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In this edition: Support for Veterans struggling with events in Afghanistan Shortening processing times for benefits decisions You are not alone: World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10 The Shining Light of HOPE marks 15 years Online engagement: 2,700 Veterans have their say Virtual discussion series on military sexual trauma Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Merchant Navy Veterans Day A celebration of life: BGen (Ret) Sheila Anne Hellstrom Programs and services Veterans struggling with events in Afghanistan The current situation in Afghanistan is distressing for many Canadians, Veterans and their families, especially for those who served there. During this time, Veterans may be asking themselves difficult questions or revisiting experiences and relationships formed during their service or deployments. Their families may be struggling along with them. In reaction to current events in the region, Veterans may: feel frustrated, sad, and helpless feel distressed and preoccupied feel angry or betrayed experience moral distress struggle with questions of the meaning of our time in Afghanistan experience an increase in symptoms of operational stress injuries like PTSD or depression sleep poorly increase alcohol or drug use, or participation in other addictive behaviors overconsume or try to avoid media isolate themselves have more […]
In the sweltering heat of 15 July 2021, Roto 21-02 members from various units across Canada including 5 CMBG, 77 Line Regt, CFJSR, 21 EW and 35th Trans Regt participated in the parade for the transfer of command authority (TOCA) proudly accompanied by the outgoing roto 21-01. It was with thanks to the families and friends of deployed military personnel that Major Chapman was handed command of the Signal Squadron by Major Boudreau. During the first few weeks, the Signal Squadron was eager to provide the necessary support to new arrivals while continuing to provide unwavering IT support in garrison. Thanks to quality service, the many users were able to see their technical problems resolved in the shortest possible time. Each week, dozens of requests were successfully completed by the support team. The Signal Squadron always cares about the physical and mental health of its members. With this in mind, the squadron members organized several team sports, which greatly contributed to the cohesion and morale of the members. Having the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports, staff were able to bond with members of allied nations, forming new friendships. It was with high morale and a desire to […]
IM Group Members, On 13 August 2021, I had the pleasure of presenting two former IM Group members, MGen (Ret’d) David Neasmith and BGen (Ret’d) Roberto Mazzolin, with honours and awards for their service to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). MGen (Ret’d) David Neasmith was presented with the Canadian Armed Forces Medallion for his exceptional leadership, work ethic and dedication in providing the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) an accurate assessment of the Royal Military College (RMC). His assessment of the climate, training environment, culture and programme construct outlined how those factors impact the morale, welfare and success of the cadets at RMC. We sincerely thank MGen (Ret’d) Neasmith for his service and dedication to the CAF. BGen (Ret’d) Roberto Mazzolin received the CDS Commendation. This honour is awarded by the CDS in recognition of deeds or activities that exceed the demand of normal duty. BGen (Ret’d) Mazzolin served as the vice J7 and J5, and as the de facto senior CAF liaison officer at the United States Cyber Command Headquarters. He has gone above and beyond to support Canada’s development of capabilities and operational relationships with our defence partners. Bravo Zulu to both members on their outstanding accomplishments! […]
Bravery Park officially opened in Orangeville, Ontario on Friday, 3 September 2021. The life, service, and sacrifice of Orangeville native Corporal Matthew McCully – a Signal Operator and soldier of 2 CMBG HQ & Sig Sqn – served as the driving inspiration for the park. As reported by Angelica Babiera of the The Orangeville Banner: ‘Bravery Park promotes awareness and understanding of the sacrifices and struggles the Canadian [Armed] Forces experience in their effort to promote peace at home and around the world. It features statues depicting a Canadian soldier and two Afghan children, as well as a memorial stone honouring Canadian [Armed] Forces personnel, and a traditional medicine garden and wheel. There is also tempered glass art, a children’s playground, benches, and a wheelchair-accessible picnic table.’ Shannon McGrady, Chair of the Bravery Park Committee and sister of Corporal McCully has this to say … To all members of our Canadian Armed Forces, past or present: As a country, we do an incredible job of honouring our fallen soldiers. My family has been treated with the utmost respect. However, much of Canada remains unaware of the daily sacrifices you make to serve Canada and the world at large. You sacrifice […]
1. COLONEL ERIC CHARRON IS TRANSITIONING FROM THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES AS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS BRANCH AFTER 33+ YEARS OF LOYAL AND DEDICATED SERVICE ON 1 OCTOBER 2021. HE WILL BE REJOINING HIS BEST FRIEND, AND INDEFATIGABLE SUPPORTER – WIFE ANDREA AND THEIR TWO YOUNG ADULTS WHERE HIS CAREER BEGAN IN WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – AN UNDERVALUED GEM OF A CITY. 2. COL CHARRON’S CAF ADVENTURE BEGAN IN 1988 ALTHOUGH THE IMPETUS TO SERVE CAN BE TRACED TO HIS FATHER AND LIVING LIFE AS A MILITARY FAMILY. IN TOTAL, COL CHARRON HAS MOVED 24 TIMES. THIS INCLUDED FOUR TIMES AWAY FROM HIS FAMILY, ONE BEING A DEPLOYMENT TO KABUL AFGHANISTAN AS DEPUTY COMBINED J6 AND CDN CONTINGENT COMMANDING OFFICER (WHICH ARE DIFFICULT MEMORIES IN LIGHT OF RECENT EVENTS). THE FAMILY DID ENJOY TWO GREAT OUTCAN POSTINGS (NETHERLANDS AND GERMANY). JOBS RANGED FROM TECHNICAL TO TRAINING, FROM OPS & PLANS TO THE HR FIELD, MANY IN PROGRESSIVELY MORE CHALLENGING KEY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS. THEY SPANNED NO FEWER THAN SEVEN DIFFERENT L1S, OFFERING A WIDE RANGE OF EXPERIENCE AND CONSTANT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES. THEY PROVIDED A WIDE ARRAY OF SUPERVISORS AND LEADERSHIP STYLES, REPRESENTED BY EIGHT DIFFERENT CAF/DND BACKGROUNDS (6 […]