"War At Home"

This song "War at Home" was written and dedicated by Josh Groban to our wounded soldiers. Thank you Mr. Groban for remembering our wounded.
http://youtu.be/lHvtktd6FY0?t=1m29s

"Break the Silence"

Via Military Minds - a nonprofit group founded by Chris Dupee, raising awareness for PTSD, and kicking the stigma surrounding it.

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

Military Appreciation Rally - Quinte West

MILITARY APPRECIATION RALLY

Quinte West Ontario
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2010
LEAVING BAIN PARK AT 10:00 A.M.
WALKING DOWN HWY#2 TO SOUTH ENTRANCE OF BASE
WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO COME OUT AND SHOW THEIR SUPPORT TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES
NEIGHBOURS SUPPORTING NEIGHBOURS
BRING YOUR FLAGS; SIGNS; AND PERSONAL SUPPORT
HOPE TO SEE YOU AT
BAIN PARK
CORNER OF HWY #2 & RCAF ROAD
(WEST END OF BASE)
LOTS OF PARKING AVAILABLE

From the offices of:
Mayor John R. Williams & Members of Council City of Quinte West
For more information Contact: Mayor John R. Williams, City of Quinte West
613-392-2841 Ext. 4431
CITY OF QUINTE WEST
Office of the Mayor John R. Williams
P.O. Box 490 Trenton, Ontario, K8V 5R6

Remember Them

.

To Those Who Have Served

and

To Those Who Are Serving

Lest We Forget

.

Donate Blood ...In Honour.. of Canadian Forces Personnel

Major General Herbert Petras, Chief of Reserves and Cadets, announced today that Canadian Forces members - Regular and Reserves- and their families are inviting Canadians to donate blood to the Canadian Blood Services or Hema-Quebec this November as a way of honouring the past and ongoing contributions of Canadian Forces personnel at home and abroad.In Canada, demand has been strong for blood and blood products and this past summer there were critical shortages. The Canadian Forces and their families' hope that their invitation will encourage able Canadians to attend blood clinics and improve the current blood bank situation.All blood donors attending Canadian Blood Services clinics across the country will have the opportunity to fill in an "In Honour" card recognizing Canadian troops' contribution to a better world.

Shown here: Chief of Reserves and Cadets Major- General Herbert Petras and Chair of the Board of Directors at Canadian Blood Services Dr. Verna Skanes talk with blood donor Jessica Peddle of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, during a visit to the Canadian Blood Services donation centre in Halifax on Wednesday Oct. 24, 2007.

"The annual November In Honour blood drive has been a great success in past years," said Dr. Graham Sher of Canadian Blood Services. "It provides a tangible means for Canadians to say thank you for the sacrifices made by service members every day at home and abroad." The cards will be forwarded to CF members deployed throughout the world.This fall, mobile clinics will visit Canadian Forces bases across the country so that members of the Canadian Forces, their families and their friends can do their part to respond to the increasing need for blood.Being close to the Canadian public in their everyday life, reservists can easily relate to blood donors. "Members of the Canadian Forces are volunteers who give their time to something they believe in." says Major-General Petras. " They are in the business of saving lives and keeping Canadian's safe. We are also the partners of the Canadian Blood Services. Their cause is also to save life. I urge all Canadians to participate in blood clinics across the land. After all it is a matter of making a difference and saving life."Captain Gordon Alexander (Sandy) Watson, from Halifax, N.S., knows the importance of both blood donation and the Reserves in Canada. Having been with the Reserves Forces for 19 years and having a 7-year-old boy who is a hemophiliac, the partnership to him makes a lot of sense; "Blood we all depend on it and I know, how important it is to help the Canadian Blood Services ensure the stability of the blood supply," he says.The Canadian military has a strong, historical link to the blood system. Canadians began to voluntarily donate blood to help wounded Canadian troops during World War II. This was the start of blood banking in Canada and the wartime effort showed that Canadians had both the national will and the generosity to sustain a voluntary blood system."The In Honour program is an opportunity for Canadians to show support for the members and veterans of the Canadian Forces who have always been generous donors," said Dr. Sher. "At the same time, this is an opportunity to help ensure that those across Canada battling injury and illness get the blood and blood products they need. One donation can save up to three lives."Corporal Shaun Fevens, a reservist from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, injured in Afghanistan, attended this year's launch said, "You don't realize how important blood donation is until you are the person who needs blood."To make an appointment to donate blood call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283).

