for cenotaph and monument restoration in communities across the country."

The Government of Canada is providing more than $274,465 to 29 community-led cenotaph and monument restoration projects across the country through the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program. Through these partnerships, cenotaphs and monuments honouring Veterans, Canada's war dead, and significant military events, are maintained with the standard of care and dignity they deserve.

Applications to the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program are accepted throughout the year. Non-profit groups and other organizations interested in restoring local memorials may be eligible for funding. Please visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca for backgrounders on the projects across the country. To learn more about the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program or to apply for funding, you can visit the Web site or call 1-866-522-2122.

Attention all Canadian Veterans of the Persian Gulf War

2009-12-17T10:07:00.003-07:00

The Embassy of Kuwait has commenced the distribution of the Liberation of Kuwait medal. To determine if you qualify for the medal and to complete the application form, visit www.embassyofkuwait.ca (Opens a new window) and fax or email application and proof of service to: Embassy of Kuwait, 333 Sussex Dr. Ottawa ON K1N 1J9 fax: 613-780-9999, email: info@embassyofkuwait.ca

A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM

2009-12-10T08:13:00.002-07:00

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
My son slumbered softly, safe in my arms,
I was happy to be blessed with all of their charms,
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps Canadian, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Dieppe on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in that Korean Land
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
Something red and, white, ... a Canadian flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a trench with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.
Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe.
Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

Generations of Heroes

2009-11-15T09:04:00.001-07:00

We truly take a lot for granted. Forget the football 'heroes' and movie 'stars'.

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you

Jesus Christ and a Soldier
One died for your soul; the other for your freedom.

Military service can stress out veterans for years

2009-11-08T10:03:00.001-07:00

Nov 06, 2009By: Bill Bradley - Sudbury Northern Life

Greater Sudbury resident and veteran Yvon Brière, 53, has a mission in life: he wants to raise awareness in veterans who may be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

For veterans, PTSD is a mental condition that arises from trauma experienced in military activities, whether from actual combat or even from training activities, said Brière.

According to the website of Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC), PTSD is not confined to the military, and "can affect people of any age, culture or gender." Symptoms can vary from short term memory loss to depression to difficulty in dealing with family and friends.

"In World War I it was called cowardice, (and) you could be shot for that. In World War II they called it shell shock. In Korea it was called combat stress related," said Brière.

"Many (veterans) do not even know they have (PTSD)."

Brière is a veteran of missions in Cyprus (1975), Golan Heights Israel (1985) and Yugoslavia (1993 and 1994). He was originally trained as a special forces commando with the 1 Commando Canadian Airborne Regiment of Canada until he took a logistic course and became a military steward. He is now part of Veterans UN-NATO a national veterans support group, with 800 members in Canada and overseas.

Brière was diagnosed with PTSD in 1997 by a psychiatrist in North Bay.

"My family doctor referred me to him after I said I had been mentally abusive with my family. I was diagnosed with... PTSD." At the time, however, Brière received no treatment, or treatment options.

He found out about PTSD services by accident after visiting veterans in Quebec, and will be attending a VAC clinic in Ottawa shortly to have his condition reassessed.

"I want better treatment, so my relationship with my oldest son can improve," explained Brière.

He attributes his problems to the Cyprus mission in 1975.

"Before I even got there, two of my friends were shot and killed... when the conflict escalated (between the Greeks and Turk factions on the island)." The names of the two soldiers were Pte. Perron and Pte. Duberger, remembers Brière.

He said soldiers face many kinds of stresses when they are serving on missions.

While serving in Yugoslavia, he and his fellow soldiers were ordered not to return fire unless their troops were killed or wounded first, and were also confronted with gruesome sights.

"While in a convoy, we were ordered to make a detour to confirm civilian deaths in a nearby village. When we arrived, we found hundreds of dead women and children. That experienced moved me so much I could only talk about it recently," recalls Brière.

