Hanna Robertson

www.bcmfrc.com
MAY 2010 NEWSLETTER
Our May newsletter is again full with articles for our military families and friends. Thank you to all
for your contributions.
In the past events pages (12-16), you can read about a very successful annual Wine tour on page 14
and 15.
The British Columbia Dragoons in Kelowna had their first well received “Women behind the
uniform” celebration (page 16) to honour all the women supporting their soldier. On page 13 you
find the pictures of The Afghanistan Veterans’ Dinner, which was well attended and very well
received by all who participated.
In March we had an egg-travagant Easter Party in Chilliwack (page 12) and the MFRC was part of
the Abbotsford Heat- CF Appreciation Night (page 14)
For our upcoming events see pages 17-19, for info on the yearly Military Ball, the Standup for
Mental Health Comedy Benefit Vancouver 2010 and the Seats for Soldiers- presented by the New
Westminster Salmon Bellies
Our Annual General meeting will take place on June 22, see notice below for details.
Of course we can’t forget all the mothers on May the 9th, especially those who have supported and
still are supporting their son or daughter’s military commitment all over the world.
Take Care and SIT
Family Separation & Reunion
Deployment Info
Page 2-11
Hanna Robertson
UFSR contacts
Page 3
Military Family Support
Page 8
Past Events
Page 12-16
Upcoming Events
Page 17-19
Parents corner
Page 20
Discount Partners
Page 22
SOT Merchandise
Page 23
Programs &Services
Page 24-25
Calendar
Page 26
Thought of the month
I am not late, I am just
not early!
Colin Robertson
WHAT:
NOTICE of ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) 2010
WHEN:
June 22, 2010
TIME:
5:30 - 7:30 pm
WHO:
All CF Members and Family Members are invited to attend
WHERE:
MFRC OFFICE - Trailers - 4050 West 4th Ave Vancouver, BC
CONFIRMATION: Please RSVP by June 15, 2010 604 225 2535 or [email protected]
ORDER OF BUSINESS: (As per the By-Laws of the Mainland BC MFRC the AGM is required to
convene a meeting and conduct the following business)
All business transacted at an annual general meeting,
(1) the adoption of the rules of order,
(2) the consideration of the financial statements,
(3) the report of the directors,
(4) the report of the auditor, if any;
(5) the election of directors,
(6) the appointment of the auditor, if required, and,
(7) the other business that, under these By-Laws, ought to be transacted at an annual general meeting, or
business, which is brought under consideration by the report of the directors, issued with the notice
convening the meeting.
(7.1) Other Business: NOTICE OF Mainland BC MFRC - BY-LAW Changes
2
DEPLOYMENT INFO
LFWA Deployment Support Group
Vision: To provide effective, helpful and personalized support to members and their
families during the extended absence of military and civilian members of the Department.
Mandate: To provide quality local support services to families of military members
deployed on: • Missions • Taskings • Field Exercises
• Restricted Postings
• Courses and other absences on temporary duty of 28 days or more
Services:
• Direct referral to appropriate specialized civilian or military service
• Helpful information accessible through the internet,
our information package and our newsletter
• Periodic reunions and information sessions
• Free mail service during deployments
• Personalized • Bilingual
Our service is: • Confidential
• Respectful and constitutes your primary resource during your soldier's absence
If your soldier is deployed, please don’t
forget to notify the DSG, his/her military
unit or Hanna with the civic address and
phone number where to reach you, in the
unlikely event of an emergency!
For anyone interested, we have a surplus
of 2009 FIRMM Calendars available.
Even tough the calendar is outdated, the
pictures and written notices of the soldiers
will honour their memory.
What is SIT? S(taying)I(n)T(ouch) is a program designed for
Military Family members (and their close friends) with a monthly
(or more/or less) contact (either/and/or by phone/in person/via email) with the SIT coordinator from the MFRC.
Why ask for SIT? SIT enables you to speak with a SIT coordinator
who will be one of your points of information regarding the
deployment. The SIT call is often a social call to make sure you are
able to deal with the separation and to make the threshold smaller
between Military and Civilian world.
Who can receive SIT? Any Family Member and/or Friend of the
Military family.
When can you request SIT? You can request SIT when your
Military Member is on a deployment, training (for a deployment) or
on a course (in excess of 30 days) and on Imposed Restriction.
DID YOU KNOW that the MFRC currently is not allowed to
contact the family members of deployed/soon to be deployed
soldiers without a completed MFRC info sheet?
DID YOU KNOW that all the MFRCs across the country will try to
coordinate the MFRC info sheets so you will receive support from
your local MFRC?
DID YOU KNOW that miscommunications still lead to family
members being missed on the SIT list?
For more info: contact SIT Coordinator Hanna Robertson
[email protected] or 604 225 2520 ext 2550.
Your Privacy will be respected!
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UFSR (Unit Family Support Representative) Contacts
39 CBG
DSC
Vancouver
DSC Asst
Vancouver
39 CBG
HQ
BCR
BCD
Vancouver
Vancouver
Kelowna
5 RCA
Victoria
15 RCA
Vancouver
North
Vancouver
39 CER
Trail
Chilliwack
RWestmrR
Seaforth of
Canada
New
Westminster
Aldergrove
[email protected]
[email protected]
Cpl.Carole Bronson
[email protected]
[email protected]
Capt.Alex Haussmann
Capt. Jennifer Hillman
Lori Kirschner
Capt.Rob LeBlanc
Sgt.Debbie Barry
Lt.George Lenis
Capt Michael Maassen
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Rob.leblanc @forces.gc.ca
Debbie.barry @forces.gc.ca
[email protected]
WO RC Snelgrove
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Capt. Gavin Robertson
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
WO Frank Smith
Maj Ken Orr
Sgt Colby Walsh
Cpl Mike Campbell
MCpl David Scrivens
MCpl.Pat Farrell
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Capt Tyrone Green
Cpl.Kerri-Ann Clark
[email protected]
[email protected]
MCpl Dianne Francis
Major Gerry Jones
WO Steven Sandahl
MWO Tom Park
WO Pat Taylor
Sgt.Phil Spicer
2Lt. Erika Johnson
Sgt Trent Lum
MCpl Amanda King
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
2Lt Henry Kwok
Sgt Robin Kierstead
2Lt Vladimir Avila
Capt.Gordon Hodson
[email protected]
MWO Anthony Toyer
Capt.John Browne
[email protected],.ca
[email protected]
MWO Sharman Thomas
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Vancouver
C Scot R
Victoria
RM
Rangers
11 Svc Bn
12 Svc Bn
Kamloops
12 MP Pl
Capt. Richard
Van Slyke
Victoria
Richmond
Richmond
Victoria
11 Fd Amb Victoria
12 Fd Amb
Vancouver
6 Int Coy
741 Comm
Vancouver
Victoria
744 Comm
Vancouver
748 Comm
Nanaimo
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
3
604 225-2520
x 2562
604-225-2520
x 2626
604 225-2520
x 2439
604 763-7707
250 712-4243
250 363-8270
250 363-3715
604 722-4048
778 551-0837
604-681-7949
250 368-7966 (Cell)
250-368-6065
604-858-1011 ext
6002
604 858-0813
604-666-4282
604-857-9401
604-857-9434
604 666-4398
604 666-4210, 604
315-9554 (Cell)
250 363-3007
250 851-4894
250 851-4929
250 318 7815
250-363-3746
604 666-4039
604 666-4031
250 363 8343
250-363-8361
604 225 2520
x2457
604 464-4341
604 225-2520
250-363-4386
604 225-2520
x2519
250 755-5350
DID you know that you can set up a 1-800 number for your soldier or student?
