the royal alberta united services institute - rausi.ca news 2016 july-september.pdf · cadet mwo...
TRANSCRIPT
Patron
HRH The Duke of York, KG, GCVO, ADC(P), CD
President
HCol John E. Melbourne, CD [email protected]
Vice-President
Capt Arlen Peterson, CD [email protected]
Secretary-Treasurer
Mr. Douglas Jessen [email protected]
Past-President
LCol (Ret’d) JJ Martin, CD, PMP [email protected]
Membership Chairman
Maj (Ret’d) Bruce Henwood, MSM, CD
Honorary Piper Cadet MWO Michael O’Sullivan
Honorary Chaplain
Maj (Ret’d) Lloyd Northcott [email protected]
Honorary Solicitor
2nd Lt (Ret’d) Morris Smeltz, QC [email protected]
Newsletter Editor
Maj (Ret’d) Bruce Henwood, MSM, CD
Honorary Librarian/Archivist
vacant
Honorary Auditor KPMG
(Continued on page 2)
Founded 1920 NEWS Vol. 25-No 3 July—September 2016
The Royal Alberta United
Services Institute Mewata Armoury—801-11th Street SW
Calgary AB T2P 2C4
www.rausi.ca - email: [email protected]
PRESIDENT’S REPORT SUMMER 2016 by HCol John Melbourne, CD
Since being elected President of The Royal Alberta United Services Institute in March, I have attempted to attend as many functions as possible to get the RAUSI name out into the community. These events have included The Battle of the Atlantic at HMCS Techumseh where I laid a wreath on behalf of our organization. I also attended the Annual Reviews of HMCS Undaunted Sea Cadets, 604 (Moose) Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets, and the Calgary Highlander Cadet Corps, where all four corps in the Calgary area paraded together. In addition, we attended the Home Opener in Moose Jaw of the 46th
Season of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron (The Snowbirds), Exercise Maple Resolve 2016 in Wainwright and the Change of Command of the King’s Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC). During July, we will attend the 75th Anniversary Celebration of 419 Squadron in Kamloops, the Air Show in Cold Lake and also the Change of Command of the Wing Commander at 4 Wing and the Change of Command of the Commanding Officer at 410 Squadron.
We have attempted to host a monthly speaker’s luncheon at the mess and we have had moderate success. In April, our very own LCol Bill Schultz provided a very interesting update on his experiences with Ukrainian elections in that very troubled country.
In May, we had Sergeant Kelly Oberg of HAWCs Helicopter give an excellent presentation to a small but enthusiastic group. We had
hoped to have BGen Wayne Eyre speak to us in June, but this was not possible due to conflict in dates. With Director Heather Malone taking the lead on the speakers’ program I am sure we will have a full slate of speakers for next season. Continued on page 2
HCol Melbourne laying a wreath at the Battle of the Atlantic ceremonies
Vice-President Capt Peterson thanking LCol Schultz for his presentation
HCol Melbourne thanking Sgt Oberg for his HAWCs presentation
Directors
Mr. Eric Cameron [email protected]
MWO (Ret’d) Al Hudak, CD
LCol (Ret’d) Bill Schultz, CD, MSM [email protected]
LCol (Ret’d) Rick Wright, CD [email protected]
Ms. Heather Malone
2Lt Thomas O’Sullivan [email protected]
2 Lt Christopher Pawelko
Commanding Officer of the Mess LCol Dave Sweeney, CD
President of the Mess
Committee Maj Ryan Palmer, CD
Vice-President of the
Mess Committee Capt John Huh
RAUSI Office Assistant Mrs. Janyn D. Bertram
RAUSI NEWS Page 2
We will this year have our Annual after-the- Parade Stampede Brunch (see the Brunch notice elsewhere in this newsletter). This will be held in conjunction with CGOM. We have made an attempt to do joint ventures before, but for various reasons we have not been successful. This will be the last planned event in the Mess prior to the renovations later this year. The Mess will be closed August to December for a complete renovation and is scheduled to reopen in time for the New Year’s Day Levee. CGOM have requested RAUSI to provide input as to what we would like to see in the Mess, and I encourage all of our members to make suggestions they may have.
The Dining Room has been completed, however we have looked at alternate venues to hold our functions until the Mess is fully operational once again. As well, our annual summer BBQ will be held on August 13th at HMCS Tecumseh (see the BBQ notice elsewhere in this newsletter). Finally, on June 24, 2016, at a Special General Meeting a revised set of Institute By-Laws were voted on and passed by the Membership. The By-Laws in use now have not been updated in over 10 years and were long overdue. The new By-Laws will be in effect after having them registered with The Government of Alberta Corporate Registry. RAUSI will be on Stand-Down for July and August and the office will only be open on an as-needed basis. We look forward to the fall when hopefully we can provide interesting activities for our membership. To kick off the fall session, there will be a Meet and Greet Happy Hour on September 16th, location and timing is yet to be confirmed, stayed tuned for more updates.
President’s Report continued from page 1
On Friday June 24th, the final happy hour before the summer recess was held a the Officers’ Mess. It was very well attended with over 40 members, spouses and guests present. As usual the nibblies were excellent and there were many positive
comments about the quantity and quality. A special thank you goes to Janyn for organizing the caterer for this event. Behind the scenes, unnoticed by most was Vice President of the Institute, Capt Arlen Peterson diligently doing door duty, thank you Arlen! It was a drop in event, some members came for just a few minutes, others stayed till the bitter end!
