the brigade - sf15
DESCRIPTION
Summer - Fall 2015TRANSCRIPT
RESERVES FIGHT FIRES
CHANGE OF COMMAND
EXERCISE BISON WARRIOR
WE REMEMBER...
THE ARMY RESERVES OF SASKATCHEWAN, MANITOBA AND NORTHWEST ONTARIO
THE MAGAZINE OF 38 CANADIAN BRIGADE GROUP
THE BRIGADESUMMER • FALL 2015
Commander’s MessageReflecting upon my first months as your Commander, I am reminded that we live in interesting times. As one of my first functions, I conducted key leader engagements with the senior military and civilian leadership across our Brigade area. With Emergency Measures officials in Regina, I noted that the Government of Saskatchewan has not called out the Canadian Armed Forces for assistance in over 50 years, but assured them that we would be there if they needed us.
A week later, the call came to respond to wildfires in northern Saskatchewan. Operation LENTUS 15-02 was a rapid deployment of our soldiers in the province followed by reinforcements from Manitoba totaling 73 all-ranks contributing to the efforts. For the first time in their careers, our soldiers helped their own communities — the pride on their faces as they helped contain the fire was obvious. One of our deepest commitments to our communities is our domestic response capability. Standing up the Domestic Response Company provided our soldiers with a true reality that their province, their people, needed them. For their efforts, the Legislative Assembly of the province thanked them publicly for their service, bestowing a great honour on them all.
Honour is a key reason we put on our uniforms and serve our country. With a new Chief of Defence Staff, we have a new operation to undertake with the same vigour we conduct combat or domestic operations — Operation HONOUR. There is still a cancer that festers within our Canadian Armed Forces — the persistence of sexual misconduct
and inappropriate behaviour. This sickness degrades operational effectiveness as the soldiers who fall victim to this disgraceful conduct expend more effort in combatting it personally rather than focusing on their job. Resultantly, we will work together to eradicate this behaviour and support our soldiers. No soldier fights alone. I know first-hand how effective a Canadian infantry section can be in battle. I am counting on each of you to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to confront this enemy ensuring that those hurt in this insidious conflict get the help they need and return to active duty in our unit lines.
Our Brigade started Soldier Care two years ago, and we are starting to realize the benefits of those initiatives. Some units are seeing sustained growth as our retention numbers improve, but we must continue to recruit and retain to keep our respective units relevant. Our counterparts in 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group are advancing down the road to high readiness; they are counting on us to augment, support, and help train them. To do that, we need trained Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, and soldiers.
I want to wish you all a joyous holiday season. I implore you to spend some time on yourself and with your loved ones. With Ex ARCTIC RAM and collective training events occurring very quickly after the holiday break, I need operationally-effective troops who are rested and ready — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
It is my honour to be your Commander. Every day, I am proud to share the exploits of 38 Canadian Brigade Group soldiers as highlighted by the articles contained in this magazine.
Brigade Sergeant-Major MessageThe Brigade had yet another busy summer and fall of individual and collective training. I congratulate all those that have taken training over the last few months and encourage others to continue with your professional development — learn your craft and lead your units.
This summer, we deployed the Disaster Response Company Group to assist 1 CMBG in fighting fires in Northern Saskatchewan. Colonel Abthorpe and I heard nothing but praise from the leadership of 1 CMBG and your Division Commander of your hard work and enthusiastic response. From the planning cells at the Brigade HQ to the boots on the ground, you continue to demonstrate you are performers — well done to all of you.
This past Brigade Council, the leadership was briefed on the number of troops that attended Remembrance Day services and conducted presentations to schools and other venues. It is right and good that we remember and share our experiences with those that have not served. I encourage you to reach out to our own soldiers that have left the service, those that were in Golan, Cyprus, Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia, Afghanistan and all other places we stood guard. Touch base, see how they are, and let them know that we remember them.
We are also preparing for the deployment of our Arctic Response Company Group (ARCG) to the Canadian Armed Forces Arctic Training Centre. The ARCG is a unique task we have in our Brigade, and I am very pleased that so many of you have become subject matter experts. For those of you who have not yet deployed with the ARCG, I encourage you to do so.
Finally, I would like you to reflect on the word “respect”. Respect is inextricably linked to the feeling of camaraderie we experience within our units and our force. It is the fundamental bond that holds units together. Be considerate of each other and mindful of your interactions with peers, subordinates, and superiors. The Chief of Defence Staff has promulgated Operation HONOUR. It is our duty to ensure we execute this mission with the enthusiasm and drive that is the hallmark of our Brigade. Op HONOUR is simply respect — a manifestation of the Constitution of Canada and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that define the nation we have all taken an oath to defend. We hold a unique place in Canadian society, and we are privileged to serve this great nation. Wear your Canadian Flag on your shoulder with pride.
We are the Army. We are Strong. We are Proud. We are Ready.
Colonel Geoff Abthorpe
Brigade Sergeant-Major Al Boucher
2 Summer Fall 2015
We Remember
This magazine was published under the authority of Colonel Geoff Abthorpe,
Commander 38 CBG.
Publisher
Major Mike Lagace, 38 CBG PAO
Editors2Lt Stacie Nelles2Lt Kyle Roman
MCpl Draper Houston
Designer/Photographer
MCpl Alan Haley
Photographers
MCpl Cameron SkrypnykMCpl Louis Brunet
Cpl Jean Archambault
Graphic Designer
Bernice May Tuano
For more information on 38 Canadian
Brigade Group or to submit articles for future
publications, please contact
204-833-2500 ext. 6543.
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Operation LENTUS
Features
38 Canadian Brigade Group Change of Command
Exercise WESTERN GUNNER
Exercise BISON WARRIOR
Minto and Moose Jaw Open House
On the Cover:Members of 38 Canadian Brigade Group participate in the final attack during Exercise BISON WARRIOR held in CFB Shilo, Manitoba, on August 21, 2015.
Back Cover: Bombardier Micha Gerber of the 116th Independent Field Battery conducts fire suppression operations near La Ronge, Saskatchewan for Op LENTUS 15-02 on July 15, 2015.
3Summer Fall 2015
When Private Keith Griffith got the call to fight the forest fires raging through northern Saskatchewan this summer, he didn’t hesitate to go. Pte Griffith knows first-hand how dangerous such infernos can be.
Pte Griffith, 19, a reservist with the Fort Garry Horse at McGregor Armoury, had to flee his former home in Kelowna, British Columbia back in 2003 because of the wildfires threatening that community.
“We experienced the whole evacuation,” said Pte Griffith, who moved to Winnipeg with his family in 2004.
“My younger brother Travis was experiencing lung problems because of the heavy smoke. So the doctor advised us to move to a cold, windy environment, which was Manitoba. We also had some family here.”
His chance to help came on a Saturday night in July when Pte Griffith received a call from his Unit Commander, Captain Owen Lewis, asking him if he’d “be up to” fighting wildfires in La Ronge, Saskatchewan on the following Monday.
“So I called my civilian employer and said that I had this opportunity, and wasn’t too sure how long I would be gone,” said Pvt Griffith. “They gave me the okay, and said to call them as soon as I knew how long I’d be gone. They wished me luck, and said they hoped I would return okay.”
After packing up his gear in his Army backpack on Sunday night, Pte Griffith drove to Minto Armoury very early the next morning. Pte Griffith’s father, Carl, met him there to see him off.
The media overheard Carl telling Pte Griffith’s story to the bus driver, and they were captivated.