Many Canadians are unaware that even military missions in lower profile countries, such as Cyprus and the former Yugoslavia, are dangerous for soldiers.

"Canada lost 13 soldiers during the 18 months time I was in training and serving in Yugoslavia... Soldiers can die even in training."

In the basement
Veterans with PTSD often avoid social contact with friends and family.

"We call them 'being in the basement.' We contact them and visit with them, until they are ready to get medical help through Veteran Affairs Canada."

Mike, another veteran, said he also has PTSD. He thinks the stress associated with being stationed in the Golan Heights of Israel during the start of the Gulf War triggered his PTSD.

"Israel was the target. Iraq fired scud missiles at us," he said, and a major concern of all soldiers was whether the Iraqis had chemical or biological weapons. He said he only realized he had PTSD when he met Brière recently.

Paul, a veteran of the Bosnia conflict in 1998, said he suffers from anxiety and depression. He said when he first got out the military everything was fine, but then he experienced strong emotions such as anger.

The three veterans concluded that they are trained to suppress their emotions in order to cope with the dangers they are exposed to. When they leave the military, the suppressed emotions can resurface and cause problems in their lives.

PTSD doesn't just affect soldiers and veterans. Family members, being so close to the person with PTSD, can experience some of the same symptoms a veteran may face, said Brière.

"My wife of 31 years, Lucie, will also go to Ottawa to be treated. She developed symptoms because being so close to me that was the only way she could talk to me."

Brière said a group of veterans get together Wednesdays to socialize at Little Montreal bar on Elgin Street from 5 to 7 p.m.

"Anyone who is concerned about PTSD can come out to talk. It is a social, not a meeting," he insisted.

Next July, Brière is organizing a three-day event for Veterans in July. It will be held at Whitewater Lake park, July 17-19. For more information on PTSD contact Veteran Affairs Canada at www.vac-acc.gc.ca. Brière can be reached at 929-1296 or e-mail captbonhomme@hotmail.com.

Veterans programs are available
Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC) has a number of programs available for veterans, according to Heather MacDonald, VAC media relations officer.

"In 2002, Veteran Affairs and National Defense jointly announced a mental health initiative to enhance the services and supports provided to Veterans, CF members and eligible RCMP who suffer from operational stress injuries (OSIs) including PTSD, as a result of their service."

MacDonald said the strategy stresses early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing care. The number of clinics dealing with OSI, including PTSD, was doubled in the federal government's budget of 2007. In Ontario, they are located in London and Ottawa.

"The 2007 budget also committed $1 million to expand help to families who live with someone with an operational stress injury," said MacDonald. She said there is a peer support group called Operational Stress Injury Social Support(OSISS) which puts CF members, Veterans and their families in touch with someone who has gone through similar stressful events.

"Today VAC is helping more than 11,000 Veterans with mental health conditions and their families," affirmed MacDonald.

For more information, phone 1-866-522-2122.

