Deployment Support Centre

Deployment is something that affects all members of the family. Stress can often present itself before, during, and after a deployment. Deployment makes physical and emotional demands on the service member, spouse, children, family and friends. Deployment affects everyone involved.
Remember: you are not alone. When my son was away, I found comfort in speaking with personnel from the DSC when I didn't know where to turn. On a personal note, I want to thank them so much for helping me during a time of need. They will assist you if you're worried, feeling sad, or have a question.
The mission of the Deployment Support Centre is to provide the best possible support to all families who are experiencing the absence of a loved one due to a deployment, course or tasking.
Their staff will assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Toll-Free Number: 1-877-218-9993 (Canada)

Merry Christmas!

I'd like to wish our soldiers serving throughout the world a Merry Christmas. Through all the hardships, the dust, the gains through your work, know that we are proud of you and stand behind you here. Godspeed, God Bless and safe mission.

To the families of soldiers, as I walk through the stores, I hear the song "I'll be Home for Christmas" I usually well up inside. I was so proud knowing that I didn't let it "get to me" this time.. I conquered the Christmas muzak! Well, on Christmas Eve, I had finished purchasing my groceries to get the family through the next couple of days and proceeded walking through the snow drifts to my car when I heard a young man laughing and joking with his Dad. I looked at them and then down at my bags fluttering in my cart.. and it hit me... my son won't be home for Christmas. I cried as I loaded my car with the chocolates, the dinners.. that he would love so much. And I prayed. For his safety and for all our soldiers so bravely serving our country. To families of soldiers, as this may be a difficult season to travel through, let the love ring in your hearts and warmth in your homes as you too continue burning the homefires.

To my son: I love you. Merry Christmas! I'm so proud of you. Love, Mom oxox

Cherish His Christmas

Christmas brings such a time of love, Each tender heart holds so much of
Unselfishness thrives, trust is strong, The purpose to give, send love along
A time of pleasantries, patience too, Good wishes to all, all feelings true
Thankfulness follows each fine deed; Gifts from our God, never from greed
Great the rewards that joy does bring; Like the beauty in hearing angels sing
We pray for our loved, each so dear; Especially those who can’t be near
Many leave home to bravely serve; All freedoms we have, they preserve
Do pray for our troops, as we should; And their families too, if you would
Give thanks to our Lord, His only Son; And cherish His Christmas, everyone.
~ Roger J. Robicheau

"Trees for Troops" Program.. (for some families)

The families of Canadian Forces Personnel serving overseas will be receiving Christmas trees thanks to a generous donation from the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association.

(see personal note below)

“Nothing sustains the morale of our brave men and women in uniform more than the knowledge that the people back home appreciate the often difficult and dangerous work they do for us,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper who participated in the ‘Trees for Troops’ event. “This is a genuinely kind gesture of support for our military families that says thank you for the sacrifices you and your loved ones make on behalf of our country.

Under the ‘Trees for Troops’ program, approximately 1,500 military families are accepting the offer of a free Christmas tree. Trees are handed out at Canadian Forces Bases throughout Canada, including Petawawa where 400 local families received trees.Prime Minister Harper also announced that the Government of Canada would make it easier for overseas Canadian Forces personnel to call home over the holidays. Each member of the Canadian forces would receive a phone card worth 35 minutes of extra international phone time.“The Christmas season is a difficult time for our troops and their families,” said the Prime Minister. “Every little thing we do counts. I would urge all Canadians to do what they can to support the military families who will be spending Christmas apart from their loved ones. Something as simple as a card, a cup of Christmas cheer, or an invitation to dinner will go a long way to easing their loneliness and expressing our gratitude for all they and their families do.”

On a personal note.. I think this is a wonderful endeavour. However, I never received a Christmas tree, nor was I phoned to see if our family would like to receive one. I am wondering which families of soldiers benefitted from this program? It sure is difficult when some families are left out. It's not fair and I know we're not the only ones feeling this way. Harper, I guess no one thought to thank nor acknowledge some of the families..that are left out of the program? We are still families of soldiers who as well work diligently for and serving our country. Our sons and daughters as well as us "made sacrifices for our country". We should not be forgotten! (grumble, grumble) God bless us everyone.. (only certain ones?)

