january 2017 newsletter - gcclondon.ca · in 2010 major hilsden deployed to afghanistan as a trauma...

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Please note that our 11 January GCC meeting will

be held at the Junior Ranks Mess, Beaver Hall,

Wolseley Barracks

Meet and Greet 11:15 a.m.

Lunch service begins at 11:30 a.m.

Speaker 12:00 p.m.

JANUARY 2017 NEWSLETTER

Meet & Greet: 11:15 hrs Junior Ranks Mess, Beaver Hall, Wolseley Barracks,

Wednesday, 11 January 2017

11:30 hrs lunch service begins (Please bring a guest)

Regular Meeting: 12:00 hrs meeting starts (Reminder: Dues are due)

Speaker: Speaker: Major Rich Hilsden: : "Handling Mass Casualties in a Canadian

Setting" (see page 2 for details)

Lunch Menu:

Chef’s choices will include:

o Soup and Salad;

o Soup and Sandwich;

o Hot Entrée;

o Dessert

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Canadian+armed+forces&id=8C48DD1C5B171F72F6E028BD138CED64E8D93A02&FORM=IQFRBA



Speaker: 11 January GCC Meeting at the Junior Ranks Mess

Speaker: Major Rich Hilsden MD, MBA, FRCSC: : "Handling Mass

Casualties in a Canadian Setting"

Major Rich Hilsden is a general surgeon and has been serving as a medical officer

in the Canadian Forces since 2003. He is currently completing fellowship training

in Trauma and Acute Care Surgery in the division of General Surgery at Western

University. In 2010 Major Hilsden deployed to Afghanistan as a Trauma Team

Leader as a member of the NATO multinational medical unit. His current research

emphasis is on health systems and applying lessons learned from military conflict to

civilian disaster medicine.

GCC Annual General Meeting:

Our November Members’

Meeting is preceded by the

Annual General Meeting.

Besides the normal business of

Financial Reports and

Amendments to the

Constitution, the outgoing

Executive was

thanked and the

incoming

Executive was

welcomed.

Incoming GCC President,

Doug Acton, receives the gavel

from Past President, Gerry

Treble while Secretary Beth

Sayler supervises. Note the

GCC’s new display banner and

table cloth.

Incoming Executive: Doug Acton, President; Geoff Hutton, 1st Vice President; John Cook, 2

nd Vice

President; Philippe Morin 3rd

Vice President; Beth Sayler, Secretary; Barry Graham, Treasurer; Gerry

Treble, Past President.



GCC’s November

Meeting Speaker

Speaker: Captain (N) Raymond Kao:

Op SIRONA - fighting the Ebola

virus.

Capt(N) Kao is thanked by GCC

President, Doug Acton. Op SIRONA

was an incredible example of thoughtful

anticipation, rigorous training, and

meticulous execution in an extremely

dangerous environment

More from GCC’s November Meeting

● New Members: Several new Members were welcomed to the GCC by President, Doug Acton. Thanks to 2

nd Vice President,

John Cook, for his diligent recruiting.

New GCC Member: Irene

Mathyssen, Member of Parliament

London-Fanshawe



New GCC Member: Mike Leatham

representing the Hamilton Signals

New GCC Member: Stan

Skrzeszewski representing the Polish

Combatants Association

● CF Updates:

LCdr (now Cdr) Sean Batte

provides an update on the RCN

and on HMCS Prevost. LCdr

Batte commanded the parade to

the Cenotaph on Remembrance

Day. HMCS Prevost celebrated

the 75th

Anniversay of their

founding on 01 Nov (check out

the video on their Facebook

page). LCdr Batte reported on

plans for the Battle of the

Atlantic Memorial. Set aside 29

April 2017.



GCC President’s Comments

Happy New Year to one and all. I am honoured to begin service in this new term as President of the

Garrison Community Council. I look forward to working with the Executive Committee, the Advisory

Committee of Former Presidents, and the Membership as a whole as we actively strive to “build greater

understanding and support of the Canadian Forces within the civilian community.”