Daddy's Poem & Remembrance Day

2009-11-07T10:09:00.005-07:00

Her hair was up in a pony tail, Her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school, And she couldn't wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her, That she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand, If she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid; She knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates Of why he wasn't there today.
But still her mother worried, For her to face this day alone. And that was why once again, She tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school Eager to tell them all. About a dad she never sees A dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back, For everyone to meet. Children squirming impatiently, Anxious in their seats
One by one the teacher called A student from the class. To introduce their daddy, As seconds slowly passed.
At last the teacher called her name, Every child turned to stare. Each of them was searching, A man who wasn't there.
'Where's her daddy at?' She heard a boy call out. 'She probably doesn't have one,'Another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back, She heard a daddy say, 'Looks like another deadbeat dad, Too busy to waste his day.'
The words did not offend her, As she smiled up at her Mom. And looked back at her teacher, Who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back, Slowly she began to speak. And out from the mouth of a child, Came words incredibly unique.
'My Daddy couldn't be here, Because he lives so far away. But I know he wishes he could be, Since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know. All about my daddy, And how much he loves me so.
He loved to tell me stories He taught me to ride my bike. He surprised me with pink roses, And taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes, And ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him. I'm not standing here alone.
'Cause my daddy's al ways with me, Even though we are apart I know because he told me, He'll forever be in my heart'
With that, her little hand reached up, And lay across her chest. Feeling her own heartbeat, Beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads, Her mother stood in tears. Proudly watching her daughter, Who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love Of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, Doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down, Staring straight into the crowd. She finished with a voice so soft, But its message clear and loud.
'I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star. And if he could, he'd be here, But heaven's just too far.
You see he is a Canadian soldierAnd died just this past year When a roadside bomb hit his convoy And taught us all to fear.
But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away.' And then she closed her eyes, And saw him there that day.
And to her mothers amazement, She witnessed with surprise. A room full of daddies and children, All starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them, Who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, They saw him at her side.
'I know you're with me Daddy,' To the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, Of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it, For each of their eyes had been closed. But there on the desk beside her, Was a fragrant long-stemmed rose.
And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, By the love of her shining star. And given the gift of believing, That heaven is never too far.
Send this to the people you'll never forget and Remember to send it also to the person that sent It to you. It's a short message to let them know
That you'll never forget them.
If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in a hurry and that you've forgotten your friends.
Take the time...to live and love. Until eternity. God bless!

THE VETERAN ON OUR TEN DOLLARD BILL.

2009-10-30T20:47:00.003-06:00

If you look at the back right-hand side of a Canadian $10 bill, you will see an old veteran standing at attention near the Ottawa war memorial.

His name is Robert Metcalfe and he died last month at the age of 90.

That he managed to live to that age is rather remarkable, given what happened in the Second World War.

Born in England , he was one of the 400,000 members of the British Expeditionary Force sent to the mainland where they found themselves facing the new German warfare technique - the Blitzkrieg.

He was treating a wounded comrade when he was hit in the legs by shrapnel.

En route to hospital, his ambulance came under fire from a German tank, which then miraculously ceased fire.

Evacuated from Dunkirk on HMS Grenade, two of the sister ships with them were sunk.

Recovered, he was sent to allied campaigns in North Africa and Italy.

En route his ship was chased by the German battleship Bismarck.

In North Africa he served under General Montgomery against the Desert Fox, Rommel.

Sent into the Italian campaign, he met his future wife, a lieutenant and physiotherapist in a Canadian hospital.

They were married in the morning by the mayor of the Italian town, and again in the afternoon by a British padre.

After the war they settled in Chatham where he went into politics and became the warden (chairman) of the county and on his retirement he and his wife moved to Ottawa.

At the age of 80 he wrote a book about his experiences.

One day out of the blue he received a call from a government official asking him to go downtown for a photo op.

He wasn't told what the photo was for or why they chose him.

'He had no idea he would be on the bill,' his daughter said.

And now you know the story of the old veteran on the $10 bill.

THE FINAL INSPECTION

2009-10-21T09:04:00.000-06:00

The Army Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
'Step forward now, Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
My Church have you been true?' The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep. And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
'Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

The Canadian Soldier

2009-10-04T22:31:00.000-06:00

http://media.causes.com/560546

Farm kids are tough

2009-09-29T23:28:00.002-06:00

Dear Ma and Pa, I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before all of the places are filled. I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m. but I am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot, and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing. Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there's warm water. Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee. Their food plus yours holds you til noon when you get fed again. It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much. We go on "route marches," which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it's not my place to tell him different. A"route march" is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks. The country is nice but awful flat. The sergeant is like a school teacher. He nags a lot. The Captain is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none. This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don't move, and it ain't shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don't even load your own cartridges. They come in boxes. Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain't like fighting with that ole bull at home. I'm about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake . I only beat him once. He joined up the same time as me, but I'm only 5'6" and 130 pounds and he's 6'8" and near 300 pounds dry. Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.
Your loving daughter, Carol

