Alliance Newsletter - Winter 2012
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Promoting the Value of Reservists
Teamwork
Reservists from 35 Canadian Brigade Group, based in Eastern Quebec, carry a Rigid Hulled
Inflatable Boat during Exercise FRANCHISSEMENT AUDACIEUX near Charlevoix, Que.,
Saturday, October 1. More than 900 Reservists took place in the exercise, in which 30
boats crossed the St. Lawrence River to 'attack' the eastern tip of l'Isle-aux-Coudres.
- Photo by Cpl ISABELLE PROVOST
Opening Salvo ...
This edition of the Alliance newsletter highlights many aspects of CFLC's Outreach Programme. Whether it is introducing employers to military training so that Reservists are ready to participate in operations, or recognizing academic institutions that have demonstrated their support by putting in place military leave programmes for both students and staff, CFLC is present to generate awareness and cultivate support for the Reservist.
CFLC goes beyond merely generating awareness, we encourage the development of specific military leave policies. A tailor-made leave policy enables the organization to respond to leave requests in a timely fashion as well as to describe the terms and conditions fairly and consistently for its Reservistemployees.
CFLC also takes the time to express gratitude to supportive organizations in many ways. Some of these ways include recognition ceremonies, the Awards Programme, and also through speaking engagements prior to community events like football games. It is incredibly important to maintain open lines of communication with all employers. As CF policies change, as the operational tempo evolves, we must ensure we listen to the concerns of all employers - be they actively supportive, or not so, as to ensure we maintain the social contract between Reservists, and their employers, their schools and their associations. Without an opportunity for dialogue the employer support function will fail; we welcome the discussion and the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing organizations who embrace the Reserve community.
CFLC is a national institution devoted to supporting Reservists and their employers, and their academic institutions. The CFLC programmes have been created for Reservists as well to ensure that individual Reservists and their chain of command have the appropriate tools to create opportunities for Reservists to join in operations, or take training. CFLC is the one organization specifically charged with this mission and provides support to employers, educators and Reservists. This particular Alliance truly reflects the ways in which CFLC is there for you.
Yours aye,
Jamie Cotter
Captain(Navy)
Executive Director CFLC
CFLC mixes with 'Rider pride
The game between the B.C. Lions and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, in
Regina, Sask. Saturday, September 24, was one of the Canadian Football
League's Canadian Forces Appreciation events. The CFLC held its fifth
annual pre-game reception at the Royal United Services Institute. The
reception brings together local business executives, educational
institution representatives, and members of the Reserve Force, to recognize
organizations who have supported their members who are also Reservists.
(L-R) Brigadier-General Paul Bury, Deputy Commander Land Force Western Area
Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, Chief Reserves and Cadets;
Mrs. Vaughn Solomon-Schofield, CFLC Saskatchewan Provincial Chair; and
the Honourable Pamela Wallin, Senator
- Photo by FRANK FLEGEL
National Council Meeting in B.C. spotlight
By Capt QUENTIN WYNE
DGRC PA
The Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC) National Council Meeting took place in Vancouver, B.C., October 26 to 28, and featured a number of notable guests, garnering the attention of Vancouver's business community.
Scott Shepherd, CFLC British Columbia Provincial Chair, set the stage with a welcoming reception for Council members at his Vancouver home, treating his guests to a wonderful experience.
The CFLC and the Vancouver Board of Trade co-hosted a luncheon for members
of Vancouver's business community during the CFLC National Council Meeting,
October 26 to 28. The event featured speeches by Vice-Admiral Bruce Donaldson,
Vice Chief of the Defence Staff; Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, Chief Reserves
and Cadets; and Mr. Iain Black, President of the Vancouver Board of Trade.
(L-R) Captain (Navy) Jamie Cotter, Executive Director CFLC; RAdm Jennifer Bennett,
C Res and Cdts; Mr. John Eaton, National Chair CFLC; VAdm Bruce Donaldson, VCDS;
Honorary Colonel Sally Horsfal Eaton; Mr. Scott Shepherd, CFLC British Columbia
Provincial Chair; and Mr. Iain Black, President of the Vancouver Board of Trade.