With the changes to the Constitution made at our recent AGM, this Executive

slate will continue until the next AGM which has been moved to February

2018. History buffs may appreciate an analogy with the Long Parliament of

England, but I anticipate no civil war or regicide resulting from our “Long

Executive.” I do anticipate continuing to move forward on a wide range of

initiatives as well as beginning a few new ones.

Program has continued to develop an excellent series of speakers for our

meetings. Going forward, opportunities to schedule an evening event as well

as plans for tours are being explored.

Membership has been expanded to include organizations and their representatives this year. Active outreach

continues. The Honouring Veterans initiative is looking to develop a program of 3 honourees per year

(Fall, Winter, Spring).

Community Relations continues to use the Newsletter as a primary tool to highlight the work of the GCC,

of the units in our region, and of parallel organizations. We have developed some public relations display

materials and look to have a presence at appropriate events.

The Nominations Committee is always looking for Members interested in serving on the Executive.

Student Bursaries were distributed to seven worthy Primary Reservists in 2016. That is a record amount of

support provided by GCC thanks in no small part to the generosity of General Dynamics Land Systems, the

London Economic Development Corporation, and our own Members. We continue to seek sponsors and to

solidify and refine our bursary program.

As the GCC has grown and developed over the years, it has become apparent that we

need to examine and define more explicitly what we mean by “London and Region.”

Does our “Garrison Community” include the entire region encompassed by 31

Canadian Brigade Group or is it somewhat less? This has implications for many things

such as how widely we distribute our Bursaries. The Executive has established an ad hoc

committee chaired by Bill Pettipas to examine issues related to our “footprint” and report

with recommendations.



Other issues upcoming include: a general review of the Constitution to ensure that practice aligns with

policy; continued support of a youth education program; collaboration with parallel organizations; and

settling in with the restructured messes at Wolseley Barracks.

An organization is only as strong as the degree of engagement of its members. I encourage you all to make

every effort to attend our regular meetings – and bring a guest. Consider contributing your time and ideas to

any of the committees or initiatives above. We have another strong Executive team this year and we all

welcome your input and support.

Doug Acton

President

GCC Bursaries

Congratulations to those awarded GCC Bursaries this year:

Thanks to our committee of Past Presidents for their time and hard work in the selection process.

Winner of the Col Tom Lawson Award

Jung Hun Kim, AB: HMCS Prevost

As a student reservist my main aspiration is community work. As an active

member of HMCS Prevost, I have held many positions such as Pre-BMNQ co-lead

PT instructor, Junior ISA assistant, DC coordinator and actively seek every

opportunity I can take to maximize my involvement and employment with the

reserves. I am an active volunteer for the London District Distress Call centre,

Masonville Manor Retirement Living, London First Korean Presbyterian Church

and TVDSB EQAO Assistant. I attend King’s University College at Western and

am enrolled in a 4 year Bachelor of Arts degree, Major in Criminology.

Samuel Wyllie, CPL: 4RCR

Samuel Wyllie is a 3rd

year student of a four year Bachelor of Social Work degree at King’s

University College who plans to apply to the Master of Social work program once he obtains

his Bachelor degree. He is inclined to help others so that they can reach their full potential.

To help attain this goal, he volunteers with multiple peer-to-peer programs as a mentor. These

programs include the Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Victorian Order of Nurses and the London

Cross Cultural Learner Centre. In the Reserve Force he is highly respected among his fellow

soldiers as a team player with a tremendous positive attitude that is contagious.



Tyler Kerr, O.S.: HMCS Prevost

After spending two years at Fanshawe College in Police Foundations and earning the

President’s Honour Roll, he has continued his studies at Kings College at Western University.

