Remembrance Day 11-11-11

This post is dedicated to our fallen soldiers and their wives, Mothers, Fathers and family. Today at 11 am, I will bow my head in silence with thoughts of you and all soldiers who have served. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember today... and I remember always.

Don Cherry Respectfully Declines Honorary Degree from the Royal Military College of Canada

The Senate of the Royal Military College of Canada (RMCC) today announced that Mr. Don Cherry, a renowned hockey commentator and strong supporter of Canada's military personnel and families, will not be accepting an Honorary Degree, as planned for the 2011 Fall Convocation."We received with regret, but with complete understanding, Mr. Don Cherry's personal decision not to participate in the forthcoming Convocation at the Royal Military College of Canada," said Dr. Joel Sokolsky, Principal of RMCC. "It would have been our honour and privilege for Mr. Cherry to have received an Honorary Degree from the university, in recognition of his outstanding support for our Canadian Forces personnel and for his incredible charitable work." One of the aims of granting Honorary Degrees at the Royal Military College of Canada is to recognize people who are making a difference. For more than two decades, Don Cherry has been a stalwart public supporter of the members of the Canadian Forces and their families. In Canada and overseas, he has visited Canadian Forces personnel to boost their morale through both his entertaining personality and his heartfelt appreciation for their sacrifice. Mr. Cherry is also known for his charitable causes, including organ donor awareness and Rose Cherry's Home for Kids, which is a pediatric and hospice care facility for children now called the Darling Home for Kids. The decision to bestow an Honorary Degree rests with the RMCC Senate, an independent body whose function is to grant degrees and honorary degrees. It is comprised of the Chancellor; the Commandant; the Principal; the Vice Principal; the Deans of the Academic Faculties; the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research; the Dean of Continuing Studies; the Academic Director of the Royal Military College, Saint-Jean; the Representative of the Faculty Board; the Director of Cadets; and the Registrar.

Air Force and Navy Returns Home

Maj. Yves LeBlanc, a CP-140 Aurora pilot, holds his two-year-old son Jeremy after returning from Operation Mobile, Canada's military contribution to the crisis in Libya, in Greenwood, N.S. on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011.

Canadian Forces members are returning to Canada after a successful operation in the skies over Libya and the Central Mediterranean. Canada took a leading role in the UN-mandated, NATO-led Operation to protect the people of Libya from the former Gaddafi regime while also imposing an arms embargo and a no-fly zone."Canada once again punched above its weight as part of an international coalition. The men and women of the Canadian Forces confirmed their leadership position at NATO and the role they can play in successful international operations," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. (Photo Credit: Cpl Marc-André Gaudreault)

"I am extremely proud of the men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy whose contribution was, without a doubt, instrumental in the protection of civilians from the violence of the Gaddafi regime."Canada responded rapidly and strongly after the passage of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 of March 17, 2011. In less than 24 hours, CF-18s were airborne from 3 Wing Bagotville enroute to their operating base in Trapani, Italy, along with strategic air-to-air refuelling support from 8 Wing Trenton's Polaris aircraft. 8 Wing's CC-177 Globemasters followed immediately with all personnel and equipment needed to quickly establish an effective operational capability."Throughout this deployment, our airmen and airwomen demonstrated their outstanding skills and agility in successfully conducting air-to-air integrated operations with our NATO Allies, flying side-by-side conducting surveillance and bombing missions, providing air refueling to coalition aircraft, and patrolling the shore of Libya," said Lieutenant-General Andre Deschamps, the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force. "Their professionalism and dedication played a significant role in the protection of innocent civilians against an oppressive regime, and it is with pleasure that we welcome them home after a job well-done."The deployment of Canadian assets to the region, including a frigate, CF-188 Hornet fighters, CC-150 Polaris in-flight refuelling tankers, CC-130 Hercules tankers, and CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft - gave Canada and the Canadian Forces the flexibility and capability to respond to the ongoing crisis in the region by providing critical aviation support to coalition efforts.The CF-18 aircraft conducted 946 sorties, making up ten percent of NATO strike sorties. Over the course of their sorties, Canada's fighters dropped 696 bombs of various types.The two CC-150T and one CC-130T aircraft deployed flew 389 air-to-air refueling sorties. They dispensed a total of 18,535,572 lbs of fuel to aircraft from six nations involved in Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR - France, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Qatar.The two CP-140 aircraft deployed on Operation MOBILE flew 181 sorties off the coast of Libya and over land. They conducted Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) sorties, as well as strike coordination and armed reconnaissance-coordinator sorties that provided critical information and helped the NATO effort to protect civilians.