HAPPY HOUR UPDATE by Maj (Ret’d) Bruce Henwood, MSM, CD
President HCol Melbourne with Directors Heather Malone and 2Lt Chris Pawelko
Maj Bruce Henwood with Col Don Ethell
RAUSI NEWS Page 3
Somehow the Navy gets short shrift on November 11th and April 9th, our two national days of Remembrance. So the Navy has invented a Remembrance of its own, the first Sunday of May each year, named Battle of the Atlantic Sunday. Its form is that of a Church Service on board a warship and in Calgary it is celebrated at HMCS Tecumseh. Drums are stacked to form an altar and colours are deposited. Prayers are said and lessons are read. A favorite Bible reading is the Psalm “They
that go down to the sea in ships”. The Navy has its own prayer, recited for centuries on Royal Navy warships and known by heart, which begins “O Eternal Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens and rulest the raging of the sea…”. The Naval Hymn, which is shared with the USN and all Commonwealth fleets, begins “Eternal Father strong to save whose arm hath bound the restless wave…” This magnificent hymn ends “Our brethren shield in danger’s hour; from rock and tempest, fire and foe, protect them wheresoe’er they go…”.
The Navy takes the time to hear the names of every RCN ship which was sunk in the Battle of the Atlantic, and make note of the 145 aircraft and 543 aircrew lost on sea patrol and remember the sacrifices of the Canadian Merchant fleet with 63 vessels sunk and 1629 sailors killed in the line of duty. The Navy has its own act of remembrance: "On all the oceans whitecaps flow, There are no crosses, row on row; But those who sleep beneath the sea, sleep in peace...your country is free".
The Padre’s Corner: The Navy Remembers by Maj (Ret’d) Lloyd Northcott, CD, B.A., M.A.
RAUSI members Major (Ret'd) L. Northcott and ACO Captain K. Doner at the Vimy Ceremony at The Military Museum 9 April 2016
CASINO RECAP by LCol (Ret’d) JJ Martin, CD, PMP
On 19 and 20 June 2016, a total of 26 members and friends of RAUSI covered off shifts at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino for the RAUSI Casino. This time frame exceeded 34 hours over the two-day period. A special thanks to Linda Wright who reached out to a number of her friends to fill in the final vacancies. Although the amount of funds that RAUSI will receive from this event is currently unknown, it is expected that it will be in excess of $60,000. It is these funds that enable the Institute to support Veterans and youth in the community. It is expected that the next Casino will take place in the first quarter of 2018, with a chance that it might occur in the fourth quarter of 2017. Thanks to all who participated.
Change of Address
If you have moved or intend to move soon, we ask that you advise the office as soon as possible
by telephone, fax, email or snail mail.
RAUSI Mewata Armoury
801-11th Street Southwest Calgary, Alberta
T2P 2C4 Office: 403-265-6628
Fax: 587-747-2310—[email protected]
Rumour has it, this slang has it origins in World War I where the common soldier was given life insurance of
$5000. At that time, 100 years ago, $5000 would buy an average farm. Hence, if a soldier died in battle, his friends would say, “He ‘Bought the Farm’.”
BOUGHT THE FARM
RAUSI NEWS Page 4
In his 2009 work of speculative fiction “Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives” neuroscientist David Eagleman wrote that we each die three times: “The first is when the body ceases to function. The second is when the body is consigned to the grave. The third is that moment, sometime in the future, when your name is spoken for the last time”.
Throughout history we have sought to honour individuals who have accomplished great things, performed heroic deeds, or perhaps simply made meaningful contributions to their communities. Sometimes we do this by erecting statues or commissioning paintings but more often we do it by naming things after them. One really does not have to think too hard to come up with a dozen such tributes –McMahon Stadium, McKnight Boulevard, and Ian Bazelgette School to name a few. But even though these individual’s names are still spoken how many of us know or give thought to why someone saw fit to memorialize them?
One that should be familiar to members of RAUSI is that of Wing Commander Donald Burke Freeman DFC. Born at Lougheed, Alberta on 21 October 1914, Freeman moved to Calgary with his parents at the age of one year. In August 1940 he enlisted in the RCAF in Calgary and received air crew instruction at various British Commonwealth Air Training Plan schools. On 1 April 1941 he received his wings, graduating as a pilot from No. 2 Service Flying Training School at Ottawa (Uplands), Ontario.
With his wings freshly sewn to his uniform W/C Freeman embarked for the United Kingdom and his posting to an operational training unit (OTU) flying the Hawker Hurricane. His time with the OTU was short as he soon found himself posted to the newly formed 410 Squadron, the RCAF’s third night fighter unit, in June 1941. In April 1943 he transferred to 406 Squadron, followed by a six month posting as an instructor at the Cranfield night fighter school. He returned to Canada on well-deserved leave in the summer of 1944 and while at home in Calgary he married Dorothy Langley.
With his leave over W/C Freeman returned to the UK and in September 1944 joined 405 Squadron flying the de Havilland Mosquito on night fighter and intruder missions. By April 1945 (then) Squadron Leader Freeman had completed his second tour of operations during which he shot down at least two enemy planes, damaged six others, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his actions. With the war in Europe now over and owing to his time in service W/C Freeman was on one of the first repatriation ships. He received his discharge in June 1945 and returned home to Calgary.