He is currently in a full time course for a degree in Criminology. He was recognized as Top

Student on his QL3 course this summer with the Royal Canadian Navy. He volunteers with

Big Brothers to mentor grade 7 and 8 boys to teach them healthy body image, self-esteem and

overall healthy living. He aspires to have a career in law enforcement specifically with the

Ontario Provincial Police.

Luke Helpard, OCdt: 31 Signal Regiment

I have completed 2 years of a 3 year program in Electrical Engineering at the University of

Western Ontario. My studies provide me with a large amount of technical skills and

knowledge that is relevant to my trade of Signals. My schooling also offers me many

opportunities to enhance my professional skills thus allowing me to grow and be a more

effective leader in the Canadian Armed Forces. A reference indicates, “Since the moment he

started to parade with Bravo Troop, he was eager to learn and participate in group activities.

He is a great collaborator when working with others, bringing good & fresh ideas. He is very

respectful of the chain of command and he acts fairly with subordinates in a leading role.”

Bader Kaseem, O.S.: HMCS Prevost

Only recently have I learned that the best things in life do not come easy. I have learned to push

myself to grow outside my comfort zone, by improving myself physically, then mentally and

emotionally. With working hard I will graduate from Fanshawe College in Business

Entrepreneurship and Management with a high GPA. I have been offered a chance to continue

my education at a University so that I may receive a Bachelor’s Degree. This will open many

opportunities including being able to become an Officer in the CAF.

Ryan Romaniuk, AB: HMCS Prevost

At the present time I am enrolled in Fanshawe College and will be attending University to major in

Psychology with a specialization in Mental Health. This way I can help others as much as they

helped me. Ryan has been employed with the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve from 15 Nov. 2013

and is currently training as a member of Deck department learning leadership skills, weapons

training, small boat driving and life onboard naval way vessels. He is always taking on new duties.

Hunter Johnson, O.S.: HMCS Prevost

Growing up in a Military family I have the gift of being exposed to various experiences. With my

father being posted overseas I was frequently moved by the Dutch people’s appreciation towards

Canadians. These unforgettable experiences made me eager to increase my knowledge of the

media and the relationship between the military and the public. I am currently pursuing an

Honours degree in Media, Information & Technoculture at Western University. I joined the Naval

Reserves in May 2015 and after completing my degree I hope to become a Public Affairs Officer.



GCC Bursary Presentations

GCC Past President Jan Delaney presents

Bursaries at unit awards parades. GCC is

grateful to General Dynamics Land Systems and

the London Economic Development Corporation

for their generous sponsorship.

GCC Past President Jan Delaney, O.S. Hunter Johnson,

Executive Officer Lieutenant(N) Jeremy Breese

GCC Past President Jan Delaney, O.S. Bader Kaseem,


GCC Past President Jan Delaney, O.S. Tyler Kerr,


GCC Past President Jan Delaney, AB Ryan Romaniuk,


CPL Samuel Wylie, GCC Past President Jan Delaney,

Commanding Officer 4RCR,LCol M.W. Anderson

GCC Past President Jan Delaney, OCdt Luke Helpard



1H Update

More than 200 people were on hand for LAV III dedication Sunday Article and Photos By Tyler Kula, Sarnia Observer

Sarnia-Lambton unveiled a memorial Sunday to its soldiers who fought in

Afghanistan, including two who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Wind gusted and rain fell as pipers played

in Veteran’s Park, where more than 200

people had gathered for the unveiling and

dedication of the latest monument to the

community’s soldiers, and those from

across Canada.

A decommissioned LAV (light armoured vehicle) III

was recently anchored in the park, nearby the city’s

cenotaph where nearly 300 from Sarnia-Lambton are

remembered for fighting and dying overseas.

The families of Cpl. Brent Poland and Pte. William

Cushley – killed in combat in Afghanistan were on

hand Sunday to pin poppies on shrouds hanging below

a trio of plaques on the new LAV III monument.

The plaques are dedicated to the

Canadian military, the 1st Hussars

Regiment, and to Poland – from

Camlachie – and Cushley – from Port

Lambton.