*As directed by the Government of Canada, Operation MOBILE (Canada's military response to the crisis in Libya) has ceased operations and commenced mission closure activities as of 1 November, 2011.*http://www.comfec-cefcom.forces.gc.ca/pa-ap/ops/mobile/index-eng.asp

Bless Corporal Byron Greff - October 29, 2011

MCpl. Byron Greff
It is with sadness, we announce that a Canadian Forces member was killed by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device while transiting through Kabul as a passenger on an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) vehicle. The incident took place at approximately 11:30 a.m. (Kandahar time) on October 29, 2011. The incident has resulted in casualties to ISAF personnel. Killed on operation was Master Corporal Byron Greff from the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta. He was serving as a mentor and trainer on Operation Attention, the Canadian Forces contribution to the NATO Training Mission in Afghanistan. His role was to advise Afghan National Army trainers who provide recruit training to Afghan soldiers. The Canadian Contribution to the Training Mission-Afghanistan (CCTM-A) includes more than 900 Canadian Forces men and women who, with some 4500 other partners from 33 other nations in NTM-A, are enabling the growth, professionalization, and capacity building of the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police. At this sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our fallen Canadian comrade. Our primary focus at this time is to provide the best possible support to Master Corporal Greff's family and his colleagues.Master Corporal Greff, his teammates, and the contingent of more than 900 Canadians serving with him in and around Kabul are there to provide training, leader development and capacity building. By the end of 2014, this training to the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police will provide security for Afghans who will ultimately take on this responsibility on their own. Master Corporal Greff is a great Canadian soldier who was serving selflessly toward this mission. His teammates, CCTM-A, and the Canadian Forces remain committed to this mission to achieve peace, stability and security by Afghans for Afghans.

REPATRIATION

The C-17 Globemaster touched down on the tarmac at CFB Trenton around 5 p.m.Cpl. Byron Greff, 26, was killed Saturday in a suicide bomb attack on a NATO bus convoy transporting people to their peacekeeping jobs around Kabul.Moments after the aircraft stopped, military pallbearers carried the flag-draped casket to a waiting hearse.Grieving family members led by Greff’s wife, Lindsay Raphael, and their two children — Kellar and Bielle — slowly made their way to the hearse. Raphael could be seen wiping tears from her eyes as the family placed roses on the casket.Dignitaries at the ceremony included Governor General David Johnston, Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Walt Natynczyk looked on.Dozens of people stood in silence outside the perimeter fence on a stretch of Highway 2 known as Repatriation Row.It’s an all too familiar sight at the base.Trenton resident Mike Rightmeyer brought his four young children to watch the ceremony.“We’ve never been to a repatriation before. I thought it was important for them to watch this,” said Rightmetyer. “We came here out of respect. It’s been a gut wrenching, emotional experience for us.”The motorcade that included the hearse and limousines carrying family members drove slowly through the crowd that lined both sides of the road.

September 11th, 2011 - We Will Always Remember

We honour the men, women and children who lost their lives; those who gave their lives and the Heroes who responded on September 11th. 2001. We pray for their families who have suffered an unimaginable loss.

