1

NEWSLETTER

Saturday, September 24, 2011 Issue No. 9

CPVA Miramichi Chapter marching to the Cenotaph on National Peacekeepers' Day, 9 August 2011.

2

Special Guest

The Honourable Graydon Nicholas, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, VIP’s Photo City Hall Miramichi, NB.

L-R Maj J Duplessie, Mayor Gerry Cormier, Force Chaplain – Auxiliary Inspector Cecil Symes, Hon. Robert Trevor’s MLA Miramichi Centre, MP Tilly O’Neill Gordon, MPF Superintendent Randy Hansen, RCMP Ferris McLean, Lt Gov of NB Graydon Nicholas, Br # 10 Rep Robert Westhaver, 2RNBR L/Col S Bass, CPVA Miramichi Chapter President, Roy Matheson.

Lt Gov Inspects the Peacekeepers

3

A highlight of the Day’s activities was a Presentation to the Lt Gov of a Native Art Painting by a Local Artist; Miss Pauline Young.

Two members of the Miramichi Chapter were awarded plaques.

Reg Savoie received the Peacekeeper of the Year and Mel McGraw was presented with the Builder Award.

4

MC Dean Lawrence

National Peacekeepers' Day is an official remembrance day for Canadian veterans of

military peacekeeping activities. It is officially marked on 9 August of each year and

observed on the closest Sunday. Legislation to make the day an official national day

in Canada was passed in June 2008. On August 9, 1974, Canadian Forces Buffalo

115461 was making a scheduled supply flight from Ismailia, Egypt to Damascus,

Syria, when it was shot down by surface to air missiles. The date was chosen to

commemorate 9 August 1974, when nine Canadian Peacekeepers serving on UNEF II

were killed when their Aircraft was shot down over Syria, the highest number of

Canadian peacekeepers killed in a single incident.

5

Head Table Guest

Tilly O'Neill Gordon, MP - Miramichi, His Honor the Lt Gov of NB Greydon Nicholas,

CPVA Miramichi Chapter President, Roy Matheson, 2RNBR L/Col S Bass.

MPF Randy Hanson, RCL #3 George Springer, Jim Muck, Fr Landry, RCMP Ferris McLean,

RCL #10 John Westhaver.

Graydon Nicholas

Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, speaking at the luncheon.

6

A Highlight of the Luncheon was the History of the Miramichi Chapter

By Founder Eldon Rogers

HISTORY- In February of 2001, the founding father Eldon Rogers (Capt. Ret.) began setting in place the foundation for what was to become the CPVA Miramichi Chapter. In 2001 the Peacekeeping Medal was being presented to peacekeepers throughout Canada. Eldon asked if it would be possible to arrange for a parade and medal presentation to local Miramichi Peacekeepers. It was recommended at that time that we establish a local chapter to assist in setting up the parade. We organized the chapter, held the parade and received our medals. The Honorable Marilyn Trenholme, Lt. Governor of NB presented 45 medals and Nobel Peace Prize Diplomas at this ceremony. Several Federal and Provincial dignitaries took part in this prestigious event. A reception which was hosted by the City of Miramichi followed the presentations.

Above is the Nobel Scroll & Medals

7

CPVA Miramichi Chapter Presidents Message

It is hard to believe that fall is upon us! We have been very busy during the summer of 2011, with different functions. We held a parade in commemoration of National Peacekeeping on August 9th, and had a great turn-out. The Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, the Honourable Graydon Nicholas, was our guest of honour.

Also attending were Lieutenant Colonel Bass, commanding officer of 2 Battalion, RNBR, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #10, Newcastle, as well as a member of Branch #3, Chatham, our MP, local MLAs, and other dignitaries as well as wives, friends and neighbors. To say it was a success is putting it mildly.

We culminated the morning's events with a lunch held at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Campbell Street. As president, I would like to thank the members and their wives/partners for their support, especially the executive who worked so diligently to make our Peacekeeping day successful.

I would like to offer special congratulations to Mel McGraw who was chosen Builder of the Year, and was awarded a plaque by Lt.Gov. G. Nicholas for his dedication and many hours of work. As well, I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Reg Savoie, who was chosen Peacekeeper of the year. He also was presented with a plaque by the Lt.Gov. Of N.B. Thank you on behalf of the Association for jobs well done!

Since this was the year of our tenth anniversary, it seems to be extra special; Eldon Rogers, our founder, gave a presentation on our Peacekeeping chapter, Miramichi, to bring us all up-to-date. Thank you, Eldon, for a very informative and enjoyable presentation.

I hope to see every member at our general meeting on September 29th, as well as at other functions on the annual calendar for 2011.

Don't forget the parade for the Portraits of Honour in November. More information will follow.

Roy Matheson CPVA Miramichi Chapter President

8

Message From; Ray Kokkonen, CPVA National President

Photos from the activities in Victoria BC during the National Peacekeepers' Day.

Builder Award Ray Kokkonen, CPVA National President, presents the CPVA Builder Award to the CPVA Patron, Brigadier General (Ret'd) Larry Gollner for his many years of outstanding and dedicated work on behalf of CPVA and all veterans.

CPVA Presentation Ms. Bridget Preston, Area Manager of the Vancouver Island Veterans Affairs District Office, accepts the Outstanding Service Award from CPVA National President, Ray Kokkonen, on behalf of her office and staff. The award is given at a national level for outstanding, dedicated and caring service to veterans.