“This is a wonderful memorial to

bravery, to two good men from our

community who gave the ultimate

sacrifice,” said Bev MacDougall,

Lambton County’s warden, addressing

the crowd.

A short parade along Wellington Street began the LAV III monument

dedication ceremony in Sarnia.

Master Warrant Officer Ray Morris with the 4th Battalion of the Royal

Canadian Regiment looks on during the LAV III monument dedication.

Elaine and Errol Cushley, parents of Pte. William Cushley, and Pat and Don Poland,

parents of Cpl. Brent Poland, look on during the LAV III monument dedication

ceremony. Their sons, both killed in the War in Afghanistan, were among those being

honoured.


http://www.theobserver.ca/author/tyler-kula


“Let us keep all of our armed forces in our hearts every day. Many did come home, but not always.”

Many of the attendees pinned their own poppies to shrouds hanging from the memorial, as the names of all

159 Canadian soldiers killed in the conflict

were read aloud.

Forty-thousand Canadian Forces personnel

fought in the war that stretched from 2001

to 2014.

Members of the 4th battalion of the Royal

Canadian Regiment stood by, along with

the 1st Hussars, 31st brigade and the Royal

Highland Fusiliers, including Lt-Col. Mark

Poland – Brent Poland’s brother.

“I think it’s a really touching display,

frankly,” said the Fusiliers commander,

who lives in Kitchener-Waterloo, where the

reserve regiment is based.

“This is an important symbol for us, and it’s

really an important reminder to my family

of that support that exists in this

community.”

Cushley’s father, Errol, agreed.

“I was surprised how many people came out,” he said. “You’d think people would forget, but they don’t.”

Six silver-cross families, including Cushley’s parents and Poland’s were in attendance Sunday.

Planning for the estimated $65,000 project began last year after the federal government offered

decommissioned LAV III hulls to

communities wishing to create

Afghan war memorials.

The 1st Hussars Association, Royal

Canadian Legion Branch 62 and the

City of Sarnia partnered to make it

happen. The vehicle is an appropriate

symbol for what Canada contributed

in the War in Afghanistan, said Lt-

Col. Bernie Schied, commanding

officer of the First Hussars – noting

the LAV III was the “workhorse” of

the Canadian Forces’ effort in

Kandahar Province.

“It’s a fitting monument to recognize

the hard work, dedication and

sacrifice of Canadian Forces men and

women,” he said.

Lt-Col Mark Poland places a poppy in memory of his brother, Cpl. Brent

Poland, who was killed in fighting in Afghanistan. Brent Poland and Pte.

William Cushley, both of Sarnia-Lambton, were among those honoured at the

dedication Sunday in Sarnia’s Veteran’s Park, of a decommissioned LAV III

vehicle – as a memorial to soldiers who served in the War in Afghanistan.

People wait to pin poppies at a LAV III monument dedication ceremony in Sarnia.



31 Canadian Brigade Group Commander’s Column

An informal view of the Brigade’s activities. January 2017

This short article, normally penned by a member of the Brigade staff, will offer a

casual look at 31 CBG. Written with an intent to avoid heavy use of military

lexicon, acronyms and abbreviations, the Commander’s Column supports

information sharing to groups with diverse backgrounds and will, hopefully, offer

a less formal view of the Brigade overall, or the examination of specific issues or

events.

C.W. Poole

Colonel

Comd 31 CBG

We live in interesting times. With 2017 ahead of us, 31 Canadian Brigade Group is looking forward to what

may possibly be an exciting future in the coming year. Summer 2017 will begin a year-long period during

which 4th

Canadian Division will be the Canadian Army’s high readiness formation. Any operational

missions between summer 2017 and summer 2018 will be filled, primarily, by the personnel and resources

of the Division. This will have a number of effects on 31 CBG, the first of which will be the possibility of

seeing soldiers from across the Brigade deployed abroad.

