File - Wounded Warrior Run BC

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016
Volume 58, # 04
International Women’s
Day is a global day of recognition and celebration,
providing an opportunity to
reflect on the progress made
towards gender equality, to
call for change, and to celebrate acts of courage and
determination by ordinary
women who have played
an extraordinary role in the
history of their countries and
communities.
The Defence Women’s
Advisory Organization
(DWAO) is marking International Women’s Day
(IWD) by hosting a special
presentation for members of
the 19 Wing Defence Team.
BGen Tammy Harris, the
Chief of Staff to the Chief of
Defence Staff, will provide
19 Wing a special briefing:
“How are you perceived as
a leader?” Joining her for the
afternoon event will be Ms.
Dianne Hawkins, CEO of
the Comox Valley Chamber
of Commerce. She will be
providing remarks relating
to the 19 Wing IWD 2016
theme: Women moving forward.
The commemorative
event for IWD 2016 is an
initiative of the Employment Equity Defence Advisory Group (EE DAG) that
provides advice and insight
to the leadership of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
and Department of National
Defence (DND) on issues
relevant to women.
On International Women’s
Day we recognize the many
achievements of women
and celebrate their contributions to society. Women
have made enormous progress toward equality over the
years, both in Canada and
around the world, though
it’s obvious that obstacles
remain and continue to affect
the lives of girls and women
every day – including economic inequality and gender-based violence.
It will take the actions
of many to remove these
barriers and make equality
between women and men a
reality for all. On IWD, we
take part in commemorative
activities that aim to inspire
action and create momentum
for a more equitable and just
society.
Canada’s theme:
Women’s Empowerment
Leads to Equality
Empowerment is essential
to gender equality. Women
and girls who are empowered are better equipped to
fulfill their potential and
contribute their best to society. Empowerment is having the tools to make better
choices; therefore, empowered women make choices
that meet their own needs
and those of their families. When this happens, the
world becomes a better place
– not just for women, but for
all of us.
Empowerment includes:
 Having access to education. Women who have
access to educational opportunities are more likely
to participate in the labour
market and strengthen out-
comes for themselves, their
families, their communities
and the economy.
 Getting involved in the
community. When women
and girls get involved in the
daily life of their communities, they learn more about
the people and opportunities
around them and are able to
share their talents and perspectives.
 Becoming financially
independent. When women
have the knowledge and
means to support themselves, they are more able
to make financial decisions
that will improve their quality of life.
 Understanding your
right to live free from violence. Women and girls who
feel safe and secure in their
homes and communities are
more able to participate in all
aspects of life.
 Knowing how government works and exercising your democratic rights.
Women who have the opportunity to participate in the
democratic life of their country influence its governance,
taking into account their
rights, needs and values.
When women and girls
have the opportunities and
resources to succeed, it enriches all of society. We are
all stronger when women
and girls are empowered!
Source: Status of Women
Canada, canada.ca.
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Comox Valley
Ed
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250-792-3399
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Bus: 250-334-3124
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Fax: 250-334-1901
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250-338-3711
2 | TOTEM TIMES
Totem
TIMES
MARCH 8, 2016
LCol (Ret’d) Sydney Burrows receives
honour from Governor General
Totem Times staff
MANAGING EDITOR
Camille Douglas
250-339-2541
[email protected]
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Gillian Ottaway Querin
250-339-2541
[email protected]
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Phil Nero
250-465-8577
[email protected]
DISTRIBUTION
Michael Pearce
250-339-2541
One year subscription
- $66.94
Price include tax.
A Division of Personnel
Support Programs
CFB Comox,
PO Box 1000 Stn. Main,
Lazo, BC V0R 2K0
[email protected]
The Totem Times is an unofficial publication of 19 Wing Comox, BC. The Editor reserves
the right to edit copy and reject advertisements to suit
the needs of the publication.
Views expressed are those of
the contributor unless expressly attributed to DND, CAF, or
other agencies. In case of typographical errors, no goods
may be sold and the difference
claimed against this paper. The
paper’s liability is limited to a
refund of the space charged
for the erroneous item. Material may be reprinted with attribution. Published 22 times
a year, every second Tuesday,
with permission of Col Tom
Dunne, 19 Wing Commander.
Publications Mail Registration
No.4098. Printed by Ladysmith
Press, Ladysmith, BC. Circulation: 1800.
Comox Valley resident
LCol (Ret’d) Sydney E.
Burrows was recognized
during a ceremony at the
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in Vancouver on March 4 where His
Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston
presented the Meritorious
Service Medal (Civil Division) to Burrows.
According to the citation,
“Burrows spearheaded the
creation of In the Service of
Canada, the seventh Book
of Remembrance housed
in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower on
Parliament Hill. Its pages
preserve the names of Canadian Armed Forces personnel who died while on
duty between October 1947
and the present day, with
the exception of those who
LCol (ret’d) Syd Burrows
were involved in the Korean
War. The Books of Remembrance remind us that freedom and peace come at a
great price.”
