Ride For Heroes - The Pointsman Association

The SITREP
“VOICE OF THE POINTSMAN ASSOCIATION”
Website: www.thepointsman.ca Inquiries: [email protected]
And now “THE POINTSMAN ASSOCIATION”, “THE POINTSMAN PHOTO MEMORIES” and
“RCAF/PROVOST PHOTO MEMORIES” are on Facebook too!
July 2012 Edition
“It Does Not Matter That The Wind Is A Blowing…”
BUT IT DOES MATTER WHAT THE WIND IS
BLOWING
To this writer, this summer reminds me of the old joke about the man who lashed himself
to a tree to prove that he was not afraid of a hurricane, and boasted that he could withstand the
forces of a nature. After the storm was over, they found him still tied to the tree, under a Volvo.
Yep, it is NOT ONLY that the wind is a blowing, but maybe and more important, just WHAT the
wind is BLOWING!
It has been a hot dry summer here in Central Canada, and the breezes have been the
same. Many of our educated point their fingers at Global Warming, but some just wink and
claim to know the real reason… the Vets/ORG are getting together and talking. Perhaps not so
surprisingly groups are meeting for vittles (the main reason for most of our get togethers),
whether it be breakfast, lunch, suppers, or (my favourite) to quaff an ale and tell some lies.
They are coming together without too much fanfare or outside organization. The one help that
most appear to need, and appreciate the assistance is to know who is out there and how to
communicate with them. I have been told that they are finding their answers from CAMPVets,
The CMPA and Pointsman Association websites, the various Facebook pages and the “Sitrep”.
When you think about it, that the “wind is blowing” should not really not be shocking to
anyone. Over the past twenty years, the 1MPPLA/Pointsman Association’s main focus was
to get members communicating with old comrades and making new friends. CAMPVets has
been the “Soul of the Vet/ORG’s” for years providing a valuable forum to facilitate
communication and renewal. Access to Facebook sites and other social media have created
channels to locate acquaintances, and the CMPA has again started to reopen their resources to
all current and past members.
Now comes the Volvo.
There are also changes coming to the Association’s and the Branch members that work
with the Associations. There has to be. It is in the wind…
(Editorial by Doc Aldridge)
“The Best Way to Honour our Fallen and our Veterans is to
Live Your Life To The Fullest…
For Their Blood, Toil, Sweat and Tears paid for it and their sacrifices should not
have been made in vain.”
1
THE POINTSMAN ASSOCIATION
“O” GROUP
By RUSS GIRDEN, PRESIDENT
With the summer months upon us, I know that most people are travelling in
various directions for holidays and well-deserved time off with their families.
I would like to take this time to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.
As the Ride for Heroes approaches (August 11th), I ask that all who are able to
attend and assist in this great adventure to please get your registration forms in.
Also we have some new merchandise in time for the ride, in the shape of machine
made badges (2) and a great new design for a flag that will represent the true
spirit of the Association With the motto, “To Honour and Remember” prominently
displayed, it shows the dedication of each member to never forget the
commitment that other comrades made while serving, and it will let people know
that they are truly honoured.
On a personal side I would like to congratulate MCpl Auburn White, a member of
the Association, on her recent promotion to the rank. MCpl White will be travelling
to the sunny west coast to CFB Esquimalt very soon. With her dedication to the
association, it is hoped that she will assist in promoting the spirit of our cause on
the West coast.
To Duncan Legget, the VP of the Association, I would like to extend our
condolences on behalf of all members on the recent passing of his Father-in-Law,
Retired RCAF MWO J.M. Gauthier.
The Association Flag features the
Pointsman logo on a field of
Green and Gold, With our motto:
“To Honour and Remember”
underneath the Pointsman logo.
Plans are to offer the Flag 5’X3’ initially,