- Photo by Cpl SHIRLEY EDEL
One of the first items of business was to receive the printed version of the 2010- 2011 CFLC Annual Report. While it retained the look and feel of previous versions, the report was delivered this year at approximately half the cost of previous years. The Council adjourned for lunch to Vancouver's historic Beatty Street Drill Hall Thursday, October 27.
The downtown armoury is home of the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own), and served as a fitting venue for a business luncheon. There, CFLC Directors and Provincial Liaison Officers joined Board of Trade members, military members, and their guests in hearing an address from a number of speakers, including a keynote speech from Vice- Admiral Bruce Donaldson, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, as well as comments from Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, Chief Reserves and Cadets.
Mr. Iain Black, President of the Vancouver Board of Trade also provided comments, and took the opportunity on behalf of the Honourable Shirley Bond, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General for the Province of British Columbia, to announce the proclamation of Reserve Force in B.C. Day, to be observed Thursday, December 1, 2011.
VAdm Donaldson returned to address the Council at its meeting at yet another historical facility, Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Discovery, the Naval Reserve Division located at scenic Deadman Island in Vancouver's Harbour. In his comments, VAdm Donaldson focused on a number of recent developments which have captured the nation's attention, and which will no doubt set the stage for the CFLC's future working environment.
VAdm Donaldson spoke of the need to establish a career model for Reservists that offers opportunity for both full- and parttime service in a manner that supports the needs of both the CF and individual Reservists.
He also spoke about the work under way toward establishing a new and workable balance between full- and part-time employment of Reserve Force in support of the CF and DND.
The conference was notable for the culmination of efforts of a group led by Mr. Gary Agnew, CFLC Alberta Provincial Chair, Mr. Dale Hedges, CFLC Strategic Consultant, Ms. Elisabeth Rybak, CFLC New Brunswick Provincial Chair and Captain (Navy) Jamie Cotter, Executive Director CFLC, in the development of the renewed CFLC Governance model.
"Our new Governance Handbook is the culmination of a multi-year initiative performed by DND and CFLC leadership teams. It defines the special working relationship that exists between government, military, and business leaders to support our Reserve Force in Canada," said Mr. Hedges. "This handbook is significant as it puts into place the proper governance policies, processes, and accountability mechanisms to enable the CFLC to fulfill its vision and mandate," said Mr. Hedges.
Moved by Mr. Agnew, and seconded by Mrs. Vaughn Solomon-Schofield, CFLC Saskatchewan Provincial Chair, the unanimous adoption of the document was indicative of its importance in ensuring the future continuity and effectiveness of the CFLC.
The business of meeting business
By Capt QUENTIN WYNE
DGRC PA
Representatives of CFLC spent an intense 48 hours getting their message across to an esteemed audience of delegates to the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce held in St. John's, N.L., September 17 to 19.
As one of the dozen or so exhibitors at the event, the CFLC drew significant interest as delegates from across Canada stopped to inquire. The CFLC display was manned at all times by military representatives and civilian volunteers who were themselves notable business and community leaders. Their presence served to draw delegates to the display, offering the chance to engage individuals from across the country with varying degrees knowledge of Canada's Reserve Force.
Colonel Tom Stinson (L), CFLC Regional Liaison Officer
Atlantic, explains the Reserve Force to Jean Côté (R),
Secrétaire (Services) for La Chambre de commerce et
d'industrie de Québec, and Président Côté Tonic Inc., at
the CFLC display during the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's
Annual General Meeting in St John's, N.L., Sunday,
September 18. The event marked a renewed focus
on initiatives to establish lasting, strategic partnerships
with leading business advocacy agencies across Canada.
- Photo by Capt QUENTIN WYNE
Some delegates had never heard of the CFLC, while others included CFLC Provincial Directors, and delegates who are themselves Reservists. In each case, the contacts were very positive. A number of delegates had experienced Execu- Treks and approached the display with a view to identifying and obtaining opportunities for their business and Chamber associates to do the same.
