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2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signal Squadron Garrison Petawawa PO Box 9999 Station Main Petawawa, ON K8H 2X3 1000-1 (CO) 20 April 2020 Dear Families, Friends, past and present serving Canadian Armed Forces Members 52nd ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR FALLEN PARATROOPERS The 52nd annual memorial service for the fallen paratroopers was scheduled to be held on Sunday, 3 May 2020. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 threat, in consultation with Mr. Dennis Stow who has been faithfully organizing the memorial event for more than a decade, we regret to inform you that this year’s fallen paratroopers memorial service will be cancelled. Cancelling this service is not something we have taken lightly given the importance of remembering those who served and sacrificed in days gone by, but we must protect our soldiers, communities and families by contributing to slow down the progression of COVID-19. Although we cannot convene as a group at the new cairn location near the Memorial Park, the Regimental Sergeant-Major, Chief Warrant Officer Tanner, and I will conduct a small ceremony with a view to lay a wreath at the cairn to honour the seven paratroopers from 2 Signal Squadron and the Royal Canadian Regiment who lost […]
From the Offices of the Colonel Commandant, Branch Leader, and Branch Chief: This is a friendly reminder that one of the key initiatives of the Branch Fund (which draws money from P070 donations) is the Distress Signal programme which aims to provide financial support to any Branch member in need. Remember this support system if ever you encounter a member who could use some help due to any circumstance – including the recent outbreak of the Corona Virus. The Branch Leadership assesses that the outbreak of COVID-19 – and the mitigation strategies in place – yield the potential to cause financial hardship and duress on some of our members above normal circumstances. While the Branch Fund has limited capital, we will assess and prioritize all forms of requests for assistance with the intent to help as many Branch members as possible, and for as long as there are funds available. The process for requesting money via the Distress Signal initiative is simple, and can all be done in as little as one day: 1st – Raise a request on behalf of the member and forward an e-mail to the Branch Adjutant (Major Blair Christie at [email protected]) and / or the […]
A note from the Col Cmdt: VAC is reaching out to all veterans to pass on the word that during this pandemic there are emergency funds – Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) – available to veterans who find that they just can’t make ends meet! A grant of up to $10,000 can be made available within 48 hours of application.. The current exceptional circumstances are the rationale for providing the authority at the Veterans Service Agents (VSA) and Case Managers (CM) level to approve up to 10K based on the applicant’s financial need/financial gap during COVID 19 and up to July 2020. The criteria for VEF still apply and there must be a rationale for requesting the funds, it is not an automatic grant and the VSA/CM will review each application using needs-based problem solving. If there are any other external government funds available that would provide the solution, the applicant will be directed to the appropriate government department. The VSA/CM can approve funding up to three months at a time, not to exceed 10K to fill a financial gap. The new process has not been released yet but direction to VAC staff has been completed and they can accept applications […]
The Branch Leader and Colonel Commandant are pleased to announce that the latest iteration of the Branch Standing Orders (BSO) are now published externally on CMCEN (https://cmcen-rcmce.ca/standing-orders/) and internally on the Branch Adjutant’s SharePoint Site (please reach out to Major Blair Christie – C&E Branch Adjutant – for links to this, and other Branch resources via the DWAN as required). Revisions: The BSO underwent a substantial year-long review involving numerous researchers, volunteers, editors, and staff officers. The 2007 version contained under 40 pages; the current publication boasts 260 pages replete with graphics, portraits, biographies, detailed annexes, and appendices for a range of historical, ceremonial, and organizational affairs. Corrections & Comments: Please direct any comments, edits, or questions to Major Christie – OPI for the BSO revision – should additional details, information, commentary, or corrections be required. BSO Navigation: The Table of Contents (ToC) for the parent document and Annex H (Mess Dinner Planning Guide) are hyperlinked and bookmarked for ease of navigation to sections and topics of interest. Additionally, all headers in the main body as well as the annex / appendix titles are hyperlinked and will return you to the proper area in the ToC. It […]
The attached letter is from the CDS to Families and Members of the CAF. CDS Letter – COVID-19 – 27 MAR 20-EN
Dear C&E Family, At this momentous time in our history we are experiencing an incredible challenge to our safety and health. The global situation is calling for extreme measures that are attempting to contain a virus that puts many at risk. We are told that the most vulnerable are those elderly individuals who have underlying conditions. However, recent information says that the virus does not differentiate by age and that more of the younger generation are becoming affected. Many of our community are in self isolation having just returned from abroad or just following guidance from our public health experts. The concern is palpable, and some individuals may be experiencing anxiety in dealing with this unfathomable situation. It is at times like this that we as a community and family must come together to support one another. I would ask that each of us consider those who may not be in a position to help themselves and that we reach out to them to ensure that they have the necessary support to carry them through this difficult period. This support may be in the form of helping with groceries, access to medication or just a call to keep in touch. […]