Ribbons Support Troops, Not Politics

Editorial - Friday, July 27, 2007
The Sault Star

We see nothing wrong with the fire department, the police department or any other public service vehicle displaying a modest public sign of support for our troops in Afghanistan. This issue has raised some criticism in other municipalities. The concern centres around the idea that the public service - especially emergency response workers - should never show overt displays of political sentiments while on the job.

We agree, but this isn't the case with yellow ribbons recently placed on Sault Ste. Marie firetrucks. Wishing the best for our men and women in harm's way is a universal sentiment. Or at least it should be. If you believe we should pull out of Afghanistan now, or if you believe we should double our efforts there, you can still support or troops. You can vote Conservative, Liberal, NDP, Green or whatever and still support our troops. Anyone who suggests otherwise is playing a cynical political game. Our firefighters and soldiers are kindred spirits. Both jobs involve workers heading into a dangerous situation. They recognize there are risks involved and they accept these risks. It's natural they would support each other.

What are your thoughts? Send in your comments below.

Come Home Soon

Dedicated to military wives and husbands.



(The last picture seems somewhat familiar..hmm..)

Tributes and Support

"We support our troops!"

Happy Valentines Day

To your All our Soldiers, Military Moms, Dads, Sisters, Brothers, family and friends:

Happy Valentines Day!

A note to our soldiers: You are our true sweethearts. We always carry you in our hearts!

With our love from home,

Military Mom and families.

To my son: I am so proud of you. Congratulations! Thank you for your special note - it really made my day today - with smiles and tears of love - I love you very much. Mom ox

To Our Troops of Roto 3

Please join me in wishing Roto 3, our next Battle Group, best wishes on their deployment.
I cannot imagine a greater compassion you have as you begin your mission to Afghanistan.
I will carry you in my heart. To friends and families, I understand your courage of letting your loved one leave. As husband, a wife, a father, a mother, a son sister, brother, a daughter a friend. I know that you have a great respect for the life your loved one has chosen and I stand beside you as together I support you and our troops.

"Godspeed my friends and thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Red Friday in Gagetown January 20, 2007

Red Friday Rally in Gagetown

Supported Canadian Troops

by forming the

Largest Human Canadian Flag

About 1,000 soldiers and their families braved a snowstorm for a patriotic pep rally at CFB Gagetown Friday that celebrated the military. Part of the festivities was to form the largest human Canadian flag in history.

It was a historic day at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown on Friday as thousands of people gathered to support 1,150 soldiers leaving for Afghanistan next week. The rally was the first of its kind in Canada.Despite Friday's snowstorm, everyone made sure they were on base early enough to be part of the human flag. "It's important to show support for your peers," said Capt. Lisa Compton, a nurse at CFB Gagetown. "It's important to show support for the families that are staying behind. Even though we're not going overseas, it's a big team and you have to show everybody that you're behind them." More than 3,000 people packed, squeezed and crammed together on a snow-covered soccer field across from the base gym to create the human flag, which measured 90 metres by 45 metres.The effort was part of Red Rally Friday, an event that attracted people from all over New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada.Because of the snow, the turnout was less than the 5,000 organizers had expected.It was also due to 1,000 school children who couldn't be bused to the location because of the decision earlier in the day to close schools.But that didn't dampen enthusiasm."It was great to see everybody come and show their support for the troops," Lisa Compton said. "The atmosphere was great. It was exciting. It was good to see that everybody had such good spirit and that, here in Oromocto and the surrounding area, we can be so patriotic."Within the next year, said Compton, either she or her husband will likely be making the trip to Afghanistan.Sgt. Danny Compton, with the artillery branch of the Forces, said he was impressed by the turnout.

Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor said Friday was a proud day to be a Canadian and was as much of a celebration as it was a farewell. He pledged to continue supporting the mission and the troops.Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Rick Hillier said the rally in red was a visible means of communities showing support for the soldiers."Equally, it is a tangible sign of support for those families who are left here in Canada and who also carry a very heavy burden on their shoulders," Hillier said in an interview. story
FACTS:

• there are 3300 people in this picture
• dignitaries included General Hillier and CFB Gagetown C.O. Colonel Jestin
• these people braved a vicious snowstorm to be participate
• all schools had been closed that day due to the storm
• HAVOC was wreaked on local roads
• it was taken around 2 pm
• some supporters waited eagerly since 9:30 that morning
• the picture was actually taken while the crowd thought they were in a "practice run"
• the picture was taken while the masses were singing the National Anthem
• the "red" effect is from red briston board placards
• placards were donated by "Hilroy Canada" and local buisiness "Covey Basics"
• all dignitaries and high-ranking officials are in the back red stripe

Care Packages

CARE PACKAGES

Items to send, what NOT to send and "getting creative"

HEY! Do you have any ideas, item requests, suggestions, etc.?