"We will be following up on every one of the information requests we received," said Commander Max Harvey, CFLC Liaison Officer for Newfoundland and Labrador. "You could sense there was a lot of excitement amongst the delegates in having learned something that they could take back to their constituencies. The City of Prince George, B.C., is about to receive a newly established Reserve unit, and their delegates were particularly interested in educating their membership before it arrives."
The Council's effort at the event packed a hard hitting one-two punch; while the display continued, Colonel Tom Stinson, CFLC Regional Liaison Officer Atlantic, Cdr Harvey, and Mr. Bill Mahoney, CFLC Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Chair, took advantage of special invitations they had received to meet with the Chamber's national representatives at a number of networking sessions.
"We were able to craft the beginnings of what is hoped will be a mutually beneficial strategic alliance with the Chamber and its members across Canada," said Mr. Mahoney, "This event represents a departure from our previous approaches to establishing and managing strategic relationships across Canada."
"There are symbioses that can be developed which should benefit CFLC and Chambers at the national, provincial, and local levels. We went in with a view to making direct contact with decision makers at those levels, and were extremely successful. When it comes to educating businesses and agencies with influence, partnering with capable and well respected institutions founded on the value of networking is the way to go," said Col Stinson. "This will allow us to help to avoid inconsistency in the development of military leave policies as jurisdictions become increasingly aware of Job Protection Legislation (JPL)."
"The introduction of JPL has varied across Canada. This national network of like-minded agencies and individuals across Canada represents an avenue through which CFLC can continue its work to increase awareness and encourage support from employers in a manner that is thorough and consistent," said Mr. Mahoney, "I look forward to discussing this developing relationship with other Council members at the National Conference in Vancouver in October, which will feature a luncheon co-sponsored by the Vancouver Board of Trade."
New Brunswick Universities support Reserve Force
By Capt QUENTIN WYNE
DGRC PA
Ms. Elisabeth Rybak (L), CFLC New Brunswick Provincial Chair, and
Dr. Eddy Campbell, President of the University of New Brunswick, signed
a certificate formalizing the institution's newly-adopted military leave
policy for the university's employees at the Provincial Legislature in
Fredericton, N.B., Tuesday, November 8.
A brass quartet played Canada's National Anthem and set an upbeat tone for a CFLC Recognition Event which took place in Fredericton, N.B., Thursday, November 3. Organized by Ms. Elisabeth Rybak, CFLC New Brunswick Provincial Chair, and Lieutenant-Colonel Tom Duke, New Brunswick Provincial Liaison Officer, the event saw the University of Moncton and University of New Brunswick formally adopt new and enhanced military leave policies for their respective students and employees.
The University of Moncton's motion was approved by the institution's Academic Senate, Friday, August 26, and provides for enhanced flexibility for student- Reservists to suspend their studies while undergoing military training or deployments. The official policy was signed into effect by Dr. Neil Boucher, Vice President Academics and Research.
Dr. Boucher also accepted a certificate of appreciation from Ms. Rybak from the Council, recognizing their support of student-Reservists. Established in 1963, The University of Moncton is Canada's largest French-language university outside Quebec. It has a student population of more than 6,200 full-time students with campuses located in New Brunswick's francophone regions at Edmundston, Shippagan and Moncton, offering over 160 study programs.
During the same event, Ms. Rybak and Dr. Eddy Campbell, President of the University of New Brunswick, signed a certificate formally enacting enhanced military leave policies for its Reservist employees, which were adopted by the University's Management Committee, Thursday, July 21.
Ms. Rybak presented Dr. Campbell with a certificate of appreciation from the Council recognizing the University of New Brunswick for its outstanding support of Reservist-employees. In his comments, Dr. Campbell drew the assembled guests and onlookers attention to Brigadier-General Milton Fowler Gregg, who was awarded the Victoria Cross while serving in the First World War with The Royal Canadian Regiment. Gregg was also a University of New Brunswick president, and was instrumental in incorporating the large influx of returning soldiers into the university's programs following the Second World War.