We pause to remember the fateful day, we remember a day that ultimately changed our world forever. We came together for healing and mourning. Then together we united to exact justice and ensure another attack like this never happened again.

We honour our men and women in uniform who are dedicated to protect us and to keep us safe. We will always remember.

Memorial Reflecting Pools

This Sept. 11, the dedication of the 9/11 Memorial in New York will evoke many emotions: reverence for loved ones lost, gratitude for brave first responders, love of country, perhaps some uplift and peace.
"As you walk up to the body of water, there is a moment of sad comprehension.... You understand the scale and magnitude of what happened here." – Michael Arad, architect
In a solemn ceremony, the families of the victims – as well as Presidents Obama and George W. Bush – will look out on two massive waterfalls that pour into pools formed in the footprints of the former towers of the World Trade Center. The water disappears into dramatic black voids. All around the pools are the names of the victims, incised into bronze sheeting.
Instrumental in bringing about the memorial are three Americans who were strangers on 9/11 but ultimately became linked by the terrible events of the day.
These three men (Joe Daniels, Peter Walker and Michael Arad) turned their initial shock into a memorial, transforming the gaping wound in the ground, a reminder of 2,977 lives lost, into a place of serenity, reflection, and grace.

Red Friday Rally in Petawawa!

Red Friday Rally 2011

(Red) Friday, May 6 · 11:00am - 2:00pm

EVENT BEGINS: 11:00 a.m.
MAIN PROGRAM (stage): 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Location: Petawawa Legion Parking lot
3583 Petawawa Blvd
Petawawa, ON
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Hosted by: The Red Friday Ladies
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On May 6th 2011 Karen and Lisa will host another rally @ the Petawawa Legion to celebrate FIVE YEARS of supporting our troops & wearing red!!

Once again they are proud to be hosting the finish line for
the Commissionaires Ottawa RUN FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

http://runformilitaryfamilies.ca/en/
Come out, wear your red and celebrate our troops and their families !!

Help cheer on our troops ...
and the “RUN FOR MILITARY FAMILIES” runners too!
Come out and meet the people of Petawawa, the troops, their families and so many more.

Witness the pride and support of our military community.
Show Canada your support and pride.

** SPECIAL GUESTS and ENTERTAINMENT **

For more information, contact:

Lisa.troopsupport@gmail.com or Karen.troopsupport@gmail.com

**** The Red Friday Ladies encourage you to bring your folding chairs ... pack a lunch and snacks ... there will be lots to see and do so come out early ****

Remembering Soldiers and the Dogs- Heroes Together

Being a dog owner myself, the news of this fallen soldier and his dog wants me to ask you to remember the handlers of the dogs as well as the dogs who together put their lives at risk everyday. When sending a care package, include a treat for a sniffing dog in memory of Theo and Britain's soldier Cpl Liam Tasker. They will always be remembered and our prayers are with Cpl Tasker's family as they travel a difficult journey ahead filled sorrow. Always in our hearts. ~Military Mom

Corporal Tasker Killed By Sniper and His Bomb Sniffing Dog Collapsed and Died
Soldier and His Dog Are Greeted by British Mourners and Their Dogs

British mourners traditionally give a respectful silent salute to slain soldiers, but today they were joined by dog owners who brought their dogs to the grim arrival of Lance Corporal Liam Tasker and his bomb sniffing dog Theo.

Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, 26, died in a firefight on March 1 in Helmand province with Theo by his side. The dog, a springer spaniel, suffered a seizure from the stress and died hours later after being returned to base, according to the British Ministry of Defense.
Tasker's body and the ashes of Theo were returned today on the same military plane to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, England.

RAF dog handlers and their dogs pay respect as they line the repatriation route.

Residents of Wootton Bassett, near Lyneham, lined the streets when Tasker's coffin, draped with the British Union Jack, passed through the town on its way to Oxford, where soldiers' bodies are examined by a coroner before being returned to families.