If so, please list them in the comment section below.

I will add them to the post.

----------------------

Happy New Year to Our Military!

On behalf of other military moms, wives, dads, husbands, families and friends..

I'd like to wish all soldiers a safe and successful mission- wishing you success in all your endeavours in 2007!

Keeping you close in thought and prayer.
Thinking of you and wishing you the strength and courage .

I salute and honour soldiers and families everywhere.

Our heroes.

~ by: Military Mom

New Year's Message from:

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean,

Governor General of Canada, January 1, 2007

Photo by: Military Mom

..Certainly, we must all celebrate and salute the community spirit and actions of our fellow citizens. I also know that this has been a difficult year for many families. My thoughts are especially with our soldiers in Afghanistan and their loved ones—who have endured great hardship. Indeed, they are making great sacrifices. Let me share with you that everywhere I have been—everywhere—I have been moved by the courage, energy, generosity and openness of the Canadian people.

For me, that openness is living proof of our success as a country. That openness is also our greatest message of hope for humanity. As we embark on a new year, dear friends, let us not forget this important message that we, as Canadians, can bring to the world. And let us strengthen our resolve to spread this message far and wide. My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, my daughter Marie-Éden and the Rideau Hall team join me in wishing you all peace, health, happiness and serenity.” For Complete Speech

November 27-06 They Begin Their Journey Home

We grieve alongside the families and friends of Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard and Corporal Albert Storm. They were two professional, dedicated Canadian soldiers, who made the ultimate sacrifice Monday in Afghanistan and will be greatly missed by their families, friends, military family -especially joint Task Force Afghanistan. Girouard and Storm died when a suicide car bomber drove his vehicle into a convoy of military vehicles on the outskirts of Kandahar on the highway to the Panjwaii district early Monday and detonated explosives. They were travelling in a Bison, an eight-wheeled armoured vehicle.

Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard
Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard , the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group (RCR), originally Bathurst, N.B., was a very senior Non-Commissioned Officer and a proven leader. Comrades speak highly of him and regard him as a dedicated leader. Joining the military right out of high school, he had previously served in Germany, Kosovo and Bosnia. His mother said: “"But he said they had to fight for peace in order for the rest of us to enjoy the life that we have,"Girouard, a 46 year old father of three( Robert Jr., 22, Jocelyn, 21, and Michael) and his wife Jacqueline had just purchased a home in Pembroke, Ont. Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard had been with his family just last week, finishing a three week leave from Afghanistan. They had celebrated an early Christmas together.

Remember Them

Corporal Albert Storm

of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group in CFB Petawawa, On was just three years from retirement - a decorated soldier who served in trouble spots around the globe was a brave, dedicated and professional soldier. A Fort Erie, Ontario native, Cpl. Albert Storm was a 36-year-old father of two who liked to fish. He will be missed by his comrades, who have expressed he was "good-natured, a hard worker who could turn a driving job into an art - a good friend and will be missed."

Both served valiantly against an enemy that uses arbitrary attacks to thwart any progress for the Afghan people to achieve their freedom and stability. No words can express the grief their loved ones must be feeling today. My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends and comrades of our fallen soldiers - our heros fighting to make the world a better and safer place - as they begin their journey back home.

Cpl Albert Storm and Chief Warrant Officer Rober Girouard arrive at Trenton Airforce Base to the arms of their families.

National Military CemeteryOtttawa, Ontario
Members of the Bearer Party fold that flag that draped the coffin of fallen soldier CWO Girouard, RSM of 1st Bn RCR.

An Interment Ceremony was held on December 6, 2006 at the National Military Ceremony for fallen soldier Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard. CWO Girouard was the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment based in Petawawa. CWO Girouard and Corporal Albert Storm both died during an attack on their Bison light armoured vehicle just outside Kandahar, Afghanistan on November 27, 2006.
Photo by: Master Corporal Jill Cooper, CFSU(O) Photo Services.