“They swarmed my dad,” said Pte Griffith, adding that there were at least a dozen members of the local media there.
“They started asking me questions about how I felt about the wildfires in Kelowna, and how I felt about going to Saskatchewan to fight fires. I admitted I was nervous about it because I didn’t know what all the tasks would be right on the fire line. I wasn’t sure about anything. There are a lot of dangers in wildfires. The media also wanted background information about me. I was busy doing interviews right up until the bus departed.”
Their first night in Saskatchewan was spent at the Prince Albert Armoury, three hours south of La Ronge.
The next day a combined force of 200 Reserve and Regular Forces members got an intense eight hours of level three fire-fighting training.
“After dinner, we loaded up the convoy and headed for La Ronge,” Pte Giffith said.
“We had the fun of setting up military tents in the dark. Our first fire line was just north of where we were camped. Our first task the next day was to make
sure our training was good, so we were sent out in the bush to douse hot spots most of that first day.”
That evening powerful storms conspired to make an already precarious situation much more dangerous.
“A lot of trees were falling over and lightning was starting new fires,” Pte Griffith explained. “But we ended up getting fires under control that first day.”
Altogether he was gone a total of 12 days.
“I think we made a difference,” said Pte Griffith, who had the chance to take a ride in Government of Saskatchewan helicopter at one point to obtain a bird’s eye view of the vast area burned, and to see the significant difference made by the military firefighters.
“It was the right thing to do, fighting forest fires. My civilian employer put up all those newspaper articles about me. He was very proud.”
Winnipeg Reservist Takes Up Call to Fight Sask Forest Fires
OperationLENTUS ‘15
By Martin Zeilig, The Voxair
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4 Summer Fall 2015
Ottawa, Ont — Lieut.-Col. Stephen Gallagher was awarded the prestigious Member of Military Merit (MMM) last June at the Order of Military Merit investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall. His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, bestowed the honour on June 8th.
Family has always been a large part of his life so making the ceremony very special was his life-long partner and wife, Debbie and his parents, Mike and Donna Gallagher of North Bay, Ont.
Lieut.-Col. Gallagher learned of the appointment as it became official in October, 2014. Then-Major Gallagher was recognised while in Gagetown by his superiors after 28 years of dedicated service. Within the nomination his career in gunnery was summed up, including his three proudest achievements.
His first- taking his “A” Battery over to Afghanistan in 2006 where he engaged into battle against the Taliban — yet experiencing the tragic loss of 26-year-old Captain Nicola Goddard during his tour
— a loss he feels to this day.
His second proudest achievement — also in 2006 — being named as Chief Instructor-in-Gunnery at the Royal Canadian Artillery School and developed still current directives based in his operational experiences.
His third truly proud achievement is found in the essence of the man — his family. Never far from his heart, his two daughters, Ashley and Lauren and his son, Blake — all still in their teens and emerging 20s — established a base of community that carried him throughout his postings. Both Gallagher and his wife, Debbie, established a clear community presence even during his US posting from 2008-12 where they were nominated for the Family of the Year Award. A self-proclaimed fourth-liner during his RMC days, he clearly had a coaching ability as he coached his Wichita Falls minor hockey team to a 23-0 record.
Now entering his 32nd year in his career, he came back to strengthen and lead the Army Reserves as the Chief of Staff for 38 Canadian Brigade Group
— an appointment he accepted in 2014 with the intention of taking the experience back to his home in New Brunswick where he hopes to complete his career.
ORDER OF MILITARY MERIT FACT SHEETCreated in 1972, The Order of Military Merit recognizes distinctive merit and exceptional service displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Forces, both Regular and Reserve. Many have demonstrated dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty, and the Order honours them for their commitment to Canada, according to the following three levels:
The level of Commander (post-nominal: C.M.M.) recognizes outstanding meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility.
The level of Officer (post-nominal: O.M.M.) recognizes outstanding meritorious service in duties of responsibility.
The level of Member (post-nominal: M.M.M.) recognizes exceptional service or performance of duty.
Chief of Staff 38 CBG Appointed to the Order of Military Merit
Photo Credit: Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall, OSGG
By Maj Mike Lagace, 38 CBG PAO
5Summer Fall 2015
Winnipeg, Man. — On June 13, Colonel Ross Ermel, Commander, 38 Canadian Brigade Group (38 CBG) passed on command of the organization to Colonel Geoff Abthorpe at Minto Armouries in Winnipeg.
“I came a long way from standing in the junior ranks of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment (LSSR) as a Private,” said Colonel Abthorpe, the new 38 CBG Commander.
Colonel Abthorpe began his military career in 1988 as a private and, after he attended the Royal Military College, became a commissioned officer in 1993 with the regular force unit, the Royal Canadian Regiment.
As a regular force Captain, Abthorpe returned to the LSSR in the early 2000’s as Regular Support Staff for the reserve regiment in Thunder Bay, Ont.
“At that time, could I have ever thought that I’d return as the Commander of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment, let alone be standing before you as Brigade Commander?” Abthorpe asked rhetorically. “Not on your life.”
Representatives from each of the 13 Army Reserve Units, comprised of over 1400 soldiers that fall under the command of 38 CBG, were on the parade.
“You, [Colonel Abthorpe] are so fortunate to be taking the reins of this high performing formation,” said Colonel Ross Ermel. “I know that you will continue to further the aims of the brigade.”
Brigadier-General Wayne Eyre, Commander of 3rd Canadian Division, was the reviewing officer for the parade, an event marked by the official passing of a sword representing command of the Brigade.
“General Eyre, my handover is complete,” said Colonel Ross Ermel summing up his final address to the Brigade. “I stand ready to be relieved.”
38 Canadian Brigade Group was established on April 1, 1997 after the amalgamation of the previous two districts—Manitoba Lakehead District and Saskatchewan District. 38 CBG is comprised of a Headquarters, located in Winnipeg, and 13 Army Reserve units distributed throughout Northwestern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
38 Canadian Brigade Group Change of Command By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG PANCM
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6 Summer Fall 2015
Right: Maj.-Gen. (Ret.) Dennis Tabbernor (left) , the first commander of 38 Canadian Brigade Group and Colonel Ross Ermel, Commander of 38 Canadian Brigade Group, display the custom “Support our Troops” licence plate dedicated to all members of the Canadian Armed Forces during its unveiling at the Manitoba Legislature, Winnipeg, on June 7th
Left: Colonel Joel Roy, Commander of 17 Wing, Winnipeg, Lieut. Comd. (ret.) Paul Stiff, former CO of HMCS Chippewa, Honorable Deanne Crothers, Military Envoy for the province of Manitoba and Colonel Ross Ermel, Commander of 38 Canadian Brigade Group, applaud the unveiling of the display of the new custom “Support our Troops” licence plate by Gord MacIntosh (left), Minister of Justice and Attorney General.
New CF Scholarships attached to New Manitoba Licence Plate Honouring Serving CFBy Maj Mike Lagace, 38 CBG PAO
As eighteen months passes on the initial concept and artwork for a new licence plate to honour the Canadian Forces, another concurrent initiative was sought after by the Commander 38 Canadian Brigade Group, Colonel Ross Ermel. Manitoba Public Insurance will now contribute funds toward the education and development of the members and families of Regular and Reserve soldiers, airmen/airwomen and sailors living in Manitoba.