Villagers traditionally greet the casket with a solemn moment of silence. It's a ritual of respect that began more than two years ago, explained a local government employee.

"It just happened," she said, beginning initially with veterans who would gather around the town's war memorial when a coffin passed. "They raised their caps…that's how it all started," she said.
But when the bells of St. Bartholomew's Church tolled today, the mourners included devastated dog handlers and their animals, she said.

Tasker and Theo had worked together uncovering roadside bombs in Afghanistan and were remarkably successful, finding 14 bombs meant to kill and maim British soldiers.

They had more operational finds than any other individual team in Afghanistan to date, the Ministry of Defense said. They were featured in a video released by the Army before Tasker's death, showing a perky Theo on patrol with his handler.

The two were so good at what they were doing that their tour of duty had been extended by a month.

Theo, 22 months old and on his first tour of duty, was with Tasker when he was felled by a sniper's bullet during a firefight and died.

"I truly believe when Theo went back to the kennel, that that would have a big, big impact because Liam wasn't there to comfort him," Tasker's father, Ian Tasker, told ITV news. Tasker's mother, Jane Duffy, said: "I would like to believe he died of a broken heart to be with Liam."

Theo's ashes were due to be presented to the Tasker family today in a private ceremony.

He served in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and had been deployed last September after having trained as an arms and explosives search-dog handler. He was a mechanic when he first joined the Army, according to a Ministry of Defense statement, but his passion for dogs led to his transfer to the Veterinary Corps in 2007.

Lance Corporal Natasha Mooney from the Veterinary Corps called Tasker "a larger than life character" and said, "Theo truly was man's best friend and they rest in peace together."

Pamela Reid, vice-president of the ASPCA's Animal Behavior Center, said Tasker and Theo had clearly developed a powerful bond.

"The stress in being separated from the handler could be a very serious component in what happened," she said. "It speaks to the intense relationship we can have with animals."

ABC News

General Hillier's Leadership

Reading one of General Hillier's books in land far away? Take a picture of you and the book in front of a land mark and share it with the community! How many countries can we get? Post your pictures on General Hillier's FB site

Leadership
by Rick Hillier .
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd October 15, 2010 Hardcover
The following ISBNs are associated with this title:
ISBN - 10:1554684935
ISBN - 13:9781554684939

General Rick Hillier's views on leadership evolved over histhree decades as a soldier, first by watching many of hissuperiors make bad decisions, then by learning from the schoolof hard knocks as the head of emergency rescue operations inCanada and …+ read more
General Rick Hillier's views on leadership evolved over histhree decades as a soldier, first by watching many of hissuperiors make bad decisions, then by learning from the schoolof hard knocks as the head of emergency rescue operations inCanada and international task forces in eastern Europe andAfghanistan. Never one to be shy with his opinions, Hillier isas frank and straightforward in Leadership Matters as he is inhis #1 bestselling memoir, A Soldier First.

For Hillier, leadership is all about people -- embracing those in your charge and winning over those you need to work with -- not about risk aversion or management fads. Leaders think long, and have a vision. Their actions speak, not their words, and they make their own luck. But leaders also act out of moral courage, accept failure, take advantage of crisis and are perpetually optimistic.

General Rick Hillier's views on leadership evolved over his three decades as a soldier, first by watching many of his superiors make bad decisions, then by learning from the school of hard knocks as the head of emergency rescue operations in Canada and international task forces in eastern Europe and Afghanistan. Never one to be shy with his opinions, Hillier is as frank and straightforward in Leadership as he is in his #1 bestselling memoir, A Soldier First.

Leadership is an inspirational, easy-to-read and, in true Hillier fashion, always entertaining collection of principles that will challenge the way you run your business, start a project or take that next step in life.