In early 1948 a group of ex-RCAF officers in Calgary, including W/C Freeman, pressed for the formation of an Auxiliary Squadron in the city. An active campaign was undertaken and in June 1948 the reformation of 403 (City of Calgary) Squadron was announced; effective 15 October 1948. The squadron was assigned a fighter-bomber designation with its primary role as close support to the Army. Early pilots in 403 Squadron were highly experienced
veterans with operational experience on a variety of aircraft. The squadron was equipped initially with the Harvard MK II and received the first of its North American P-51D Mustangs in 1950. W/C Freeman, also a member of the (then) Alberta United Services Institute (AUSI), was described as a well-known, respected, and popular officer and by 1953 commanded 403 Squadron. While
on a routine practice flight on 29 November 1953 near Millarville, his Mustang went out of control and dived into the ground from an altitude of 27,000 feet, killing him instantly. He was buried with full military honours in the military section of Burnsland Cemetery. In 1954 the AUSI fittingly chose to perpetuate the memory of W/C Freeman through the awarding of a $300 annual scholarship to a member of the army, navy or air cadets. The AUSI Journal for 1954 – 1955 reported the following:
“To be known as the Wing Commander Freeman Memorial Scholarship, the purpose of the award is to keep alive the memory of his service in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the last war, and later, in the reserve, as well as his many fine qualities as an example to those in the cadet services in Southern Alberta.”
Following the death of her husband, Dorothy dedicated herself to raising their three children and remained active in the community. She passed away after a brief illness on 12 September 2010 and rests with her husband in Burnsland Cemetery.
Although 403 Squadron remained in Calgary until disbanded in 1964, its role had changed to Air Transport under Training Command, gone were the Mustangs and Silver Stars. The squadron re-formed in 1968 at CFB Gagetown where it remains to this day, flying the CH-146 Griffon as 403 Hel OTS (Helicopter Operational Training Squadron). References—Alberta United Services Institute (1955). Journal, 1954-1955 Eagleman, D. (2009). Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/80002097 http://www.canadaveteranshallofvalour.com/FreemanDB.htm http://www.mhfh.com/freeman-%e2%80%93-dorothy-louise/ http://www.canadianwings.com/Squadrons/squadronDetail.php?No.-410-Squadron-69 http://www.canadianwings.com/Squadrons/squadronDetail.php?
No.-403-Squadron-62
Remembrance – Wing Commander Freeman RAUSI Bursary History by Mr. Doug Jessen
RAUSI NEWS Page 5
Well into the forecast year 2016 -2017, the Unit continues to have an ambitious training schedule. However, typical of The Calgary Highlander ‘calendar of events’ are the many Regimental activities and social dates tagged onto the battalion. To add to this, there always seems to be the addition of the ‘unknowns’, the unexpected demands of the higher command, and of course, national and world events both natural and man-made that somehow order the Regiment to respond.
Soldiers and Unit leadership have always fulfilled the call of duty – it is natural for the Highlanders to be involved! In recent times, response to these pressures has meant that the Commanding Officer, LCol Kyle Clapperton and his Deputy Commanding Officer, Major Simon Cox had to re-design the supporting cast from the Regimental Family. These components of the Unit in the past have so effectively supported the individual soldiers in their operational training activities; helped morale, built cohesiveness, supported families, and overall, contributed to the readiness of the battalion.
To expand this notion, the Calgary Highlanders Regimental Funds Foundation (CHRFF) under the direction of HCol Michael Shaw and HLCol Lauchlan Currie expanded the CHRFF Board of Directors to 12 members. This involved electing 5 new key business civilian leaders in the Calgary community. The CHRFF mandate will be to support the Regiment in fund raising, expand memberships, and of course, enhancing our important links to the community.
Parallel to this, the Regimental Council coordinated by the newly appointed Regimental Secretary, LCol (ret’d) Lee Villiger, CD is set to return to volunteer with the regiment. Acting in a manner of the Chief of Staff, this role will try to assist the CO and the CHRFF in developing an even stronger Regimental Family. This means a teamwork approach facilitating a ‘through-line’
of support from the CHRFF, the Regimental Council, and the Senate allowing the many facets of the Regiment to best support the operational and training elements of the battalion.
The Regimental organizations to be facilitated by the Regimental Council are the Pipes and Drums, the CH Museum, the CH Family Association, the 4 CH Cadet Corps, the CH Association, Community Engagement Team, the Kit Shop, clubs in the unit such as the Oakleafs’ Hockey Team and the Shooting Club, and of course, the popular ‘Glen’ Regimental Magazine.
Look to your own calendar and please pencil in some key CH social events: 2-3 September 2016: 161st Washington National Guard - social visit to Calgary 26 November 2016: Walcheren Parade - Mewata 28 November 2016: Walcheren Mess Dinner – Mewata 27 January 2017: Robbie Burns Dinner and Dance – Carriage House 25 February 2017: Grand Highland Military Ball – site TBD 8 April 2017: Vimy Ridge 100 Commemoration - Events and location TBD 22 April 2017: St. Julien Activities – Association Reunion Weekend 3 June 2017: Change of Command Parade – Mewata
Indeed these are busy and exciting times, but the collective work of all of our volunteers will certainly help the battalion continue its success and continue our proven vision of being the “Best Reserve Infantry Regiment” in Canada.
Airaghardt
THE CALGARY HIGHLANDERS by LCol (Ret’d) Lee Villiger, CD, Regimental Secretary
Please be advised that during the summer (July and August) the RAUSI Office will be closed except on an as needed basis. If you have any questions or need information please feel free to contact any of the Directors. Looking forward to seeing everyone in September, have a great summer. Attend the Stampede Brunch following the Parade and the Summer BBQ at HMCS Tecumseh on 13 August.