General's anger justified, MacKay says;

2009-09-29T23:17:00.002-06:00

Commander of Canadian troops lashes out at villagers after explosion
Defence Minister Peter MacKay says he stands behind his top general in Afghanistan, who warned Afghans yesterday that Canada is going to halt development unless he starts getting information from the locals about who is planting roadside bombs that are maiming and killing Canadians.
Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, commander of the Canadian troops, lashed out at elders in a Kandahar village after one of his soldiers was injured in a bomb explosion, saying that he wanted to start seeing some "serious co-operation" from the beneficiaries of Canadian aid.
"If we keep blowing up on the roads, I'm going to stop doing development," Vance told a meeting he hastily convened with village elders in Deh-e-Bagh in the district of Dand, news reports said. "If we stop doing development in Dand, I believe Afghanistan and Kandahar is a project that cannot be saved."
He also reportedly mused about whether it was "worth another Canadian life" if the situation didn't immediately change.
MacKay said he understands Vance's frustration, and the minister concurred that the co-operation of villagers is essential to the ability of Canadians to deliver development and programs, such as immunizing children and building schools.
"Do I think that our security is directly linked to development? Absolutely, and I think perhaps the way in which General Vance has expressed it is indicative of the frustration that he was feeling and certainly the trauma that one would feel after being bombed on the road," MacKay said on Parliament Hill.
"There is a connection between our ability to deliver and the security and co-operation we require from local Afghans."
MacKay dismissed the prospect that Vance was issuing an ultimatum, saying that his message was more "help us to help you."
NDP defence critic Jack Harris, however, said Vance's outburst was "a very surprising reaction from a general who is supposedly trying to win the hearts and minds of the people he is trying to protect in Afghanistan."
U.S. marines and Afghan soldiers killed 40 Taliban in a joint operation yesterday in Afghanistan's west.
"At the request of the local population, an operation was launched" in the western province of Farah, Afghan army commander Jalandar Shah Dehnam said, adding that six Afghan soldiers had also been wounded.

Camrose Toy Run ,20 Sept

2009-09-21T06:44:00.001-06:00

Major Yannick Pepin Funeral (Ancienne Lorette) Quebec

2009-09-18T09:30:00.000-06:00

(KIA) Tpr Boutillier's; His Dad pay tribute to his son in his own way

2009-09-12T15:54:00.004-06:00

Remembering our Veterans!

2009-09-05T21:36:00.000-06:00

Over 1,240 Canadians from all across Canada already agree! (and that is just on the recent on-line petition)

Why we need every Canadian possible to support the proposed Governor General's Volunteer Service Medal?

I do hope you have a minute to help out with this as it is about remembrance for all our Veterans. This is a little bit about freedom of speech and the entitlement for all Canadians to know about what a Canadian Petition to the Government is all about and also that every Canadian has their individual right to sign this petition if they so choose. Many Canadians hedge at signing or let some other group or organization tell them what they should do...yet as indicated by this petition it already has a lot of individual support (see foot note (ii) below).

Most Canadians do not realize that a formal petition to our Government must be approved by the Clerk of Petitions on Parliament Hill or it won't be accepted to be read during Petitions on Parliament Hill. Having said that, the Petition for the proposed Governor General's Volunteer Service Medal (GGVSM) is such a petition and has been approved. In fact via the good old pen and paper version, it has been read on at least nine occasions in the House of Commons, as indicated in foot note (ii).