Christmas Greetings from Our Soldiers

Canadian Forces Combat Camera now have Holiday video messages available for download from personnel deployed in Afghanistan. The messages feature personnel from Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, British Columbia, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador and the Northwest Territories. Generic messages from personnel where no hometown is mentioned are also available. The video messages can be downloaded from the following site on
Combat Camera

Pictured here: Melissa W. a medic with 2 Field Ambulance makes calls home on a satellite phone on Christmas 2006 Combat Camera

Clearing the Way ~ Combat Engineers in Kandahar

This is the story of the men and women of 23 Field Squadron - Op Archer Roto 2, comprising soldiers, sailors and airmen drawn from across the Canadian Forces and beyond. The intent of this book is to mesh their very personal stories with the Squadron War Diary, all within the framework of the overall 1 RCR Battle Group mission. This mission was accomplished by the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operators, heavy equipment operators, armoured engineers, geomatic technicians, combat engineers and various support and headquarters staff that were 23 Field Squadron.
This book can can be ordered or purchased through:
Amazon
23 Field Squadron
University of Waterloo
Coates and Laser (Petawawa)
And at Participating Kit Shops:
2 CER RMC 1 CER CFSME 5 RGC 31 CER 4 ESR

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Clearing the Way: Combat Engineers in Kandahar will be donated to the Sapper Mike McTeague Wounded Warrior Fund.

"Clearing the Way" includes accounts of members of 23 Field Squadron who took part in Operation Medusa. A fierce battle in Afghanistan in which Canada paid a heavy price is the inspiration for a new book authored by some of those who fought the Taliban. - Winnepeg Free Press

Tanks are a standard asset within the Canadian battle group, but did you know that the first time they deployed en masse from Kandahar Airfield, they were caught in a Soviet-era minefield? Do you know how Route Summit got its name, or how it came to be in the first place? Or what happened to forward operating base Zettlemeyer? Or how a “Mad Max-ed” yellow bulldozer played an integral role in Operation MEDUSA? Or that, after surviving a roadside bomb that destroyed his vehicle and kit, a petty officer, second class defused an IED using only his bayonet?
Clearing theWay answers these questions and more, and provides an intimate glimpse into the reality on the ground in Kandahar Province during late summer and autumn 2006.
Corporal Matt Austin was interested in writing a few short stories about the soldiers in 23 Fd Sqn, an idea fully supported by Major Mark Gasparotto, the officer commanding the squadron on Roto 2. “I told his section commander,” says Maj Gasparotto, “that we should look at interviewing all the members in the squadron and putting together a small book.”
Back in Canada in April 2007,CplAustin got to work, travelling through Ontario and making dozens of calls to various parts of the country.“The real challenge,” he says, “was to interview all persons involved in the TICs [troops in contact] or significant incidents. Naturally, soldiers sometimes forget things they may have said in the past, or events in detail.” Realizing this,Cpl Austin cross-interviewed troops at different times to verify the narrative and root out what were, essentially, simple lapses in memory.
Another challenge he did not anticipate was the emotional impact that revisiting these events would have on those he interviewed. “Many men,” he says, “would stop and only continue with the support of other section mates.”
After writing four highly detailed chapters, Cpl Austin was placed in a section heading back to Afghanistan, forcing him to hand over his research. “[He] ran out of time to cover everything that deserved to be written about,” says Maj Gasparotto.“That’s when I decided to write the squadron war diary and invited other members to share their stories.”
The book includes the war diary written by Maj Gasparotto, the chapters by Cpl Austin and first-person accounts of various actions that stood out during the tour. - Forces.gc.ca

"For the most part it's the individual soldiers' account of what they're seeing and a lot of it is candid and it's repeating conversations that people had during certain events," said Busbridge.
"It's a more personal account of what happened during that time." - Canadian Free Press

Collaborative work
After he had written four lengthy, highly detailed chapters, Cpl Austin was placed in a section heading back to Afghanistan, forcing him to hand over his research.

“[Cpl Austin] ran out of time to cover everything that deserved to be written about,” explains Maj Gasparotto. “That’s when I decided to write the squadron war diary and invited other members to share their stories.”