and a desk and vehicle pennant to follow.
2
AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN…
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Charles BAILEY * Cyril SINGLETON * Tom BARRINGTON
Jean GAUTHIER
Poem: High Flight
By John Magee
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunwards I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a thousand things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air,
Up, up the long delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,
Where never lark, or even eagle, flew;
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of god.
3
INFO POST
THE POINTSMAN ASSOCIATION’S OWN
VETERAN RECOGNITION LAPEL PIN
Association and Former MP personnel interested in obtaining this lapel pin
please visit our website for details on how to obtain your own Pointsman
Association’s MP Veteran’s Pin. It is a memento that we hope you will
proudly wear… www.thepointsman.ca
CONGRATULATIONS “CPL”, er, MCPL AUBURN WHITE
Pointsman Association
Member Auburn White received
her Master Corporal’s on July
9th, 2012 at 2 MPR Det London.
2 MP Regiment’s C.O.
Major Hanrahan (L) and RSM
Annie Andrews (R) from
2 MPR HQ Toronto were
present to promote MCpl
White..
MCpl White’s parents
also attended the promotion,
and are pictured helping Auburn
on with her new Rank (below).
(First posted on our Pointsman Association Facebook Page, the response from members
has been extremely positive to this type of recognition of our members. We are inviting
our members to submit pictures and details of promotions and such other good news
related to our MP Trade).
4
AND FOR THE LAST TIME:
For those going to the Summerside
Reunion, please be on the look out for
this, the Provincial-State Bird of PEI.
If you do see him, please do not feed
him after midnight, and for God Sakes
don’t let him get out again!
Gotcha Dell!
(Since this has appeared in the Sitrep,
many have tried to guess the name of
this rare bird. The closest to being
correct is: The “Maritime’s Continually
Squawkin’ Old Buzzard”…
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING EVENTS
START POINTS:
Route
Signs
Date
Event
Location
JULY 20-22
UN-NATO MEMORIAL RIDE
PETAWAWA ON
AUGUST 11th
RIDE FOR HEROES
NORTH BAY ON
AUGUST 11TH
GOLF TOURNEMENT
HALIFAX NS
AUGUST 16-19
MP NATIONAL MOTORCYLCE RELAY RIDE
AUGUST 23-26
SUMMERSIDE MP REUNION
PEI
SEPTEMBER 29
ROGERS GOLF DAY
LONDON ON
NOVEMBER 11TH
REMEMBRANCE SERVICES
EVERYWHERE
5
4th Annual Ride For Heroes
“2012 Ride for Heroes”
Saturday, August 11th, 2012
INFORMATION SHEET
The 4th annual “2012 Ride for Heroes” Event is being held Saturday, August 11th, 2012
with the Motorcycle Ride starting in New Liskeard, meeting with other Riders from North Bay,
and ending at Sudbury.
The “2012 Ride for Heroes” will honour five Fallen Heroes: Private Andrew Miller, Sgt
Martin Goudreault, and Warrant Officer Gaetan Roberge, all of Sudbury ON, Cpl Glen Arnold of
McKerrow ON and Private David Byers of Espanola ON.
Pte Miller
Cpl Arnold
Sgt Goudreault
WO Roberge
Pte Byers
As in past years a bursary/scholarship will be established in the Names of the Heroes in
their respective cities. These funds will be used to create opportunities for a deserving students
to better their education.
Registration Information:
Motorcycle Rider $35.00 (included a $5.00 BBQ Ticket)
Sponsored @ $100.00 (minimum pledged). No Charge for the Rider Fee plus
will receive a BBQ Ticket
Registration Form can be obtained from www.thepointsman.ca
6
Prior to August 8th, 2012, Riders and/or Passengers are asked to have a copy of the
registration form sent into [email protected] or faxed to 705- 497-5309, c/o Sgt Phil
MacKinnon. On the “Ride For Heroes” Day participants are asked to bring the original form and
any monies collected with them.
“2012 Ride For Heroes” Registration:
C/O Sgt Phil MacKinnon, “Ride For
Heroes” Coordinator
website: thepointsman.ca or
[email protected]
A Salute to the CAV members who once again will be
supporting this year’s “RIDE FOR HEROES”
Proposed 2012 “Ride For Heroes” Day Schedule:
Friday, August 10th, 2012
1900 to 2400 hrs: Meet and Greet at the Legion, North Bay ON