Fellow Canadians, this Petition needs more support, many more signatures to clearly show our Government and our fellow Canadians to see that this is truly an important issue and something important to our culture, our heritage and to the remembrance of each and every soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman that has ever volunteered to serve in defence of our naiton. The problem is reaching enough people. A couple of weeks have passed since the "modern age" electronic version of the same GGVSM petition was sent out on the internet and WOW! Canadians from everywhere have been signing, some leaving their comment for others to read. With respect to your individual right to freedom of speech, there is no group or organization or otherwise that can deny any Canadian their right to exercise their free will to sign this petition. The other unique thing that is special to a Canadian Petition is that there is no age restriction on signing the petition. There is no age of majority or restrictive age therefore any Canadian that can read the petition and wants to sign it can. Already exceeding eleven hundred (1,240) signatures, many of who have signed indicated by their comments reflects the hope and longing for some aspect of heritage and a way to leave a bit of a family legacy and this would be a tremendous act of true Canadian remembrance.

Note the link (i). below sometimes losses the ability to connect when sent out by email, but the site can be found by Googling "Petition for a volunteer service medal for our veterans".
Should you take the opportunity to review some of the remarks they also shows some of the frustration others have at not having the GGVSM proceed to remember not just some but all Veterans that have volunteered to serve their nation regardless of what situations they may face in the service and defence of Canada.

Should you happen to see that your MP has already presented, please give them a call and thank them for representing this cause to remember our Veterans. If not maybe call your MP and tell them you would like to be able to sign the paper version of the GGVSM Petition or even forward them this email.

Foot notes:

(i). Link to GGVSM Petition
www.gopetition.com/petitions/volunteer-service-medal-for-our-veterans.html
If clicking on the above link doesn't work, (note it is a bit slow) then try this; Open your internet explorer, usually Google or Yahoo, (I use Google) and type in "Petition for a volunteer service medal for our veterans" and hit enter, it should take you to the link.

2009-09-03T17:18:00.000-06:00

That's why he was a General

2009-08-31T18:15:00.001-06:00

In a recent interview, General Norman Schwarzkopf was asked if he thought there was room for forgiveness toward the people who have harboured and abetted the terrorists who perpetrated the 9/11 attacks on America. His answer was classic Schwarzkopf. The General said, "I believe that forgiving them is God's function. OUR job is to arrange the meeting." AMEN

Quebec Citadel / Citadelle de Quebec

2009-08-29T09:47:00.003-06:00

By Gino Roussel

2009-08-29T09:46:00.000-06:00

Just thought I'd take the time to give you an update as to what transpired during the month of July. Well to start it off, it rained just about everyday. Not really news nor should I feel privileged but anyway, we pushed through and set up for the third annual "Veterans Party" or as it was dubbed the "Old Soldiers Christmas Party". It's kind of fitting to call it that as one said, "We might as well celebrate Christmas in July, we were never home in December." We weren't that many (maybe 40 people) but we had a great time. A fantastic supper, a "Bomb fire" and a live band, we partied till the "Wee hours" of the morning. It's like they say, it's not the quantity but rather the quality of the company. It is totally amazing how all these good folks got along. What was more amazing is how old we are all getting.

All the Maritimes were well represented and so was the province of Quebec. Amongst the partakers were MPs in the likes of Yves Beausoleil (instigator of these parties), Carl Inglis (who forgot his rain suit), Luc Veilleux (contact person at Dorval Airport) and André Belley (Security Specialist in Valcatrez). The one that traveled the furthest was Yvon Brière aka “Bonhomme” who came in from Sudbury, Ontario. This "ex-Airborne" turned "Navy Stewart" type was quite the character and a guy that was right up my alley. He pulled in with his "Harley" sporting an assortment of patriotic flags and towing a huge trailer, that not only carried his luggage but also two army barrack boxes. Obviously, a "pack rat" who collects military memorabilia’s, it was great to be able to swap stuff with this guy. Did I mention that one of his barrack boxes was full of these "Army" souvenirs? His wife described their basement and from what she said, I think that "Chief Elliott" might have met his match. As an added bonus, the next morning, he prepared breakfast for the entire crew and this on the fire pit and on his own dime. Great time was had by one and all but it was not to stop there. People kept trickling in at “CIMENT HILL” and this till last night (31 Jul 09). Let's just say that I'm not the "Party Animal" that I used to be...