The finished book includes the war diary by Maj Gasparotto, the chapters by Cpl Austin and several first-person accounts of various incidents that stood out during the tour.
Clearing the Way provides an intimate glimpse into the reality on the ground in Kandahar Province during late summer and fall 2006. Read further ~Capt Edward J.H. Stewart LFAA Public Affairs

These front-line engineers are often the first in and first out of a combat zone -- clearing bombs and mines, building roads, demolishing what needs to be taken out and providing "castle-like" fortifications for protection. lfpress

Comments: Post a book review in the comments section and I'll transfer them below.

Bless Cpl. Steve Martin ~December 18, 2010

It is with heavy hearts that today that we learn that a Canadian soldier has died on Saturday. Our Canadian Forces member was killed yesterday, December 18th, 2010 at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time, after an improvised explosive device detonated while on operations in the Panjwa'i district of Kandahar Province.
Killed in action was Corporal Steve Martin, serving with 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group, based at CFB Valcartier, Quebec.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of our fallen soldier during this difficult time. We will not forget the sacrifice of Cpl Martin.
Cpl. Steve Martin, 24, died while on a foot patrol near a major road construction project that NATO is pushing into the restive Panjwaii district of Kandahar.
Martin was just two days short of his 25th birthday when he died.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the fallen soldier during this difficult time," Brig.-Gen. Dean Milner, commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, told reporters at Kandahar Air Field. "We will not forget the sacrifice of this soldier as we continue to bring security and hope to the people of Kandahar province."

Martin was patrolling near a road that NATO forces are carving into the horn of Panjwaii when he was killed by an improvised explosive device, or IED, early Saturday afternoon local time.

The road is a key element of an offensive by Canadian, U.S. and Afghan forces into the horn of Panjwaii, an area that until recently was dominated by the Taliban and used as a staging point for attacks into nearby Kandahar City, the provincial capital.

Although most insurgents fled the area before an initial assault by coalition troops, several cells of Taliban fighters have continued to operate in the region.

They have mounted harassing attacks against the armoured vehicles and construction equipment building the gravel thoroughfare into the region, sprinkling the path ahead of the troops with IEDs.

Gov. Gen. David Johnston offered his deepest sympathies to Martin's loved ones, saying that his death brought home the weight of his new responsibilities as commander-in-chief of Canada's Armed Forces.

"Cpl. Martin displayed an admirable sense of duty to Canada, bringing great pride to his unit and to the Forces as a whole," Johnston wrote.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a written statement extending his deepest sympathies to Martin's family and friends on behalf of all Canadians.

"Cpl. Martin was a brave Canadian who made the ultimate sacrifice while proudly serving his country," the statement said.

"Thanks to Canadian Forces members like him, we continue to make real progress in Afghanistan, rebuilding the country and contributing to the peace and security of its people."

Saturday's attack shattered a period of relative calm in the Panjwaii district, where most of Canada's troops are based.

Although the onset of winter has meant a decline in attacks, the Canadian battle group in Kandahar has still had several of its soldiers wounded.

The Department of National Defence, however, does not release information on wounded soldiers and military spokesmen would not say if anyone else was wounded in the bombing that claimed Martin's life.

The bombing that killed Martin came amid a wave of attacks by Taliban gunmen and suicide bombers across Afghanistan.

Earlier Saturday, a suicide bomber attacked the vehicle of an Afghan district chief in the Canadian area of operations. A car packed with explosives tried to ram a vehicle carrying District Governor Hamdullah Nazik. The bomber missed his target and plowed into bystanders, killing two people, including a child, and wounding 11 others. Nazik was unharmed. more...

Repatriation Ceremonies - Fellow comrades say goodbye to Cpl Steve Martin as he commences his journey home to his family.