RAUSI SUMMER HOURS
RAUSI NEWS Page 6
The Canadian Legacy Project was created because many of our Canadian Veterans are living in poverty and do not have the basic necessities in food, clothing and shelter. The Canadian Legacy Project is designed to support veterans and develop programs and events to help improve their everyday lives. Our veterans provided Canadians with the freedoms we take advantage of everyday and it is our goal to support those veterans in need. Stated David Howard, founder of the Canadian Legacy Project.
The Canadian Legacy Project is a registered charity working throughout Canada (registration #82478 8202 RR0001) and is a 100% volunteer managed and directed. They do not have traditional expenses many charities have, which ensures that the donations made towards the Canadian Legacy Project go directly to supporting our veterans. They are very proud that 95% of the donations received go out to support veterans.
Some of the Canadian Legacy Project's key initiatives include:
Calgary Veterans Food Drive The Field of Crosses Project (with McCann Family Foundation) The employment initiative Forces@WORK VetFit Program Veterans Transitional Housing (current being developed with
McCann Family Foundation) Education programs geared to our youth
When asked why David started the charity with not having a military background, he did not hesitated in with his response. "My grandparents were in the military and I was always encouraged to support those who stood on guard for Canada. Roughly ten years ago I went to visit my grandfather and found him living a very small apartment with just the basic necessities. One mourning I woke to find him eating directly out of a can, which turned out to be dog food. A couple of months after that visit he died and I decided to take action and started the Veterans food drive. My grandfather has some problems with alcohol and PTSD, but I do not think that anyone that risked their life for their country should go hungry or live in a box."
After the first year of the food drive, I began to learn more about charities claiming to support our veterans, and was disgusted to find that some of them were not truly doing what they said they were. I found so many charities collecting money, but only half of those dollars were getting into the hands of those who needed the help. I thought there had to be a better way so I approach my family and got some seed money from my brother, father, step-mother, and the rest is history. Our main contributors donate $20 to $50 at a time, so I believe I owe it to them and our veterans to make sure that money is spend responsibly. “We have no salaries, just accounting, legal, and some consulting expenses, but other than those, donations go to those in need”, stated Howard.
For more information go to: www.canadianlegacy.org
THE CANADIAN LEGACY PROJECT by Mr. David Howard
Canadian Legacy Project Founder, David Howard (L) with Joey Bleviss (R)
of the Veterans Food Bank
RAUSI NEWS Page 7
On April 27, 2016 the President and one RAUSI Director Doug Jessen had the opportunity to attend Exercise Maple Resolve 2016 at CFB Wainwright, Alberta along with a number of Honorary Colonels and others as part of the CF Outreach Program. Our Host was BGen Nic Stanton, Deputy Commander of 3 Division, who is well known to many of us, because of his many years in Calgary and being a member of RAUSI. The original plan was for the group to be transported from Edmonton to Wainwright by a new CH147F Chinook Helicopter, however this was changed and we went by an equally new C130J Hercules Aircraft from Edmonton International Airport to Wainwright Airfield 21.
We were greeted by LCol Ron Tesslaar, who was a familiar face as HCol Melbourne had met Colonel Tesslaar at the 41 Wing Cold Lake Mess Dinner just a few weeks before. We were then transported to various locations in the training area by a Bison (a light armoured vehicle). We attended a number of briefings (OPFOR, EXCON) related to the exercise, which were extremely interesting and provided a greater appreciation of the support between the Air Force (specifically helicopters) and the ground forces. We were, of course, treated to a hearty lunch from the fine folks operating the field kitchens.
The tour concluded with a visit to the Airfield 21 (where we had landed in the Herc and from where we would depart) to see visit 408 Squadron flying the CH146 Griffon helicopters and 450 Squadron flying the CH147F Chinook helicopters (they still had that new helicopter smell). One of the Chinook pilots (an Afghanistan veteran) provided an excellent tour of the helicopter, extoling its flying characteristics and
durability. There were some United States Marine Corps Blackhawks on the ramp, but we did not have an opportunity to visit them. We were then transported by air back to Edmonton. We would like to thank all the people who helped make this a very memorable visit especially Captains Tim Day and Graham Kallos.
EXERCISE MAPLE RESOLVE 2016 by HCol John Melbourne, CD and Mr. Doug Jessen
RAUSI Member BGen Stanton (2nd from L) being briefed.
HCol Melbourne and Mr. Jessen in front of a LAV 6.0.
450 Squadron CH147F Chinook Helicopter on the tarmac.
RAUSI NEWS Page 8
C4i Training and Technology is a dynamic, global company formed right here in Calgary by Canadian Armed Forces Veterans. Our goal is to save lives through training and technology and we are currently executing life-saving projects in over a dozen countries worldwide. Our "secret sauce" is computer simulation technology that is used for creating and testing disaster plans and training key leaders so that they have hands-on experience in disaster
management. We are the first company to address the disaster management training gap using state of the art technology, and our clients include the US National Guard, the US Army, the Centers for Disease Control, NATO, Jamaica, Peru, the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police and many other federal, provincial and local agencies.
In addition to our disaster management simulation, we also provide a military simulation that distinguishes itself by being very easy to set up and use. In fact, the Calgary Highlanders own one of our computer simulation systems that is used regularly for training at Mewata Armoury.
This month we are very busy and are simultaneously conducting earthquake exercises in Victoria, BC and Manila, Philippines, as well as a security exercise with Bruce Nuclear Power Station in Ontario. For more information please see our web site at www.c4ic.com.