A few things were noted and are worth mentioning. The first thing was the comradery that was felt throughout the event. It was obvious to me that there was a sense of belonging amongst those gathered and that we felt the need to remind ourselves of who we are and what we stand for. Secondly, this organization called "VETERANS CANADA" do great things for fellow soldiers. They’ve been known to physically go to someone's basement and talk to him, guiding him to needed assistance. During these trying times, I do believe that such a bunch can do wonderful things in helping some of our troops coming out of Afghanistan. Call it “Front Line” intervention or call it being “God Parents” to a needy soldier, whatever… Their devotion is an example of what determined volunteers can accomplish. They've taken it upon themselves to offer their services to provide motorcycle escorts to fallen comrades at various funerals throughout Quebec, a gesture that is mostly appreciated by the families. Did I mention that they raised over $1500.00 this spring for the "MP Blind Fund”? Anyway, I for one feel quite comfortable hanging around with this great bunch of guys (kind of reminds me of our PPCLI days) and I might just stick around and see what transpires. They seem to fill that particular void that I’ve been feeling for all those post military years and that my friend is a “good thing”.

Other than that, Fran and I are real busy taking care of business at the mill and at the lodges. To the onlooker, it seems effortless but let me tell you, it takes a lot of efforts to keep this big boat afloat. I guess that’s the price of success. Not to worry, “mushing” season is only five months away. This season, our goal is the “Quebec Mid-distance” Circuit that ends in Fort-Kent, Maine with a “60” mile race. But that’s a totally different story.

Stay in touch, Buddy and remember, the “JIM MORTON, not for Timmys” coffee is always fresh.

Gino

Progress made on care for soldiers

2009-08-26T19:23:00.000-06:00

Defence Minister Peter MacKay says his department has made progress on "most, if not all" of the 36 recommendations from a Commons committee highly critical of the care Canada's soldiers get for physical and mental injuries suffered in Afghanistan.
"We're proceeding with a number of them," MacKay said Tuesday.
MacKay said he fully expected to be pressed by the opposition this fall about which recommendations will be implemented and how quickly.
MacKay conceded the Canadian Forces still have work to do - in recruiting more medical professionals and to change attitudes that still attach a stigma to mental-health injuries, among other things - but he defended the Harper government's investments and the military's leadership.
"I would suggest we have come a long way in a relatively short time and we're taking a progressive approach," he said.
Canada's military has gotten no shortage of scrutiny and criticism for the care it provides soldiers with physical or mental-health injuries.
Most recently, retired Lt.-Gen. Lou Cuppens wrote an opinion article on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion that appeared Saturday in the Telegraph- Journal.
Cuppens raised several questions about the resources devoted to the returning members of the Canadian Forces, particularly for soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Cuppens was echoing the critical findings the Commons committee issued in June after a year of sporadic hearings that focused on PTSD and other operational stress injuries.
The committee concluded that attitudes toward mental-health issues in the military "remain largely negative."
Its report said there's a disturbing gap between the goals set in policy and the resources available to make them reality.
The committee said that the standard way the military operates can undermine the health of its soldiers. For example, the frequent transfers of personnel from base to base can put the health of soldiers - including those recovering from recent deployments to Afghanistan - second to the organization's manpower needs.
It also found a gap between the rosier picture senior officers painted and the perception of lower ranks.
"For every senior officer or departmental official who told us of initiatives being taken to improve military health care generally and mental health diagnosis and treatment in particular, we heard at least one junior rank who told us the system was not working for them," said the report. "The phrase 'falling through the cracks' was heard so often it lost its notoriety."
Almost all injured military personnel who appeared before the committee reflected their sense of abandonment by their units; a long, frustrating wait for diagnosis and treatment and the uneven quality of treatment.
And, like Canadian society at large, the military is suffering from a shortage of medical professionals such as psychiatrists and psychologists.
The committee made 36 recommendations - including taking steps to boost recruitment of those care-givers.
MacKay said it's a priority to double the medical staff working in mental health. Figures provided to the Telegraph-Journal show the numbers are up 65 per cent.
"We're pursuing this aggressively," he said. "We may even exceed that (target of doubling) given the high operational tempo." As for the lingering attitudes that mistake mental health problems with weakness, MacKay said "I think it's changing - it's filtering down through the senior ranks."
He credited the chief of the defence staff, Gen. Walt Natynczyk, for leading the effort to instill enlightened attitudes.
His leadership has signalled "that it is not only permissible but expected that you will disclose when you're having issues," said MacKay.
"Are we where we want to be? Not yet.
"I recognize we have an obligation - not just a responsibility but an obligation - to see that those services are provided," said MacKay.
"We don't want anyone left behind."
Since 2002, 27,000 Canadian Forces members have served in Afghanistan.
The best estimates - based on defence department questionnaires - suggest 5. 8 per cent of them have symptoms consistent with either PTSD or depression, or both.
In other words, the committee heard that about 3,600 Canadian Forces members could have some mental health concern, which may or may not have its origin in the Afghanistan mission.
As for physical injuries, the military estimates 3.6 per cent of the 27,000 personnel that have served in Afghanistan have been wounded - fewer than half in action.
MacKay said that Canada has progressed "leaps and bounds" from a few years ago when severely injured soldiers were forced to go public with their frustration with a lack of support.
Now, he said, the provision of prosthetics to soldiers with catastrophic injuries and such supports as renovations to a home "is excellent compared to just about any other country."