Our Fallen Soldier Returns Home
Corporal Steve Martin of the 3rd Battalion Royal 22e Regiment, based at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Valcartier, Quebec, returned home to Canada.

The repatriation ceremony for the latest Canadian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan, Corporal Steve Martin, originally scheduled for Tuesday had been delayed to Wednesday at 2 p.m. at CFB Trenton due to severe winter weather in Europe.

Where: 8 Wing, CFB Trenton, Ontario.
When: Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 2 p.m.

Present to pay their respects were His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada; The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence; Mr. Habibullah Qaderi, the Consul General of Afghanistan (Toronto); and other dignitaries.
As this is a solemn and formal occasion, all attending were requested to dress appropriately.

Send a Letter to A Canadian Hero Today

Below, I found an article by Mercedes Stephenson posted in the Toronto Sun today informing us about what Christmas is like when serving overseas. (every soldiers' situation varies completey) Below the article, I have posted information on how to send a letter or card to a Canadian Soldier. Please, pick up your pens and let's write a letter today. Although my son is here now, I think of those serving overseas and continue writing letters and cards. (Let me know in the comment section if you have done this previously and/or today.) On their behalf, I thank you. M.M.
A Soldier’s Christmas dream
If you read only one letter over the holiday season, let this Canadian trooper’s heartfelt words be it By MERCEDES STEPHENSON, QMI Agency

This Christmas while snowflakes gently fall from the sky over Canada, rockets will hail down over our bases in Afghanistan. As we unwrap gifts, counter-IED teams will take apart bombs.

What’s it like to be on the frontlines at Christmas? Most of us are fortunate not to know.
I asked someone who does know — a Canadian Forces member who recently returned from Afghanistan. He has spent five Christmases away from his family, serving Canada.

What follows are a soldier’s powerful, heartfelt words. If there is only one Christmas letter you read this holiday season, let this be it:

Most of my thoughts stem from last year when I was in Kandahar (again). Please excuse me if I get too melodramatic — it is the holidays, after all.

I’ve been thinking of the overused Henry V quotes a lot lately: “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.”

Bonds formed in combat are lasting ones. They endure the passage of time, differences of opinion, changes of marital status, physical separation and everything else.

Young soldiers who spend Christmas Eve on duty in the dark, cold observation post of an isolated platoon house will never forget that Christmas Eve; nor will he forget with whom he spent it.

So what do we do at Christmas? Well, above all else, it’s got to be another day on operations because the war doesn’t stop.

Our troops are on patrol, flying helicopters, and manning operation centres. They are “doing the business” 24/7 — literally.

We try to minimize the impact of being away from home during the holidays by embracing the traditions of soldiers who have gone before us.

The Soldier’s Christmas Dinner, where the junior soldiers are served by officers and NCOs is perhaps the best example and one that endures.

Inevitably, there will be some local initiatives to make things feel like home. Impromptu “Secret Santa” gift exchanges, a decorated Christmas tree in the corner of a dusty mud hut or someone with a guitar and the occasional Christmas song.

I must say that in recent years, the remarkable, selfless outpouring of support for our troops by caring Canadians has been incredible.

The impact of those gifts and cards addressed simply to “a Canadian Soldier” is immeasurable.
The toughest part for me, is knowing just how difficult it is for our families at home. They suffer, too. They remain worried — despite what we tell them.

While we commiserate amongst ourselves about being deployed, they’re often alone and are missing a big part of their lives at Christmas.

The empty chair at the dinner table, presents that will stay wrapped until their loved one comes home (my wife and kids left the tree up for seven weeks after Christmas until I came home on leave) or the single, dark house on the street because dad wasn’t home to put up the Christmas lights (ummm ... guilty!).

Finally, for those deployed this year, although difficult, it will be tempered by thoughts of how enthusiastically they’ll celebrate next Christmas. At least that’s what helped my family and me through it last year.