On June 7th at the Manitoba Legislature Building in Winnipeg, Ministers Gord MacIntosh and Deanne Crothers proudly introduced the new
“Support Our Troops” licence plate complete with the yellow ribbon and a gradient of cadpat design as the background. As well, during their announcement they added that approximately 43%
of the sale of the licence plates will go toward educational scholarships for qualifying military members, their spouses, partners or children who wish to study in Manitoba.
A total of ten $1,000 scholarships will be provided to members and families per year starting in 2016.
“We introduced the special licence plate to honour veterans, and it is fitting that we offer a plate to honour serving members of the army, navy and air force,” said Minister MacIntosh.
Colonel Ermel thanked the province of Manitoba and Manitoba Public Insurance and added, “the Province has found a tangible way to thank our members and their families as they seek professional development through post-secondary education. Manitoba is now only the second province in Canada to establish a scholarship specifically designed to help support our men and women and their families.”
Along with Col. Ermel, Col. Joel Roy, Commander of 17 Wing and Lt. Cmdr. (ret.) Paul Shiff , former CO of HMCS Chippewa, were invited to unveil the new
The Royal Winnipeg Rifles Appoint New Honourary ColonelBy 2Lt Stacie Nelles, 38 CBG PAO
Dr. Emöke Szathmáry was installed to the esteemed position of Honorary Colonel of Royal Winnipeg Rifles (RWR) last November.
Born in Hungary and having spent six years in a German refugee camp, HCol Szathmáry came to Canada in 1951 and became a Canadian citizen in 1956.
“I grew up, always aware of the military ethos that had ruled my father’s life: to serve his country faithfully, honorably, courageously,” HCol Szathmáry stated at the Installation Ceremony held at Minto Armoury. “I heard those concepts in a language different than I am using now, but those precepts remain etched in my memory.”
“When the opportunity arose for me to serve my country as an honorary member of The Royal Winnipeg Rifles, the route I should choose was clear. I remembered what I have always known
of soldiers — disciplined men and women who live their lives by principles and act on their obligations to their country and its citizens.”
Presiding Officer, Colonel Geoff Abthorpe, defined the role of an honorary, “The honorary colonel extends the influence of the commanding officer and that of the unit. … and can be a very vocal advocate for the rights and benefits of the soldier; however, one of the best things an honorary can do is help to promote the Esprit de Corps of their unit.”
“The appointment is more than an honour,” said HCol Szathmáry. “The current members of the regiment decided to serve Canada at a far younger age than I am now, so in my view, the appointment is my last chance to do something for my country by assisting the Commanding Officer and the Riflemen. I am grateful for that opportunity, and I will use it well in the interest of The Rifles.”
Concluding his address at the Installation Ceremony, Col Abthorpe said, “Honorary Colonel Dr Emöke Szathmáry, you are the 8th Honorary Colonel of these Little Black Devils. Represent them well, get involved, and have fun!
Welcome to 38 Brigade!”
plate to Manitobans with the ministers and senior officers of Manitoba Public Insurance.
Current serving Regular Force members are provided with support from the Canadian Forces for their education; however the scholarships are designed for their families. Reserve Force members have partial reimbursement so they would qualify as well as their families.
The new scholarships are managed and administered through the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS). As well, they would adjudicate the eligible applicants through a formed CFMWS board. The overall goal is to help CAF Primary Reserve members and family members of all CAF to upgrade their education and provide financial aid to people who need the help. Check with CFMWS for additional details and application criteria if you decide to apply. They invite you to visit their recently launched scholarship portal on the Support Our Troops website. To check it out, simply visit www.supportourtroops.ca, then on the support our troops tab, select scholarships from the drop down menu.
Dr. Szathmáry is a Member of the Order of Manitoba (2009) and the Order of Canada (2003). To view the impressive and comprehensive list of Szathmary’s accomplishments and affiliations visit http://www.mintoarmoury.com/honorary-appointments/honorary-colonel/.
7Summer Fall 2015
38 CBG HQ ‘Bison’s’ Win 17 Wing Commander’s CupBy MCpl Alan Haley, 38 CBG Public Affairs
Members of 38 Canadian Brigade Group’s hockey team had their work cut out for them the final week of November as they entered the long running 17 Wing Commander’s Hockey Tournament at the MTS Iceplex in Winnipeg. It has been less than 2 years since the team was officially formed, entering the 17 Wing Intersection hockey league as the only team from the Primary Army Reserve.
Team Captain, Major Dennis Desrochers lead the rag-tag team of Corporals to Colonels to victory on 27 November , defeating 17 Wing TEME in the finals, with a score of 4 to 1. It was a hard couple
2015 QOCH Highland GamesBy MCpl Alan Haley, 38 CBG Public Affairs
It was the biggest turnout inthe history of the event, as Queen’s Own Highlanders of Canada hosted their 5th annual Highland Games. Members gathered in the early morning out in St Andrew’s, Manitoba on May 23rd, 2015 for a day of heavy games, and socializing.
Historically, Highland games are events held in spring and summer in Scotland and other countries as a way of celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture especially that of the Scottish Highlands. Certain aspects of the games are so well known that they have become emblematic of Scotland such as: the bagpipes, the kilt, and the heavy events — especially the caber toss.
This year, roughly 50 members, including some brave guests, “kilted up” and participated in events throughout the day such as the caber toss, sheaf toss, farmers carry, hammer throw, stone put, and weight for height. Once the winners were awarded their bragging rights, the afternoon changed temp slightly, with variants of the traditional games being played, after the “serious” were done.
Late arrivals to the games included several members of the 38 Canadian Brigade Group Nijmegen March Team, who hiked from Minto Armouries to St Andrews, almost 30km, as workup for their upcoming trip to The Netherlands. Every year, the event planning is stick-handled by the Junior Ranks of the unit, with a Senior NCO hosting, and supervising the planning. The event is funded in part by the Minto Jr Ranks Association. This year, unlike other years, the event was open to members of all units and guests.
of games, playing shorthanded 5 on 4 with Warrant officer Cam Bourre spending most of the games in the penalty box, but the team came together to become the first Army team to win the 17 Wing Commanders Cup since 2 PPCLI was crowned tournament champions in 1994.
“Statistics show, that if you score more points than the other team, you normally win the hockey game” Desrochers said “I have been watching YouTube motivational hockey videos and they inform me the key to success is ‘make all feel wanted and good about themselves’ … As such you’re all great, and each of you form an integral part of the BISON TEAM – though your parents may have said otherwise - you’re all special and in God’s eyes we are all winners - so now let’s get on with the business of winning!”
Prairie Region Team Dominates at CAF National Golf TourneyBy Martin Zeilig, The Voxair
Shilo, Man. — It’s the same old story when it comes to playing golf in Manitoba: beware of the breeze.
“The prairie boys know how to play in the wind,” said Danny Hamilton, Sports Coordinator at CFB Shilo. He was referring to the win by the Prairie Region team at the CAF National Golf Championships, held at CFB Shilo from August 24-26. Team member Major Cameron Lowdon, Space Director at CFSAS, also won the individual championship with a three round total of 226.
17 Wing was also represented by Major Rang Phan (above) of 38 CBG who shot a 254 over the three day tournament. His score of 254 was quite the accomplishment considering he had just come from the field the day before the tournament had started
- where he had lost fifteen pounds, was unable to practice and was dealing with a case of poison ivy.
The other players on the Prairie Region team were: Bdr Jared Gossen from Shilo, Capt Manivone Morrison and WO Dave Boland from Cold Lake, Sgt Brenda Woods from Wainwright, and PO2 Steve Melnick from CFB Edmonton.