MacKay to NATO: No more troops; Defence minister says other countries could be called next for Afghan mission

2009-08-26T19:21:00.000-06:00

CFB VALCARTIER, Que. - On a day of grim news from Afghanistan, Defence Minister Peter MacKay delivered a blunt message to the U.S. and other NATO allies: don't look to Canada for more troops.
That message was delivered to a backdrop of deadly explosions, reports that the U.S. military wants more troops there, and warnings from senior American soldiers that the conflict is spiralling out of control.
It also occurred as Afghanistan's fragile democracy took another step forward, with preliminary election results suggesting a nailbiter of a presidential race between incumbent Hamid Karzai and his main challenger.
MacKay says he hasn't felt any direct pressure - at least not yet - from the U.S. government to extend Canada's combat mission beyond 2011.
But if that request ever comes, MacKay says plenty of other countries should be approached to step up instead of Canada.
"I think there's a continued call to NATO allies for them to contribute more," MacKay told a news conference Tuesday.
"But there are many countries in line before Canada that should be approached before they would come knocking on our door, I would suggest to you."
MacKay's comments come as senior U.S. military officers are going public with their assessment that the conflict is not going well for NATO.
That reality was underscored Tuesday by spectacular explosions in the province where Canadian soldiers are based.
Five car bombs detonated simultaneously in Kandahar City - killing dozens of people, injuring dozens more, and reducing a construction company office to rubble.
This occurred on the same day that preliminary results from Afghanistan's presidential election suggested a close race.
MacKay called the contrast - election results emerging on the same day as deadly bombings - symbolic of the Afghan situation.
"We're obviously awaiting the results of the election . . . and we've made tremendous contributions there," he said.
"Yet we hear today, and I would express on behalf of all Canadians our repect and solidarity and our condolences to those that were affected, (about) today's blast in Afghanistan that took the lives of many.
"This is symbolic of the continued challenges that exist on the ground in Afghanistan."
Canada has been involved in Afghanistan since 2001.