With campuses in Fredericton and Saint John, The University of New Brunswick is the oldest Englishlanguage university in Canada, and the first public university in North America.
Both Dr. Boucher and Dr. Campbell highlighted their university's willingness to support Reservists, with each recognizing how military service created positive second-order-effects for both students in their pursuit of studies, and employees in helping to provide a better learning environment.
Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, Chief Reserves and Cadets, addressed the gathering, which included representatives of both the Regular Force and Reserve elements located throughout in New Brunswick. In doing so, she noted her particular insight into the value of the support being acknowledged, by virtue of her own experience as Reservist, educator and student.
The Honourable Martine Coulombe, New Brunswick Minister of Post- Secondary Education, Training, and Labour, also commented at the event, noting her government's recent public consultation concerning employment of Reservists. She said that the government intends to introduce changes to existing legislation, broadening the scope of Job Protection Legislation to expand the terms of service to which it would apply.
The New Brunswick universities' policies rank amongst the most comprehensive of the 22 post-secondary institutions in Canada that have formally adopted military leave policies.
ExecuTrek aboard HMCS Montreal
This article originally appeared in The Western Star (Corner Brook, N.L.),
Wednesday, September 28, and is reprinted with permission.
By DIANE CROCKER
The Western Star
HMCS Montreal enters Corner Brook, N.L., Tuesday, September 27.
- Photo by Cpl MARTIN ROY
CORNER BROOK, N.L. — When the HMCS Montreal sailed into Corner Brook, N.L., the morning of Tuesday, September 27, she brought with her two men from the city who have nothing to do with the military.
Bern Stratton, a campus administrator at College of the North Atlantic's Corner Brook campus, and Bill Boland, operations manager with The Western Star, joined the crew of the Montreal in Gaspe, Que., for the voyage to Corner Brook as part of a CFLC ExecuTrek.
Commander Max Harvey is the council's liaison officer for Newfoundland and Labrador. He said the purpose of the ExecuTrek program is to expose employers to the work of Reservists in the military, to show them just what it is Reservists do when on deployment or training.
Harvey said some 20,000 Reservists across the country serve the military on a part-time basis, while working or attending school full-time.
One day a Reservist could be sitting behind a desk doing administrative work or fixing a car, and the next out working with weapons, driving a ship or operating a small boat.
Harvey said it shows employers the contributions Reservists make by serving their country. It also shows employers the kinds of skills Reservists have that can contribute to the work environment - things like leadership and technical training that they can bring back to the workplace.
The council also stresses the necessity for Reservists to take time off from work to attend training sessions or participate in deployments, and works to get employers to give them that time off, while still protecting their job. He said the council will work with employers to develop military leave policies.
Harvey said employers are very receptive to the program and some are surprised at what these citizen-soldiers do.
The College of the North Atlantic and The Western Star received notice of the ExecuTrek program through Mike Dolter. The City of Corner Brook's Chief Administrative Officer is a member of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council.
Both employers expressed interest in participating and Stratton was selected to represent the college and Boland the newspaper.
College has military arrangement Stratton said the college currently has an arrangement with the military that involves training Reservists and officers in programs right across the province. He said from cooking to marine engineering and mechanical engineering, the college trains and graduates these students who then return to the military to work.
Stratton said the trip really gave him perspective on why the college does this. Stratton met a few of the college's graduates and said it was neat to watch them put the skills they had learned while in school in action.
Stratton said he was impressed with what he saw. "I guess I really gained an insight into the workings of what it takes to operate a multi-million dollar ship like this. What really stands out is the diversity of skill that's required."
Stratton said being a Reservist is a great learning experience. Boland noted how thorough the ship's crew is in what they do. "Everybody had a responsibility and everybody knew it and the importance of it."