Check with your phone provider about the fees and set up costs.
By calling this 800 number your loved one will have a free call home.
I just thought that I would put into writing what I shared with you the other day at lunch about us getting a
toll free # for Daniel. Since Daniel was in several places all over the country for awhile and we wanted to
make it easier for him to contact us by phone we called TELUS business and found out that we could get
Daniel a toll free phone #. This way your soldier or student could phone you whenever he wanted or
needed without running up a huge bill for himself.
Peter Heigh, Proud dad of Pte Daniel Heigh
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The Chief of the Defence
Staff, General Walt
Natynczyk, sent the following
letter to the Chair of the
Special Committee on the
Canadian Mission in
Afghanistan on April 16th,
2010. This letter provided
factual information that
clearly refutes the accusations
made by Mr. Ahmadshah
Malgarai who testified before
the committee on April 14th,
2010.
CDS_Letter_16Apr2010_Engl
ish_Final.pdf
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/n
ewsnouvelles/files/CDS_Letter_1
6Apr2010_English_Final.pdf
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Ceremony Recognizes Multiple Overseas Rotations
NR - 10.032 - April 19, 2010
OTTAWA – The newly established Rotation Bar was presented today, recognizing Canadians who have served more than once in
Afghanistan. Recipients included more than 30 Canadian Forces (CF) personnel, four members of the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police (RCMP), two police officers of the Ottawa Police Service and three civilian employees of the Non-public Fund of the CF.
Today’s ceremony followed changes to the recognition for overseas service recently announced by the Minister of National
Defence, the Honourable Peter MacKay, who was also in attendance at this ceremony.
“The recent changes to the recognition system for overseas service demonstrate the commitment of the Government of Canada to
recognize the valued and, in today’s case, repeated contributions of the men and women of the Canadian Forces, and of our
partners, in Afghanistan,” said Minister MacKay. “It ensures the sacrifice of men and women who have served on multiple
rotations for extended periods of time away from loved ones is remembered and acknowledged.”
Personnel eligible for the Rotation Bars include CF personnel and DND employees, RCMP and other police force members, as well
as other government department employees who have served with the Canadian Forces during multiple rotations in and around
Afghanistan. They will be receiving the appropriate bars in the next few months depending on the number of days they have
served.
“Canadian Forces members and civilian personnel are working side-by-side on multiple rotations to secure a future of hope and
opportunity for the people of Afghanistan,” said General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff. “Whether it is Canadian
soldiers protecting Afghans and mentoring their Afghan National Army counterparts, members of the RCMP training Afghan
National Police, or civilians fostering critically important reconstruction and development initiatives, recipients of the Rotation
Bars are a shining example of our commitment to that important mission.”
On March 17, Minister MacKay announced changes to the South-West Asia Service Medal (SWASM), the General Campaign Star
(GCS), and the General Service Medal (GSM). Rotation Bars have been created to mark multiple rotations in missions eligible for
the three medals. All personnel will earn a Rotation Bar emblazoned with a maple leaf for each period of 180 days of eligible
service accumulated after the initial qualifying period of 30 days.
For a full explanation with pictures of the Changes to Recognition Overseas Service, please visit:
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/files/Medals_NEWS_Mar_NR3302.pdf
For the March 17 News Release on the Changes to Recognition Overseas Service, please visit:
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?cat=00&id=3302
Pictures submitted by Sue Jones, proud mom of Sgt Jayson Swift, shown
left and in pictures below
“Here is a Pic after our Patrol, It was nice when the sun
came up cause it has been - chilly at night”. (Sgt J Swift)
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Saving the Enemy - Canadian Soldiers' Professionalism
March 24, 2010
Story by Capt Mike MacKillop
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lfwa/tf309/feature_saving_enemy.asp
The way in which an army treats the population of the foreign country in which it operates, is in many ways a reflection of
that army’s professionalism. In my 13 years as a soldier, I have come to believe that my fellow Canadian soldiers are, with
few exceptions, of the highest moral calibre, not only willing to sacrifice their lives for their comrades as part of the duty
they freely choose to take on, but capable of difficult decisions on a daily basis under stressful conditions in unclear
situations. I am telling this story, not because it is rare, for incidents like this have happened many times in the eight years
we have been in this country and our many missions before Afghanistan, nor because I think we’ve done anything
particularly special. I tell this only because this is my personal example of how our soldiers live up to the expectations and
standards set for us by the people of Canada.
On Jan. 7 while patrolling along the western edge of the battle group’s area of operations, insurgent reconnaissance
elements were observed paralleling our movement, observing us with binoculars, recording us with cameras and
communicating via hand-held radios. We were warned that the messages our base intercepted indicated that the Taliban
were tracking our progress and were planning to either ambush us or set up improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along our
assessed route. This was in an area where IED placements were frequent, where other troops had been in contact only days
earlier, and where the locals were so scared of Taliban that they refused to give us any information.
By noon, numerous confirmed enemy reconnaissance elements were spotted in the area and, despite a two-man team being
neutralized earlier in the day by our forces in the area, we continued to receive information that we were being watched
and that the insurgents were preparing to engage us. Our forces were unable to engage a second two-man reconnaissance
team, as they travelled using children as a human shield. One of our observation platforms observed an IED being placed
on a nearby route that we had used the last time we had moved through the area.
At approximately 2:25 p.m., local time, our forces engaged an insurgent who had been watching our advance and
reporting via radio. As the two men with him had fled the location, no additional spotters were seen in the area and radio
traffic had ceased, I decided that we would move to the spotter’s last known location and conduct a Battle Damage
Assessment (BDA). Though this is standard practice, moving to an area -- whenever tactically feasible and safe to do so -to confirm the results of International Security Assistance Force engagements, assess whether or not the engagement was a
success and determine if there was any collateral damage, we often cannot conduct BDAs due to the high IED threat and
the possibility of a follow-up ambush.
I set up half of my platoon on a series of ruined, ground-level buildings and moved the remainder across 500 metres of
open field. En route to the scene, another insurgent moved into the area on a motorbike, recovered the radio he had been
using and fled after being shot in the side. When we arrived, we found the first insurgent who was shot in both legs -- one
leg almost completely severed and the other femur shattered. He was unconscious, near cardiac arrest, and within minutes
of bleeding out.
The commander of one of my sections, Sgt Jay Swift, established a cordon around the area while the other section, under
the supervision of my platoon second-in-command, WO Jeff Schnurr, oversaw the clearing, treatment and preparation of
the casualty for evacuation. The work done by the platoon’s two integral medics, Corporals Dan Lemieux and Richard
Ready, was outstanding. With the assistance of the section, particularly the diligent note-taking and delegation of tasks by
Cpl Rob Davis and the small hands of Cpl Brad Cady, which allowed him to reach far enough into the wound cavity to
find the main artery, Dan and Richard applied tourniquets and rescue flow, providing life-saving medical assistance.
I have always had the highest faith in my medics. Their skills, their initiative and their knowledge are first-rate, coupled
with a strong patrolling spirit and an outstanding level of physical fitness. This being said, actually watching the
proficiency and effectiveness with which they worked that day reminded me of just how blessed the platoon is to have
them attached. I know that this thought was shared by all of the other patrolmen that witnessed their calm and deliberate
manner as they brought back an enemy from certain death.