Emergency and Disaster Management Simulation (EDMSIM) is an interactive, electronic tabletop training solution for emergency response and crisis rehearsal training designed specifically for Emergency Management staff, Emergency Operations Centers and Civil Leadership. A highly flexible and adaptable tool, EDMSIM allows teams to improve communications, validate contingency plans and procedures and perform better in an environment which realistically portrays the environment of a natural or man-made disaster. Editor: C4i Training and Technology is a Corporate Member of the RAUSI
C4i TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGOY by LCol (Ret’d) Bruce Gilkes, CD
Canadian Legacy Project designed to support veterans and develop programs and events to help improve their everyday lives. www.canadianlegacy.org C4i Training and Technology, military solutions: powerful mission command and simulation tools for the air/land/sea environment. http://c4ic.com Boston Dynamics building advanced robots with remarkable behavior. http://www.bostondynamics.com
Forces At Work is a unique program designed to help veterans and transitioning/retiring members of the Canadian Armed Forces, including the ill and injured, move successfully into the civilian workforce. Also serving Reserve members, spouses and youth. https://www.forcesatwork.ca Minister of National Defence Mandate Letter from the Prime Minister. http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-national-defence-mandate-letter The Department of National Defence (DND) has launched public consultations in the development of a new defence policy for Canada. Until 31 July 2016 provide feedback on the type of military Canada needs to represent its interests at home and abroad by going to the website and get involved. http://dgpaapp.forces.gc.ca/en/defence-policy-review/index.asp?utm_campaign=dnd-defencereview&utm_medium=vanity-url&utm_source=canada-ca_defence-consultations Newfoundland and Labrador in the First World War, the Battle of Beaumont Hamel. http://www.heritage.nf.ca/first-world-war/articles/beaumont-hamel-en.php
INTERESTING WEBSITES
EDMSIM Classroom.
RAUSI NEWS Page 9
While the Somme campaign was originally scheduled to begin on June 29, 1916, heavy rain forced the British Army to postpone the carefully planned offensive for forty-eight hours. July 1, 1916 has since become one of the most infamous days in British military history. The British Army suffered 60,000 casualties that day and the Newfoundland Regiment, the only non-British participants, lost 710 men in less than half an hour. The Newfoundlanders did not fire a single shot. In preparation for the Somme offensive the Newfoundland Regiment spent three weeks behind the frontlines repeatedly rehearsing their role in the upcoming Somme offensive. However, even before the Newfoundlanders were scheduled to advance they knew that “things were not quite as they should be.” As the Newfoundlanders waited in their jumping-off trench for their British allies to secure the German frontline heavy machine gun fire told them that the preliminary barrage had not succeeded in destroying the German defenses. At 8:20 their supporting attack was cancelled. Twenty-five minutes later their mission was changed and they were ordered to capture the German frontlines. Since the communication trenches were blocked by wounded British soldiers the Newfoundlanders were forced to advance overland without any support. Most of them were cut down before they reached their own frontline. In honour of the men they lost on July 1, 1916, the Dominion of Newfoundland purchased the ground on which the Regiment had fought and transformed it into a memorial park. This year marks the hundredth anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel. In honour of the occasion, commemorative ceremonies are scheduled to be held at the Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in France, the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. In The Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in France Newfoundland and Labrador Memorial Day ceremonies are being held across the province in honour of the men who sacrificed their lives for the Dominion of Newfoundland in the First World War and the thousands of individuals who have since then made the ultimate sacrifice for their province and Canada.
VALOUR CANADA UPDATE – NEWFOUNDLAND AND THE BATTLE OF BEAUMONT HAMEL Prepared by Maj Peter Boyle, CD and Valour Canada
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday to Friday – Daily Lunches and Bar service suspended for now, Lunch at the Danish Canadian Club (DCC) Wednesday through Friday has been arranged in the interim. The DCC is located at 727 11 Ave SW, Calgary, with plenty of free parking.
July and August – RAUSI Office is on minimal staffing, please call ahead or send an email
8 July – Stampede Brunch (immediately following the parade)
29 July – Calgary Police Service Graduation Parade 1300 hrs
6-7 August – Edmonton Airshow @ Villeneuve Airport
7 August – Peacekeepers Day ceremonies at Peacekeepers Park 1100 hrs
13 August – RAUSI Annual Summer BBQ 1300 hrs
27 August – 41 CBG Change of Command Parade1330 hrs at the TMM
27 August – Foothills Highland Games at Okotoks
3 September – Calgary United Scottish Games at Springbank
4 September – Canmore Highland Games at Canmore
11 September – HMCS Calgary Cup 2016 Regatta at Glenmore Sailing Club
16 September – RAUSI Annual Fall Meet and Greet Happy Hour 1700 hrs – 2000 hrs
17 September – EUSI Annual Symposium in Edmonton
18 September – Battle of Britain Sunday ceremonies TBA
23-25 September – CAVUNP National Annual General Meeting
24 September—PPCLI Foundation Batrtle of the Somme Centennial Dinner at TMM
21 October – RAUSI Monthly Luncheon
4 November – Calgary Police Service Graduation Parade 1300 hrs
11 November – Remembrance Day
18 November – RAUSI Monthly Luncheon
26 November – Calgary Highlanders Walcheren Parade at Mewata
28 November – Calgary Highlanders Walcheren Mess Dinner (by invitation)
16 December – RAUSI Early Bird Draw and Christmas Luncheon at the DCC
25 February 2017 – Grand Highland Military Ball
The Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in France.
RAUSI NEWS Page 10
On behalf of the 1,100 soldiers of 41 Canadian Brigade Group (41 CBG), please accept my warmest greetings to all RAUSI members.