Do you need someone to talk to? ...

Do you have a family member who is currently deployed overseas or is preparing to deploy or has returned? You are invited to attend a meeting and get together with:

“FAMILIES OF CANADIAN SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN”
ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2008
7:00 P.M.

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

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

7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Guest Speaker, Dr. David Rainham
Stress and Stress Management

8:30 p.m. - ? Questions and Answers, Upcoming Events, Socializing

About the Speaker: Helping patients manage stress has become a major part of Dr. Rainham’s family practice. He has written several books on the subject, as well as being a contributor to several magazines, newspapers, and radio stories. He has found that effective management of stress can improve overall physical health.

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. by September 26, 2008 - focsia@hotmail.com or kerrytownson@rogers.com

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.

Sault Ste Marie Streets Showered with Yellow Ribbons!

Military families show support for kin in Afghanistan
It was mission accomplished for May Adshead Saturday. The facilitator of Sault Ste. Marie Military Family Support Group and 14 other volunteers spent an hour staple gunning and wrapping about 300 yellow ribbons on poles on Queen Street East, Pim Street, Great Northern Road And Second Line from Great Northern to Leighs Bay Road.
The colourful markers show backing for about 20 Sault residents serving in Afghanistan in the regular and reserve forces.
"Their community is behind them, supporting them," said Adshead.
"I think (the ribbons) are awesome."
A fundraising barbecue held Canada Day at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 and personal donations from support group members covered the roughly $100 supply cost.
The ribbons will stay up on Queen Street until September and the remaining streets until early 2009.
The support group, formed in 2007, is entering a float in the Community Day parade Saturday.
It will include the names of Canadians killed in Afghanistan and the names of local residents who have served in that country and other nations since a series of terrorist attacks killed about 3,000 people in the United States in 2001.
Six members of the 49th Field Regiment leave for Afghanistan later this month. (Godspeed to these troops and their families)
Two or three of those reserve members, dressed in their military fatigues, are expected to walk along the support group's float.

Yellow ribbons will be distributed to parade watchers along Queen Street East.
The support group has about 60 members now attending monthly meetings at Branch 25.
"It's growing daily," said Adshead.
"It's amazing."
Her son, Brandon, served in Afghanistan in 2007 with the 49th Field Regiment. Now a member of the Canadian army, the Sir James Dunn collegiate graduate is expected to return for a second deployment in 2009.

A Great Big HUA to the Sault Ste Marie Military Family Support Group - for working together and supporting our troops in unison - A GREAT SUPPORT which goes unnoticed. Let's ALL get together and hang yellow ribbons for our troops! Hang them from the trees, from the signs, from lamp posts or put yellow ribbon magnets on your cars and trucks and mailboxes! More is noticed when we all work together! HUA!

Master Corporal Paul Franklin Speaking Engagement
Master Cpl. Paul Franklin, a solder from Alberta who lost both legs in Afghanistan in 2006, will speak at a pasta dinner at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25, 96 Great Northern Rd,
Sault Ste Marie on Aug. 14.
Advance tickets cost $15.
His speech is not recommended for children under 10.
For tickets, call (705) 945-8721.

Golf Tournament
A golf tournament is planned at Crimson Ridge Aug. 15.

To participate, call May Adshead at (705) 945-9628.

NOTE: If anyone from Sault Ste. Marie has any more photos of the ribbons, the parade, the speaking engagement, or golf tournament, please forward them to me and I'll post them here. Forward to: militarymomathome@hotmail.com Thanks! ~m.m.

I wish I was there, but remember, my heart is with you all.

VIA Rail to Honour Canaidan Forces and National Defence Employees with Free Travel This Summer

I wanted to share today's announcement from VIA Rail with you!

A big HUA to VIA RAIL Canada!