Saturday, August 11th, 2012
1) Registrations points on 11 Aug 12 will be at the Husky Restaurant on Highway 11, New
Liskeard;
2) The ride will leave New Liskeard and travel Southbound on Highway 11 to North Bay;
3) Registered riders from North Bay will join the ride; and ride will travel Highway 17;
4) Travel Highway 17 to Sturgeon Falls, a refuelling point will be set up and ride to continue
escorted through the town by Police;
5) Travel continue west on Highway 17 into Sudbury, T here will be a B-B-Q and live music.
The Armoury will have the mess open downstairs for the riders who have built up a thirst;
6) A limited number of accommodations in North Bay and Sudbury are available at a reduced
cost of about $60.00 per night (at the university);
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“Ride for Heroes 2012”,
New Liskeard to North Bay to Sudbury, Ontario,
August 12, 2012
Registration Form
Open to all serving Military Personnel and Veterans,
Invitations extended to All Civilian Police, Fire, Ambulance, Emergency Services,
Correctional, Security Personnel and their Invited Guests.
Name: __________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________
______________________________ Telephone: ______________________
Organization:_____________________________________________________
Email Address (optional): ___________________________________________
Passenger/Guests:________________________________________________
Registration:
Motorcycle Tribute Ride $35.00 per vehicle (
) Total Registration $______
Or Sponsored ( ) $100.00 minimum pledged Total Pledged: $________
All Participants Are Asked To Read Before Committing Their Entry:
Waiver: The Pointsman Association and 2 Military Police Regiment (the organizers) will not be
responsible or liable, in any way, in cases where any attending Rider, Driver, or Passenger(s) occurs an
injury or death, nor will the organizers be held responsible for any damage to any Rider’s, Driver’s, or
Passenger’s personal property while attending and/or participating in the 2012 “Ride for Hero’s” event.
All Riders, Driver’s or Passengers participating in this event attend and participate at their own risk and
under their own responsibility, are expected to obey and abide by all traffic regulations and governing
laws.
I agree to these terms: _____________________________________________________
(Rider’s/Driver’s Signature)
I agree to these terms: _____________________________________________________
(Passenger’s Signature/ Parent’s or Guardian’s if under age)
For Registration Information:
“2012 Ride For Heroes” Registration
C/O Sgt Phil MacKinnon, “Ride For Heroes” Coordinator
website: thepointsman.ca or [email protected]
2012 “Ride For Heroes”
8
Sponsorship Registration:
To be filled in only if participating Rider/Driver and/or Passenger have chosen to seek and obtain
sponsors for their participation in the 2012 “Ride For Heroes”.
Prior to August 12th, 2012, Riders/Drivers and/or Passengers are asked to have a copy of this form, and
the above registration form sent into [email protected] or faxed to 705- 497-5309, c/o Sgt
Phil MacKinnon. On the “Ride For Heroes” Day participants are asked to bring the original form, and
any monies collected with them.
(A minimum of $100.00 of pledges required for paid sponsorship)
Name
Address
Amount
Cash
Or
Cheque
Credit Card Number
Expiry
Date
BOTH PAGES OF THE 2012 “RIDE FOR HEROES” REGISTRATION FORM
REQUIRED FOR SPONSERSHIP ENTRY.
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Charity Golf Tournament
LOCATION:
DATE:
TIME:
TEE OFF:
Briarwood, Halifax, NS.
11 August 2012.
Registration 0715 hrs
0815 hrs
COST:
$40.00 per person payable by cash or cheque; which includes 18 holes of golf and BBQ
reception at night, with numerous draws for door prizes. Registration and payment received NLT
02 August 2012.
EARLY BIRD PRIZE REGISTRATION by 4 Jul 12
Miscellaneous:
- 1900 hrs, 10 August 2012, Meet and Greet at the MP Thunderbird Club.
- Participants may bring guest to the dinner for an
Additional $15.00 per person
-
Casual dress (www.briarwoodgolfclubhalifax.com)
Contact: Sgt Rob Martel [email protected] for further information or to register. Cell