More than 150 remarkable Canadians were
recognized for their excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to ser-
Terry Chester (left) and Dan Dempsey (right),
representing the 888 (Komox) Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association of Canada,
attend the ceremony where LCol (Ret’d) Syd
Burrows was presented the Meritorious Service
Medal (Civil Division) from His Excellency the
Right Honourable David Johnston. Photo credit: Terry Chester, RCAFA.
vice during the ceremony.
The Governor General
presents honours on behalf
of all Canadians in communities across the coun-
try to help share inspiring
stories, celebrate tremendous contributions to our
society and connect with
Canadians.
Komox 386 Air Cadet Sqn receives grant
Sgt Trent Paulhus, 386 Komox RCACS
January was an exciting month for the 386 Komox Royal
Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (RCACS) as we were very
happy recipients of a grant from the Comox Valley Community Foundation. The funds will be used to help the squadron
upgrade their classrooms with current technological equipment so that we can further engage the cadets in their lessons.
The upgrade includes four LED Smart televisions, double
standing white boards, projectors and mounting equipment.
With today’s technology, we want to have the teaching and
learning tools to help keep the cadets interested and focused
on what they are learning in the program. A cadet will have
the opportunity to learn about first aid, survival skills, effective public speaking, airplanes and ground school, leadership, drill and band.
Air Cadet provides youth ages 12-18 years with the opportunity to build confidence and work as a team, skills that
are very important in their development. A cadet has the opportunity to advance through eight levels of promotions and
may have the chance to attend a summer camp.
We are very thankful to our supportive Comox Valley
community. Without your generosity it would be very difficult to run our program. If you would like more information
about the air cadet program please contact the Komox 386
via email at [email protected].
The Comox Valley Community Foundation presents the 386 Komox Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (RCACS) with a grant to be used for upgrading their classrooms. (L-R): Susan Wood, Comox Valley Community
Foundation, Flight Corporal Zach Wood, Sgt Trent Paulhus, 386 Komox
Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, and Ken Rowe.
MARCH 8, 2016
TOTEM TIMES | 3
19 Wing Public Affairs
Day and night, every day
of the year, personnel at
442 Transport and Rescue
Squadron stand ready to respond to calls for search and
rescue (SAR). It’s a diverse
team of pilots, SAR Techs,
planners, military and civilian aircraft maintainers and
support staff whose professionalism is readily apparent to the casual observer.
Each member of the squadron plays a critical role in
the never-ending state of
high-readiness, which by
necessity includes training
to maintain competencies
and acquire new skills.
The Squadron’s annual
SAREX is a major event
that had about 60 members
of the squadron away from
Comox for a week of intense
training and flying. Locations
vary from year to year to
give members of the squadron experience operating in
new and different terrain;
it also allows the squadron
to train with SAR organisations throughout the Victoria
Search and Rescue Region,
strengthening an impressive
network of trained volunteers
who also stand-by ready to
respond.
This year’s SAREX was
held in Kamloops and the
surrounding area from February 22-26. Capt Francois
Fasquelle led a small team
of planners to deliver a week
of realistic training scenarios which included rescuing
hunters following a helicopter crash, a night para-drop,
survival training, and a major air disaster event. A key
part of the planning was the
deliberate effort to include
participation by the Civil Air
Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), Kamloops
Search and Rescue (KSAR),
and the Rocky Mountain
Rangers.
Members of CASARA
are able to initiate a search
operation, or join an existing
operation seamlessly; their
skills and additional aircraft
have an immediate impact
on the potential to locate
downed or missing aircraft
quickly. During SAREX 16,
CASARA’s role was to locate
the downed helicopter and
lead a CH-149 Cormorant
onto the crash site.
KSAR assisted SAR Techs
at a simulated crash site on
a mountain plateau, providing valuable assistance with
casualty management and
evacuation. Soldiers from the
Rocky Mountain Rangers, a
local Reserve Infantry unit,
filled the role of simulated casualties, taking cues from exercise Directing Staff to add
realism for the SAR Techs
throughout each scenario.
Honourary Colonel Diane
McCurdy joined the exercise
for the week, flying in with
the squadron, observing and
participating in training, and
learning about the squadron
that she is so proud to represent. While her pride in
the unit is obvious, it should
also be known that she is an
outstanding advocate on the
importance of the mission
undertaken daily by members
of the squadron.
In the spirit of fostering
relationships, Capt Fasquelle
welcomed 31 cadets and
staff of 204 ‘Black Maria’
Royal Canadian Air Cadet
Squadron of Kamloops to
the airport for a short but
worthwhile visit and tour
of a Cormorant. The cadets
were clearly fascinated by
the size and capability of
the Cormorant, and hung on
every word during the ‘walk
and talk’ around the aircraft.
Although the visit was short,
the cadets and staff were all
very appreciative, and felt
a renewed sense of importance in their connection to
the RCAF.