Within a few minutes of securing the landing site, an American medical helicopter touched down to receive the casualty,
bringing him back to our hospital at the Kandahar Airfield. We tracked the blood trail of the second insurgent for a few
hundred metres before I decided that we were getting too stretched out and collapsed back together to link up with the
remainder of the platoon.
Our assets identified a threat and neutralized it. This is a necessity in the work we do. We moved forward to determine the
result, and assessed the security in the area. As I said, this is a standard procedure. We saw a wounded human being and
my soldiers used their skills to save him. Simply, it was our duty and the right thing to do.
No one in the platoon thinks that what we did was special; it wasn’t. As I explained, this is not a story about a rare event, it
is simply a single example of the professionalism and morality of Canadian soldiers, an example in a long line of like ones
that have happened here over the past eight years and will, without a doubt, continue.
Submitted by Sue Jones, proud mother of Sgt Jayson Swift
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Website:http://www.outwardbound.ca; http://[email protected]
Company Overview:
Founded in 2009 by two ex light infantry guys and an Armoured Officer in Canmore Alberta. It was founded to create an environment
for vets to network and talk about their experiences while participating in quality adventure training. Outward Bound Canada Vets in a
FREE program for any reserves who have done class C service or retired service members of the CF. Its an ADVENTURE TRAINING
program designed to help soldiers, sailors and airmen reintegrate with their families and their community after service overseas.
Mission: To provide a better quality of life for Canada’s Veterans and their families
Products: Free Adventure Training programs paid for by private donations from grateful Canadians
Veteran's Programs
The Outward Bound Canada Veterans Program is designed to be fun, engaging, challenging, grounded in community and suited to
individuals in good physical condition. The program builds on the strengths that the participants already have by using the teamwork
and problem solving skills that were developed by being in the military. Once on course, participants will come to know the ways of the
mountains and how to travel in them. Leadership skills are tested as participants take over responsibility for the crew and make
community plans and decisions. Our staff, some of whom are Veterans themselves, are highly skilled in climbing, ski touring, mountain
travel, and working with groups. You can count on them to facilitate a challenging and meaningful experience. However, the success of
the program depends on each individual participant.
During the course, in the Canadian wilderness, the only resources you and your fellow veterans have to work with are what you are
carrying, your wits and the deep resilience you have to move forward. The group works together to navigate, make decisions, overcome
obstacles, and meet challenges. Some of the challenges include ice climbing, ski touring, and peak climbing.
Released from the challenges and distractions of everyday life, coming on Outward Bound means that participants are surrounded by a
community of "Brothers and Sisters in Arms" in the wilderness. Take this opportunity to touch base with other veterans on deployment
and post deployment experiences, challenges and successes. Sometimes this is the first time veterans have had the opportunity to share
impressions of their experiences in a completely supportive and like-minded forum with other veterans surrounded by the beauty of the
rich Canadian wilderness landscape. Your home.
Outward Bound Canada has received generous support from the Alberta and NWT command of the Royal Canadian Legion, which pays
100% of the course tuition and the travel associated with getting to the course start. There are no application fees or course fees.
The Mission Information Line is a bilingual telephone service for families of
Canadian military personnel serving in operations outside Canada. The toll-free,
24-hour service features detailed reports about Canadian Forces missions and
operations from around the world and provides the kind of assurance and support
family members depend on. During business hours, callers can speak directly to
MIL staff for additional information or referral to other resources. MIL personnel
are available to handle calls in confidence Monday to Friday, except on statutory
holidays, from 8:00 to midnight Eastern Time. The MIL should not be considered
a substitute for Family Resource Centres or Unit Rear Parties, but rather a
complement to their services.
Note: For the most recent press releases dial 1-800-866-4546 and ext. 15
MISSION
INFORMATION
LINE
1-800-866-4546
www.cfpsa.com
www.missioninfoline.ca
www.ligneinfomission.ca
Call us for a confidential talk.
If we can't help, we know someone who can. 24/7, 365 days/ year
1-800-268-7708
1-800-567-5803
Offered by the Employee Assistance Services of Health Canada in
partnership with the Canadian Forces
OSISS Coordinators for British Columbia
Colleen Brewer, Family Peer Support Coordinator,
Vancouver (604) 666-8512 or email
[email protected]
Vince Tytler, Peer Support Coordinator, (PSC)
Vancouver (604)-666-2157 or email
[email protected]
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
www.vac-acc.gc.ca
1 866 522 2122 (English)
1866 522 2022 (Francais)
7
8
Coffee mornings in Chilliwack
Are you a mom, spouse, sister of a currently deployed soldier?
Why not sign up for the AFGHANISTAN LADIES’ COFFEE with Ann Adkins.
They meet Thursdays, twice a month around 10 AM.
Are you family or friend of military?
Join us for coffee mornings at the alternate Thursdays, twice a month at 10 AM
Please RSVP with Ann Adkins at 604.858.1011 ext 1162 or [email protected]
If you live in Prince George and region and would like to meet other
military families and friends just to chat and share, in a friendly setting,
Please contact Ms Ranjit Gill
General Manager Railway and Forestry Museum
850 River Road Prince George BC V2L 5S8 (250) 563-7351
The group also meets (wearing red) on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. at the Tim Horton's in Pine Centre Mall and also the first Tuesday night of
each month at 7 p.m. at Tim Horton's by Princess Auto as well.
Our next monthly meeting will be an informal potluck BBQ at the Railway and Forestry Museum on Saturday, May 1st at 11:30
a.m. Appetizers, salads and desserts are very welcome.
Please let me know if you are able to attend. I look forward to seeing all of you again . . . And if you know of any other military families
who would like to join us, please invite them.
A reminder that Friday, May 28th, 2010, as proclaimed by Mayor Dan Rogers, is Prince George's official RED FRIDAY. We are
planning a photo event and hopefully, hosted lunch, at the Legion. Please let me know if you are able to attend. I am planning for about
11:30 a.m. but the timing is not confirmed.
Dave Murphy, founder of the Facebook group “Thank A Soldier”, launched The Gratitude Project video Part I. Included in the video are
Gene Simmons and his partner Shannon Tweed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuVVK3mS9H8
Cheers, Heather
Student's essay on soldier's courage wins prize
Master Cpl. Jody Mitic 'demonstrated ability not disability': Ottawa's Charles Pallet
Last Updated: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 CBC News With files from the CBC's Chad Pawson
An Ottawa public school student's essay about a Canadian soldier who overcame the loss of his
legs to run a half-marathon was awarded the top prize in a national contest.
Charles Pallet of Fisher Park Public school was awarded the $2,000 grand prize on Tuesday in
the Lives That Make a Difference contest, which was sponsored by the Canadian subsidiary of
the A&E Television Network.
The network annually hands out a grand prize and a secondary prize for both public school and
high school students. Pallet's essay, chosen from among 1,800 submissions, focused on the
story of Master Cpl. Jody Mitic, the Canadian sniper and elite soldier who stepped on a land
mine during a routine patrol in January 2007.
Mitic, a member of the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment battle group based in
Petawawa, Ont., later learned to walk on special carbon-fibre prosthetic legs, and has run in a
number of races in Ontario to raise awareness and money for rehabilitation hospitals. By
running in races after his injury, Mitic "demonstrated ability not disability," Pallet wrote. Mitic
was also at the school on Tuesday to greet Pallet as he accepted the award, and said he was
honoured by the attention.