This Christmas, I suspect there are thousands of troops making up for being away last year. Like our family, I’m sure they’ll be raising their glasses with their loved ones to those who are currently deployed — and sadly for those who didn’t come home.

Even though they may now be safely back in Canada with their families and friends, you can bet those soldiers will be thinking of those with whom they spent last Christmas — their brothers. ~ A Canadian Soldier

Remember a Canadian solider today. Send a letter or a card. The cost to send to "Any Canadian Soldier" is a regular stamp. (a small cost to put a smile on a soldier's face and boost their morale)
Directions to mail a letter (parcels unfortunately are not permitted due to space limitations allowing family and friend parcels, food and equipment to be transported overseas to our troops) :
Addressing :
All letters and cards addressed to "Any Canadian Forces member". Please refer to "Operational Addresses" to obtain the address information. Note that the lines "Rank/Initials/Name" and "Unit/Section" of the operational address are to be replaced with "Any Canadian Forces member".
For example, if writing to Afghanistan, the address should be:

Any Canadian Forces Member
Op Athena
PO Box 5058 Stn Forces
Belleville ON K8N 5W6

Merry Christmas to the men and women of the Canadian Forces. Your selfless sacrifice delivers the gift of freedom to Canadians year after year.

Remembering Our Soldiers

On Remembrance Day (and Veterans' Day) we need to pay our deepest respects to all who have sacrificed and suffered in war; our soldiers who have dedicated their lives for us.
I also think of the families who have lost their loved ones and those who are missing their loved ones as they serve today.

Wear a poppy in remembrance and thoughts of our soldiers.

If you see a Veteran ~ remember to thank them - that's the least we can do for them- think of what they have done for us.

Always Remembered - Everyday in my heart. ~ Military Mom

"Lest we forget our heros, who fought and died,
For the Red and White" ~ Julian Austin

Sending Thanksgiving Wishes

Thanksgiving Wishes

Sending all our Canadian soldiers away from home and soldiers at home, warm Thanksgiving wishes. We have so much to be thankful for ... YOU - for your dedication, your hard work, your bravery, your committment to your country, your difficult times when away from those you love. We also have families of soldiers to be thankful for - for the support and love of your soldier, difficult times you endure when they are away from you - your love and committment. We send you our prayers. ~m.m.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food,

For love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Living day to day in a personal sacrifice

On a mission to defend.

You are the hero whose face we may never get to see

But the pride and glory that's lives in a soldier heart

Bears one word

"Integrity"

On this day

We give thanks and honour to those brave and true

Our flags, we will proudly wave

The Red and White

We will give our thanks not only to our God

but also to every soldier for our bounties, that be.

For they give meaning to words

Home of the True north strong and Free.

To the soldiers in the mess hall

Eating their Thanksgiving feast,

to the troops in the desert eating

their next rationed meal.

May peace, hope and strength

Travel with you along the way

And may these wishes find you

On A Soldiers Thanksgiving day.

We Remember 9-11

WE REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11TH

THEY ARE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

Together we pause to remember the victims, to grieve with the families and friends of those who died, and to honour the heroes of that day and each day since who have sacrificed to save lives and serve their country. We will always remember will our hearts and our prayers.
With the rest of the world, we pause on September 11th to honour the ninth year since this horrific day. It is a day of sadness, memories, and coming together as one.

Rally to Stand Up for Our Veterans - London ON

Date: Sunday, August 29th, 2010
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Location: Victoria Park, London, ON

View Larger Map'>509 Clarence Street, London

Bordered by Clarence, Central, Wellington, Dufferin Sts
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This will be a Rally with some music, a few speakers, and Canada's Veterans, where a message can be sent to the Minister of Veterans Affairs. There will be a petition to sign that will be delivered to Parliament Hill in September.

Put a "Support The Troops" magnet on your car. Our Canadian Troops and Veterans have asked us to stand up for their rights.

We need to show these brave Canadians that we do support them, and we will stand behind them.