Every day the five lowest scores out of seven golfers were combined to make a team total.
“To be a part of any winning team is always exciting, especially in this tournament,” Maj Phan, DCO/CI 38 Canadian Brigade Group Battle School, said in an email.
“At the national level, we’re competing against the best from across the regions. We approached the National Championship as a team. No matter how bad we as individuals played, we have to remember that our score counts towards the team score. After each round we encouraged each other to do even better. At the end, we were exhilarated by our accomplishment.”
Maj. Rang Phan
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8 Summer Fall 2015
Fort Bliss, Texas — From September 23 to October 9, select soldiers of The Royal Regina Rifles (RRR) were tasked to participate on Exercise BOLD QUEST (EX BQ) at Fort Bliss, Texas.
EX BQ provided a live and virtual environment including force-on-force scenarios using simulated and virtual technologies with soldiers from Canada, Denmark and the US.
The Canadians, US, and Danish sections were combined into a multinational platoon to see if the different countries could come together as a platoon and execute missions with little time to properly integrate and get to know each other’s tactics.
The combined multinational platoon conducted numerous attacks, centralized around dismounted infantry tactics and urban operations with the advantage of the new friendly force tracking system or FFT.
This exercise began with morning rehearsals in the dismounted soldier training system, which is a virtual reality combat simulator — something new for the RRR’s. Soldiers strap on a backpack of sensors, a helmet with a device similar to that of night vision goggles (the visual interface), and pick up a rifle with more sensors and a joystick to be in the system. This cool yet complicated system wore out its use quickly, as you cannot do platoon sized rehearsals, but it was something new for the Rifles.
Despite being from different countries, it became very apparent that our armies are not so different. In fact, all the soldiers had the same interests, discipline, organizational structure, and problems. This aided immensely in the comradery of this new platoon.
Other technical and personnel additions to add to the complexity of the experiment included various drones and reconnaissance vehicles, French and German forward observers attached to the platoon,
and real aircraft and reconnaissance including an Apache helicopter for close air support.
While the experimentation equipment was heavy, cumbersome, and still in development, this exercise was a great new opportunity for the RRR. It was great to see and compare coalition partner tactics, techniques and procedures. Additionally, many new friends were made with our coalition partners.
EX BQ is a US Joint Staff J6 sponsored experiment/demonstration led by the Deputy Director for Cyber and C4 Integration and Joint Fires Division. EX BQ is interoperability focused with both fielded and emergent capabilities. The exercise focused on core competencies such as: combat identification; friendly force tracking; Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS) and Joint Fires; integrated air and missile defense; and coalition intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance.
Photo Credit: Christian Gagnan
Exercise BOLD QUEST: RRR’s Participate in Live and Virtual Environment TrainingBy Lt Dyllan Miller, Royal Regina Rifles
9Summer Fall 2015
Shilo, Manitoba — “How in the hell are we gonna pull this one off…” I mutter to my fellow gunners from 38 Canadian Brigade Group (CBG). Members of 10th Field Regiment (Saskatchewan), 26th Field Regiment (Manitoba) and 116th Independent Field Battery (Kenora, Ontario) stood amidst row, upon row, upon row of empty cots awaiting the arrival of 39 and 41 CBG all the way from the British Columbia coast to the Alberta / Saskatchewan border. We are in Gunner Arena at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Shilo, preparing to head out to the field the next day to participate in Exercise WESTERN GUNNER – the 3rd Canadian Division Reserve artillery concentration from August 8-15.
Also running this week are five artillery courses which have tasked many of our fellow troops as instructors, course staff or course candidates. How are we to man four guns, command post, recce, observation post, and headquarters? Who is left? We don’t know. Watch and shoot.
No time is wasted, however, as guns are bore sighted, stores are checked, communications are established, drills are rehearsed, vehicles are prepped…
By sundown, like the effervescence of Alka-Seltzer, my needless worry dissipates as 70+ artillery soldiers from Lethbridge, Edmonton and points west to Vancouver and Victoria boisterously clear in. Almost immediately, the briefings begin, positions are assigned, and we are wired.
No empty cots now.
By MBdr Lynne Danielson, UPAR, 116 Ind Fd Bty
Ex WESTERN GUNNER 2015Ph
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10 Summer Fall 2015
As a gunner myself, I am normally a member of a C3 Howitzer Gun Detachment. The MSVS pulls hard and fast into position and with great expediency you get that gun unhooked, recorded, and firing post haste. It is hot, heavy, tiring work, but the ultimate reward comes sweetly with two sounds — “FIRE!” and “BOOM!”
Tasked as driver for the operations officer on this exercise, however, I had the unique opportunity to observe all aspects and moving parts that must come together in an artillery exercise so we can hear that FIRE-BOOM.
I saw soldiers, non-commissioned and officers alike, fuse as one cohesive unit on the gunline, in the
command post (CP), at the observation post, and at headquarters.
I saw the Battery Sergeant Major, MWO Garrett (15 Fd Regt, Vancouver), sweaty and dirty loading salvage alongside gunners.
I saw the Regimental Quartermaster, Sgt Quiring, 26 Field Regiment, Brandon, after running rations and water from sun-up to sun-down, turn around and head right back out with the recovery crew to replace the CP that went down.
I saw a fourth gun come into action because Sgt Colyn 5 Field Regiment, Victoria, and Master Bombardier Hilbich, 15 Field Regiment, Vancouver
volunteered their time from the Recce Tech course to come and command it.
I saw four very strong gun detachments roar and move and load and fire at the end of the exercise during the detachment commanders’ open action competition.
I was humbled and in awe as I saw Army Reserve artillery soldiers of Western Canada, having little or no previous training together, bond in high morale and triumph in extreme heat (plus 38 degrees Celsius) to get rounds downrange, on time, and on target.
UBIQUE!
Thunder Bay, Ont — Corporal Kurtis Pelletier of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment (LSSR) was acknowledged for his compassion and deportment by community and commander alike.
As Cpl Pelletier sat in the emergency room in the Regional Health Sciences Centre in Thunder Bay last spring, he set aside his own concerns and directed his attention to others. In this May 2015 Letter to the Editor, Kimberly Logie commends him for his considerate and compassionate demeanor.
“When I first read the article I was surprised in a positive way because to me it was any other day,” said Cpl Pelletier. “I felt grateful that someone had taken the time to recognize and write about
someone in uniform doing something positive and showing people that men and women in uniform are good people.”
As a member of the LSSR’s, the appreciation that this article garnered for Cpl Pelletier also earned him recognition from his chain of command.
On May 30, Colonel Ross Ermel, in Thunder Bay to preside over the LSSR change of command parade, presented Cpl Pelletier with a Commander’s Coin.
“Cpl Pelletier clearly demonstrated, through his actions and engagement, a professional example which is a guide to us all,” said Colonel Ermel.
“He exemplifies the Canadian Armed Forces values of Duty, Loyalty, Integrity and Courage.”
According to Colonel Abthorpe, (then outgoing Commanding Officer of the LLSR)
“The presentation of the Commander’s Coin allows for a quick recognition of noteworthy deeds without having to go through honour and awards committees. It is a personal token between the Commander and the recipient that says ‘Thank You’ and ‘Well done’ on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces.”
“When Col. Ermel gave me the Commander’s coin I felt honored and proud to be receiving it,” said Cpl Pelletier. “It was a great feeling to be recognized by the military for doing simple, kind things in public.”