The major air disaster scenario was the culminating
event for the week, bringing
all exercise participants together incrementally as their
organizations were called to
respond. This is where the
value of inter-agency training during the week was
most evident, with responders from multiple organisations working together to
manage a mass casualty incident. The coordinated response to the incident demonstrated that it was a very
successful week of training,
with the legacy being that
the network of professionals and volunteers who are
ready to respond is now
stronger, and better prepared
to work as a team.
1466 Ryan Rd E. 250.339.6330
Open Every Day from 7am - 3pm
Fresh Baked Bread,
Sandwiches and More
442 Sqn travels to
Kamloops for SAREX 2016
Organic, Fair Trade,
Locally Roasted Coffee
SAR Tech MCpl Sam Chenelle-Pepin checks the injury of a simulated casualty amidst the bustle
of activity at the major air disaster scenario in Kamloops, BC, during 442 Squadron’s search and
rescue exercise on February 23. Photo by Cpl Nathan Spence.
4 | TOTEM TIMES
MARCH 8, 2016
RCAF heritage marks 75-year milestones in June
14 Wing Greenwood
A lot has changed, but a
lot has stayed the same.
The 75-year heritage –
and future - of four Royal
Canadian Air Force Squadrons will be showcased at a
June gathering at 14 Wing
Greenwood, Nova Scotia;
along with 50 years’ worth
of VP International history.
Organizers expect up to 600
guests to attend anniversary
events over the week, all
highlighting the strong relationships within the Canadian aviation community, and
with international partners.
The modern-day 413
(Transport and Rescue)
Squadron, 404 (Long Range
Patrol and Training) Squadron, 405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron and 415
(Long Range Patrol Force
Development) Squadron all
mark their 75th year in 2016
since first being stood-up
for service during the Second World War.
“These squadrons were
stood up, populated with air
crew, ground staff, support
personnel – everything that
goes along with establishing
an air force,” says organizing committee chairman
Lieutenant-Colonel Richard
Hone, 14 Wing Operations
officer. “What’s interesting is today’s connection
to the past – we still have a
lot of linkages with nations
who were our Allies in the
1940s; and also with those
who were in the Axis then.
“That these squadrons
survive today, 75 years later
– it depended on their role,
their location, the need for
their operations and government direction.”
For example, 413 Squadron “has flown just about
every major aircraft type”
over its history, says Wing
Heritage Officer Major
Richard LeBlanc, and its
primary role today is search
and rescue on Canada’s East
coast.
“It’s important to know
who we are, and where
we came from, so today’s
RCAF members know what
they’re part of.”
A significant population
in three of the four squadrons’ past would be Argusera folks, who remain keen
on their RCAF experience
as members of VP International. As part of the squadron’s anniversary, VPI will
mark its 50th anniversary
and commemorative service
at the international headquarters and memorial at 14
Wing. Twenty-three nations
with VPI affiliations are invited to participate.
“It’s a chance to reconnect and meet with old
friends and talk about our
history and heritage,” Hone
says. “And it goes the other
way: with today’s personnel
talking about the challenges
that go along with the advances in today’s technology, the new overland mis-
sion, the integration of the
flood of information available in today’s aircraft and
the analysis and communications required to turn it
into a tactical plan.”
It is easy to point to the
pressures and challenges
in the generations of aviation heritage encompassed
over the past 75 years, and
see how they evolve: 413
Squadron can be out the door
on a search and rescue mission within 30 minutes of a
call, and the danger is just
as real as bombing runs over
Second World War Europe
or surveillance flights over
Afghanistan or Iraq today.
“We’re all part of the Air
Force, all working in support of Canada – and that
continues today,” LeBlanc
says. “Folks take great pride
in that, and the tradition
continues.”
14 Wing Greenwood
Commander Colonel Pat
Thauberger has several hats
to don at this June gathering: officer in command of
the hosting 14 Wing Greenwood facilities, a past commander of 404 Squadron
and patron of the VP International association, in
addition to having been a
crew member on 405, 404
and 415 squadrons.
“This is such a great opportunity to collectively remember our past, while we
also look at how our current
personnel honour that proud
legacy in our day-to-day operations, training, missions
and deployments,” Thauberger says. “The June gathering marks the significant
75th anniversaries of four
of Canada’s best squadrons,
and 50 years of camaraderie and heritage in VP International. I look forward
to welcoming all of our old
friends and colleagues back
to ‘ZX’ to join us in this celebration.”
For registration and event
information, visit gmam.
ca/75th-anniversary.
MARCH 8, 2016
TOTEM TIMES | 5
CFSSAR “49ers”
perform in the -49
Sgt J.M Tremblay, CFSSAR Instructor
Wounded Warrior Run BC (WWRBC) stopped in the Comox Valley on February 25, arriving with a tremendous welcome at 888 (Komox) RCAF Wing
Air Force Association. The third annual event raised over $30,000 to support Wounded Warriors mental health programs and services. Photo by
Jennifer Brum, WWRBC.