June was a significant month for Alberta’s Reserve Brigade. The culminating event for the 2015-16 training year was Exercise GOLDEN COYOTE that ran from 11 to 23 June 2016. For the past 32 years, the South Dakota National Guard has hosted this multinational two-week exercise that offered sailors and soldiers from the United States, Canada, Denmark, Scotland, and Singapore the opportunity
to conduct combat support and combat service support missions in a realistic training environment. Lieutenant-Colonel Gilson, the Commanding Officer of 41 Signal Regiment, commanded a multinational Task Force (TF41) of over 800 soldiers corresponding to approximately 25 percent of the exercise participants. TF41 included 25 Engineer Squadron of 41 Combat Engineer Regiment, several U.S. National Guard engineer companies and a Danish engineer company. Major Keurvers, 20 Field Regiment RCA, was the Mayor of Combat Outpost CUSTER, an austere camp in Custer State Park with over 600 personnel that housed elements of TF41 as well as other logistics and medical units. Overall, Canada contributed well over 200 participants from over a dozen Reserve and Regular Force Units.
During the course of exercise, the combat engineers had the task of conducting several real-time engineering projects in support of South Dakota state objectives, including bridge repair, road construction, building repair, surveying and timber hauls. We are very proud of their performance and especially the professionalism of our soldiers during Exercise GOLDEN COYOTE. They excelled at their engineering tasks, completing several projects early. While the primary focus was on real-world engineering tasks, the exercise participants also had the opportunity to run through lane training. Conducted by the Danish Home Guard, these lanes featured mounted patrols, dismounted patrols, and urban operations where the Canadians performed well above expectations. Prior to Exercise GOLDEN COYOTE, the King’s Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC) held their Change of Command on 4 June 2016 with Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Hunt assuming command of the Regiment from Lieutenant-Colonel Ross Wickware.
In July, the Brigade is participating in the military display at the Calgary Stampede, which provides the public an opportunity to both meet our soldiers and see the equipment we use both here and abroad. As we move towards later into the summer and into August, our soldiers continue to demonstrate both their professionalism and dedication, as we support the summer training concentrations of 38 CBG (covering Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Lakehead District of Ontario) in Dundurn, Saskatchewan and 39 CBG (British Columbia) in Wainwright. Lastly, this will me my last communication to you in my capacity as Commander as on 27 August 2016, Lieutenant-Colonel Eppo van Weelderen will assume command of the Brigade at a ceremony at The Military Museums. My heartfelt thanks to RAUSI for its continuing efforts to build bridges between our uniformed and civilian communities. Your support continues to be extremely important to the success of Alberta’s Reserve Brigade. Colonel John Conrad, M.S.M., C.D. Commander 41 Canadian Brigade Group
41 CANADIAN BRIGADE GROUP UPDATE by Colonel John Conrad, MSM, CD Commander
Canadian Soldiers conduct the Urban Operations Warrior Lane training in South Dakota during Exercise GOLDEN COYOTE 16. Credit: Capt Brad Young, 41 CBG.
Warrant Officer Sorensen from the Danish Home Guard provides after action points to members of Task Force 41 during dismounted battle lanes training in South Dakota during Exercise GOLDEN COYOTE 16. Credit: MCpl Brandon O`Connell, 3 Cdn Div.
Sapper Christopher Cormier-Godin, a heavy equipment
operator with the 5e régiment du génie de combat, Quebec,
Canada, cuts boards to be used in a bridge re-surfacing
project at French Creek in South Dakota during Exercise
GOLDEN COYOTE 16. Credit: Spc Kristin Lichius,
USARNG
RAUSI NEWS Page 11
My involvement with the military started in 2012. I was hired as an actor by a civilian company to assist in the training of military personnel. My first exercise was Prairie Storm; a non-live fire exercise that happens in CFB Suffield during the summer months. I ended up spending four years working on different exercises training British, German, American and Canadian Military personnel of all ranks. It became the most rewarding work I had ever engaged in and led me to join the CAF as my full-time career.
During the years I had worked as an actor on the military bases I got the chance to know the hearts of the men and women behind the CADPAT uniforms, and many became close lifelong friends. Shortly after this it was to my horror I discovered that many retired Canadian Veterans were struggling with PTSD and mental health issues that led to unemployment, homelessness and suicide. While I still honour and respect our Veterans of the great wars of the past, we have a new wave of soldiers who have fought in more recent battles in a vastly different world. A world where a soldier can be fighting in the heat of Afghanistan one day and be home with the families the next with little de-brief in-between. Canadian Veterans can now be as young as 20 years of age. These could very well be the friends I had made on the training fields; those who I have watched give up “normal” lives of comfort to serve their country, the sacrifice they make even to be at the top level of readiness during training and separation from family and friends for unknown amounts of time. How ridiculous is it that for all they had given us, we as a society couldn’t step up and honour them with our love and service when they return home?! I had to do something about it—I had to let my generation know what was happening—but first I had to obtain a bigger platform. Using my acting and modest modeling skills I entered a pageant called Miss Canada Globe in 2015—albeit very much out of my comfort zone—but the cause was
worth the discomfort. As my charity of choice I represented The Canadian Legacy Project (CLP); an organization designed to support veteran and develop programs and events to help improve their everyday lives (http://www.canadianlegacy.org).
I ended up winning the national title of Miss Canada Globe and have now been able to do what I intended to—create awareness of the issues a lot of our Canadian Veterans struggle with through public speaking, targeting the younger generation as an audience.