"When I set out on my military career when I was 17, I never imagined I'd have someone like
Charles call me a national hero and an inspiration," said Mitic.
For the Grade 7 student, the soldier's accomplishments have changed the way he views his own
challenges. "I play a lot of sports and I've realized that sometimes there are moments you feel
like giving up, or sometimes you are frustrated and you are angry," said Pallet.
"And I can imagine how he'd feel. When I get frustrated, it's when I let in a couple of goals, but
when he gets frustrated ... he must go through a lot. The story can inspire me to work harder
and be better and not give up."
It's the third time in the contest's 10-year history that a student from Fisher Park has won at
least one award. In addition to Pallet's prize, the school gets $1,000 to spend on programming.
Ottawa public school student Charles
Pallet, left, received his essay-writing
award from the subject of his
submission, MCpl Jody Mitic. Courtesy
of CBC.com
MCpl. Jody Mitic, left, runs with other
volunteers to raise money for St. John's
Rehab Hospital in Toronto. (Courtesy
of St. John's Rehab Hospital)
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Left: From this vantage point in the Panjwaii District
in Afghanistan, Sean Wilson views the place where
his brother, Trooper Mark Wilson, was killed by a
bomb in 2006. Military brass pulled strings to give
Sean the rare opportunity to travel "outside the wire"
at Kandahar Airfield, where he's working six months
as a civilian at the military base. (Special to QMI
Agency)
Right: Trooper Mark Wilson
Canoe.ca/news
Submitted by Heather Garrison
Following in his footsteps
AFGHANISTAN
By KATE DUBINSKI, THE LONDON FREE PRESS
Last Updated: April 3, 2010 12:43am
Sean Wilson talks like a soldier.
The Londoner talks about being "inside the wire" and his "tour" in Afghanistan, his mission.
Often, Wilson walks the perimeter of Kandahar Airfield and looks to the southwest. Past the village, the locals, the sheep and the
camels, he can make out the Panjwaii District, where his brother, Trooper Mark Wilson, was killed in October 2006, and where fierce
fighting continues today.
"I like to just ponder, and think of the great work our soldiers are doing in the name of peace, to help the people of Afghanistan try to
get back on their feet, so they can help themselves."
Wilson is in Afghanistan for six months, working as a civilian with the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) that
operates the many shops and the Tim Horton’s at Kandahar Airfield.
Last week, Wilson got a chance most soldiers' families never do. Strings were pulled to allow Wilson, 38, to go beyond the perimeter
to see the approximate spot where his brother, 39, and a father of two boys, was killed.
"I was asked by my higher-ups if I would like to go outside the wire on official CFPSA business.
I nearly cried, I was so happy," Wilson wrote in an e-mail from Kandahar.
"I was given the chance to see the forward operating base (that) Mark was working from before he died . . . It was amazing, to say the
least. I was able to look through binoculars and see, roughly, the exact place Mark was killed. I was approximately three km from the
accident site."
Wilson credits Maj. Cindy Tessier and Gen. Walter Natynczyk, Canada's chief of defence staff, for making his dream come true.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I, as a civilian, think I would see the area in which Mark was killed. The military has gone above
and beyond with me."
Trooper Mark Wilson was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons. He was killed when his armoured vehicle was struck by a
bomb.
He was the 40th Canadian soldier killed in the Afghanistan mission, and the only Londoner to die in that country. In London's long
military history, Wilson is likely also the first soldier killed in combat overseas to be given a funeral and burial here.
For his younger brother, the work in Afghanistan - serving soldiers who served with his brother -- is a pilgrimage.
"I believe it took me a year after Mark's death to realize he was not coming home," Wilson said in his e-mail.
"I was very sad, upset and angry, not at the military, but just due to the fact that we had lost Mark . . . I felt I had to do whatever I
could, to go as far as I could go, to honour my brother, who we all dearly loved. I felt I would not be happy, could not move on in my
life, until I reached my goal of trying to help our forces and the people of Afghanistan, like my brother Mark did."
Talking to Afghans about his brother has given Wilson a new perspective on his brother's death.
"They said how sorry they were but all I could think . . . was that my family lost Mark, but they have lost so much as well," Wilson
wrote.
Wilson considered joining the reserves a couple of years ago but his mom asked him not to. "We have already lost Mark. I cannot
lose any other children," she told him.
Wilson works seven days a week, alternating between the four retail shops on the base that sell everything from toiletry to clothing,
electronics and snacks and the Tim Horton’s that's the busiest outlet within the base.
He began his time in Afghanistan in January, and will be back in London in early July. Since arriving in Kandahar, Wilson said, the
airfield has begun to feel like home.
"I obviously miss my family, but these six months are whipping by and I am trying to take in as much as possible, because someday
soon I will look back and say 'Was I really there?
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Written by Melissa Garrison English 12 Feb.11/10 PART 2
(PART 1 appeared in the April 2010 Newsletter)
The War in Afghanistan
We hardly ever hear about all the good that is being done in Afghanistan. We will hear about all the explosive IEDs that kill a
few solders, but never why they are risking life and limb. Just a fun fact, they defuse 25 IEDs a day, which is a lot more than the number
that gets set off. Does the media report stuff like that? Not of course not. Michael Bergan, a soldier who was overseas, feels that the
media is not informing the public of everything. “No the media does not report everything. Remember that they are a company with
shareholders etc and ‘bad’ news sells better than ‘good’ news. Also a lot of these journalists stay within the confines of the camps too.
Not all those do as I’m sure you are aware of the Canadian Journalist that was killed recently. Lastly, it is to be noted that if you were to
watch Al Jezeera you will have a totally different view. I myself have never held much faith in the media as I have seen such clear
mistakes in editing etc that I do not believe half of it as being correct.” This reporter that he mentions, Michelle Lang, was out of the
safe zone because she knew that the truth was not being told and she wanted to find it for herself and share it with everyone else.
Bergan also feels that the public is not informed of the war the way they should be. When asked if they were he replied, “Not really
unless you are willing to research many different views and opinions on your own. I think the mainstream media such as CTV etc is just
showing a very slim picture of what actually goes on.” Some reporters do not even bother reporting on certain things because they know
that the story would get buried before it could reach the public. Soldiers know it, reporters know it, and so shouldn’t the public know it
too?
The general public that has basically nothing to do with the war form all sorts of opinions based on what they think is concern for the
soldiers and their families. I have heard the argument that the soldiers should be brought back, like they know how the solders feel. The
majority of them do not want to come back. Most that are severely injured wish to go back as soon as possible. They know that their
mission is important because they have actually been there. They have experienced things first hand. Major Brent Purcell expressed just
how important he thinks the mission is. “I feel the mission is extremely important and I believe in it. I only hope that we do not abandon
the Afghan people too early before they are ready to take on the responsibility for their own security.” If you ask other soldiers, many
will answerer the same way. The families also have to suffer through letting their loved ones go into danger, and although people think
they are helping by saying that “the troops should be brought back”, they have no idea just how much worse they are making it for the
families. Speaking to many families who have gone through such trauma, it is obvious how frustrated they are towards the general
public. One military wife who was so sick of what she had to hear wrote a blog entry about it. “Why are we In Afghanistan? A question
very abstractedly answered by the media and interpretations from the general public. However, for us, as military, it is very simple…
We are there to create peace and stability, infrastructure, water, primarily, and to help organize and build the ANA and police forces
period. It is our job to be there, we were not forced to be there we want to be there.” A snippet from a very moving article “A Voice that
is Seldom Heard” which is absolutely right, who ever hears these things from anyone? Who bothers to ask? It is rare to find a military
family that does not support the war or who is not angered by the statements of the public. The daughter of the fallen soldier MCpl
Allan Stewart, Brittany Stewart, says, “well most of my friends made fun of me (well there not really my friends), and saying mean
things. and it made me really sad and saying that they are wasting their time and stuff. I try not to listen to them.” For those that are
against the war because it is unfair to the soldiers or their families please don’t use us as an excuse for your own ignorance; it’s
insulting.