Wounded Warrior runners
stop at 888 Wing Komox
Wounded Warrior Run
British Columbia 2016
concluded in Victoria on
February 28, running over
600 kilometers from Port
Hardy, crossing Vancouver Island. The team was
greeted by the Lieutenant Governor of British
Columbia, The Honourable Judith Guichon at a
finale event in Colwood
(Victora).
A team of six runners,
including current serving
military members, reservists, veterans, first nations
and non- military members, completed the re-
lay run from February 22
to 28 to raise awareness
of service related mental
health injures such as Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) and Operational Stress Injuries (OSI).
Backed by a dedicated
support team, the runners
stopped in communities
across Vancouver Island
to talk about their experiences and connect with
other veterans.
Members of the 19 Wing
Defence Team joined Comox Valley residents to
welcome the runners on
day four of their journey.
The team arrived at 888
( K o m o x ) R C A F Wi n g
Air Force Association under blue skies and in high
spirits.
Wounded Warriors Canada is a non-profit charity
organization that helps
Canadian Armed Forces
members who have been
wounded or injured in
their service to Canada by
raising awareness, fundraising and providing
support to Canadian Veterans. Through awareness
and understanding we can
change the stigma attached
to mental health injuries.
Students in the Canadian
Forces School of Search
and Rescue (CFSSAR) at 19
Wing – Course 49 – recently
returned from Resolute Bay,
a small Inuit hamlet on Cornwallis Island in Nunavut,
where they endured ten days
of training in temperatures
averaging 49 degrees below
Celsius.
Canada Arctic Ops phase,
held annually at the training site known as Crystal
City, was delayed as compared to previous years. Even
though we had sunlight, it
sure wasn’t any warmer than
when we are running this
phase in full darkness, typically in early January.
The 11 students on SAR
Tech Course 49 had a great
learning experience and built
respect for the high arctic
environment. The outside
air temperature was hovering at about – 37 Celsius
throughout the week, but
when we account for 10 to
15 knots of wind, it soon
feels somewhere in the – 60s.
Sometimes when the wind
really picked up, we had to
cease training and ensure the
students were not directly
exposed. Luckily the wind
never increased beyond 15
knots, so the students didn’t
have to remain in their shel-
ters for more than a day.
At our Crystal City training
site there was a good accumulation of snow, but the layers made it difficult to build
igloos, as the snow blocks
would split as you were trying to joint them to the spiral
wall structure. Building igloos is sometimes the only
shelter a survivor would be
able to build to effectively
get out of the harsh, windy
environment. On this phase
of the SAR Tech course, the
students build various types
of snow shelters such as
fighter trenches, single person snow caves, multi-person snow caves, and setting
up tents that are surrounded
with snow blocks for wind
protection.
They successfully completed all the different shelters, but found out that the
igloos where not only a challenge to build, but also not
the warmest, especially when
they only get to use a couple
of candles as heat source.
If they would have been allowed to use their gas lanterns or stoves, it would have
been much warmer, but it is
an arctic survival training
phase, and we don’t want
the SAR Tech students to be
too cozy!
The students also get to
learn extremely valuable
tips on how to survive in an
extreme cold climate, travelling, injury prevention and
proper signaling techniques
to be seen for rescue evacuation in the event that radio
communications failure. The
students not only have to survive the extreme conditions,
but must also learn to care
for multiple casualties, treating their injuries and keeping
them warm. This year the students had to locate a simulated lost Inuit hunter in which
they had to treat for diabetic
shock and hypothermia, build
a shelter, and extract him using a toboggan.
The return flight to 19
Wing was delayed for two
days due to the Hercules being reassigned to assist in a
rescue mission for a large
fishing vessel taking on water, with 30 persons on board,
near the coast of Greenland.
We made it back with all our
fingers, toes and good morale. After unpacking their
bags, the SAR Tech students
and their course NCO, Sgt
Morgan Boutilier, left the
next morning for the Rockies for the next phase of their
course: Winter Ops.
For photographs from
CFSSAR’s Nunavut training
see pages 6 and 7.
19 Wing scuba diving club hosted by Esquimalt
Cameron Morris, Pacific Diver Scuba Club
19 Wing’s Pacific Diver
Scuba Club (PDSC) was
graciously welcomed by
the Aquarius Divers of CFB
Esquimalt for a fun filled
weekend of dive training in
February. The event brought
together divers of varying
skill levels and afforded
them the opportunity to enhance their diving skills and
explore the many beautiful
dive sites surrounding Victoria. Sites such as 10 mile,
Ogden, Saxe, Henderson
and Willis Points offered
an amazing array of sea life
and underwater features to
explore.
This event served as a
remarkable opportunity to
share our passion for diving with other divers based
on Vancouver Island and to
build many new friendships
in this wonderful sport.
For those interested in
diving, the PDSC offers
and wide array of basic and
advanced dive training for
the members of 19 Wing
with frequent dive events in
the area. We can be found at
rear of 19 Wing Fitness and
Community Centre, pool
side, on Thursday evenings
from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
You can also search for the
Pacific Diver Scuba Club on
Facebook.