(902) 440-6440
“Come out and support visually impaired children within the HRM, meet old friends and
make new ones!”
***Cheque or Money Order payable to the “Halifax Military Police Golf Tournament “by 02
August 2012***
Tournoi de golf bénéfice
LIEU :
Terrain de Briarwood, Halifax (N.-É.)
DATE :
Le 11 août 2012
HEURE :
Inscription à 7 h 15
TEE OFF :
8 h 15
COÛT : 40.00 $ par personne payable en argent comptant ou par chèque. Les frais incluent un
parcours de golf de 18 trous, et la réception de BBQ, avec de nombreux prix de présence à gagner.
L'enregistrement et les paiements reçus APTL 02 août 2012.
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INSCRIPTION AVANT LE 4 JUILLET 2012 TIRAGE POUR LES PARTICIPANTS HÂTIFS
Information :
- Séance d’accueil au club Thunderbird de la PM, le 10 août 2012 à 19 h
- Les participants peuvent convier un ou plusieurs invités au souper pour un coût additionnel
de 15,00 $ par personne.
- Une tenue décontractée est de mise (www.briarwoodgolfclubhalifax.com)
Personne-ressource pour plus d’information ou pour s’inscrire :
Sgt Rob Martel [email protected] Cellule (902) 440-6440
« Venez nous aider à amasser des fonds pour les enfants ayant un handicap visuel au
sein de la MRH, retrouver de vieux amis et vous en faire des nouveaux ! »
Le chèque ou le Mandat Payable au ‘Tournoi de Golf Militaire de La police de Halifax'
5th Atlantic Military Police Golf Tournament
The Tournament will commence at 0800 hrs, 11 Aug 2012 and all participants should be at the Golf Course for registration by
0715 hrs. There are no power carts or pull carts. The door prizes and BBQ will commence at 1800 hrs, 11 Aug 12 at MP
Thunderbird Club, Windsor Park, CFB Halifax.
Registration Form
________________________________________________
(Surname)
(Given Names)
(Complete Mailing Address)
(Contact email)
REPRESENTING:_______________________________________________________
CONTACT Info - PHONE - Office:____________
Home:_________________
Accommodations can be secured for an additional fee an email shall be generated and sent to you upon
request.
Entry fee is $40.00 per person plus $15.00 for additional dinner guests. Make your cheque or money order payable to the “Halifax Military Police
Golf Tournament “by 2 August 2012. Participants who register and make full payment prior to 4 July 2012 will be eligible for an early bird draw.
Payments must be sent with the registration form to ensure your participation. Accommodations shall be paid for separately; an email shall be
generated and sent for your appropriate action. For further information please do not hesitate to contact Sergeant Rob Martel
([email protected]) .
*****MAILING ADDRESS*****
Formation Military Police Detachment
Maritimes Forces Atlantic Headquarters
PO Box 99000 Station Forces
Halifax, NS, B3K 5X5
11
SUMMERSIDE PEI
MILITARY POLICE REUNION
PROVOST – AIR FORCE POLICE –
MILITARY POLICE
SUMMERSIDE PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
SILVER FOX CURLING AND YACHT
CLUB
August 23rd – 26th 2012
THIS WILL BE AN EVENT TO
REMEMBER
Here is the latest from Carl......Great things happen in the Maritimes and Summerside
2012 will be a true memory for those reuniting and those meeting many new faces. A
great Job by Carl and his PEI MP organization.
From: [email protected]
Subject: REUNIO UPDATE JULY 8, 2012
Date: Sun, 8 Jul 2012 16:48:13 -0300
Greetings to all our members and guests. This is an update to July 8,2012, if you have
any questions or if the information is not correct please email me.
We have 160 confirmed and registrations received, 10 are pending receipt for a total of
170 with 7 weeks to go.
Bus Tour: Barbara Whalen; Larry and Helen Forward; Karl and Cathy Mercer; Jack and Clem
Bignell;Wayne and Doreen Kendall; Andy Murtagh and Kathreen > Moore; Raye Bell; Lorna
Lee; Joanne Courtemanche; Jim and Heather Kidd; Annetta Cripps; Judy Cameron; Fran Grant;
Diane Cochrane; Philis(nee Small) and Garry Vivarais; Jansene Vivarais. A total of 23 thus far;
Golf: James Whalen; Ken Sterling; Danny Gosse; Ted Sauve; Bob Groves;
Richard Courtemanche; Carter Lee; Steve Schofield; Owen Howe; Andy and Diane Mathurin;