CLP has a multitude of programs and partnerships that directly support our Canadian Veterans through re-employment assistance, subsidized gym-memberships, a veterans food bank, events such as the field of crosses and many military benefit concerts, and educational opportunities; creating awareness of Canadian citizens. CLP is currently working on a project that will potentially be titled “Homes for Heroes”; an initiative to grant homeless Veterans small homes partnered with an outtake program to grant chances for stability and re-entry into society. As the Miss Canada Globe national titleholder I will head to Florida this July to compete in Miss Universal Petite, and I have every intention of taking The CLP and its values to help restore the honour and respect of our Canadian Veterans that they are due. I will also utilize my new career with the CAF to bring awareness to my generation; military and civilian alike. It has become one of my great passions to be an ambassador and voice for those who have sustained the precious freedom of my country and I will be honoured to continue to speak up on behalf of them for the long-term. Editor. Ms. Norella King has been a member of RAUSI since December 2015 and intends on remaining a RAUSI members even as she serves in the Canadian Armed Forces. We wish her well on all her future endeavours.
MY JOURNEY by Ms. Norella King (A RAUSI Member)
Just been crowned Miss Canada Globe
Petite - August 2015
Norella with Dave Howard, President of the Canadian Legacy Project
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Immediately following the Happy Hour on June 24th was the much-anticipated Special General Meeting to discuss, review and approve the proposed By-Law amendments. There were 18 members present making a quorum, in addition there were 30 proxy votes submitted by those who could not attend. Between the turnout and the proxies it was an excellent showing on the part of the members of the Institute. The By-Laws have not been amended in over 10 years and sections were woefully out of date and needed to be corrected. Notwithstanding the necessary corrections, the amended By-Laws remained 90% unchanged from the previous version.
Prior to calling the meeting to order, the President of the Institute HCol John Melbourne asked Maj Bruce Henwood if he would provide a synopsis of the 3 major changes to the By-Laws. The first change was how the Membership in the Institute was worded, essentially Ordinary Members and Associate Members (with 7 sub-classes of Membership). This also corrected the oversight from the previous By-Laws with the inclusion of 4 additional classes of membership that have been on the books since prior to 2007. The second change approved the enhanced use of electronic communications, especially the ability to conduct business using email and the Internet. The third change saw the elimination of the
Honorary Secretary-Treasurer position, as that position had become an anomaly, whereas Honorary members cannot vote and are not covered by Director’s Insurance, putting that position and the Institute at risk. Additionally, prior to the meeting an error was found in the membership wording for Life Members. Director Doug Jessen proposed amendments to the By-Laws to correct that oversight. These amendments were voted on and then the complete amended By-Laws were voted on. It was not unanimous, but the vote was overwhelming in favour of adapting the new amended By-Laws. These new By-Laws will be cleaned up and submitted to Service Alberta Registry Services to be officially registered.
RAUSI SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING UPDATE by Maj (Ret’d) Bruce Henwood, MSM, CD
If you are either a serving member of the CAF or have retired from the military, you are
entitled to the new Platinum CFOne Card. If you have already registered for a CFOne card, you should have recently received the new Platinum card in the mail.
Since 2013, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) has issued almost 150,000 CFOne Cards to members of the Canadian Forces (CF) Community, that is One Million Strong. The CFOne Card provides access a wide variety of morale and welfare programs/services delivered by CFMWS.
The benefits associated with the CFOne Card have been enhanced in the past two years and, as a result, it is necessary that CFOne cards clearly reflect the membership category of the card holder – this is why CFMWS is introducing the new Platinum CFOne Card.
The new Platinum CFOne Card is available for issue to all currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Veterans and their respective families. Not only is the colour different, but the new CFOne cards will clearly identify the category of membership to allow businesses and partners to ensure that their discounts and special offers reach their intended audience.
Commodore Mark Watson, Director General Morale and Welfare Services, is “very proud of the CFMWS team for their dedicated efforts in improving programs and services and sincerely appreciative of Corporate Canada – both big and small businesses – for their generosity towards the Canadian Forces Community.” The CFOne Card can be used to access the CF Appreciation Program; CFOne cardholders can unlock thousands of opportunities to save whether they are looking for an everyday savings or a discount on that next getaway. Visit www.cfappreciation.ca to start saving today!
NEW PLATINUM CFOne CARD
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View looking East from the Summit of Buller Pass towards Ribbon Lake and Mount Kidd
On Saturday, 25 June 2016 the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence unveiled signage commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert C. Buller, who died in June 1916 while leading Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) at the Battle of Mount Sorrel near Ypres in Flanders. The ceremony was attended by abut 100 people, who enjoyed a barbecue supper prepared by the Calgary Police Association’s BBQ Unit following the Commemoration and Dedication Ceremony, which took place in the Buller Mountain Day Use Area located 34 km South of Canmore on Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Spray Trail).