“A Humanitarian visits the ER”
I’d like to commend a young soldier my daughter and I saw at the Regional Health Sciences Centre emergency room Saturday evening.
He was dressed in green and black army fatigues with a bold Canadian flag badge on his left arm. I watched him sit and give his full attention to an elderly aboriginal man who was wearing a hospital gown and sat directly across from him in the waiting room. The elderly man appeared to have the “gift of the gab,” while the young soldier sat calmly and intently, listening to him speak.
I mentioned to my daughter that the soldier appeared to be a true humanitarian. She replied, “What does that mean?” I informed her that a humanitarian is someone who
promotes human welfare, a Good Samaritan and someone who genuinely cares about people.
Just then, a mother of a young child had her stroller fall over as she lifted her child out of it. The young soldier got up immediately and picked up the stroller for her. Upon returning to his seat, he said “sorry” to the man for leaving his conversation unannounced.
He did not look around to see who saw him do this random act of kindness. He did not take the opportunity to sit in a different seat. He respectfully redirected his attention back to the talkative man.
Young man, your parents should be proud, Thunder Bay should be proud, and your entire country should be proud.
May God bless your journey.
Kimberly Logie
Thunder Bay
By 2Lt Stacie Nelles, 38 CBG PAO
Commander’s Coins Says Thank You and Well Done
From The Chronical Journal: MAY 22, 2015
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12 Summer Fall 2015
Ottawa, Ont — Corporals Anna and Madeline Janzen, members of the North Saskatchewan Regiment based out of Saskatoon stood guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The two sisters from Rosthern, Saskatchewan were the first siblings to ever stand sentry together over the National War Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Confederation Square in Ottawa. The sisters were part of the national sentry program this summer, which has members of the navy, army and air force standing guard from April to November.
Originally built to commemmorate the Candians who died in World War I, the National War Memorial is a tall, granite arch with bronze sculptures dedicated by King George VI in 1939. In 1982, it was rededicated to also include those killed in the World War II and the Korean War, and again in 2014 to add the dead from Second Boer war, the war in Afghanistan, as well as all Canadians killed in all conflicts past and future. In 2000, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was placed in front of the memorial and symbolizes the sacrifices made by all Canadians who have died or may yet die for their country.
The tomb holds the remains of an unidentified project begun by the Royal Canadian Legion, the tomb was added to the war memorial in 2000 and holds
the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier who died in France during World War I. The soldier was selected from a cemetery in the vicinity of Vimy Ridge. The solemn ground also marks the same spot where Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was shot and killed in October of 2014.
“The war memorial in itself represents so much bloodshed for the country itself,” said Madeline. “Now that there’s been bloodshed there, in that very location, it’s changed the war memorial in a way that I don’t think you even can put words on.” “It’s a humbling experience to stand up there,” said Anna.
While on duty, the sisters would stand at ease, sometimes performing drills or giving salute to officers who visited the National War Memorial. They were not allowed to speak to the public while on guard, but they did have fellow soldiers on the same shift that were able to interact with the public and answer their questions.
The two sisters applied for the special posting, and said they are alike as soldiers. They appreciate that they get to serve together. “There’s no one I’d rather actually be out there with,” said Madeline. “She’s always got my back.”
Janzen Sisters Stand Guard in OttawaBy MCpl Alan Haley, 38 CBG Public Affairs
13Summer Fall 2015
EXERCISE BISON WARRIOR 2015
Photo Credit: MCpl Louis Brunet
By Maj Mike Lagace, 38 CBG PAO
Shilo, Man. — Driving through the early morning mists of CFB Shilo with the sun starting to crest through the east, a convoy of visitors, including the Brigade and Divisional Commanders rambled through the back gates of the ranges. It was time to observe the final assault against the enemy forces wreaking havoc against the good citizens.
Enjoying the 45-minute ride with plenty of time to watch the coordinated and tactical soldier skills, the low-lying fog spread across the ranges, providing an eerie sense of peace. The sun broke the horizon, brightened the clouds and showed the prairie ranges in its glory. Coming closer, a strange cloud formation suddenly appeared along the horizon.
Damn. It wasn’t clouds. It was smoke from a major attack!
Friday’s final assault on 30 rogue dissidents was well underway as the convoy of observers came across the formation well engaged into battle. It looked great- the good guys finished off the bad guys and it happened early thanks to an errant night contact by enemy force. Combat arms took the initiative and carried on.
Over 100 proud but tired soldiers from 38 Canadian Brigade Group made their final assault early Friday morning (August 21) after slugging the week through swamp, bugs and poison ivy [em dash] avoiding all the wire, mine defenses, machine gun nests, and roving patrols.
Sadly the 38 Combat Engineer Regiment sappers came in with unexploded Bangalore.
“The engineers looked a bit disappointed carrying it in- kind of even sad,” quipped Colonel Geoff Abthorpe, Commander 38 CBG.
However, they were not to be disappointed as every exercise needs certain activities to take place. Yes, the officer commanding the attack, Major Rang Phan, had right to be proud as he and his team circumvented every obstacle ensuring his men survived the assault. He could only comment on his after action brief from a perfect attack, “Kill them harder next time!” sending his team into hard laughing.
“Okay, great work!” proclaimed BGen Wayne Eyre, a former RSS officer many years ago with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and now the Commander of 3rd Division.
Dressed in MILES gear, still with lots of time ahead, it was decided to exercise breaching the defences. Command staff just made our Engineers a very happy bunch — the infantry didn’t mind at all because that’s why they came – to close with and destroy the enemy.
Take 2! Bangalore away!
Final Attack
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Shilo, Man. — After months of phone calls, emails and actual letters sent by mail, the United States Army arrived to be co-joined, and even enemy force, for 38 Canadian Brigade Group’s major warfighting exercise - BISON WARRIOR ’15- in Shilo, Manitoba 15-23 August.
The two United States Army Reserve units that accepted 38 CBG’s invitation to the exercise were:
the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion, based out of Tulsa Oklahoma. They were deployed for a year to Iraq in 2008.
The 13th Psychological Operations Battalion out of Arden Hills, Minnesota. They deployed 60 of its members for a full year to Langhar Province of Afghanistan in 2011.
Both units come with a great deal of practical experience, as deployments are routine for them. It is also worthy to note that American Reserve units deploy quite differently than their Canadian counterparts, as they usually deploy their reservist as a unit - not as augmentees to a regular force unit like the Canadian Army Reserve.
486th Civil Affairs Battalion’s relationship with 38 CBG extends back to August 2014 and February 2015 when it sent soldiers to the summer and winter iterations of the 38 CBG’s annual Arctic Response Company Group domestic operations exercises in northern Manitoba. Exercise BISON
WARRIOR 15 marks the first time that elements of US Psychological Operations have been incorporated into 38 CBG training.
When the opportunity appeared, 13th Psychological Operations Battalion was eager to participate according to First Sergeant Fuchs: “ It only makes sense to form a relationship between the two units because of our proximity.”
When asked about the difficulties that they needed to overcome when working with an allied force, Captain Brian Goree from 13th Psychological Operations Battalion said, “was the basic things like acronyms and ranks, but when it came to the job itself, the processes may have different names, but the techniques that we use are very similar.”
Captain Jon Baker, who currently serves as G9 for 38 CBG and Second in Command of 38 Influence Activities Company, also took his training into operations in Afghanistan in 2008, shared the same sentiment. “Despite never working together before and despite being a composite group of Canadian Reservists from different units within 38 CBG and American soldiers, they gelled right away
- producing Influence Activities products at a level and quality that even surprised themselves.”