Members of the 19 Wing Pacific Diver Scuba Club joined the Aquarius Divers of CFB Esquimalt for a
weekend of dive training from February 19 to 21. Defence team members who are interested in joining can check out the Scuba Club on Facebook or drop by their regular Thursday evening meeting at
the 19 Wing Fitness and Community Centre.
6 | TOTEM TIMES
MARCH 8, 2016
CFSSAR Arctic
Cpl Josh Terry, Cpl Alfred Barr, Cpl Nijel Donley, Cpl Christian Godmer,
Cpl Jonathon Wall, Cpl Nathan Seal, Cpl Ryan Morris, Cpl Calvin Slute,
Cpl Zack Holmes, Cpl Patrick, Cpl Dylan Weller and (kneeling) instructors Sgt Jean-Marie Tremblay, Sgt Morgan Boutilier and Sgt Geoff Postel
during Arctic Survival training in Crystal City, Nunavut, on February 19.
Ranger Cpl Joelie Qaunaq shows Cpl Ryan Morris how to properly assemble a fighter trench shelter during the CFSSAR Course 49 Arctic Survival
phase in the vicinity of Resolute Bay on February 12.
MARCH 8, 2016
TOTEM TIMES | 7
Survival training in Nunavut
Photos by Cpl Pierre Létourneau
Cpl Dylan Weller of Course 49 grins for the camera while enduring extreme cold, with temperatures averaging minus 49 below Celsius.
Students practice shooting on an improvised
polar bear target during their Arctic Survival
training.
Members of CFSSAR Course 49 work on building their igloos during the
Arctic Survival Phase in Crystal City, Nunavut.
Students of CFSSAR Course 49 make Arctic Candles, a night signalling device, during the Arctic
Survival Phase in Crystal City, Nunavut, on February 13.
LET US BRING YOU BACK IN TIME
AT THE COMOX AIR FORCE MUSEUM
Come celebrate our West Coast aviation
heritage in a welcoming and friendly museum:
z WW1 to present day exhibits;
zExcellent aviation reference library;
zLocated at entrance to 19 Wing;
zHeritage Air Park near-by (Numerous Aircraft plus Heritage Stone Display)
Open Tuesday thru Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm (Admission by donation)
250-339-8162 | comoxairforcemuseum.ca
8 | TOTEM TIMES
MARCH 8, 2016
No Sno Fest 2016: Ancient Civilizations
Totem Times staff
Members of the 19 Wing Defence Team will be celebrating No Sno Fest: Ancient Civilizations on Friday,
March 11. The day will start with breakfast in the dining
hall at the Jr. Ranks Mess, served until 8:00 a.m. Teams
will then form up in the parking lot beside Glacier Gardens arena and be introduced as they are marched into the
arena. Wing Commander, Col Tom Dunne will officially
open the games, kicking off the arena events. Teams will
then travel to Air Force Beach for the infamous Polar Bear
Dip, a highlight of the annual event.
Lunch will be served at the Jr. Ranks Mess, and then
the event continues in the gymnasium at the Fitness and
Community Centre. The Ancient Civilizations tabloid
events include the Pyramid Challenge, where teams will
use all food bank donations to build a pyramid. Points
will be awarded for the pyramid, as well as for the number of donations. Egyptian Dancing, Ancient Treasures,
Pyramid Golf, Making Mummy’s, Chariot Races, Catapult
and Javelin are just some of the creative team-building
events planned for the afternoon.
The evening social, Clash of Civilizations, will commence at 4:00 p.m. in the Jr. Ranks Mess. The event will
include pizza, karaoke and DJ entertainment, a photo
booth, the judging of the beard growing contest, and a
wide variety of door prizes and game prizes!
The $10 No Sno Fest button provides admittance to
all of the events including the team competitions: polar
bear dip, tabloid events, and the 2016 human foosball
challenge; opening pancake breakfast, BBQ lunch, and
evening social.
The annual Polar
Bear Dip, held at
Air Force Beach
(above), and the
beard growing
contest, which
awards prizes for
Fullest, Scruffiest
and Most Colourful (left), are two
of the highlights of
No Sno Fest each
year.
19 Wing Comox
General SCAN seminar
April 26 and 27
In the main lounge of the Officer’s Mess
7:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. each day
The general SCAN two day seminar will include the following topics:
• Director Canadian Forces Pensions Services (DCFPS)
• Education Reimbursement and WPSO Career
Transition Services
• Transition in the Canadian Armed Forces
• Morale and Welfare Benefits
• Administrative Release Procedures
• Veterans Affairs
• Personnel Support Post Release
• SISIP
• Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP)
• North Island College
Release and pension information will be covered at the
General SCAN; and partners are highly encouraged to
attend.
