LMFRC - Cambridge Outreach's Grand Opening!

Outreach Services Cambridge

Grand Opening Ceremony

on

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

at

The Cambridge Armoury (Col. McIntosh, DSO,ED Armoury)

1 Valour Place, Rm 105

(Ainslie St S beside the Bus Station)

Cambridge, ON

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Support Our Troops Merchandise BBQ Cake Door Prizes

Displays Cleo the Clown Ballons for the Kids and much more...

Bring the Whole Family!

Come meet with members of support groups from

Waterloo Region (Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan),

Guelph, Cambridge and Brantford

STRONGER TOGETHER... CONNECT WITH YOUR MFRC

(Military Family Resource Centre)

For further information contact:

Donna Pickering at 519-740-7322 Ext 3319

Email: donna.pickering@forces.gc.ca

Click on poster below to enlarge:

BGen Denis Thompson Coming to Waterloo, ON

Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan

present

BRIGADIER-GENERAL Denis.W. THOMPSON, OMM, CD Commander of Task Force Kandahar

on

Saturday, March 28th, 2009

7:00 – 8:00 pm

Wilfrid Laurier University - Science Building

75 University Avenue West Waterloo, ON

“The Struggle for Kandahar – Canadian Soldiers Making a Difference in Afghanistan"

(Presentation will include a question and answer period)

Our Speaker: Brigadier General Thompson spoke to Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan through a co-sponsored CIGI event just prior to his deployment May 2008 to Afghanistan as Commander of our Canadian forces as Commander of Task Force Kandahar. Having just returned February 19th. 2009, we are delighted that he has taken the time to speak with us and share his experiences.

“I am incredibly proud of our troops, and I leave Afghanistan with a renewed respect for them.”

R.S.V.P. Accepted until March 24, 2009 - seating is limited to 150.

Email: focsia@hotmail.com

Directions: Conestoga Parkway heading north towards Waterloo 85N, take the University West exit and proceed to King St. N. Turn left onto King and then right at Bricker, which will be the first street on your right. Follow directions to the parking lot. The room is located near the King St. side of the building. For a visual map of the area, click on: http://www.wlu.ca/maps/science.phpaps/science.php

Families's Christmas Wishes from One Side of the World to the Other

Families of deployed soldiers were offered the opportunity to wish their sons and daughters a Merry Christmas. Last night, CKCO TV (CTV) in Kitchener opened their studios to the families and video taped Christmas messages from families to their loved ones. Families came from Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Hamilton, and Peterborough. While waiting, families had a chance to speak to meet with one another as they truly had a commonality within their own family circle.

A special thank you to CKCO / CTV for giving families an avenue for connecting with the soldiers during this special holiday season. And a BIG thank you to the cameraman! He'll know what I mean ;)

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our Troops!"

Potluck for Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan

Upcoming potluck in Waterloo welcoming families of soldiers currently or having served or impending deployment to come out and meet with other family members in support (F.O.C.S.I.A.- Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan) in Waterloo for a potluck dinner.

A warm welcome is extended!

Where: 404 WING R.C.A.F. MEMBERS’ LOUNGE

510 DUTTON DR., WATERLOO

When: Saturday, August 30th, 2008

Meet and Greet -5:30 p.m.

Potluck Picnic Dinner: 6 p.m.
Social Cash Bar open till 7 pm

Meet new members and renew friendships. Social discussions thoughout and after meal.

Contact: Kerry Townson kerrytownson@rogers.com or focsia@hotmail.com



Directions:
From Toronto Area:
Hwy 401 West
Exit Hwy 8 west Kitchener/Waterloo (exit# 278)
Take Hwy 7 East exit twd Guelph Hwy 85 N
85 N to Waterloo
Take King Street Exit
Left onto King St (go approx .7 mi.)
Right on Weber St (Chapters on L Corner) (go approx. .8 mi)
Go overhill
Immediate Right on Dutton Drive
Destination on Right Side at end of road (Wing 404 - 510 Dutton Drive)