March 26, 2008 – VIA Rail Canada is proud to honour Canada’s current and former Canadian Forces personnel, National Defence employees, and their families, with a special appreciation fare during the month of July. During this time, members of the Canadian Forces and National Defence employees will benefit from free unlimited travel in Comfort class anywhere on VIA’s network. With more than half a million current or retired service personnel eligible, the special fare is the first of its kind.“Like all Canadians we at VIA are proud of the Canadian Forces and pleased when we can help to remind our fellow citizens of their contribution,” said VIA Rail’s Chairman of the Board Donald A. Wright. “In the past, VIA has put the spotlight on our troops and their families through commemorative Remembrance Day trains for the Year of the Veteran and the Year of the War Bride. We hope that this special offer will allow members of the Canadian Forces and their families to experience the country in a way that only the train can offer,” added Mr. Wright. “As Minister responsible for VIA Rail, I am pleased VIA will honour Canadian Forces members and their families with these special fares, and I hope they and their fellow Canadians will take advantage of all VIA has to offer this summer,” said Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “July is also the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City and I hope Canadians take advantage of this offer to join the festivities.”“The support shown by VIA Rail to Canada’s men and women in uniform, as well as civilian defence employees, is appreciated by the entire defence community,” said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “This initiative will allow members of the Canadian Forces to visit more of the country that they have committed to defend.”"VIA Rail's offer is one more way we can repay the great debt that all Canadians owe to the brave men and women who have always been willing to defend our nation," said Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "This July, our truest heroes will find it easier than ever to see more of the remarkable country they've helped build."In addition to being able to travel for free with the special fare, members of the Canadian Forces can also bring up to five family members travelling with them at 50 per cent off the regular applicable fare. The offer applies to all current and retired members of the Canadian Forces, Reserve personnel, Department of National Defence employees, and Public Fund employees.For more information, or to reserve a ticket, go to viarail.ca/forces or call toll-free 1 888 VIA-Rail (1888 842-7245) or 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired).As Canada’s national passenger rail service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally responsible and cost effective passenger transportation services, both in Canada's business corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. Serving more than 450 communities with a network of inter-city, transcontinental and regional trains, demand for rail services continues to grow as more Canadians turn to train travel as a safe and convenient travel choice.





Valid for travel between July 1, 2008 and July 31, 2008 (inclusive). Qualifying adult passenger is entitled to complimentary travel in Comfort class within Canada throughout the VIA Rail network on any VIA train. Up to five additional immediate family members may travel in Comfort class with the qualifying adult passenger at 50% off the adult regular Comfort class fare provided all passengers travel together on the same trains and dates. Qualifying adult passenger is defined as any adult 18 years of age or older who is in possession of either a valid DND photo identification card, Dependent ID card, or Canex "Club XTra" card. Immediate family members are defined to include the qualifying member's mother, father, spouse or common-law partner or child or a child for which the qualifying adult passenger is a legal guardian. Additionally, this special promotional fare may be combined with VIA's existing "Kids Travel Free" promotion, allowing each adult 18 years of age or older to bring one child 2-11 (family member or non-family member) free of charge on the same trains and dates. With the exception of the "Kids Travel Free" promotion, this discount cannot be combined with any other discount, fare plan, companion fare program, travel product or employee rail pass. Your ticket must be picked up at a VIA Rail ticket counter with a valid DND photo identification card, Dependent ID card or Canex "Club XTra" card. Once issued, tickets may be refunded or exchanged without service charge. In the case of ticket exchanges, new tickets must meet the conditions of this fare plan, and all passengers must continue to travel together on the same trains and dates. Unlimited stopovers are allowed without additional charge. A separate ticket must be obtained for each passenger travelling. Offer excludes members of the RCMP. Not applicable to bookings made online at viarail.ca or with a travel agent or tour operator. Reservations for this special promotion must be made directly with VIA Rail, either by telephone at 1-888-VIARAIL (1-888-842-7245) or 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired), or at a VIA station. When booking, please refer to the Canadian Forces Family Appreciation Fare or request Discount 11279. There is no limit to the number of complimentary trips that may be taken during the validity period, provided all conditions and restrictions are met for each trip.