He said it was amazing to watch the crew in action and he was surprised by all the specialty trades and positions on the ship.
"As regards to the Reservists," Boland said, "last month they were at home working regular occupations like you and I, and a month later they could be steering the ship or working in an operations room, manning sonar or manning radars."
Boland said employers stand to gain a lot from the skill set Reservists bring back to their jobs.
"The respect for details, the respect for authority, the understanding of processes and how things get done, and the real understanding of components coming together at the end. And they bring that back, they bring back the work ethic."
Two more local employers will sail out of Corner Brook on Thursday when the Montreal departs for Halifax. Chad Simms is a campus administrator from College of the North Atlantic, and Superintendent Cal Barrett works with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.
Saskatchewan ExecuTrek
By LCdr LINDA MUSHANSKI
CFLC Liaison Officer (Saskatchewan)
The cool wind blows along the creek as the first G-Wagen stops just behind the crest of the grass-covered sand dune. The three man recce team disembarks and slowly makes its way towards the target; a bridge. The team moves quietly and with purpose, using the natural surroundings to blend in.
The team reaches the bridge and starts to carry out the task, looking for trip wires and other dangers that may spell disaster for those who are due shortly.
Lieutenant Matthew Driscoll of The Saskatchewan Dragoons explains
to ExecuTrek guests what is about to happen during Exercise
DRAGOON SABRE in Dundurn, Sask., Saturday, November 5.
- Photo by LCdr LINDA MUSHANSKI
Suddenly the quiet scene explodes into action. Two enemy force personnel on foot come out of the bush on the other side of the bridge, firing at the comrecce team, forcing them to move back from the bridge to seek cover. The other two G-Wagens in their patrol provide covering fire from the hills, pushing back the enemy force and allowing the team on foot to get to a safe place.
Then from behind, another group of enemy force drive up and engage the patrol, pulling away the covering fire. After a few minutes of what appears to be a bad situation, the recce patrol has regained control, isolating the rogue vehicle, capturing one of the enemy on foot and securing the bridge, completing the assigned task.
From a vantage point in the middle of the action, five employers watched the exercise unfold. With the ongoing commentary of Major Brad Hrycyna, Commanding Officer of The Saskatchewan Dragoons, and Lieutenant Matthew Driscoll the unit Military Leave Representative, the ExecuTrek guests gained insight into what their employees achieved. They saw first-hand the teamwork, the leadership, and the ability to observe, adapt and formulate a new plan of action in a matter of minutes; all requirements to successfully complete the assigned task.
Upon completion of the exercise, the employers were treated to a lunch of Individual Meal Packs (IMPs) with the unit members, most of them appreciating the warmth of the heating pouches to warm up their hands.
At the end of the day, all of the guests came away with a new understanding and appreciation of their employees.
Surprised by the number of unit members who have deployed just from this unit, one of the employers summed it up this way, "The experience really showed me that you guys are not just playing war games like some public opinions, and in fact this is a real-life exercise in preparation for real-world stuff. Aside from the cold weather, the experience is one I will not forget too soon; kudos to all who participated in the exercise and the [CFLC] who helped arrange this important event."assigned task.
The Fort Garry Horse hosts ExecuTrek
By MCpl GREGORY RUTLEDGE
38 CBG
Right now, roughly 0.1% of Canadians are living a double life; by day they have full-time jobs or pursue post secondary studies, but their personal time is spent using advanced weaponry and executing combat tactics. They could be your neighbours, your friends, your colleagues. They are Reserve soldiers, men and women who are committed to the defence of Canada as a secondary duty added to full civilian lives.
Master Corporal Sam Penner (R), of The Fort Garry Horse, gives marksmanship
advice to Randy Roller before he fires the C-7 rifle at St. Charles Range,
Winnipeg, Man. Saturday, September 24. Mr. Roller was a guest of the CFLC
ExecuTrek program.