From London Area:
Hwy 401E
Exit at Hwy 8 W Kitchener/Waterloo (exit 278B)
Follow onto King St (pass Shell Gas Station on right, Williams, Wendy's, Costco)
Pass Sportsworld Drive
Take Hwy 8W Ramp
Take Hwy 7E Guelph/Hwy 85 N Waterloo
Follow 85N Waterloo (towards St Jacobs)
Exit at King St
Turn Left on King St N
Right on Weber St (Chapters on L Corner) (go approx. .8 mi)
Go overhill
Immediate Right on Dutton Drive
Destination on Right Side - at end of road (Wing 404 - 510 Dutton Drive)



From Waterloo : Follow Weber St. N. and go past Albert St. (traffic lights) and turn right onto Dutton Dr. before going over the hill.

Welcome to February's Meeting of Families

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A MEETING

OF

“FAMILIES OF CANADIAN SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN”
ON

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
AT THE 404 WING R.C.A.F.,

MEMBERS’ LOUNGE 510 DUTTON DR., WATERLOO

7:30 to 8:00 p.m. Arrival and Registration.

8:00 to 8:45 p.m. Guest Speakers: Cpl. Christopher Lock and brother, Richard Lock

8:45 p.m. Socializing and Refreshments

About Our Speakers

Cpl. Christopher Lock was deployed in Afghanistan during the second rotation from August 2006 to February 2007. As a local reservist, Christopher volunteered for the mission and will share his experiences both outside the wire and on base while he served in Kandahar as a combat engineer. His brother Richard, on the other hand, will share his experiences on the home front during his brother’s deployment. Both Christopher and Richard will be available to answer your questions.
Directions:
From Kitchener or out-of-town: Take 86 North (Conestoga Parkway) and take the Northfield exit (one exit past King St.). Exit at Northfield, keep right and proceed over expressway. Turn left onto Parkside Drive (at lights), and then left onto Weber. Go over the hill and turn immediately left onto Dutton Dr. The facility is located at the end of the road.

From Waterloo or downtown: Follow Weber St. N. and go past Albert St. (traffic lights) and turn right onto Dutton Dr. before going over the hill.

R.S.V.P. February 21, 2008 kerrytownson@rogers.com

View Larger Map

Families Meeting January 26th 2007

F.O.C.S.I.A. (Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan)
The next meeting of any Families of Canadian Soldiers serving or have served or will be serving in Afghanistan, will be on held:

Saturday, January 26th 2008
at 7:30 p.m.
at R.C.A.F. Wing 404
Members' Lounge
510 Dutton Drive
Waterloo, ON

Guest speakers will be Joan Stone (London MFRC) and Jen Stone (Hamilton MFRC). These women are developing a new Outreach program for family members of Canadian soldiers.
A time to meet with other family members while going through this journey. All families welcome.

(Please R.S.V.P. focsia@hotmail.com by January 25)

View Larger Map

Thanksgiving Day Parade 2007

There was a sea of red at the corner of King and University Avenue in Waterloo this day on October 8th, 2007 - The KW Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The sun shone brightly on the parade. It was easy to spot "the group" this year. For "the group" I'm referring to the ever diligent and caring Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan.
To contact the support group, email: FOCSIA@Hotmail.com

FOCSIA - Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan

It was an ever moving experience. When passing the crowds, the people exploded in vigorous applause and thank you's ensued. Many standing ovations throughout King Street (it was like the wave.. a continuing tidal wave of supporters applauding, cheering and letting the soldiers know their appreciation) The families as always were close behind their sons and daughters - the troops - supporting them - standing behind them. We love them all.


It was hard not to notice (other than the gigantic turkeys and horn of plenty) - overshadowing the families was a military vehicle... Canada's own Cougar. It was brought into the region and driven by soldiers from CFB Petawawa (thank you troops!)

Dignitaries applaud the Troops and families.

A Sea of Red

Firefighters whoop it up when seeing the Vets. All heroes.

Many crowds await the troops.

Families march behind the troops - the boys-our boys.