Another reason people use to not be at war is that it is cruel to the people of Afghanistan. The truth is that they have seen much crueler
things than a country fighting for their freedom. They once had the basic human rights only to watch them get taken away by the
Taliban. They will be tortured or killed for even the smallest things. One thing we all have in common is that every person wants the
freedom to do as they please. The majority of civilians want our help. In Brent Purcell’s experience, he knows how they feel. “I would
say that the majority of the Afghan people are grateful we are there. The average Afghan citizen wants the same things as we Canadians
want. They want safety, security, food and a better life for their children.” Michael Bergan shares his opinion. “Yes and no. of course
the ‘yes’ ones are the people that have seen us as a non threat i.e. the civilians that we are helping via medical help and security and the
‘no’ ones are the ones fighting against us i.e. the Taliban and radical extremist groups.” Afghan people are willing to risk their lives for
the freedom we are trying to give them. One Muslim woman is very clear in her opinion. Benazir Bhutto, assassinated Prime Minister of
Pakistan, talks about how many large Muslim leaders were outraged on the attack on their people after 9/11, “Obviously (and
embarrassingly), Muslim leaders, masses, and even intellectuals are quite comfortable criticizing outsiders for the harm inflicted of
fellow Muslims, but there is deadly silence when they are confronted with Muslim-on-Muslim violence.” Over 80 women who were
still trapped in their brutal lives without hope of escape committed suicide by lighting themselves on fire. This is better than a few years
of war and eventually peace? The right to vote was given to Afghanistan and in the first year especially, it was a threat to anyone’s life
to participate. Anyone who voted had to get a mark on their finger, and the Taliban targeted anyone with this mark. Did people shy
away and not use this new right they were given? No, they risked their lives just to vote. When hairdressers were banned for women,
and anyone who was caught running or going to a salon would be shot on the spot, did they give up and stay home? No, women set up
salons in their basement and got great business. Women risked their lives just to get a haircut. It was not about the haircut, it was about
getting freedom where they had none. If the people of Afghanistan don’t want the freedom we are giving them, then why do they risk
there lives for the little things we take for granted every day?
Should we be in Afghanistan? The answer is in another two questions. Do we want to let others suffer while we sit comfortably at
home? Do we want to risk the lives of each other on the hope that the radical terrorists will leave us alone? The answer is clear but most
people don’t want to see it. I for one know that I don’t want to take the risk.
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Sgt Greg Kruse &
Daughter Kari
KIA 27 Dec 2008
Submitted by BOB Mugford: UBIQUITOUS – A Canadian Military Lifestyle Magazine
Story by Jill Kruse
I became a fan of the Red Fridays Support Our Troops campaign back in January 2007 when my husband and daughter attended the first
Red Rally for the troops at CFB Gagetown. I planned to go as well but my three-year-old twins and I got sick and we had to stay home. I
remember my daughter Kari, who was nine-years-old at the time, coming home all excited about the day she had with her dad. She met
Canadian Idol star Casey LeBlanc and Kari also co-created a human Canadian Flag with hundreds of other supporters for an aerial photo.
That photo has a special place in our home and our hearts.
But another wonderful photo was created that day. It was the one people from all across this country saw two years later when they read
about how her Dad and my beloved husband was killed in an IED strike in Afghanistan. It was the photo I chose to send to the media
because it told the real story of our family, our sacrifice and Greg’s absolute dedication to his mission as a soldier serving in the Canadian
Armed Forces.
As I look back at that time now, I wonder about the series of events, which led up to our loss and how they have become so significant to
me. The Red Friday Rally at CFB Gagetown was definitely one.
The following summer we were posted to Petawawa so Greg could participate on the next roto to Afghanistan. It was a troubling move
and change for this military wife. My peacekeeper was now going to war.
That Christmas, in Petawawa, I went to the Canex and bought everyone in my family special Red Friday t-shirts and yellow ribbon
magnets for the car. It was our most important gift that year: the gift of support. After all, where my husband was going, he would need all
the support our family could muster.
We loved wearing our red shirts on Fridays. Everyone in Petawawa and Pembroke wore their red shirts. It didn’t matter where you went,
to school, the bank, the post office or the grocery store, everyone working or patronizing was sporting red Support Our Troops shirts. It
was and still is the way it is there. I didn’t ever have to remind the kids. All their friends and teachers were wearing red. We didn’t need to
explain why we were wearing them. Everyone knew and understood the reason: to show our troops we support them.
However, since we’ve moved back home to Fredericton, it seems the sea of Red Friday support has dried up. My children and I seem to be
the only ones supporting our troops in our community, our schools and places of business on Fridays. We live only 20 minutes away from
CFB Gagetown. I see soldiers in our neighbourhood commuting home daily. We still have soldiers from our base
engaged in battle and providing security in the war zone.
I am confused. Have the people in my hometown forgotten that our troops are still out there risking their lives? Have they misunderstood
the reason for the cause? Has it become politically incorrect to wear red on Fridays? I wonder. I wonder every Friday when I put on my
red t-shirt and look around to see if anyone else cares that my husband died at the hands of a brutal enemy; an enemy who would rejoice
in the knowledge that some Canadians no longer care about supporting our troops.
For those of you who don’t know the origin of the Red Friday Support Our Troops campaign, here is a little background. According to
Wikipedia, people in Canada wear red on Fridays to show support for troops serving in the Canadian Forces. Red was chosen because it is
an official Canadian colour, and historically it is a colour of remembrance because it symbolizes the red poppies in Flanders Fields and the
loss of life that the country has endured. The Canadian Red Friday tradition was started by two military wives, Lisa Miller and Karen
Boire in Petawawa. They wanted to do something significant to show their beloved soldiers how much they honour and love them for
their courage and loyalty to their country.
I say the Red Friday campaign is a real tribute to our soldiers and our country. We need to continue to show our support in this colourful
way – to remind one another how important it is to thank these fine men and women for their courage and commitment to service. It is the
least we can do…especially for those soldiers, like my Greg, who gave their lives in war so we can go on living in peace.
What do you say neighbour? Isn’t it time to dig out that red shirt and show the world we do care about our soldiers…at least until we can
“bring ‘em all home safe!” CHIMO! http://www.ubiquitousmagazine.ca/en/red-fridays-tribute-our-troops-and-our-country
What can you do to show your
support for our soldiers?
Wear red on Fridays and become a member of
Facebook Red Fridays British Columbia.
My heartfelt appreciation is to Premier Gordon
Campbell and his Caucus for responding to our
national challenge in support of Facebook’s groups
“Red Fridays Canada” and “Red Fridays British
Columbia” by showing their unconditional support
and “Honouring Our Troops” by wearing red!
