Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan

Support Group Meeting

Waterloo Region

by: Jane Annandale

The meeting at the 404 Wing, our “new home” was indeed a special event. Over 40 attended the inaugural event including 404 Wing representatives Mike Turos and 404 President Vic Snowdon.


The monthly meeting of Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan was held on Saturday, February 24th at 404 Wing RCAFA on Dutton Drive in Waterloo. This is as association of families who support each other through the anxieties of having a soldier on rotation in Afghanistan. This meeting marked the beginning of their association with 404 Wing and all further meetings will be held at this location.

The large number of members and guests were honoured by the presence of two notable speakers. Mr Jawed Ludin, former Chief of Staff to President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and Lt Commander Albert Wong, head of Public Relations for the Department of National Defence, came to the meeting in a private capacity to give personal and candid messages of encouragement and thanks for the great service that our Canadian Troops are bringing to the people of Afghanistan. The general population of that country know that they will benefit from the presence of NATO Forces, and that there must be peace and stability to rebuild the infrastructure, commerce and industry that will take them from one of the poorest nations in the world to a position of self sufficiency. Both speakers answered many questions and helped to give a clear picture of what our monetary and military contributions have achieved. It is only with a continued presence of the 37 countries in Afghanistan, and especially the bravery and steadfast efforts of our Canadian Troops that the country will achieve its goals. Appreciation was also expressed for the support that our soldiers receive from their families and for the sacrifice of families who have troops away on foreign service.

The next meeting of Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan will be on March 31, 2007 at 7:30 pm at RCAFA 404 Wing, 510 Dutton Drive in Waterloo. Anyone wishing to attend the meeting should email focsia@hotmail.com or phone Kerry Townson, Membership Secretary at 519-888-9398.