As those who have been following the national news are aware, the Canadian Government has been

considering a few possible operational deployments for the Canadian Armed Forces. Of these, deployments

to Latvia and to some part of Africa have been prominent in the news as we await formal confirmation of

which missions the Government might undertake.

The one thing we know for certain is that any deployments, either initial or later rotations of personnel that

occur during or after the summer of 2017, will be filled by Regular and Reserve personnel from 4th

Canadian Division. This fast approaching opportunity provides refreshed focus for training in common

skills that will be applicable in any operational theatre, and when training requirements are confirmed, the

potential for mission specific training for identified operations.

4th

Canadian Division is preparing for its High Readiness posture and

responsibilities with Task Force (TF) TOMAHAWK.

Task Force TOMAHAWK

TF Tomahawk is a brigade organization based on 2 Canadian Mechanized

Brigade Group (2 CMBG) with augmentation from 31, 32, and 33 Canadian



Brigade Groups. The goal of TF TOMAHAWK is to be ready for possible deployment on named operations

between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018.

TF TOMAHAWK will be ready to deploy, in full or in part, on missions both within and outside Canada.

Domestic mission might include protecting Canadians from natural disasters, lending aid to the civil power,

and defending Canadians and Canadian sovereignty. Overseas, TF TOMAHAWK will be ready to provide

Government of Canada strategic options, ranging from humanitarian aid support to high-intensity combat.

Up to 300 Reservists, selected from across 4th

Canadian Division, may be selected to augment TF

TOMAHAWK.

The “Tomahawk” Name

The Tomahawk namesake for this Task Force was chosen in honour of the Ottawa Valley’s rich warrior

culture and was made in consultation and with the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation. Drawing from

the rich warrior culture of Canada’s indigenous peoples, the strength of Task Force TOMAHAWK is

generated by the regular and reserve warriors of Ontario and inspired by the tomahawk itself: versatile,

quick and effective.

The Road to High Readiness

The process of preparing Task Force TOMAHAWK for deployment is called the ‘Road to High Readiness’

(RTHR) and consists of pre-deployment training and exercises in the spring of 2017.

These include:

Ex RUGGED BEAR (Wainwright) – 11-29 Apr 2017

Ex TOMAHAWK FURY (Wainwright) – 28 Apr - 3 May 2017

Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 17 (Wainwright) – 14-28 May 2017

Reserve participation on these exercises is crucial to the success of Task Force TOMAHAWK, and, for

those demonstrating the grit, may lead to opportunities for deployment on international operations between

July 1st, 2017, and June 30

th, 2018.

For more information on TF TOMAHAWK:

http://www.army-armee.forces.gc.ca/en/central/task-force-tomahawk.page

The preparation and deployment of soldiers from 31 CBG will be a Brigade effort. As individual tasks

generated by TF TOMAHAWK are defined, it will be the responsibility of the chains of command within

the brigade to ensure our best available soldiers are ready to deploy. Our administrative staffs will also be

challenged to prepare and deploy personnel to join TF TOMAHAWK, the nature of the Division’s high

readiness posture may require this to be executed at short notice. Units of deployed personnel will have

attendant responsibilities in support of the families of deployed soldiers.

Pro Aris et Focis


http://www.army-armee.forces.gc.ca/en/central/task-force-tomahawk.page


Notes of Interest:

Congratulations to Commander

Sean Batte on his promotion as

of 07 December 2016.

https://www.facebook.com/HMCSNCSMPrevost/posts/1223148121066059

Welcome to Captain Joanna Rockwell, new Public Affairs Officer for 31 CBG

100th Anniversary Battle of Vimy Ridge

Gala Dinner 01 April 2017

GCC has purchased 2 tables. Seats are still available. Contact Beth Sayler.