Thank you, Heather Garrison
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PAST EVENTS
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EASTER EGG-TRAVAGANZA
IN THE FRASER VALLEY
Submitted by Jocelyn Wilkinson
Easter eggs, cheesy carrot crafts, spring inspired animal magnets, and creative crafts prompting imagination made this year’s free
Easter Egg-travaganza Kids Party a success in the Fraser Valley!
Hopping to the excitement, 27 participants, Justin and myself joined in the fun at the MFRC’s Easter Egg-travaganza Kids Party.
Straying from the traditional bunny path of an Easter Egg Hunt, children were encouraged to share their favourite things,
including what they like most about themselves in a Personal Scavenger Hunt. All scavengers received a chocolate Easter
Bunny.
Participants and bunnies alike were welcome to crunch carrots, nutritious snacks, and fun treats. Finding Nemo was the selected
movie entertainment for this spring event.
Special thanks to our wonderful MFRC volunteers Alex MacDonald and Richard Wilkinson! Alex volunteered to operate the
locked door to ASU Chilliwack and greeted all participants. Alex equipped everyone with a nametag and answered any
participant questions about the event. My brother Richard worked with me until the wee hours of the morning helping set up the
venue. He set up tables, organized crafts, set up the movie screen, and he also carried all of the supplies: food, crafts, and
decorations. A heartfelt thanks to the men and women at ASU Chilliwack who cleaned out and organized the event space! The
MFRC truly appreciates the constant support ASU Chilliwack demonstrates for all of our programs and services. Thank you!
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Premier Gordon Campbell
LtoR: Steven Point BC Lieutenant –
Governor & Spouse Gwendolyn Point
BC Lieutenant – Governor Aid or Honorary
Aide-de-Camp
Bill Diamond – BC MFRC Vice Chair Board of Directors
Phillip Chicola – U.S. Consul-General & Host of Honouring Afghan Vets
Lyall Knott – Organizer, MC & Host for the event
HONOURING THE AFGHAN VETS
The elegant Pacific Ballroom at the Hotel Vancouver was the setting for the
Salute to Afghanistan Veterans Event hosted by the U.S. Consul General and
Captain (N) Lyall D. Knott. The event was held to honour the men and women of
the Canadian forces who are veterans of the Afghan Conflict. Gordon Campbell,
Premier of British Columbia, Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and
Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and the Honourable Steven Point,
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia were among the distinguished guests. It
was a special evening for all those who attended and a nice gesture by many
politicians and military members to show their support and gratitude to our
veterans.
Bill Diamond and Joanna Stella-LaRue represented the Board of Directors very
well at this annual event. The Staff (Justin, Jodi and Chloe) set up the MFRC
"SOT" BOOTH and sold over $980.00 of merchandise in 4 hours. Along with the
direct sales, we have "IN THE MAIL" cheque promises of over $600 in donations
for the evening. The MFRC was well received and appreciated for being present
and helping family members of our Vets.
PAST EVENTS
Admiral Pile Task Force – Pacific and wife
Deb,
Lyall Knott – Organizer, MC & Host
Brig.Gen Jon Vance, Bill Diamond
Justin Solamillo, Jodi Rowe, BrigadierGeneral Vance, Chloe Cash-Anderson
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PAST EVENTS
ABBOTSFORD HEAT BLAZED
A TRAIL FOR BC MFRC
Submitted by Jocelyn Wilkinson
Abbotsford Heat blazed a trail for the BC MFRC on Friday, March 05.
For the first time ever, the Heat hosted a CF Appreciation Night and
invited the BC MFRC to come and sell Support Our Troops
merchandise.
In addition to merchandise sales, a Support Our Troops flag was at the
event for participants to express their words of encouragement and
thanks to the troops currently serving in Afghanistan.
The flag has been passed on to the Abbotsford Heat players to sign.
The Heat also promoted the MFRC in their Community Corner
initiative that gives back $3 per ticket purchased through your choice
charity.
Lynn McCarthy and I worked the event with our amazing volunteers:
Tracey, Frank, and Angelina Smith. Thank you to the Smith family
for volunteering their Friday night to help promote the MFRC! A
special thanks to my brother Richard who was fabulous with the
inventory count before and after the event and who helped carry and
pack up the heavy event materials.
April 16-18 - MFRC WINE TOUR 2010:
Jocelyn and her TEAM (Justin, Chloe, Jodie, and Lynn) are to be congratulated for not only the biggest, but the best organized Wine
Tour by the Mainland BC MFRC - EVER!!!!!!
From the response of the participants, Jocelyn: "You're a "SUPER STAR". As I wandered around the room talking to as many people
as possible, the highlights of the event where:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The Delta Grand Hotel is spectacular,
The ONLINE registration was a stroke of genius!
Hotel room assignment was the fastest and best organized.
The evening dinner was a "GREAT addition this year and the FOOD was amazing."
Selection of the Wine Tour Stops was fantastic with a good variety of different tastes to suit everyone's palate.
The Social prior to the dinner was a good mixer and provided the staff with an opportunity to mingle with our guests.
The evening program was short, to the point and much appreciated. Special Thanks to Rick Hunter,(ASU) and Richard Van
Slyke (39 CBG) for bringing greetings from their constituency.
8.
The Door Prizes from the various wineries were appreciated and everyone had fun.
Mainland BC MFRC is looking forward to continuing developments for next year.
THANK You to all the participants – Rick Cuttell, Executive Director Mainland BC MFRC
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PAST EVENTS
2010 WAS A GREAT VINTAGE
FOR THE MFRC WINE TOUR
Submitted by Jocelyn Wilkinson
Wine is sunlight, held together by water. ~Galileo
Cru Classé! 2010 was a great vintage for the MFRC Wine Tour as the wineries that
year were excellent, and many superlative wines were tasted. The entire event was
cork popping!
Mirroring past Wine Tours, this year’s MFRC Wine Tour was a two-day, one-night
event in BC’s beautiful Okanagan wine country. In an effort to accommodate more
MFRC clients, additional spots were added to this year’s tour making it the biggest
Wine Tour yet with more than 100 participants!
Crated in three tour buses participants had the opportunity to visit three delightfully
diverse wineries:
Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery a winery only in its second year of
production and already winning awards! This tour was more of a
dessert buffet with 13 fruit wines and 8 dessert wines including a
sweet Pumpkin Pie Dessert Wine. The sweetness didn’t end, as
participants were then welcomed to syrup tasting.
Sumac Ridge Winery where participants learned that “wine is more than just
a drink, it’s an experience”. This winery tour focused on the wine making
process and included a visit to the crush pad, wine cellar and the tasting of
award-winning wines.
Thornhaven Estates Winery pleased all senses with spectacular
views and handcrafted fine wines. This tour was relaxed and
consisted of participants being served award-winning wines from
Thornhaven’s distinctive list.
A harmonious combination of good food and great company made the first ever Wine
Tour group dinner a sparkling success. The newly introduced MFRC Wine Tour Event
Social and Buffet Dinner and fabulous accommodations at the Delta Grand Okanagan
Resort balanced out the MFRC Wine Tour.
It appears that none are too eager to cleanse their palate of memories from this tour as a
lingering luscious aftertaste helps one to look forward to future MFRC events.
You are in luck! Our next MFRC event is a barbecue in June, details to follow!