- Photo by MCpl GREGORY RUTLEDGE
Most of us have no idea what role these 'citizen-soldiers' play in keeping Canada secure. On paper, the Reserve Force is responsible for augmenting the Regular Force on domestic and overseas operations, often assisting with natural disasters and defending our sovereign borders.
Reservists play an active role in defending Canada's peoples and borders from foreign and natural threats. Internationally, citizen soldiers have formed an important part of every Canadian war effort, from the Boer War at the turn of the 20th century, through the First and Second World Wars, to modern conflicts such as Afghanistan.
ExecuTrek guests fire the C-7 under the supervision of
soldiers from the Fort Garry Horse.
- Photo by MCpl GREGORY RUTLEDGE
Performing pivotal functions in Canada's international and domestic security obligations sometimes can take a toll on the personal lives and civilian careers of Reserve soldiers. This is where the Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC) comes in.
"The CFLC is a national organization comprising community and business leaders," explained Lieutenant-Colonel John Robins, CFLC Liaison Officer for Manitoba / Northwest Ontario, "Their aim is to make life easier for Reservists, to grease the skids for a Reservist to get time off for military training or for operations; and they also encourage employers to hire Reservists."
The CFLC uses their flagship program, ExecuTrek, to promote the benefits of employing Reserve soldiers, by bringing out business leaders and employers to witness and participate in Reserve training first hand. How the Executrek participants react to this experience has been central to the CFLC's success.
"It ranges from really impressed to completely surprised, that Canada has this resource and they couldn't know anything about it," said LCol Robins, "They see (Reserve) soldiers giving direction, giving orders, standing up confident, articulate, simple things like calling them Sir or Ma'am. They just don't experience that in the civilian workplace."
Randy Roller, Vice President and General Manager of Operations for FWS Group, a Winnipeg-based construction company, explained why he participated in an ExecuTrek event at St. Charles Range in Winnipeg, Saturday, September 24.
"Well, to fire military weapons was probably the number one thing! Second is, just to spend the day in the life of a soldier, I thought it was a really good experience, and to try to understand what the military goes through on a daily basis."
After his ExecuTrek experience, Roller spoke on benefits he perceived a Reserve soldier can bring to the private sector.
"From what I've seen today, it's the leadership, the organization, all of the things that I think military training brings into (their) lives, I think it's great. I don't think they're going to get that anywhere else, especially at their age."
For the Fort Garry Horse, a Winnipeg- based Army Reserve regiment that hosted Roller's ExecuTrek experience, the age of most soldiers is 18 to 24, and they average 45 days per year in training.
That's 45 days on top of their full time job or education commitments, and time spent with their families and friends.
So why do Reservists do it? LCol Robins explained why he balanced a 32- year career with the Winnipeg Police Service, while concurrently serving 35 years as a Canadian Forces Reservist.
"I think that it's the ideals of the Army; the adventure, the camaraderie, maybe the romance, the challenge. Those are all pretty high-blown words, but I think that's what it was. I'll be sorry to leave. The Army has given me all kinds of experiences that I would never otherwise have had."
Through the efforts of organizations like the CFLC, Reserve soldiers receive the support they need to continue serving in their vital role. The civilians that comprise CFLC are volunteers as well.
"They believe strongly in what they do," said LCol Robins, "They believe strongly in Reservists and the value they bring to the defence of Canada, and so, I think we need to pay attention to CFLC, and support them, so they can in turn support us."
Musical gift makes a long journey
By CHERYL MACLEOD
The note on the case read, "Last man out please bring it home," – and that's exactly what Master Corporal Scott Lawrence did as he stowed the Epiphone AJ-200s acoustic guitar in his pack-up heading back to Canada.
Sergeant (Retired) Graeme Hume, formerly of the Ontario Regiment, is still
deciding what the next step will be for the guitar. But one thing that will stay
is the dirt embedded in the case.
- SUPPLIED PHOTO
"It was great for morale and a really good guitar," says MCpl Lawrence, a medical technician from 17 Field Ambulance, Winnipeg, who is currently attached- posted to 26 Field Artillery in Brandon, Man. "It sounded great and played great; that's what made it so nice, because it played so well.