The London Garrison Levees: Sunday, 01 January 2017

**No Levee** HMCS PREVOST

1200 hrs to1500 hrs Wolseley Barracks - All Messes (see invitation on pg. 16)

1200 hrs to 1600 hrs 427 (London) Wing, RCAFA

1030 hrs to 1200 hrs 31 Combat Engineer Regiment - Officers' Mess - St. Thomas

1500 hrs to 1900 hrs Royal Canadian Legion, Byron-Springbank Branch 533

**Times are subject to change.


https://www.facebook.com/HMCSNCSMPrevost/posts/1223148121066059


Significant Military Dates- January

The list of significant military dates each month serves as background for the GCC’s Honouring Veterans

Initiative. The list is not conclusive and is for reference only.

4 January 1944 World War II The Battle of the Moro River in Italy comes to an end.

16 January 1991 Gulf War begins Unlike any conflict before, the Gulf War of 1991 played

out in a brave new world of biological warfare. A round-

the-clock television audience was captivated by the flying

missiles that lit up the night sky. Canadian troops, sent

abroad for combat for the first time since the Korean War

joined the Allied forces to fight Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.

On the surface, the occupation ended swiftly and

decisively as the Iraqi forces retreated. But as was evident

over the next decade, the problems remained unresolved. 17 January 1957 HMCS Bonaventure

is commissioned At Belfast, Northern Ireland. She is the first aircraft

carrier to be owned outright by Canada and incorporates

several post-war technical developments: an angled deck,

mirror landing aid, and steam catapult. 23 January 1948 RCAF’s 1

st jet The Royal Canadian Air Force takes delivery of its first

De Havilland Vampire jet fighter (destined for No. 410

Squadron).

27 January 1973 Vietnam War Canadian Forces aircraft airlift 115 Canadian personnel to

South Vietnam for peacekeeping duties (27-30 Jan).

30 January 1991 Gulf War At the Battle of Babiyan a CF-18 Hornet attacks and

causes irreparable damage to an Iraqi warship. It was the

only CF-18 credited with an official victory during the

Gulf War.

With 86 in total, the Vampire F.3 was the first jet fighter

to enter RCAF service in any significant numbers. It

served to introduce fighter pilots not only to jet flying,

but also to cockpit pressurization and the tricycle landing

gear. The "Vamp" was a popular aircraft, easy to fly and

considered a "hot rod."


http://www.cbc.ca/archives/categories/war-conflict/1991-gulf-war/the-1991-gulf-war/the-war-begins.html


GCC Meeting Dates- 2017

Program planning for 2017 is underway. Suggestions from members are always welcome. Please contact

any member of the executive with ideas. Below are the dates to June, 2017.

11 January

08 February

08 March

12 April

10 May

07 June

GCC EXECUTIVE

President: Doug Acton Past President: Gerry Treble

Treasurer: Barry Graham Secretary: Beth Sayler

1st Vice President: Geoff Hutton 2nd Vice President: John Cook

3rd Vice President: Philippe Morin Garrison Advisor: LCol David Fearon

Next Meeting: 11January at the Junior Ranks Mess, Beaver Hall,

Wolseley Barracks. Meet & Greet at 11:15a.m. with lunch service

beginning at 11:30 a.m., and speaker at 12:00 p.m.

Major Rich Hilsden will be our speaker

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Canadian+armed+forces&id=8C48DD1C5B171F72F6E028BD138CED64E8D93A02&FORM=IQFRBA


01 January 2017 from 1200 hrs to 1500 hrs

Dress: DEU 1A – Medals

Complimentary Food

Colonel C.W. Poole, CD

Commander 31 Canadian Brigade Group

And

Chief Warrant Officer S.D. Wilkins, CD

Brigade Sergeant-Major 31 Canadian Brigade Group

Welcome you to the

Wolseley Barracks Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess

New Year’s Day Levée at

Beaver Hall, Wolseley Barracks

Wolseley Barracks

Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess

New Year’s Day

Levee

january 2017 newsletter - gcclondon.ca · in 2010 major hilsden deployed to afghanistan as a trauma...

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