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PAST EVENTS
By MCpl Tanya Littley
On the 17th of April 2010 spouses, mothers and sisters of members of the British Columbia
Dragoons and Canadian Forces members currently deployed overseas, gathered together to spend
some time with each other. The “Women Behind the Uniform Day” was organized in recognition of
the support that female family members offer their military members throughout the year, contributing
to the success of both overseas operations and regimental training.
The day was organized almost entirely by Lori Kirschner, a civilian member of the British
Columbia Dragoons (BCD) currently working in the orderly room. Door prizes were given to those
who attended the day, collected by Lori , and the wife of Sergeant Corey Miller, Leann Miller. The
donations included MC College, who lent the BCD the talent of four of their esthetics students, and
Esteem Lingerie and Vibrance Wellness Spa who each contributed $25 gift certificates for each of the
34 attendees.
The day included free mini manicures and make-up application by the students from MC College in
Kelowna, and a free spa/beauty product demo by Christy Racano from Beauti Control. Refreshments
were provided by the Military Family Resource Centre including sandwiches, fruit, vegetables and a
chocolate fountain.
Due to the meticulous planning and organization of the very first Women Behind the Uniform Day,
the activities of the day progressed smoothly and the participants had a great time. Regimental staff
continues to look for opportunities to show appreciation to member’s families through future
occasions like this one.
The BCD would like to thank the following businesses in the Kelowna area for their contributions to
the day: MC College, Esteem Lingerie, Vibrance Wellness Spa, Orchard Park Mall, Plum Clothing, 13
MONKS, Spa at the Cove, Cabella Hair, Cherry Pit, Kelly O'Bryan's, D Tan, Dragons Lair Tea,
Summerland Home Hardware, and Penticton Lakeside Resort.
During the Wine Tour Festivities, The British Columbia Dragoons, Kelowna, put on a "SPA DAY" for the ladies of our Kelowna
deployed soldiers. A request was made of the MFRC for some financial support and to have a (female) representative from the MFRC. A
special THANK YOU to Lynn McCarthy who volunteered to spend the time, on behalf of the MFRC, getting the "SPA Treatment". It was
a "tough job, but someone had to do it on behalf of the MFRC". The organizers of the event were very appreciative of the "MFRC
OUTREACH PROGRAM" and our financial support in these tough economic times.
THANK YOU to Lori Kirschner from the BCDs for organizing this great event Rick Cuttell ED Mainland BC MFRC
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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National Youth Band of Canada - 2010
Tour
The Band of the Fifteenth Field Regiment is pleased to
announce their appearance with the National Youth Band of
Canada, 7:30pm Wednesday, May 12 in Laura C. Muir
Performing Arts Theatre at Douglas College in New
Westminster. The National Youth Band is the premiere
wind band experience for young musicians from across the
country and each year has members from all provinces and
territories. This year, under the direction of Dr. Wayne
Jeffrey of Kwantlen College, the band will present an
exciting program of traditional and new music for band.
The Band of the Fifteenth Field Regiment is thrilled to be
part of the concert and will present the premiere
of two works by Vancouver composers Robert Buckley and
Hal Beckett during their portion of the program.
Come and support Canada's Youth. Come and support
Canada's Military. Enjoy an evening of the finest music for
winds played at the highest calibre.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Preparing for Reunion
By Nicole Bedard
Many parents and loved ones of TF3-09 soldiers are beginning to prepare for the return of their soldier this month. This is a
wonderful and exciting time, but it is also a time of change. With any change, whether that change is positive or negative, there is
always some stress involved. One way to minimize stress is to seek out information to help to prepare you for what you might
experience in that situation. In general, when people feel like they know what to expect, they feel better able to cope. In this
month’s article I would like to provide you with some general information of what to expect during this time and also what you
can do to support your soldier.
Before the Return:
• Your child is the only person who knows when he/she will be coming home.
• Your child will not find out exactly when he/she is leaving until very close to that date. Even at that point, for various
reasons, flights can get changed and the soldier may end up on an earlier or later flight than originally planned.
Time of Return:
• Your child will likely be very jet lagged and tired when they first get home. He/she has been working long hours for
many months and will need time to adjust to the current time zone and pace of life.
• Soldiers will have certain work requirements when they first return home. This is meant to be a check-in for units. The
general rule is that the soldier has to work 3 half days with his/her home unit when he/she first returns home.
After the Return:
• Your child has been caring for him/herself and others for many months and has had many new experiences while on the
deployment. It is common to notice changes in maturity, opinions and goals, especially if this was your child’s first
experience leaving home.
• Your may find that your child does not want to discuss their deployment experience with you and may only seem to
open up to other soldiers. This is common and should not be taken as a sign of the soldier “shutting you out”.
So what can you do as a parent to support your child during this time?
• Talk to your child about their wants and needs.
• Do not plan or schedule too many social events when they first get home as they will likely not be up for a lot of
socializing. They may also have some initial work requirements that will conflict with your plans.
• Communicate to your child your desire to support them and give them time and space to share what they will with you
when they are ready.
• Continue to seek out and use the supports available to you and take care of yourself.
Locating Child Care for the Summer
Finding quality child care during the summer for kids who are out of school can be tough! Luckily there is a program that has
been developed specifically to assist parents in locating child care facilitates in their community to meet their family’s needs.
The Child Care Resource and Referral Programs are community based non-profit services that are operated by individuals with a
background in early child development and education. Child Care Resource and Referral Programs keep up-to-date lists of child
care facilities accepting new clients within their community and they can assist you to find affordable child care in your area.
They also have information about locating summer child care programs and camps for school aged children.
To locate and learn more about the Child Care Resource and Referral Program in your community, visit their province wide
website at www.childcarechoices.ca
BC Association of Farmers’ Markets
With summer approaching, farmers’ markets are returning to communities throughout BC. Interested in finding a market in your
community or finding out when your local market starts up again? Visit the BC Association Farmers’ Markets website at
www.bcfarmersmarket.org
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Submitted by
Lynn McCarthy
21
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Banff, Alberta
[email protected]
1-800-813-4138
www.ymountainlodge.com
D'Vine Dreams
Bed & Breakfast
Naramata
(250) 496-4055
1-888-490-4055
[email protected]
www.dvinedreams.com
604-858-4426
www.riverbendguesthouse.com
Vancouver
www.lepetitspa.ca
Bowen Island 604 947 9030 www.mik-sa.com
Vancouver
[email protected]
604-659-3474
www.vanaqua.org
Vancouver Lookout
at Harbour Centre
North Vancouver
[email protected] or
[email protected]
604-985-7474
http://www.capbridge.com/
[email protected]
604-689-0421
[email protected]
604-699-2011
www.whalesvancouver.ca
The Whitecaps are proud to offer discounted ticket
prices to all groups from Canada’s Armed Forces.
To order tickets just call the Vancouver Whitecaps
Office at 604-669-WAVE (9283) or email Iain Allan,
Account Manager at [email protected]
Free admission Ottawa, ON
1-800-555-5621
http://www.warmuseum.ca/
Jim Stanton, Tony Speiss, Al De Genova
www.runningroom.com
604-504-5336 or 1(888) 248-4868
http://www.huntsecuritysystems.co
10 % Discount cards are
available at the MFRC
Sunshine GM Sechelt BC 1-888-388-2438
www.sunshinegm.com Details: 25% off labour on all repairs and $1000.00 discount on all new purchases 22
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SUPPORT OUR TROOPS MERCHANDISE @ the MFRC
How Do You Order?