Families are the Unsung Heroes

On Saturday evening, the prime minister spoke on the importance of soldiers' families at CFB Valcartier, near Quebec City.
"Our troops get the strength they need for the hard, dangerous work we ask them to do from the support they get back home," Harper said in a brief speech to open a fundraiser for the base's family resource centre.
"So, my job, and our government's job, is to support the families just as much as we support the troops." Prime Minister Stephen Harper today attended a fundraising event for military families at CFB Valcartier, home base of the Royal 22nd Regiment that now leads the Canadian mission in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The fourth annual Criée d'automne includes a dinner, silent auction and raffle that raises funds for the Valcartier Military Family Resources Center.Speaking at the dinner, Prime Minister Harper called the families of soldiers serving in Afghanistan “the unsung heroes of Canada’s mission. The strength of the support back home is one of the main reasons our troops are world-renowned for their skill, courage and professionalism.” Prime Minister Harper said. “I’ve talked to soldiers deployed overseas and I can tell you they all feel better over there, knowing their families are being taken care of back here by organizations like Military Family Resources Center. The Canadian Forces really are a family, and a family takes care of its own.”

"Thank you Prime Minister Harper!"

Harper also said Canada's international reputation has grown since it began security and reconstruction work in the volatile regions of southern Afghanistan.

Peter MacKay

In response to Anti-war protesters marching across Canada to denouncing the Afghan mission, Defence Minister Peter MacKay said the very fact the demonstrations could take place Saturday indicated why Canada should be taking part in the Afghan mission.
"This is exactly the type of freedom and expression that we enjoy in this country, that we're able to demonstrate, that we are hoping to establish in a place like Afghanistan,"

The minister said the presence of Canadian troops creates security, which is directly related to promoting democracy, including freedom of expression.
"I implore people who are out in the streets and who are expressing themselves to keep in mind that were we to follow that direction (to withdraw the troops), Canada, in my view, would be stepping away from the very rights they hope to demonstrate."

Military Parents at the Drumbo Fair

Support Our Troops

Saturday September22, 2007

at the Drumbo Fall Fair

9:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Drumbo, Ontario

Look for the Military Van.

If you haven't purchased your red shirts for the next Red Friday,

Military Parents will have a Red T-Shirt Booth set up.

While there, sign the Support Our Troops Banner which will be sent to Afghanistan!

See you at the fair!

Yellow-Ribbon Campaign for Military Families Comes Untied

Businessman Decides Against Giving Free Decals
Because City Hall Wants to Sell Them
From CBC

July 24, 2007

Calgary councillors have decided not to put "Support our Troops" decals on city vehicles after a contentious and emotional debate at city hall, prompting the businessman offering the yellow-ribbon stickers to withdraw his donation.

Sean Burnand, owner of Can West Label Inc., said Tuesday he is disappointed that a simple gesture could become a political issue.

"This was a simple offer that we made to the city thinking that the city has thousands of vehicles on streets. But we're going to find a way to get these ribbons out there to private citizens and to corporations, with or without council's help on this."

On Monday, council unanimously approved a plan by Mayor Dave Bronconnier to keep the stickers off city vehicles and instead sell them to the public to raise cash for military families.

"Why don't we take those decals and place them in city facilities, and people could go and take those decals and put a five- and 10-dollar donation, and raise another $50,000 to do something meaningful?" he said.

But by selling the decals, city hall is missing the point, said Burnand, whose staff volunteered time over the weekend to help him make the first run of 5,000 decals.

'This is just about saying thank you'

Ald. Ric McIvor argued that putting yellow-ribbon stickers on city cars and trucks is a simple way to show public support for Canada's military.

"This is not about supporting any or all of those missions or deployments. This is just about saying thank you," he said.

But the decals have become politicized, argued Ald. Helen Larocque, who said some city workers could equate them as a show of support for the war in Afghanistan.

What if employees choose not to drive the vehicles? she asked. She also wanted to know "whether we would be in a position to have to force them to do so or whether they would be able to declare human rights issues."

Thanks to the publicity from the city hall debate, Burnand said he has received offers of support and donations from the public, and is now working with the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre to ensure any money he collects goes directly to the troops and their families.

He is also donating the stickers he made for the city to the resource centre.