Even on a personal level, the soldiers from both sides of the 49th Parallel seemed to be in sync within five minutes of meeting one another. They
may have a different perspective and experiences when it comes to their jobs and lives in general but
“there are plenty of similarities between them that they were able to build upon that brought the two groups together to work as a team,” said Captain Goree.
Unlike their United States Army counterparts who have Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs as occupations within the military, the Canadian Armed Forces has institutionalized Civil Military Cooperation and Psychological Operations as occupational specialty qualifications sourced it out to most trades within the Army reserves. Due to the part-time nature of the reserve force in Canada, and the fact that Canadian Influence Activities personnel must hone their skillsets on top of carrying out their respective military occupations, the participation of 486th Civil Affairs Battalion and 13th Psychological Operations Battalion represents “a great opportunity for our new personnel to work with and learn from their US brethren, who bring with them a deeper and broader level of experience in many respects,” said Captain Baker.
Iraq veteran, Captain Jeffrey Nantze, who deployed to Iraq with the 486th, expanded on the benefits of this partnership highlighting that he
“would like this to be something that will continue in the years to come.”
American Reservists Train with Canadian CounterpartsBy 2Lt Kyle Roman, 38 CBG PAO
17Summer Fall 2015
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Major Activities CalendarJanuary to June 2016
Gagetown, N.B. — In May, the Saskatchewan Dragoons were selected to represent 3 Division as the Reserve Reconnaissance team in the 2015 Worthington Cup Challenge in CFB Gagetown. The unit provided a Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled (LUVW) patrol consisting of eight soldiers. Training began in August and included the qualifying on all of our weapon systems. We also conducted training on armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) recognition, medical first aid and physical fitness.
We arrived for the competition in CFB Gagetown on September 24. We were able to train and discuss strategy with our 3 Division teammates. The 3 Division team consisted of crews of Leopard 2 and Coyote from the Lord Strathcona Horse, a Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) crew from 1 Princes Patricia Canadian Light Infantry along with our LUVW patrol.
Our first challenge was the obstacle course followed by the march and shoot — both of these stands were physically challenging as well as fun. Next was the range. The armoured fighting vehicle range consisted of a C6 shoot from the LUVW turret at targets and falling plates. After completing the range we were able to watch the other teams compete, it was impressive to see the firepower of the Coyote, LAV 3 and the Leopard 2. The next event was the Night Navigation Course. The first team set off at midnight, and our team was the sixth team to launch that night. We had three hours to get to all 12 Nav
points which were difficult to find with only a map and compass.
The next day of competition was AFV recognition, calling in indirect fire in the SAT range, followed by the range estimation stand. The last day of the completion consisted of driver maintenance, first aid and driving course stands. We raced off to the first stand where we conducted a tire change on the LUVW followed by removing a casualty from a TLAV, performing first aid and calling in appropriate reports on the radio. Our team was the first team to complete all three stands, and we watched as the other teams finished.
We were keeping track of our progress and that of the other Divisions as well, but we really didn’t know until the last team was done where we stood in the standings. At the awards ceremony, 3 Division’s Leopard 2 team placed first overall, the LAV and LUVW teams placed second overall meaning that 3 Division had won the Worthington Cup Challenge.
The Worthington Cup Challenge was a great experience. The Saskatchewan Dragoon team was given the opportunity to complete with both Regular Force and other Reserve soldiers in an excellent physical and challenging competition. We were able to meet new soldiers from all over the country as well as a Leopard 2 team from Denmark. We look forward to representing 38 CBG and 3 Division again in the future.
Last August, Honorary Colonel Dean Botcher of 38 Signal Regiment, rappelled down the 14 stories of the Maplecrest Towers in Thunder Bay for Easter Seals. It also happened to be the same building that he lives in.
Easter Seals Drop Zone is a unique and exhilarating fundraising event that encourages ordinary individuals to become superheroes for a day.
Honorary Colonel Botcher was one of several brave individuals that raised over $3800.00.
Saskatchewan Dragoons Help 3 Div Team Win Worthington Cup ChallengeBy MCpl Mike Cook and MCpl Steve Arens, Saskatchewan Dragoons
Over the Edge for Easter Seals
Photo Credit: submitted by M
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Major Activities CalendarJanuary to June 2016
EX ARCTIC RAM12 - 21 FEB 16
RESOLUTE BAY, NU
Over 300 people stopped by Minto Armouries on October 10th as the units of 38 Canadian Brigade Group opened their doors to the public with an open house.
The event featured many displays, including ones from the Fort Garry Horse, the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, a Teddy Bear triage area for children, and several vintage jeeps from the Ghost Squadron.
The weekend was also a high point for 38 Service Battalion, a combat service support unit within 38 CBG. The battalion celebrated the 50th anniversary of its formation that weekend with a grand re-opening of the expanded Combat Service Support Museum as well as the launch of a book on CSS history entitled ‘United in Effort’.
Dale Watts, Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel for 38 Service Battalion, says that the day was a great
opportunity for the general public to learn about what the Army Reserve does.
“I think that having the community become more familiar with the military is always a good thing,” he said.
Watts joined the Army in 1968 and was a former CO of the Service Support Unit in Winnipeg before retiring. He came back to the battalion in 2009 when he was asked to be its Honorary LCol.
The museum was founded in the late 1990’s by Watts’ predecessor, and he inherited it when he became Honorary LCol of the Battalion.
“Originally that wasn’t my interest in becoming Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel,” HLCol Watts said.
“But it’s gotten into my blood now and I spend a fair amount of time there, trying to improve the collection.”
Sergeant Kevin McRae, a combat engineer with 38 CBG, was happily displaying the tools of his trade for curious onlookers inside of Minto. On the table in front of him were replicas of several different types of land mines, axes, a halligan bar, and even a replica of a claymore mine.
Sgt McRae, who has been in the army for eight years, says that his favourite part of the job is building obstacles and employing demolitions on training exercises.
“The ‘enemy’ force will construct obstacles to try and stop the flow on the battlefield, and we’ll do reconnaissance on the obstacles and attempt to remove the obstacle,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
The day was capped off with a meet and greet for current and former members of 38 Service Battalion and their predecessor units.
Moose Jaw Recruiter Leads Way in Open HousesBy Maj Mike Lagace, 38 CBG PAO
As fall training sessions came to a close, larger armoury open houses in celebration of historic milestones prevailed across 38 Brigade to include Minto and Regina. Whether in memory of 50 years of service, such as the 17 Service Battalion, or celebration of a regiment’s presence in a city, such as the Royal Regina Regiment, sometimes a community just needs to know the Army Reserves are there. Sergeant Chad Humphreys, the South Saskatchewan recruiting officer was determined to have his say in Moose Jaw.
Last October the Saskatchewan Dragoons, led by Sgt Humphreys, invited the
community, including many schools and the media from Regina, to find out about the historic unit within the LCol D.V. Currie VC Armoury.
“Recruiting in the Army Reserves is such a priority now as we have lost numbers,” remarked Sgt Humphreys. “The Open House provides a venue for many local schools to really learn about their army in Moose Jaw.”
New to the Open House was CTV Regina picking up the story and telling southern Saskatchewan all about the Army Reserves. Normally profiling local Regina events, CTV Morning Live reporter, Alex Brown, was ready and eager to get into the military gear, jump on the G-Wagons and take out an enemy position with the Carl Gustav. She said, “it’s definitely something I have never done before,” and then yelled out the orders for a fire mission.