Register online:
http://dgmpra-dgrapm.sondages-surveys.
ca/s/scanregistration
MARCH 8, 2016
TOTEM TIMES | 9
Mr. Volleyball coaches 19 Wing to regional victory
Mr. Volleyball, WO (Ret’d) Ken McDonald, was
honoured with the CISM Order of Merit, inducted as a Grand Knight by le Conseil international de sport militaire (CISM), at the CF Sports
Award Ceremony in Ottawa last November. The
2015 ceremony marked the 30th anniversary of
the CF joining CISM, an organization that aims
to promote sport activity and physical education between armed forces as a means to foster world peace. CISM holds more than 20 competitions annually bringing soldiers together on
the sports field as opposed to the battle field.
The motto of CISM is “Friendship through Sport”
and is based on three pillars of sport, education
and solidarity.
Four decades of dedication and commitment
to a sport has earned WO
(Ret’d) Ken McDonald the
moniker Mr. Volleyball. A
CISM Grand Knight for his
outstanding contributions to
the sport, Ken coached both
19 Wing volleyball teams to
victory during the Pacific
Region Championships last
week at the 19 Wing Fitness
and Community Centre.
Both 19 Wing teams will
travel to Bordon in April
to compete in the National
Championships.
Since 2007, following his
retirement from the Canadian
Forces (CF) in November
2006, Ken has coached the
19 Wing Comox men’s volleyball team, winning the CF
National Volleyball title in
2009. He is currently coaching both 19 Wing Comox
volleyball teams.
At the CF Sports Award
Ceremony in Ottawa last
November, WO (Ret’d) McDonald was honoured with
the CISM Order of Merit,
inducted as a Grand Knight.
The 2015 ceremony marked
the 30th anniversary of the
CF joining CISM, le Conseil international de sport
militaire.
“His records indicate his
involvement in many sports
at all levels, but his true accomplishments are in the
sport of volleyball. He is
- without doubt - the best
known figure in the world of
CF volleyball. Not only as
an accomplished athlete, but
as a coach, referee, mentor,
leader and manager of an international program.”
WO (Ret’d) McDonald
had only played volleyball
for one semester in junior
high, as his sport of choice
in high school was football.
“I was inspired to play volleyball after watching the
base men’s team practice at
Bagotville in my teen years,”
Ken explained. “When I
came to Comox for the first
time in 1978, I co-founded
the Comox Valley Flag Football League and played some
badminton in Kingston, participating in several regional
championships.” But it was
his memories of the volleyball at Bagotville that led him
to come out for the men’s
team at 19 Wing, and the rest
is volleyball history.
He was selected for the first
CF CISM men’s volleyball
team in 1985 and played in
his final World Championship at the age of 48 as team
setter in Kingston in 2004.
He was inducted into the CF
Sports Honour Roll in 1995.
As a result of a back injury
that same year, he began
coaching the CISM men’s
volleyball team, as well as the
military men’s and women’s
base teams. He was named
CF Coach of the Year in
1998. In 2002 he took the
position of CF CISM men’s
team manager, and held that
role for more than a decade.
Throughout those years he
participated in all 19 World
Championships, including 5
Military World Games. Incredibly, during his 29 plus
year CF career, and in the
subsequent years following
retirement, WO (Ret’d) Mc-
Donald participated in 36
regional and 34 national CF
volleyball championships, in
addition to participating in
over 30 provincial and Canadian national championships.
“Throughout his career,
WO (Ret’d) Ken McDonald
demonstrated constant, unselfish and exemplary dedication to CF sports at all levels and in all capacities. His
record of service depicted an
exemplary military person
who accomplished his duties
with pride and honour. From
a pure military perspective,
WO (Ret’d) McDonald’s
leadership has been recognized at all levels demonstrating outstanding performance
and leadership qualities to
emulate.”
“As an accomplished
coach, he leads his team to
success winning numerous
CF Nationals. He instils immense confidence within a
team and inspires others to
surpass themselves.” Indeed,
that is the hope as Mr. Volleyball leads 19 Wing athletes to
nationals next month.
The 19 Wing Comox men’s and women’s volleyball teams are the pacific region campions! Coached by Mr. Volleyball, WO (Ret’d) Ken McDonald, the
teams will travel to Bordon in April to compete in the national championships. Congratulations to Capt Wheaton (women’s volleyball) and Avr Ravenstein (men’s volleyball) – game MVPs. The female player of the tournament was Capt Smit, and male player of the tournament was Cpl Bode.
10 | TOTEM TIMES
MARCH 8, 2016
19 WING FITNESS AND COMMUNITY CENTRE - 1575 MILITARY ROW
COMOX MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE
Phone: 250-339-8290 - www.familyforce.ca - www.facebook.com/comoxmfrc
Monday - Friday: 0800 - 1600 hrs - Closed Weekends & Holidays
19 WING FITNESS, SPORTS AND RECREATION
Phone: 250-339-8211 Local 8315 - www.cfgateway.com
Monday - Friday: 0630-2100 hrs - Saturday: 0830-1800 hrs - Sunday: 1100-2100 hrs
M
Tee Pee Park
Seasonal Campsite Draw
Fitness and Community
Centre pool upgrade
Date: Saturday, March 19
Location: 19 Wing Comox Fitness &
Community Centre, Multipurpose Room
The Tee Pee Park seasonal campsite annual draw will take place on
Saturday, March 19. There will be two draws: 1030 hrs for 19 Wing
military members and 1300 hrs for CF Members not from 19 Wing,
retired members, DND employees and ordinary members.