Jim Muck; Peter Henry; Peter Longley; John Glenn; Mike Deschamp; Jim Grant; Flash Therrien.
A total of 18 thus far. (Danny Gosse is looking after the Golfing event, he is a course member
and anyone who would like to go out on Friday, let him know.)
BOAT Tour: David and Linda Taylor; Jack Schleihauf; Al and Alice Mossman;
Barry Morse; Bob and Betty Greene;Joe Hubert; Don MaGee; Doug and Margaret
Scott; Pat Maloney-Chumney; Ron Donovan; Peter Palmer and Holly Hennig;
Wes Cochrane; Joe Kelly and Aline Doucette. A total of 19 for the trip to the confederation
bridge.
12
M/C Ride: Bob Thomas; Larry Etherington; Reg McClusky; Brian and Joan
Weatherbee; Gerard Savoie and Lucille Leclerc; Gus Marche; Stu and Cathy
Garland; Paul and Peggy Power. A total of 11 thus far, Larry Etherington
and Reg McClusky will be the road captains and they are planning a great ride, sorry I will be
too busy to take the screaming eagle out for the day.
INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW ON SUNDAY: For those of you who are staying Sunday,
I have 60 free tickets to give away courtesy of the Air Show organization for which I'm providing
on water security for a show at dust on the Summerside Harbour. We should be able to get a
good view from our host venue upper deck.
We will have entertainment both Friday and Saturday nights.
We will have a silent auction thanks to Andy Murtagh who had kindly donated two unique items
that are branch related and in one case no other item of its kind is in existence today.
We will have a area set up for photo's if you would like to bring some. If
you bring them please have your own set up and ensure you identify them so
you can retrieve your property.
HOST HOTEL: The Loyalist is now full and we are booking at the Causeway
Bay or any other that is on our list, remember to advise the hotel that
you are with the reunion.
That's the update for this week, pass the information we still have room for a few more.
PLEASE NOTE: To make it easier for you, the three pages of Reunion Information has
been placed on our website www.thepointsman.ca
For all that are coming for the reunion with a RV, you may want to check this campground out. A
few of our attendees are staying there, and only five minutes from the venue. The information is:
CRYSTAL BEACH CAMPGROUND, 178 CRYSTAL DRIVE; NEW ANNAN
RR2 SUMMERSIDE 902-436-4984 www.crystalbeachcampground.net
AS OF THIS PUBLICATION, OVER
170 Members
HAVE COMMITTED TO ATTENDING THE LARGEST MP REUNION
IN MANY, MANY YEARS!
& THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR MORE!
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CAPTAIN FRED ROGERS
“GOLF DAY”
Saturday, Sept 22nd, 2012
Captain Fred Rogers
The annual “Captain Fred Rogers Golf Day” will be held on September 22nd, 2012 back
at the upgraded London Golfland Facilities (www.londongolfland.com) near the London
International Airport ( We are looking at the possibility of making the 2014 Fred Rogers Golf Day
again part of the Academy Homecoming scheduled for the opening of the new school in the
summer of 2014 .).
The cost of participating in the Golf Day is $60.00, which includes 18 (or 9 if you prefer)
holes of golf, a golf cart per foursome, and prizes The Rogers Trophy (Best score), The
Pointsman Trophy (Best Serving Member score, Dot Cooper Trophy (Ladies Champ), Closest to
the Pin, and the Gary Faubert Non Intentional High Score along with a BBQ steak dinner.
Accommodations on Base will be checked, however nothing can be promised due to
planned construction. We are looking at a designated driver for that day between Golfland and
certain motels and other places of accommodation. More to follow in August Sitrep.
Anyone interested is asked to e-mail us at the Pointsman Association
([email protected]) and let us know.
REMEMBRANCE DAY SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11TH
NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE THIS DAY, HONOUR AND REMEMBER
LEST WE FORGET
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JUST IN TIME:
The 4th Annual Military Police National
Motorcycle Relay
Ride 2012: Ontario Schedule