The Canadian Forces, and specifically the Army Reserves of 38 Canadian Brigade Group, are engaged in a battle of attrition since the close of the Afghanistan mission. Recruiting has slowed down. Still needing to prepare for any eventuality, Brigade recruiters rely upon the support of their units, such as the Saskatchewan Dragoons and opportunities such as their open house.
Minto Celebrates 100 Years of Army Reserve Heritage with Open HouseBy Mike Sherby, The Voxair
Photo Credit: The Voxair, Maj M
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21Summer Fall 2015
A long-standing tradition was revived on Saturday at Regina City Hall as local military units were granted freedom of the city. The custom dates back to the 15th century, explained Col. Malcolm Young with the Canadian Forces Liaison Council. “An army would approach a city and... the city would have two choices: They could either be sieged and destroyed or they could grant freedom of the city to the invading army, but with terms and conditions,” he said.
“(For example), they would be able to come into the city and they would not... pillage it.”
Members of the Royal Regina Rifles, 10th Field Artillery, 38th Signals Regiment, HMCS Queen, 38th Service Battalion, 16th Field Ambulance and 15th Wing Moose Jaw marched down Victoria Avenue to McIntyre Street. The members waited as representatives from each unit approached city hall and met deputy mayor Wade Murray to request or exercise their freedom of the city. “It connects the units with their city. And, that is a critical thing as well because it is an opportunity for the unit, which is part of the community,
to be on display at a significant moment in time, for all the citizens of that city.”
Only the Royal Regina Rifles (1967) and HMCS Queen (1978) were previously granted freedom of the city. Cpl. Jayson Derow participated in the parade on behalf of the Royal Regina Rifles. Derow, 24, of Emerald Park, joined the unit eight years ago. “I was young. I just always had this sense of duty to kind of give back to the country and just do something out of the ordinary,” he said. Derow added that there is a history of military members in his family, and he wanted to carry on that tradition.
Saturday’s parade was part of Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Day. Col. Geoff Abthorpe, commander of 38th Canadian Brigade Group, said that appreciation day provides an opportunity for the military and the public to connect. “Sometimes the public ... feels that there is this mysteriousness about us. Well, this is a chance for us to open our doors (and) show them there is nothing really that secretive or mysterious about us,” he said at a Canadian Armed Forces open house at the Regina Armoury. “We are an organization of the people for the people to support the people of Canada.”
Regina Freedom of the CityBy Michael Bell, Regina Leader-Post
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23Summer Fall 2015
Former 18 Service Battalion Honorary Colonel John (Jack) Joseph Young passed away accidentally in Thunder Bay Ontario on July 31, 2015.
HCol Young was a Royal Canadian Air Force veteran of World War II. Throughout his lifetime of military service he worked and studied in various levels of social work. More recently he was known as a beloved member of the Reserve Force in Thunder Bay, Ontario who left behind him a legacy of accomplishments that will be remembered and appreciated for generations to come.
Colonel Geoff Abthorpe, Commander of 38 Canadian Brigade Group, describes HCol Jack Young as “a pillar in the military community in the Lakehead for many decades.”
“His unwavering support for the soldiers was reflected in the yeoman’s work he performed in the Military Museum, the Royal Canadian Legion, and as a member of the Service Battalion Senate,” said Col Abthorpe. “We are fortunate to have had such a dedicated individual like Jack in our ranks for as long as we had.”
In September 1942, after high school graduation in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, HCol Young enlisted in the RCAF serving as an Aircraft Instrument Technician in England and Scotland. He earned the Defence of Britain Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, as well as
The War Medal 1939 – 1945 for his war service.
After earning a post-graduate diploma at the University of London, England, HCol Young was commissioned as a Social Work Officer in the Air Force in 1954. He served with dedication to his trade in Canada and Europe until 1971 when he moved to Thunder Bay where he was Chief Social Worker at Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital. He served in the Army Reserves from 1971 to 1983, with the Service Battalion, Medical Company and District Headquarters becoming a member of the Service Battalion Senate in 1983. He was appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of 18 Service Battalion in 1994 and Honorary Colonel in 2008.
HCol Young’s time in Thunder Bay marks an extensive series of involvements and commitments including: RCAF Benevolent Fund; co-founder of the Social Work Branch of the RCAF; Society of Military Social Workers and founder and curator of the Thunder Bay Military Museum.
Museum volunteer Kevin Roy says of his experience in working with HCol Young, “I remember the joy in his voice when he would take people on tours and the stories that he would tell when showing [them] the exhibits. It was a joy to volunteer for someone that had such a love of history and a desire to share it with others.”
HCol Young leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Anne. He was 91.
By 2Lt Stacie Nelles, 38 CBG PAO
“A Long Life Well Lived” Colonel Jack Young: 1923 - 2015
24 Summer Fall 2015
The exploits of a Thunder Bay-born Canadian Armed Forces colonel are featured in an Afghanistan War documentary series.
Two of War Story Afghanistan’s six episodes will focus on Colonel Geoffrey Abthorpe, who commanded Canadian troops to victory through Operation MEDUSA in September 2006.
Four hundred Taliban fighters were repelling the NATO-led force at the foot of a mountain outside of Kandahar. Abthorpe was the third leader to take command of the 165-member team. The use of force had been restricted and coalition troops were suffering heavy casualties.
Under new leadership, Operation MEDUSA’s tide was about to turn. “I was given greater rules of engagement and freedom of action to take the objective,” Abthorpe explained.
The Colonel had developed a reputation for leading from the front, often on foot. He ordered his team to circumvent the explosive-laden roads and cut through fields toward the town in a bid to change the battle’s focal point.
The strategy brought what Abthorpe described as the coalition’s “overwhelming firepower and superior abilities” into close range and the battle was won.
Thirty-eight Canadian soldiers were wounded and one soldier was lost during that command — Private Josh Klukie from Thunder Bay. Abthorpe commemorates the local man’s life every year on Remembrance Day.
The second episode featuring Abthorpe, entitled Hearts and Minds, is a critical look at the outreach effort to legitimize the elected Afghan government. The Canadians focused on promising to refurbish wells in Afghan communities to gain their support by providing water.
“It didn’t go so well. We had an inability to get the right kind of resources from Canada,” he said.
The Taliban had better resources at its command to convince rural communities to offer its soldiers food, shelter, safe passage.
There were some successes, including giving firewood to Afghanis in November and providing 90 patients with medical care.
Abhtorpe described the point of view of a man who lived near the mountain that claimed to be 104 years old.
“He said, ‘the British left, the Russians left, the Taliban will leave, the Coalition will leave and I’ll still be here in my village and I’ll still be tending my crops,’” Abthorpe recalled.
The full tbaynewswatch.com story can be found at http://www.tbnewswatch.com/News/377111/Thunder_Bay_soldier_featured_in_History_Channel_documentary_
War Story Afghanistan aired on the History Channel during Remembrance Week and can be viewed at http://www.history.ca/video/#video.
By Jon Thompson, tbnewswatch.com
38 Brigade Commander Featured in New Documentary:
War Story Afghanistan
25Summer Fall 2015
I arrived at CFB Trenton late one evening in April to a briefing along with dozens of regimental representatives. Each representative’s units played a role in the liberation of Holland in 1945, close to the end of the European campaign of World War II. After three days of drill practice and rehearsing drills in French, we boarded the CF Polaris aircraft destined for Eindhoven, Holland.