2016 Pricing Schedule:
Regular Members:
$1210 + GST (includes hydro)
$1430 + GST (includes hydro and sewer)
Ordinary Members:
$1322 + GST (includes hydro)
$1558 + GST (includes hydro and sewer)
19 Wing Comox Military Members (including Reserve A, B & C)
wishing to be included in the draw for seasonal sites must contact
the Recreation Assistant at the Recreation Office: [email protected], 250-339-8211, Local 7173 (Dave BuckleyJones) for more information.
The Fitness and Community Centre pool is undergoing some upgrades
including a new liner, side walls, and new lights.
To facilitate these upgrades, the pool is closed. It is scheduled to reopen
on Monday, April 4.
Military members may present their Military ID to access the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre during the closure. Recreation pass
holders may put their pass on hold for the duration of the upgrade.
MARCH 8, 2016
TOTEM TIMES | 11
Payday loans: don’t get trapped
Joyce Sharp, SISIP Financial
If for whatever reason, you
are thinking of getting a payday loan, DON’T!
First ask yourself: “Do I
really know what I am getting into”? Chances are,
you may not be aware of
the impact this may have on
you financially...and this is
precisely what payday loan
companies are counting on!
Payday loan outlets are
commonplace in most provinces and are also readily
available online! In some
instances, their presence borders on overcrowding. Such
is the case, mentioned in a
recent newspaper article*, in
one of my old neighborhoods
where there are 16 payday
loan outlets for nearly every
1,000 residents! Of these outlets, 8 are within 1000 meters of each other; that is 24
times the national average!
*Source: OTTAWA CITIZEN,
December 21, 2015
Payday loans are small
loans of $1,500 or less. Some
people may not see the harm
in borrowing what they perceive as “fast and easy” cash
for a couple of weeks, then
reimbursing with their next
pay. Others might feel too
embarrassed to reach out and
ask for legitimate financial
assistance. The fact is, these
payday loan companies prey
on the desperation of individuals, under the guise of
offering a “quick and easy
fix” to their financial woes!
Is this really a viable solution? Are you aware of the
impact this will have on you
and your family and do you
know the interest rate you
are being charged? Actually,
there is no upfront mention
of interest rate, no disclosure of the additional fees or
charges you may incur upon
borrowing, rather, a given
dollar amount as cost for the
amount you are borrowing.
Canada’s criminal code
caps annual interest rates at
60%. However, depending
on the province, payday loan
companies can charge quite
staggering rates because of
the way they calculate the
cycles. In Ontario, for example, the provincially regulated payday loan business is
allowed up-to a confounding
600% annually, in addition to
fees or surcharges!
Calculating the annual interest rate for borrowing $300
is a sobering experience; it
will make you think twice
about even contemplating
this as a means to obtaining
short term credit. Consider
the following example: for a
loan of $300 the cost of borrowing is $63 ($21 per $100
advanced for 14 days) with a
total payback amount $363.
Here is how you can calculate the annual interest rate
15 years of service
WOpsO LCol Gilles Couture presents a tree planting in recognition of 15
years of service to Todd Dickson. Photo by MCpl Jeffrey Mason.
Padre’s Corner
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (RC) 19 Wing Chapel
Sunday Mass: 1000 hrs
Weekday Mass: 1100 hrs Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday
Sacrament of Reconciliation: upon request.
St. Michael and All Angels Protestant Chapel
Sunday Worship: 1000 hrs
Protestant Communion: celebrated on the first Sunday
of each month.
Bible Study: please contact Chaplain for the dates and times.
Marriage preparation: please contact the Chaplain at least six months
prior to date of wedding.
Baptisms: please make an appointment with the Chaplain.
For information contact the chaplains’ office at 250-339-8211, ext 8389.
they are charging:
1) $63 / $300 = 21% interest rate for 14 days
2) 21% x 26 (# of 14-day
periods per year) = 546% rate
of annual interest!
There you have it: you
think it is just $63, but if
you fail to reimburse by the
14-day deadline, your $300
payday loan could potentially cost you $1,638 in annual interest, not including
the additional administrative costs! Still think this is
a fast and easy option? For
more information on payday
loans, their actual rates and
predatory practices, visit the
Financial Consumer Agency
of Canada, search for payday
loans: fcac-acfc.gc.ca
Don’t fall into the payday loan trap. Instead, seek
out the free and confidential advice from one of our
SISIP Financial advisors.
We understand the military
lifestyle, know the financial
challenges you face and the
many reasons your finances
may become strained. Our
mission remains to enhance
the financial health and security of the members of the
CAF community. So, rather
than making your financial
situation worse by resorting
to payday loans, or what you
may think is a quick fix, reach
out to us. Resources and tools
designed for CAF members
and their families are available online in our Learning
Centre at sisip.com. SISIP Financial offices are located in
21 major bases/ wings/ units,
ready to assist you in securing
lasting financial well-being
for you and your family.