************VETERANS UN/NATO CANADA******************-------------------"NEW VETERAN GENERATION"--

LLOYDMINSTER and VERMILLION RUN SUNDAY 25 SEP

EDMONTON TOY RUN SUNDAY 25 SEPT

BATTLE OF BRITAIN COLD LAKE 18 SEPT 2011

Portraits of Honour led by Chris, Salty and 90 members and guest of UN NATO

LUC LIZOTTE at GINO's Place in Edmunston NB

Vermillion Fun Run 3 Jul 2011

REGIMENT VMC POKER RUN AUG 13th

Military Police National Motorcycle Relay Ride

POPPY PATCH AND RIBBON

R4D Calgary 2011

R4D Edmonton 2011

Ride for Dad - Edmonton 2011

RIDE FOR HUNGER REDWATER AB 5 JUNE 2011

UN NATO AT ROLLING THUNDER

RIP Bomardier Manning

Canadian soldier found dead in Afghanistan

Afghanistan»

Respect and Prayers to Family of Edmonton Soldier

Body of missing soldier found near Redwater

Richard Curnow is described as five feet, 11 inches, with an athletic build and weighs 208 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the EPS ‘Dispatch Line’ at 780-423-4567.

Photograph by: Supplied, edmontonjournal.com

MFRC 4 WING COLD LAKE Award to Members of VETERANS UN NATO CANADA

Some Patriotic Tat's

VIM Ribbon 10$ Proceeds to UN NATO FOUNDATION Contact Salty

Quilts of Valour come to 4 Wing MFRC

By Andrew Serba

Posted 2 days ago

Spring Time Apr 10th at CFB Suffield AB

NATIONAL WEBSITE AND UN NATO FOUNDATION

Veterans UN NATO RALLY 29 Jul-1 Aug Chilliwack BC

Canadian Veteran and also Canadian Vietnam Veteran Ernie Laney SR, Joins VETERANS UN NATO CANADA

2011 Events in the West

EDMONTON BIKE SHOW

AFGHANISTAN NEWS

News Releases

First CC-130J Hercules arrives in Afghanistan

» Related Photos

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2010

Afterburner Cup Flames Vs Oilers Alumni & Military & MLAS's

Vermillion Run OCT 3rd & New bikes in Cold lake

EDMONTON TOY RUN SEPT 26

Poker run childrens hospital in Calgary‏

Cold Lake presentation $16,401.00What a Bike Night it was!

MCPL CHRIS DOWNEY BIKE NIGHT COLD LAKE AUG 26

Radium BC Run Aug Long

Aug18, 97st Bike Night, Edmonton AB

Veteran's members meeting with Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture)

2010 Radium Run

Cold Lake Sun Talks to Chris

A Hero Returns Home...MCPL Chris Downey Cold Lake AB

June 12th Ride for Dad (fighting prostate cancer) Edmonton Garrison

June 6th, Redwater Ride for Hunger

12 soldiers charged over drug lab

Wainwright-based soldiers facing drug trafficking charges

Cris (WIA), Sari and Brian (Cris Dad)

Death of a Hero, and Veterans UN/NATO Canada group member.

Bike and Car Show, May 15th Edmonton Garrison

www.rewaco.ca - Chilliwack B.C.

CHANGE NEW VETERANS CHARTER NOW SAYS OMBUDSMAN PAT STOGRAN

2010 events

Tim Horton, Apr 18, Fort-Saskatchewan

65th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands

Next Canadian troop deployment up for debate

Sunday 28 March, Tim Horton Morinville, Alberta

Good information for all Veterans

The Changing of the Peace Tower Flag video

Canadian Flag

The Books of Remembrance

Ottawa unveils First World War commemoration plan

Mental Health Strategy Focuses

Article by Dan Lefort - Roundtable Parliament

Veterans Bill of Rights

Canada’s disabled soldiers: Canada’s courts are their reluctant battlefield

Harper Government Supports Allied Veterans and Their Families

Grieving Military Families Helped by Those Who Have Been There

2010 Edmonton Motorcycle Show

Bomb victim soldiers on in Afghanistan

Dear Mom and Dad,

Handsome Young Son, By Reginald MacLellan

VETERANS UN/NATO CANADA******-------------------"NEW VETERAN GENERATION"--