It was sweet!" (17 Fd Amb and 26 Fd Arty are Reserve units - .Ed). The guitar that ended up being more than a just piece of kit was a moralebuilder, soothing many a soul at both Kandahar Airfield and Camp Nathan Smith in Afghanistan. But where did the note come from?
Sergeant (Retired) Graeme Hume, a Reservist from the Ontario Regiment of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps, was responsible for donating the instrument and sending it to the troops. As an amateur musician, he knew what comfort music could offer.
"They [personnel from his unit] were having a rough time over there. And the last thing you can bring in your kit is a guitar. So I thought I'd send one, because it's good for the soul," Sgt Hume says.
So he went to Kevin Simpson, manager of the Long and McQuade music store in Oshawa, Ont., and asked if he would donate an acoustic guitar for the Afghanistan cause. Mr. Simpson did, gladly.
Several months after sending the guitar, Sgt Hume received an e-mail from soldiers in Afghanistan, thanking him for sending the instrument. The one that stands out was from a young soldier who, after a rough four days outside the wire, stumbled upon the guitar back at camp.
"The soldier said they were getting hammered for four days, and were pulled back to resupply and rest, when he found the guitar," Sgt Hume says. "He wrote that, 'the two nights we were there [Camp Nathan Smith] we had a campfire and a little sing-along – and this was exactly what we needed to recharge and re-motivate to get back out to the hell. That was stunning to me, and proved that the guitar did more than I ever expected it to do."
Another story Sgt Hume remembers is that of a soldier who lost four of his mates in one quick flash. "They gave him 10 days off to get his head back in the game. He asked to borrow the guitar and, for 10 days, it was his constant companion, no matter where he was or what he did. So, it's a million-dollar guitar in my opinion, when I hear about the lives it helped… just knowing it touched these guys," Sgt Hume says, "It did its job."
MCpl Lawrence, who served in Afghanistan from October 2009 to April 2010, also came upon the guitar by accident while in the music club with a friend.
"I was digging around in the instruments when I saw this case. And it had a note on it, 'Last man out please bring home,' and 'Sgt G.M. Hume' written on the side, so I thought 'this is interesting', and I opened it up. And there was this beautiful guitar," MCpl Lawrence says with a lift in his voice. "I played around with it; then, I signed the loan card and took it back to the shacks with me."
Also attached to the guitar was a note reading, "If you play it, sign it," but many of the soldiers didn't have the heart to sign a beautiful guitar, so they signed the case instead.
"I got moved from KAF to Camp Nathan Smith, so I took the guitar with me and played it the whole time," MCpl Lawrence sys. "It became a hit among the other musicians in camp, so we moved it around camp and everyone played it, then signed it."
Sgt Hume is still trying to decide what the next step will be for the guitar – maybe an auction for charity. But one thing that will stay with this guitar is the dirt embedded in the case. "There's red Afghan dirt in the grain of the case," he says, "along with several markers and some Afghan money. This will have to stay."
A Reservist's vivid memoir of Afghanistan
By Capt JOHN WEINGARDT
DGRC PA
Ryan Flavelle is a Reserve soldier with 746 Communication Squadron, based in Calgary, Alta. He volunteered for a tour to Afghanistan and served there in 2008. In October, 2011, he published The Patrol: Seven Days in the Life of a Canadian Solider in Afghanistan. In my opinion, The Patrol is the best book about Afghanistan I have read – and ranks very highly in military writing in general.
- Book by Ryan Flavelle
The Patrol: Seven Days in the Life of a Canadian
Soldier in Afghanistan.
Anyone with an interest in the experience of an ordinary soldier in Afghanistan, or frankly the experience of the ordinary foot soldier from any era, should read this book.
Though the book focuses on only seven days, it is an excellent snapshot of the larger experience of a tour in Afghanistan, with glimpses of events before and after the patrol. The reader will be introduced to the vulgarity, humour, sudden violence, heat, thirst, and uncertainty that made up much of a Canadian soldier's day-to-day life in Kandahar.