Editor’s note: this article is
for general information purposes only and is the opinion
of the author.
Members of the 19 Wing Defence Team can stop
by SISIP Financial, located in the CANEX building at 1625 Military Row, for financial planning
or counselling, or use the resources and tools
designed for CAF members at sisip.com
12 | TOTEM TIMES
MARCH 8, 2016
Grizzly attack survivors meet 442 Sqn rescuers
While in Kamloops taking part in 442 Squadron’s
annual search and rescue
exercise, the crew of a CH149 Cormorant had the rare
opportunity to meet two
hunters they had rescued
months earlier. The hunters,
now remarkably well recovered from their horrific injuries, were anxious to meet
the crew they credit with
helping to save their lives.
Best friends Chris Eyre
and Rob Austin were on a
10-day horseback trip in
northern BC, near the Yukon border, something they
had been looking forward
to for many years. Near the
end of their trip, after a successful hunt, they were descending a steep mountain
slope strewn with deadfall
when they appear to have
startled a grizzly bear and
her two cubs. The sound of
the grizzly grunting as she
charged the men gave them
only seconds of warning of
the impending attack.
Both men fought desperately to save their lives, yelling, and firing gunshots,
helping each other fight the
bear as she switched between them. As suddenly as
it started the attack was over.
During the attack, which the
men estimate to have lasted
about one minute, both had
been badly mauled, with severe injuries to their heads,
necks, arms, torsos, and legs.
Grizzly bear attack survivors, Christopher Eyre and Robert Austin, visited with the air crew and
SAR Techs that saved them after the September 2015 incident. The men got the chance to say
thank you in Kamloops, BC, during 442 Sqn’s search and rescue exercise on February 23. (L-R)
MCpl Sam Howard, Capt Fracois Fasquelle, Christopher Eyre, Robert Austin, MCpl Alex Demers,
MCpl Rainer Roedger and Maj Jean-Francois Dupont. Photo by Cpl Nathan Spence.
While trying to tend to
his own injuries, Eyre, who
works for the BC Ambulance Service, also tended to
Austin’s injuries. Austin had
been incapacitated during the
attack and could not move.
Using an In-Reach Satellite
Communicator, Eyre called
for help. About four hours
later rescuers arrived by helicopter from Fort Nelson
and Fort St. John, but the
extreme terrain and onset of
night hampered rescue efforts. ”We needed help bad,”
said Eyre, “it was near dusk
and we were on the slope of
a mountain, it seemed impossible to get us out.”
As the rescuers continued to care for the men, and
temperatures dropped below
zero, additional calls were
made that resulted in 442 Sqn
being tasked to assist. Hours
later, in the early morning, a
CH-149 Cormorant arrived
on scene and inserted SAR
Techs using their hoist. The
men were quickly prepared
to be moved and were hoisted off the slope and into the
helicopter. Eyre recalls while
being hoisted and seeing the
mountainside disappear be-
low him, “I’m going to make
it now, this is behind me.”
The men were taken to Fort
Nelson and transferred immediately by air ambulance
to Vancouver. The Cormorant
crew returned to Comox and
began preparing for their next
day on duty and quietly wondered how it would go for
the patients they had pulled
from a desperate situation.
SAR Techs and flight crews
rarely hear from, or see those
that they rescue once the day
has passed. So, months later,
it came as a welcome surprise
that both Eyre and Austin
were doing well and wanted
to meet the crew that pulled
them off the mountain.
Arrangements were made
to have the men meet the
crew that rescued them during a SAR exercise in Kamloops. On Thursday, February 25, they all met at the
Kamloops Airport during
a short break in training to
exchange stories. The SAR
Techs and crew were fascinated to hear the first-hand
account of the attack and
events right up to the point
they arrived on scene. Eyre
and Austin felt privileged to
have a personal tour of the
Cormorant helicopter by the
men who helped save them.
The meeting was enormously satisfying and brought
closure for both groups of
men. “We hardly ever see
the people we rescue once
it is over with,’ said Captain
Francois Fasquelle, on behalf of his crew, “meeting
Chris and Rob here today
was great, something we’ll
never forget.”
Shortly after their rescue,
donations began to flow in
to help the men during their
recovery, but they decided a
better way to use the money
was to help those who do the
rescues. It would be their way
to thank all those from Fort
Nelson, Fort St, John and Comox who had a part in their
rescue. Over the months they
also held fundraising events,
adding to the initial donations. Following their meeting with the Cormorant crew
they presented the BC Search
and Rescue Association with
a cheque for $33,000 to help
search and rescue volunteers
and organizations in Fort
Nelson with training and the
purchase of new equipment.
This donation will have an
immediate and lasting effect,
with one of the first purchases
being a Class D Fixed Line
(Long-Line), which will enhance the ability of local responders to perform rescues
in extreme terrain.