CPVA Victoria His Honour, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Steven L. Point OBC, arrives at the National Peacekeepers' Day parade in Victoria on 9 August 2011. He is escorted to the honour stand by CPVA National President, Ray Kokkonen, and the CPVA Patron, Brigadier General (Ret’d) Larry Gollner.

9

Announcements

Sick Bay-Reg Savoie will be heading to St John for a med check-up soon. Nick Haars was back in Hospital & is now at home. Robert Doucette at home. Polly Jamieson recovering from knee surgery. Shirley Haars recovering from a fall. Mike Baldwin is in hospital with an infection & is doing well, soon to be released.

Wedding Anniversaries-50TH Bobbie & Paul Cross, Ray & Silvia Savoy, & Al & Polly Jamieson,

Birthdays- SEPT 7TH Helene Oursien, Sept 17th Alan Jamieson, 2nd Oct Marg McGraw,

New Printer - HP Office Jet Pro K8600 – Asking $100.00, Prints Posters 18x19 down to 4x6 size prints. (Never used $300.00 Value) – A Digital Camera by Fujifilm. Make me an offer. Call Mel 506-773-3724

“NOTE”-Poppy Campaign, TBA, School and veterans visits, TBA, Remembrance Day parade.

11 Nov 2011, TBA, Gerry Cormier’s Christmas Concert will be held at a time to be announced.

The Portraits of Honour National Tour is rolling across our country and will be in Miramichi November 6th. From big cities to the smallest of towns, the POH tour is making an impact on Canadians. The outpouring of patriotism, emotion and support for our Canadian Forces is overwhelming. Donations are starting to roll in and that means the POH Tour will be able to provide financial assistance to the troops and families who need our help. But we and they need your help. Be sure to come out and see what these guys are doing, and lend your support to the cause. TBA www.portraitsofhonour.ca

10

Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association, Miramichi Chapter

Membership Renewal for 2012

Dear Member

We value your membership. Your support is vital to ensure that CPVA remains a viable national organization, in recognizing Peacekeeping Veterans.

Please take a few moments now to renew your membership and ensure that you continue to

be kept informed about issues and events that affect CPVA Members

Please renew my membership

Make Cheque or money order payable to, CPVA, MIRAMICHI CHAPTER

Regular Membership $20.00

Associate Membership $25.00

Membership Number __________

Name ______________________ Please indicate any changes in Address - E-Mail address _______________________

Please send a Cheque or Money Order to (Reginald Savoie)

Membership Chairman, 110 Vancouver Crest, Miramichi, NB E1N 2E5

Should you decide not to renew please inform us.

11

CPVA Miramichi Chapter Annual Calendar 2011

DATE

ACTIVITIES

LOCATION

REMARKS

January 2011 20 27

Executive Meeting AGM 17:00hrs

Court House Portage Restaurant

Followed by dinner

February 2011 12

Valentine’s Dinner TBA Spouses and Guests

March 2011 24 31

Executive Meeting General Meeting

Court House Branch #10

April 2011 9

Dinner Evening TBA Spouses and Guests

May 2011 19 26

Executive Meeting General Meeting

Court House Branch #10

Support your Chapter by Attending Reg/Meetings, Activities, Parade’s, etc.

June 2011 11

Dinner Evening

Portage Restaurant

Spouses and Guests 18:30 for 19:00hrs

July 2011 1 Friday 21 28

Canada Day Parade Executive Meeting General Meeting

Newcastle Court House Branch #10

August 2011 9 Tuesday

National Peacekeepers' Day Activities

Town Square Newcastle, Lunch TBA

Spouses and Guests

September 2011 22 29

Executive Meeting General Meeting

Court House Branch #10

October 2011 15

Dinner Evening

TBA

Spouses and Guests

November 2011 11 Friday 17 24

Remembrance Day Executive Meeting General Meeting

Civic Center Court House Branch #10

December 2011 17

Christmas Dinner

TBA

Spouses and Guests

January, 2012 19 26

Executive Meeting AGM

Court House Portage

Followed by dinner

Note: 1. All Executive Meetings will be held at 1400 hrs, unless otherwise notified 2. All General Meetings will be held at 1930 hrs, unless otherwise notified. 3. All dinners will be held at 1830 for 1900 hrs, unless otherwise notified. 4. This Calendar is subject to possible changes – events may be added or deleted. 5. The dinner following the AGM will be for (paid up members only)

12

Funny Page

What was the problem before? Taxiing down the tarmac, the jetliner abruptly stopped, turned around and returned to the gate. After an hour-long wait, it finally took off. A concerned passenger asked the flight attendant, "What was the problem?" "The pilot was bothered by a noise he heard in the engine," explained the Flight Attendant, "and it took us a while to find a new pilot."

Misunderstanding terms One reason the Services have trouble operating jointly is that they don't speak the same language. For example, if you told Navy personnel to "secure a building," they would turn off the lights and lock the doors. Army personnel would occupy the building so no one could enter. Marines would assault the building, capture it, and defend it with suppressive fire and close combat. The Air Force, on the other hand, would take out a three-year lease with an option to buy.

At Army base, the annual trip to the rifle range had been canceled for the second year in a row, but the semi-annual physical fitness test was still on as planned. One soldier mused, "Does it bother anyone else that the Army doesn't seem to care how well we can shoot, but they are extremely interested in how fast we can run?"