Ryan Flavelle has great insight, authenticity, and command of English. (The book is only available in English). The Patrol is not a political book, it is not heroic tale, it is not filled with brilliant strategies, nor commentary about what Canadians 'ought to' do next.
Rather, The Patrol is a soldier's-eye-view memoir that records many details with sharp clarity and humility. Flavelle describes himself as a soldier who is often afraid, tired, or unsure. It has a refreshing honesty. As Flavelle says, "Those who like war are aptly named warriors. Some, like me, are fated never to be warriors, as we are more afraid of war than fascinated by it. But I have the consolation that I have walked with warriors and know what kind of men and women they are. I will never be a warrior, but I have known war."
Of particular interest to those who employ or educate Reservists, Flavelle touches upon the challenges of reintegration into 'normal' Canadian society – Flavelle is currently a graduate student at the University of Calgary.
Do yourself a favour and read The Patrol: Seven Days in the Life of a Canadian Soldier in Afghanistan.
Reservist serves in Kabul
Major John Fisher stands in front
of the Afghan National Army Command
and Staff College in Kabul,
Afghanistan, Wednesday, November
2. Maj Fisher is serving with
the Canadian Contribution Training
Mission – Afghanistan. He
arrived in Kabul in October, and
he works as an advisor to Afghan
National Army training staff at the
ANA's Command and Staff College.
Maj Fisher is from the King's
Own Calgary Regiment, a Reserve
unit.
Major John Fisher stands in front of the Afghan National Army
Command and Staff College in Kabul, Afghanistan
Upcoming Events
January
EXECUTREK
Exercise Nobile Guerrier
Camp Lejeune, N.C., U.S.A.
January 4 to 6
MEETINGS
Provincial Council Meetings
St. John's, N.L.
Saskatoon, Sask.
Dates TBD
OUTREACH
ExecuTalk
Winnipeg, Man.
Dates TBD
February
EXECUTREKS
Exercise Pacific Guardian
Vancouver, B.C.
February 14 to 15
Exercise Arctic Ram
Yellowknife, N.W.T.
February 24 to 26
INREACH
Military Leave Representative Training
Vancouver, B.C.
Dates TBD
Unit Events
Calgary Highlanders
Wainwright, Alta.
First Battalion, The New Brunswick Regiment
Fredericton, N.B.
Second Battalion, The New Brunswick Regiment
Bathurst, N.B.
Dates TBD
MEETINGS
Territorial Council Meeting
Yellowknife, N.W.T.
February 24
Liaison Officer Workshop
Ottawa, Ont.
February 25 to 26
Provincial Council Meetings
Toronto, Ont.
Quebec, Que.
Dates TBD
OUTREACH
Hockey Games
Saskatoon Blades
Saskatoon, Sask.
Regina Pats
Regina, Sask.
Dates TBD
Luncheons / Receptions
Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Vancouver, B.C.
Thunder Bay, Ont.
Corner Brook, N.L.
Dates TBD
March
INREACH
Unit Events
HMCS Queen
Regina, Sask.
March 31
King's Own Calgary Regiment
Calgary, Alta.
Date TBD
MEETINGS
Provincial Council Meetings
Moncton, N.B.
St. John's, N.L.
Edmonton, Alta.
Regina, Sask.
Dates TBD
OUTREACH
Luncheons / Receptions
Winnipeg, Man.
Gander, N.L.
Halifax, N.S.
Dates TBD
Firepower Demonstration
Fort Garry Horse
Winnipeg, Man.
Date TBD
Alliance, Issue 4.2011
Managing Editor
Major Dan Thomas
Editor/Production
Capitain John Weingardt
The Alliance is published four times a year by the Canadian Forces Liaison Council under the authority of Captain (Navy) James Cotter.
Submissions are welcome in either official language.
Translation
Translation Bureau, PWGSC
Printing
Gilmore Printing Services, Inc.