www.mpnmrr.ca or Lamont French at:
[email protected]
Ontario - View ON map
01
Aug
02
Aug

BBQ Fundraiser at MP Grp HQ, 2200 Walkley Road, Ottawa ON.

BBQ Fundraiser at Cartier Square Drill Hall in Ottawa, 11:00 to
ON
14:00.
ON

15
Aug
Quarters available at Connaught Ranges for out of town riders to
allow them to assemble at Cartier Square Drill Hall in Ottawa on 16
ON
Aug.

Ride assembles at Cartier Square Drill Hall in Ottawa at 07:00 for
registration and pancake breakfast;
16
Aug

The ride departs Ottawa at 08:45;

Rest stop in Smith’s Falls;

arrival in Kingston by 11:00 for a Bar-B-Q and fundraising event on
ON
the base;

depart Kingston 12:00 and ride to Trenton;

13:00 arrive Trenton for Bar-B-Q, auction and events
(overnight)...
17
Aug
ON
View ON map

Ride departs Trenton 08:00 down the Highway of Heroes;

We arrive for a coffee stop and a rest at GP Bikes (Whitby)
between 09:30 and 10:00. Departure at 10:30;
15

We arrive for a Bar-B-Q at Jacox Harley Davidson (Mississauga) at
11:30 and depart 13:30;

There is a planned stop at W. Ross MacDonald School for the Blind
in Brantford. As school is out for the Summer, this may be just a
rest stop and photo opportunity.

The ride continues to London for an overnight stay (Boler Ski Club).

Ride departs London 08:00, north on Hwy 23 to North Perth, then
Minto up to Mt Forest (Hwy 89).
18
Aug
ON

A rest stop will take place in Mt. Forest;

Follow Hwy 89 to Alliston and in the back gate to CFB Borden.

Arrive Borden by 12:00 for Bar-B-Q, auction and events
(overnight)
19
Aug

Return ride to Ottawa through Algonquin Park;

Hwy 90 to Barrie, Hwy 11 North to Huntsville, (2 hrs 150kms);

Hwy 60 thru Algonquin Park to Barry’s Bay (2hrs 155kms);

Barry’s Bay to the Arnprior McDonald's where the owner will give
all riders a free coffee and muffin;
ON

A post-ride celebration will take place at Connaught Ranges all
ranks mess 18:00 – 22:00;