Soldiers Grateful for Support

This story appeared in the Kitchener Record today (. A big HUA! to the Region of Waterloo (Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo) for all their support! As well a HUA to the military families (FOCSIA- Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan) who worked effortlessly in achieving awareness in the Yellow Ribbon Campaign. A BIG thank you to Mayors and councillors, police officers, firefighters, emergency staff of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge who have recognized our soldiers, our sons, our daughters, our husbands, our wives - our families, our friends who are currently, have returned, and are preparing to deploy on their mission. - m.m.
(and hopefully our "fav" councillor will see this)

___________________________________________________

Yellow ribbons touch hearts of firefighters serving overseas

By: MELINDA DALTON

Photo: ROBERT WILSON Kitchener Chief Fire Prevention Officer Tom Ruggle (right) and Kitchener native Ryan Filsinger (left), 23, pose beside a support the troop decal on a Kitchener fire vehicle. Ruggle, a captain with the Lorne Scots reserve regiment, will leave in two weeks for Afghanistan. Filsinger is training for deployment in 2008.

KITCHENER, Ontario (Jul 18, 2007)

Yellow ribbons are starting to make an appearance on emergency vehicles in Kitchener and Waterloo.

The ribbons, symbolizing support for Canadian soldiers overseas, were added to Waterloo's 15 fire trucks and support vehicles last week.

Yesterday, the Kitchener Fire Department affixed its first ribbon to one of 20 support vehicles.

The entire fleet won't be outfitted until a small kink is worked out. The ribbon magnets ordered by the city won't stick to the department's aluminum-sided trucks.

That problem has also delayed putting the decals on the region's aluminum-backed ambulances, though stickers ordered for those vehicles are expected to arrive before Aug. 1, said John Prno, director of Emergency Medical Services.

The Waterloo and Cambridge fire departments ordered the yellow stickers as well, a move Kitchener will follow, Chief Tim Beckett said.

The glitch didn't prevent the Kitchener department from holding a ceremony yesterday, where the first ribbon was stuck on a magnet-friendly vehicle.

Military families, politicians, soldiers and firefighters gathered at fire department headquarters on Strasburg Road to watch as Beckett placed a ribbon on a command vehicle.

"It means the world to me and puts a smile on my face knowing people care about this," said Ryan Filsinger, 23, a Kitchener native who is home on leave from his pre-deployment training out West.

Filsinger is a member of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man. He will leave for Afghanistan in February.

"It's just great to come home and see the yellow ribbons and know people are thinking of you," he said.

"I always tell people, 'You don't have to support the mission but support the guys who are leaving their families behind to serve the country.' "

Filsinger's father, Paul, is a member of Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan, the local group that asked that decals and magnets be allowed on municipal vehicles.

The ribbons have sparked controversy locally and nationwide, with opponents arguing they imply support for the military mission in Afghanistan.

The family group has maintained the ribbons are a symbol of Canadians supporting Canadians serving abroad as well as their families at home and aren't politically motivated.

A number of the group's members were present yesterday as Paul Filsinger presented the fire department with several magnets and thanked the city and emergency services for their support.

"It really does mean a lot to the families," he said. "This is just another tangible way for the city to show their support."

Two members of the Kitchener Fire Department serve in the reserves -- one returned from Afghanistan earlier this year and another is set to start his tour in two weeks.

"It touches very close to the Kitchener Fire Department," Beckett said. "This is just a small token of what we can do to say thanks and safe return."

Tom Ruggle, Kitchener's chief fire prevention officer, is a reservist with the Lorne Scots and one of nearly 2,500 soldiers who will be deployed in coming weeks.

Ruggle is on military leave but returned to the fire station dressed in his sand-coloured fatigues to watch the ribbon ceremony.

The reserves are rooted in the community, he said, so it's nice to see community recognition of their efforts.

"It's nice to know when you leave, when you're over there and when you come back home, you've got something to come back to," he said.

More than 30 members of the Waterloo Region-based reserve units -- the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada and the 48 Field Engineer Squadron -- are preparing for a tour in Afghanistan in 2008.

Last week, Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge councils agreed to allow the yellow ribbons on all their vehicles. The region agreed to allow the ribbons on its ambulances.

The municipalities are waiting for the rest of the ribbons to arrive and they'll likely start showing up on vehicles next week.

The Kitchener Fire Department hopes to have its stickers in place by the beginning of the week, Beckett said.

Waterloo regional police have designed a yellow ribbon pin, which officers can wear on their uniforms to show support for the troops.