The next day, we boarded buses from Orange Kazerene (a Dutch army Barracks located just outside the city of Arnhem) bound for the town of Wageningen where the documents that liberated the country were signed May 5, 1945. Later, we arrived at one of the Canadian War Cemeteries.
Seeing the final resting places of so many soldiers who fought was a very sobering experience. It caused most of us to pause and reflect in a way we probably haven’t before. We were scheduled to see only one more cemetery after this for the rest of the trip, but instead saw two — the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten, and the cemetery in Bergen op Zoom. Provided with a map of the locations of each fallen Fort Garry Horse soldiers at these three cemeteries, I was able to pay my respects to them individually.
A parade at the Canadian war cemetery in Groesbeek marked the third day and was attended by former Canadian Prime Minister’s wife, Laureen Harper, many veterans from the various battles that took place throughout the country, and family of fallen members who now rest in Groesbeek. The parade spanned almost three hours in the rain. Prior to leaving, the guard lined up to shake the hands of each veteran before boarding busses back to Oranje Kazerene.
All we could see the next day was blue skies as we set out for the parade in Holten. Over 1000 people honoured the fallen and the veterans including Prime Minister Steven Harper who expressed the country’s appreciation for the men who served, past and present.
The parade was enormous — unlike anything I have ever experienced. Helicopters flew by showering poppies over the event and a World
War II Spitfire airplane conducted flybys. After the parade, we were shuttled into the city of Holten decorated by local citizens with Dutch and Canadian flags and a lunch prepared especially for us — the food was outstanding!
Personally touring Arnhem that evening, I was fortunate enough to accidentally find my way to the largest cathedral in Arnhem (one block from the famous “John Frost Bridge”). Here, on May 4 at 20:00 hours, the Dutch take a moment of silence to honour their dead. Thousands walked through the street in silence arriving at the doors of the cathedral where the march halted for somber music and prayer.
Liberation Day – May 5, 2015. We met Canadian Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Tom Lawson, who thanked the guard for our participation in such an important event. A question I posed to the CDS, in fact, earned me the only CDS coin that was handed out that day — an outstanding honor (among the many this trip has granted me thus far.)
The parade route commemorating Liberation day was six kilometers through Wageningen, slated to conclude shortly after performing “eyes right” past the king and queen of the Netherlands. Almost immediately, the parade was halted as dozens of Dutch children immediately rushed us to high five us, hug us, or simply just say hello. The guard was prepared with keepsakes from home to hand out to all the kids. I personally handed out 200 Canada pins throughout the course of the parade, as well as one name tag, which one child was seen wearing proudly on his chest throughout the rest of the day.
The appreciation and energy we received from the locals throughout the parade was unlike anything I could have imagined. Flower petals blew through the air all around us. Signs thanking our efforts during the war and post war were held by children and war veterans alike. Tears of joy were shed when the Canadian contingent proudly marched by. I have never seen or felt anything like it; it was like something out of a movie — an unreal experience.
The city swelled from 40,000 to 130,000 people
for the event. Canadians, Americans, Germans, Belgians, and more were all present and more than willing to swap stories and souvenirs with us. It was on this day that I made a good friend from the Dutch 11th Air Mobile Brigade (11 Luchtmobiele Brigade, part of the German Special Operations Division), Corporal Wensley Monk. Cpl Monk ensured the rest of my stay was as educational as possible and provided me with all kinds of souvenirs for myself and the members of FGH.
The rest of the tasking was spent exploring battlefields, monuments, and architecture. My personal adventures concluded with a visit to the city of Dotechiem where the Fort Garry Horse invested time after World War II building homes, roads and even toys for the children during the holidays.
At “Canada Park” — a neighborhood named and dedicated to the Fort Garry Horse for our post war efforts in rebuilding the community — sits an FGH Sherman gifted to the people of Dotechiem along with a commemorative plaque and sign explaining the important role the regiment played in rebuilding the city. Adjacent to the Sherman was a building that was used by the community as a daycare and recreation center, aptly named “Club haus Fort Garry Horse”. I stopped in and left our unit’s “customs and traditions” handbook, along with a letter of appreciation.
Before this tasking, I knew and understood the history and the sacrifices; however, I don’t believe anyone can truly understand until they set foot on the ground where the stories took place. Until they see the spots where history was made. Until they experience the sobering feeling of being where the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice now rest so people they never even met, can live unoppressed and free.
The time I spent in the Netherlands, the people I met, and the friends I made will not be forgotten, nor will the sacrifices and tragedies which paint the vivid picture of war in this place — a picture the country holds with pride.
FACTA NON VERBA.
70th Anniversary of the Liberation of Holland
By MCpl Jeremy Slot, Fort Garry Horse
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26 Summer Fall 2015
Born in Vienna, Austria with a Ukrainian heritage, Lieutenant Colonel Jarymowycz is a naturalized Canadian citizen and an accomplished senior officer. He holds a PhD in military history and has taught at the Canadian Land Force Command and Staff College and the Royal Military College of Canada. To quote one former student, “I was privileged to have been in his syndicate during the Tutorial III in Kingston, 1997.”
The 38 CBG public affairs team holding the Command Team commendation. (L-R) 2Lt Kyle Roman, 2Lt Stacie Nelles, MCpl Draper Houston, Bernice May Tuano, 2Lt Derek Gagnon, Maj Mike Lagace, MCpl Cam Skrypnyk, MCpl Louis Brunet, Cpl Jean Archambault, MCpl Alan Haley
As indicated by the cartoon, LCol Jarymowycz is also known for his artistic abilities. His cartoons were enjoyed by many and he even carried his imaginative talents over into his classroom,
“Each of his students received one of his personal drawings of the syndicate with each student detailed in how he saw us.”
The same post on Milnet.ca concludes with what seems to be a common opinion, “A wonderful man. I could listen to him speak for hours.”
Last May, the 38 Canadian Brigade Group (CBG) Public Affairs team, headed by Major Mike Lagace, received a Commander Commendation from the 38 CBG Command Team.
The certificate, signed by outgoing Commander Colonel Ross Ermel and Brigade Sergeant-Major Al Boucher reads, “For notable and results driven support to the Commander’s effort to raise the profile of 38 (CBG)… the Public Affairs Branch distinguished itself. Through Exercise BISON WARRIOR 2014, the Afghanistan Day of Remembrance, the Afghanistan Memorial Vigil,
Exercise ARCTIC BISON 2015, the Minnesota Twins Military Recognition Day… and a multitude of other well-coordinated media events throughout the Brigade, the Public Affairs Branch is commended for their dedication, professionalism and successes in telling the Brigade’s story. Their skill and ability to operate independently … brought credit to the Brigade and the (CAF) through internal correspondence, social media and local and national news coverage.”
The Brigade Public Affairs team formed up with the Army Reserve model of employment — part-time availability. Throughout the year, it was comprised of officer and NCM PA practitioners — Major Mike Lagace, 2Lt Kyle Roman and MCpl Draper Houston. Photojournalists, both from the Regular and Reserve forces were MCpls Cam Skrypnyk, Louis Brunet and Alan Haley. Brigade Graphic Designer Bernice May Tuano, rounded out the team with her brilliant design of the Brigade Magazine and other posters.
Cartoon by LCol Jarymowycz, former CO Royal Canadian Hussars and comic contributor to the old CF Sentinel magazine under the name Roman. This cartoon is from the cover of the
Rendezvous (RV) 83 Comic Book.
Command Team Commendation for 38 CBG Public Affairs
27Summer Fall 2015
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