We're so proud of them!

The soldiers assist an elder veteran who succumbed to the heat.

They cared for him and transported him via the cougar.

Cousins and Uncles.

Waterloo Region Police officers saluted.

Afghan Vets ride aboard the Cougar.

Kitchener-Conestoga's MP Harold Albrecht and Linda Fauteax (a fellow military mom and Mr Albrecht's constituency assistant) proudly display a Canadian Flag. Many thanks to you for handing out the many stickers and flags along the parade route. The children loved them!
.
Waterloo Crowds

Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan Families of soldiers served, serving and awaiting to deploy to Afghanistan. Friends!

Soldiers aboard the Cougar.

Afghan vets commence marching down King Street.

Our youngest supporter takes a break from marching.

Support Our Troops

An O.P.P. cruiser displays a Support Our Troops ribbon decal in the window.

Renaud from CFB Petawawa (thank you!)

Prep work

Canada's Cougar in front of WLU residence. Soon to board this vehicle were some of the Veterans having returned from their ever appreciable and dedicated mission in Afghanistan.

Soldiers have a good vantage point of King Street

Families find relief in an air conditioned comforts of a bus.

A big note of appreciation goes out to John Prno -for organization and welcomed transportation to point A. Thank you John!

Upcoming F.O.C.S.I.A. Meeting

“FAMILIES OF CANADIAN SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN”

ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2007
7:30 P.M.

AT THE 404 WING R.C.A.F., MEMBERS’ LOUNGE
510 DUTTON DR., WATERLOO

7:30 to 8:00 p.m. Arrival and Registration.

8:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guest Speaker, Qaseem Ludin
Perspectives on Afghanistan - Past and Present

9 p.m. - Questions and Answers, Upcoming Events, Socializing

About Our Speaker

Qaseem was born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan. He moved to Pakistan in 1993 and then immigrated to Canada in 2001. His experiences included working for CARE International, United Nations in Pakistan and for Canadian Immigration in the Settlement of Newcomer Afghans. In addition to his broad background, Qaseem has experienced life under Taliban rule.

Qaseem will provide a brief history on his country, sharing his personal experiences, and giving his opinions on the current mission.

Directions

From Kitchener or out-of-town: Take 86 North (Conestoga Parkway) and take the Northfield exit (one exit past King St.). Exit at Northfield, keep right and proceed over expressway. Turn left onto Parkside Drive (at lights), and then left onto Weber. Go over the hill and turn immediately left onto Dutton Dr. The facility is located at the end of the road.

From Waterloo or downtown: Follow Weber St. N. and go past Albert St. (traffic lights) and turn right onto Dutton Dr. before going over the hill.

RSVP: at focasia@hotmail.com by September 28, 2007

Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan Meeting

MEETING OF
“FAMILIES OF CANADIAN SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN”

ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2007
6 P.M.

AT THE 404 WING R.C.A.F., MEMBERS’ LOUNGE
510 DUTTON DR., WATERLOO

6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Arrival and Registration. Meet members of the 404.

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pot luck picnic and social hour

7:30 p.m. Guest Speaker, Dana Martel, M.S.W.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

About Our Speaker

Dana Martel is a social worker and Clinical Coordinator with the Operational Stress Injury Clinic, of St. Joseph’s Health Care, Parkwood Hospital, London. He has a special interest in the etiology and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and comorbid conditions such as mood disorders which affect military personnel and their families.

Directions

From Kitchener or out-of-town: Take 86 North (Conestoga Parkway) and take the Northfield exit (one exit past King St.). Exit at Northfield, keep right and proceed over expressway. Turn left onto Parkside Drive (at lights), and then left onto Weber. Go over the hill and turn immediately left onto Dutton Dr. The facility is located at the end of the road.

From Waterloo or downtown: Follow Weber St. N. and go past Albert St. (traffic lights) and turn right onto Dutton Dr. before going over the hill.

R.S.V.P. to Kerry Townsen kerrytownson@rogers.com or FOCSIA focsia@hotmail.com