Few Canadians who climbed Mount Buller, hiked Buller Creek Trail, or picnicked in Buller Mountain Day Use Area on the shore of Buller Pond knew of Buller. The provision of the interpretive signage serves to remind them of this piece of Canadian military heritage and the great cost of human sacrifice paid in World War I. In 1922, the Geographic Board of Canada named Mount Buller and several nearby features to honour the memory of Buller, an original who joined the PPCLI as its first Adjutant in August 1914. Buller, like almost every original, had British military service. He was ADC to the Governor General, the Duke of Connaught, at the time he signed on. As Adjutant, he was charged with the recruiting and selection of the more than 1,000 members of the Regiment. When Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Farquhar was killed in action on 20 March 1915, he assumed command of the Regiment. Earlier on June 25th, 28 climbers, including a team from A Company, 3rd Battalion, PPCLI summited Mount Buller (Elevation 2,805m, a climb of nearly 12 km with an elevation gain of 1,000m. Continued on page 14
PPCLI FOUNDATION – REACHING THE SUMMIT FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Minister Hehr unveiling commemorative signage
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The other two climbing teams were led by Laurie Skreslet, first Canadian to summit Mount Everest, and by MLA Dave Rodney, the first Canadian to summit Mount Everest two times (The photo of Skreslet and Rodney was taken at Mount Buller summit during the reconnaissance on 13 June. Behind them is the cairn placed there by 3PPCLI to commemorate the Regiment’s Centennial in August 2014. To the North is Spray Lake). Concurrently, some 40 hikers hiked to the Summit of Buller Pass, a journey of 15.7km with an elevation gain of 640m. These adventures, dubbed Reaching the Summit for Mental Heath and Wellness, were aimed at heightening awareness of the devastating effects of PTSD and other mental illnesses on our veterans and their families, as well as a means of raising funds that will go to assisting veterans and families dealing with mental illness. As an example of the utilization of the funds raised, funds will be used to fund the Outward Bound Canada Veterans’ Program (see http://www.outwardbound.ca/course_index.asp?Category=110), designed to help Canadian military veterans face the challenges they often encounter post-deployment, through inspiring journeys of healing and self-discovery in the Canadian wilderness.
Many military men and women struggle with lingering physical and mental impacts of their experiences, including depression, anxiety, isolation, family difficulties, and, in general, with the challenges that often accompany reintegration into civilian life. These specially designed programs take veterans on week-long expeditions, incorporating activities such as rock-climbing, ski mountaineering, ice-climbing and hiking. Participants are given an opportunity to reflect on and share their experiences and transition challenges in a supportive and restorative environment.
Recently, the Alberta Legislature passed an act making 27 June annually as PTSD Day. The PPCLI Foundation, partnered with Calgary Health Trust, were pleased that
the first of these days was so closely aligned with Reaching the Summit for Mental Heath and Wellness 2016. The Foundation is grateful to our partners, sponsors, contributors (including RAUSI) donors, volunteers for the tremendous outpouring of support, which enabled us to raise almost $100,000 to be used to support outdoor and other therapies and programs, as yet unfunded, for military veterans and their families. We believe that the event may continue on an annual basis to commemorate PTSD Day.
Dedication of Interpretive Signage at the Base of Mount Farquhar
The PPCLI Foundation will, on 13 August 2016, in the Cataract Creek Recreation Area at the base of Mount Farquhar dedicate interpretive signage to commemorate the memory of Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Farquhar, DSO. Farquhar was the founding Commanding officer of the Regiment and was killed in Action in March 1915. Further details on this Dedication Ceremony will be available by mid-July. Battle of the Somme Centennial Dinner 24 September 2016 In partnership with The Military Museums, the PPCLI Foundation is planning a military dinner in the Naval Museum to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, which raged from July thru November of 1916 at a cost of more than 1 million casualties. The proceeds of the dinner will be used to fund education programs for Canadian youth. For tickets or table purchase contact Tom Dodd at (403) 605-9705 or [email protected].
PPCLI FOUNDATION Continued from page 13
Laurie Skreslet and MLA Dave Rodney on summit
reconnaissance on 13 June
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The annual Peacekeepers’ Day ceremonies will be held in Peacekeeper Park, with a follow-on ceremony in Buffalo Park, on Sunday, August 7th, 2016. All members of RAUSI, friends and guests are invited to attend. The Ceremonies start at 1130 hours. You are requested to be seated no later than 1100 hours.
Peacekeeper Park Peacekeeper Park in Calgary, Alberta, features a bronze statue and a Wall of Honour that commemorate Canadian peacekeeping missions and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives. The statue depicts a Canadian peacekeeper giving an "Izzy" doll to a child. The "Izzy" doll is named after Mark Isfeld, whose mother crocheted small dolls for him to give to local children while on patrols during his tour. Isfeld's name is on the wall of the park, as he was killed by a landmine in Croatia on June 21, 1994. The park also features a Mission Wall which lists all the United Nations missions that Canadians have been involved in.
At the time of its construction in 2004, it was believed that the Wall of Honour would have enough space to add names for 60 years. When it was time to include Canadian fatalities from the mission in Afghanistan, the wall was quickly populated and efforts were initiated to install a second wall to accommodate the growing list of soldiers to be commemorated.
The 1.85 acre Peacekeeper Park is located in Garrison Green, the redeveloped Lincoln Park, which was formerly part of Canadian Forces Base Calgary and, during the Second World War, had been an airfield for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. After the base closed in 1998, the Canada Lands Company (CLC) was tasked with redeveloping the land.
The streets in Garrison Green were initially named after the places where Canadian troops had served on peacekeeping missions and they were now to be renamed to reflect Lincoln Park’s history as an airfield during the Second World War. The Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping's (CAVUNP) national president at the time, Colonel
Don Ethell, objected to the proposed renaming and after meeting with the developer it was finally decided that the streets in Garrison Green would be named after Canadian peacekeepers. The Calgary chapter of CAVUNP proposed 16 names, of which 13 were chosen. Information courtesy of Veterans Affairs Canada.
Peacekeepers’ Day 2016
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Ryan Palmer, CD
Vice-President Mess Committee
Capt John Huh
In Memoriam
Thankfully none to report