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

March 31st Meet 'n Greet

The next meeting of:

“FAMILIES OF CANADIAN SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN"

will be held on

SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2007

at 7:30 P.M.

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

7:30 p.m. Come out and meet and greet in the members’ lounge

New members are always welcome!

Featuring guest speaker - Sheila Lupson is the Executive Director of the London Military Family Resource Centre. She will be giving a presentation on post deployment and provide literature and pamphlets on “Battlemind”. After her presentation, she will be available to answer your questions.

Map to: 510 Dutton Drive, Waterloo

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.

To R.S.V.P. or for further information, email: focsia@hotmail or phone Kerry at 519-888-9398

RSVP before March 30-07

I'd like to share some information about a group I hold dear to my heart - a group of wonderful friends- a new family - I have journeyed through these past 6 months with:

FAMILIES OF CANADIAN SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN

"It is our mission to provide ongoing support to extended families and friends of Canadian Forces personnel who are currently deployed, awaiting deployment, or have returned from Afghanistan and/or other overseas missions. Through meetings, special events, and community awareness programs, our group is committed to increase support for our troops as well as our members."

Goals and Objectives

• Provide emotional support for all members of the group and individuals connected to Canadian Forces
• Build the morale of those deployed through participation in community events
• Promote awareness of the men and women serving in all branches of the military
• Provide information via round table discussions and guest speakers
• Respond to requests for support materials such as yellow ribbon pins, t-shirts, etc.
  
  Who We Are
  
  We are a welcoming community of families and friends of Canadian military serving in Afghanistan including those who have returned or have yet to be deployed. A few parents and family members first met in the summer of 2006 to share their feelings and concerns for their loved ones overseas. Through information sharing, monthly meetings, guest speakers, community events, and the media, the number of members has grown to include nearly 40 family groups. The name officially became “Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan” in September, 2006.
  
  What We Do
  
  Meetings are normally held on the last Saturday of each month and often include guest speakers on such topics as stress, reunions, special events, and information about the mission. Commencing February 24, 2007, these meetings will be held at the Wing 404 in Waterloo. Special events such as Red Friday Rallies, Parades, and Talk shows on radio and T.V. have also been organized to garner support for our troops. For further information about our organization, ordering support materials, or becoming a member, please contact us at focsia@hotmail.com.