Waterloo Region Military Appreciation Day and Task Force Welcome Back

Waterloo Region Military Appreciation Day and Task Force Welcome Back Event

This is a chance to formally recognize and thank a veteran in person as military members within the greater Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and Brantford Region who have just returned from overseas duty with Task Force 3-08 and all other soldiers who have been on overseas duty since 9/11

Everyone Welcome!

Waterloo Region Military Appreciation Day
on

Saturday, June 13th, 2009

at

1300-1630 (1 pm to 4:30 pm)

at

Dickson Park,

9 James Street,

Cambridge, ON

What:

• BBQ and Displays


• Military Equipment (LAV, Leopard tank, Bison Ambulance, etc.)


• CIMIC (Civil-Military Co-operation) Display


• Camoflauge and obstacle course for the children


• CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) Signature projects


• Recruiting Displays


• MFRC Displays - Including Family Support Groups from: Waterloo Region (Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan), Guelph, Cambridge and Brantford - extending their hand to you.


• Red Friday Display


• Hero to Hero First Responder Display



• Two Minutes of Silence for all war dead including Afghanistan


• Presentation of Certificates to TF 3-08 soldiers by local mayors


• Acknowledgement of those who have suffered physical injuries


• Return of Regional flags from Afghanistan


• GROUP PHOTO

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

Where Families Meet Together

On September 27th, 2008 F.O.S.I.A. (Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan) held an evening for discussion, support and sharing. (Their next meeting will be Saturday, October 25th.) Their guest speaker was Dr. David Rainham who presented an engaging and resourceful discussion about stress.

Also present this evening was Donna Pickering who is the new Outreach Community Coordinator from London Military Family Resource Centre , announcing that she will be the coordinator out of Cambridge Armouries (part of the RHFC building) for Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and Cambridge areas WELCOME DONNA!


At this time she extended an invitation to families of soldiers to attend a"Meet and Greet" sponsored by LMFRC to be held at the centre at:Col. J.A. McIntosh Armoury, 1 Valour Place, Cambridge on Tuesday October 7th. at 7 pm





The group received a thank you card from Cpl. Arnal's mother Wendy. Enclosed in the card was a beautifully expressed poem echoing feelings many military families have.


I placed the poem below (I cannot imagine what she is going through)

Corporal James Hayward Arnal
April 9, 1983 – July 18, 2008


My dearest James,

You died for a cause that was your belief
You made a difference lessening the grief.
Do or do not, there is no try,
Our motto till the day we die.

You travelled the world, many lives you saved,
The road of a vision you paved.
Soldiering for you was the right thing to do,
Awakening Canadian patriotism anew.

Carpe diem, seize the day!
Your legacy will show the way.
You continue to teach what life’s all about,
With each day we have less doubt.

You guide me in spirit and somehow I cope,
With this kind of miss there is no hope.
I love you James with all my heart,
Together forever, even though now apart.

I know you are still with me,
For that I’m sure will always be.
“We can rest when we die” was your fate,
My Hero, number 88.

Love always,
MomXO

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.

Canada Day Parade in Cambridge, ON

A REMINDER of the upcoming parade on July 1st! Canada Day!

FOCSIA (Families of Soldiers Serving in Afghanistan) will be honouring all soldiers and celebrating Canada during Cambridge ON's Canada Day's largest Parade July 1st, 2008.
Join the soldiers' families along the parade route.. wear your RED - walk with them - but most of all ... honour our soldiers returned, preparing to deploy and those currently serving overseas.
The parade, consisting of approximately 120 -150 entries, will travel 4 kilometers along King Street (Preston) and will end inside Riverside park.

If you are a friend or family member of a soldier or a soldier yourself and would like to take in the parade:

Be at:

The Kinsmen Club of Preston 1400 Hamilton Street Cambridge

(use the following link http://maps.google.com/maps for directions)

no later than 12:15 p.m. for line up. Contact FOCSIA for further details.

The bulk of the parade will line up on Hamilton St. past the Kinsmen Club rooms.

Or show your support along the parade route!

Country's Largest Canada Day Parade
Where: starts from Bishop & King St. to Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON
When: July 1st, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.

Fly-over by The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association

Support Group for Parents of Canadian Soliders in Afghanistan
FAMILIES OF CANADIAN SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN
If you are a parent or family member of a Canadian Soldier in Southwestern Ontario and you are looking for a support group, email for more information:

focsia@hotmail.com

or

kerrytownson@rogers.com

Families and Friends to Honour Soldiers at Cambridge's Canada Day Parade July 1st 2008

Cambridge was buzzes with pride and curiosity as thousands of spectators wait with great anticipation for the start of the parade celebrating Canada's 140th Birthday!

Once again, FOCSIA (Families of Soldiers Serving in Afghanistan) will be honouring all soldiers and celebrating Canada during Cambridge ON's Canada Day Parade July 1st, 2008.

Join the soldiers' families along the parade route.. wear your RED - walk with them - but most of all ... honour our soldiers returned, preparing to deploy and those currently serving overseas.

Country's Largest Canada Day Parade

Where: starts from Bishop & King St. to Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON

When: July 1st, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.

Fly-over by The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association

Support Group for Parents of Canadian Soliders in Afghanistan

FAMILIES OF CANADIAN SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN

If you are a parent or family member of a Canadian Soldier in Southwestern Ontario and you are looking for a support group, email for more information: focsia@hotmail.com or kerrytownson@rogers.com

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!