Quarters will be available at Connaught Ranges for out of town
riders to allow them to remain overnight
UN-NATO VETERANS MEMORIAL RIDE
PETAWAWA ON
JULY 20-22, 2012
The members of the UN-NATO Association are having
a Memorial Ride honouring Yvon Briere. Up to thirty
former MP 811’s are members very active in the
Quebec and Maritimes. Information can be obtained
from:
PETAWAWA VETERANS [email protected]
16
CORRECTION
In the Last Sitrep, it was reported that
Gino Rousell would be receiving the
Queen Elizabeth II
Diamond Jubilee Medal
Gino will be receiving the medal in
August 2012, and we have been
promised a picture or two.
Gino is being recognized through his
work with the
VETERANS UN-NATO Association
Congrats GINO!
THOUGH THE BRANCH WILL ALWAYS DRIVE THE “VOLVO”…
CAN WE HELP “POINT” THE WAY?
Some excerpts from the Guardhouse Newsletter article “Centre of Our Universe”.
“Remember the drill? You arrived at your new posting and reported directly to the
guardhouse where you met the On Duty shift. Now these new comrades have every good
intention of helping you get your bearings…well at least that is what they start to do until
someone signs out the key to the Thunderbird!
The “T-Bird” was the center of our universe. It is where you got to meet the people that
made up your shift, section, or platoon. You got to know them outside the uniform. No rank, but
on a first name bases. You were who you were, and they were anything but their rank.
It was your hallowed halls decorated with “donated items”. Walking into the T-Bird and
seeing a Lt. Colonel’s flag hanging over the bar, or a “blue light” artillery shell (a “donated” gift)
from your fellow MPs from 4 MP PL gave one a certain confidence that you were respected by
your peers. “Shop Talk” was held around a Table of Honour (a deuce and a half axle capped
with a hexagonal table top bearing the names of your unit’s members past and present).
And at times, “that oh so far away from home place to feel safe.”
First, let us clear up one issue before we continue… The “Thunderbird Lounges” as most
of us Vets/ORG knew them are gone forever. They were part of the changes of the 1990’s,
when the “Wall” came down and the focus altered. Yet in looking back, a idea has arisen
through various communications that there maybe an opportunity to restore some of the benefits
17
that the Thunderbird Clubs offered us to promote our History and Heritage, with all the parties
working together.
Many of us have had the honour of attending functions at a number of the larger bases
where the Military Police have themselves a Lounge or bar. They are places of offering to
anyone wearing that red beret, or who wore those classy thunderbird “dickeys”, or the powder
blues, or the cipher and the crown. They are the meeting halls, training facilities and open for
“Choir Practise” after a hard and long shift. And all in attendance very impressed when bare
walls were replaced with certificates, plaques, and other mementos of deeds done, honours
rendered, with our history and heritage framing long time honoured ceremonies and rituals.
The suggestion proposes that the Branch, the Associations, along with individual
Veterans and ORG look at creating, in cooperation with the Branch “Thunderbird Rooms” for the
smaller units and detachments. The term Lounge or Bar could not be used as no bar would
exist, for that would bring on the wrath of Public Accounts. As remembered from our days
serving, entering a Unit’s or Detachment’s “Thunderbird Club”, seeing all the Branch’s, Unit’s
and Detachment’s honours, History and Heritage on display brought out a sense of pride and
the understanding that you were actually part of something larger. It also was somewhere to
meet, relax, welcome visitors, and pay honours amongst friendly walls that they could call their
own.
Many steps would be required. The Branch and Units themselves would have to see if a
usable room could be secured for their use, the various Associations, (CMPA, The Pointsman,
RCAF, Provost,) could inform their membership what the Units and Detachments were planning,
and where they could help. Individual Veterans and ORG could dig into their memories and
donate pictures of past duties, and perhaps an item or two (depending on the Statue of
Limitations or an Amnesty programme. wink, wink). Along with the Units and Detachments, the
Branch’s “History and Heritage Committee” could also be included in this project. Many Veteran
and ORG such as Mr Ken Piercey and Mr Duncan Legget have a great respect and interest in
our past, and would be a great help with their expertise should we start seeing these rooms
come to fruition.
With the 75th Anniversary of the Branch coming in 2015, this proposal would be a chance
to show off our “Espirt de Corps” within the entire Military Police Branch Family, from serving
members to the ORG.
As bright as the future is for the members serving today within the Military Police Trade,
the Branch as a whole was built upon the efforts and contributions of members 72 years past.
We believe it would be failing today’s members for them NOT to know their legends and the
history that became their legacy and foundation of their Trade. As it would be wrong for future
Military Police personnel not to know of the legacy left to them by heroes of today.
“TO HONOUR AND REMEMBER
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