• In Person - Drop by the MFRC and pick it up.
• Online - Visit www.bcmfrc.com and use our online form
• E-mail - Send your order to [email protected]
• By Telephone - Give us a call and place your order with us.
ALL proceeds raised go to new and ongoing Programs and Family Services offered by Mainland BC MFRC
Soldier Bear
$20
License
Plates
$5.00
Ball Caps
$10.00
(Black or
Red)
Yellow
Ribbon Car
Antenna
Topper
$1
Yellow
Ribbon
Tie Tack
$2
T shirt
S,M,L,XL
$15.00
Support our
Troops Flag
$30.00
Yellow/
Cadpat
Ribbon Car
Magnet
$5
Support
Our
Troops
Lapel Pin
$5
Maple
Leaf
Lapel Pin
$5
Sew on
Yellow
Ribbon
$5.00
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MFRC Community Programming & Services
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Licensed Child Minding Program
What: On site child minding for children 18 months to 4 years old
When: Mondays & Wednesdays and Tuesdays & Fridays 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Jericho Site
Cost : $190.00
Sign up for your child to join our gross and fine motor play activities, messy hands-on crafts, outside play and
early literacy sing song circle time!
Subsidized and drop-in spaces open for CF families.
Contact Lisa Paul at 604-736-3588 or [email protected] for more information
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House Community Preschool
Help your child get ready for school! We accept students 3 to 5 years old.
Morning Sessions:
Afternoon Sessions:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
9:30am - 12:00pm
1:30pm - 4:00pm
$190.00 per month
$190.00 per month
Subsidies may be available for CF families. For more information or to inquire about registering your own child,
please contact Lisa Paul, Family and Youth Coordinator, at (604) 736-3588 or email [email protected]
Vancouver/Burnaby Twins and More Club
The Vancouver/Burnaby Twins and More Club is a family-focused group whose goal is to provide practical
emotional and social support to multiple birth parents and their children during pregnancy, infant, toddler and
preschooler stages.
Membership to Vancouver Twins is open to everyone - expectant parents, caregivers, parents of newborns and
those parents of multiples that are seasoned pros.
WHEN:
first Sunday of every month from 10:00am to 12:00pm.
COST:
$2 per family (members) and $4 per family (non-members)
WHERE:
MFRC Child Care Trailers at Jericho Site
MORE INFO: www.vancouvertwins.ca or contact your MFRC Vancouver Site
Rainbows Peer-Support Program - Children Ages 4 to 11
www.rainbows.ca
Rainbows is a 12 week internationally known support program for children who have endured a significant family
loss by death in the family, divorce of parents, and any other painful family transitions. Facilitators with Rainbows
certification run the program.
Times: Wednesday from 6:30-7:30pm. For info [email protected] or 604 225 2520 #2518
If you don’t live in the Lower Mainland?
Contact Ann at 604-858-1162 for more information about Rainbow programs in the Fraser Valley
Military Family Identification Card (MFID)
The military family identification cards or MFID, provides military families the opportunity to
possess a no cost standardized means of identification. The MFID not only provides tangible
recognition of military families as an important and integral part of the military team, but also
an ideal instrument that can be used when military personnel are away for extended periods,
like a deployment.
These cards not only allow for basic identification as a military family member, but may also
be used to access DND facilities, as well as many discount programs.
So, how can you get one? Please send us an email at [email protected] to arrange
a time to get one. It takes about 15 minutes to issue. Do you live far from the Lower
Mainland, but would like an MFID? We could be in your area! Please send us an email,
letting us know where you are from and we’ll let you know if we’ll be in your area.
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MFRC Jericho Site Drop-in Programs
Parent-Child Drop-In- Toddlers 1y to 3 y
Professional supportive staff operate program and are available for information and informal consultations.
Visitors welcome to come.
Cost: FREE!
Times: Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00- 5:00 pm
Parent/Child Circle of Sharing - Parents with young children
It’s a small sign-up group of parents who will meet together with their children in a relaxed nurturing
environment. Parents will have the opportunity to play with and observe their children in the playroom, as
well as join in parent discussions about areas of concern to all parents involved. Staff facilitated discussion,
support, assistance, encouragement and acceptance. Parents experience growth with goal to parent with new
confidence and skills.
Cost: FREE!
Times: 9 Thursdays from 9:30-11:30am
Call for more info Justin 604.225.2520 ext 2518
For more details about the above programs please contact WSFP @ 604.738.2819
Jericho Site Coffee
Can’t make it out to coffee mornings on Monday? The MFRC knows that we are all busy and our schedules are
always changing, so we are looking at changing our coffee morning times in the New Year. Instead of having
just one day for you to come in and join us, we invite people to drop-in any time during our office hours to sit
and chat. Whether you’re inquiring about programs, looking for information or just wanting to sit down and
chat with a staff member please feel free to come by Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm for a
visit. We look forward to seeing you!!
Parent-to-Parent Support Group
Parent-to-Parent is an interagency support group of parents of children with special needs, particularly autism.
They always welcome new parents to the group. Contact Janan Thomas at [email protected] for more info.
Start again in September .
Times: Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
HOMEWORK CLUB
Location: Jericho MFRC Programming Site
Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm Cost: FREE!
For more information,
contact Nicole at (604) 225-2520 ext. 2518,
or [email protected]
Every Monday afternoon (except stats and holiday breaks) volunteer teens from
West Point Grey Academy are at the MFRC Jericho Programming trailer, available to help you with your school work.
Come and join us!
We at WEST SIDE FAMILY PLACE are proud to announce the new
WEST SIDE TOY LENDING LIBRARY!
We are open and running Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-5pm, out of the West Side Family Place family dropin program at the MFRC location at the Jericho Garrison on 4050 W 4th Ave. We offer toys, books, puzzles,
parent resources, and many other exciting things for children 0-5 yrs old. It is free and easy to use the toy
lending library, all you have to do is come down and register with our lending librarian during the hours stated
above. After that there will be many opportunities for borrowing in your future! This is a great resource, come
check us out!
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call 604-738-2819.
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Vancouver Jericho SITE
Chilliwack SITE
Mo-Fr 10am-4pm
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MAY 2010
WWW.BCMFRC.COM
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
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3
4
5
6
7
1/8
Military Ball
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15
21
22
28
29
4
5
2-5
9
10
Mother’s Day
11
2-5
12
13
2-5
2-5
16
17
18
19
20
2-5
23
24
25
2-5
26
27
2-5
30
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1 JUNE
2
2-5
Rick Cuttell- Executive Director
p: 604.225.2520 x 2572 e: [email protected]
Justin Solamillo – Lower Mainland Manager
p: 604.225.2535 Opt. 2 e: [email protected]
2-5
3
2-5
Chloe Ash-Anderson-Administrative Assistant
P: 604 225 2535 e: [email protected]
Jodi Rowe –Marketing Coordinator
P: 604 225 2520 ext 2576 e: [email protected]
Hanna Robertson – Deployment Support Coordinator
p: 604.225.2520 x2550
direct p: 226.662.0220
e: [email protected]
Jocelyn Wilkinson- Fraser Valley Manager
p: 604.858.1011 ext 1195
e: [email protected]
Ann Adkins –IPS/JPSU Coordinator Fraser Valley
p: 604.858.1011 ext 1162
e: [email protected]
Nicole Bedard- IPS/JPSU Coordinator Lower Mainland
p: 604 225 2520 ext 2518
e: [email protected]
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