in this issue lean on me - royal canadian … 20080801.pdfvolume - 2 edition 30 week ending august...

Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008

IN THIS ISSUE· Lean On Me· Canada's Dirty Dark Vietnam War Secret· Military museum wows minister· Michele Forbes-Now resting at home.· Korean War vets look back, see history repeating itself in Afghanistan· Korean War veterans deserve recognition for their sacrifices· Veterans observe 55th anniversary of Korean War armistice· The battle that changed it all· Old brains, new cells· Anniversary of Korean War brings back memories· The war is over but will never be 'forgotten'· Native veterans forced to fight another war on home front· Porn film made at First World War memorial · Outpouring for slain Canadian soldier impresses veteran· Rally in Trenton will pay tribute to military personnel and their families· Lethbridge Veteran Keeps Military History Alive.· Ombudsman ready to take on feds over Afghan vets' benefits· You did what you felt you had to do.· Regiment to celebrate 125th anniversary· MP Fund for Blind Children helps in Afghanistan· CF pilot recaptures the magic· Pride and determination: Celebrating Canada’s birthday in Kandahar· Soldier shouldn't face battle on the homefront· Veterans Affairs wants Chicoutimi survivors given same consideration as war vets

· Government of Canada Remembers the Korean War with Commemorative Cruise and Presentation of Memorial Cross in Quebec City

· Leduc Royal Canadian Legion donates· Stratford Legion to call Allman arena home· Orillia Legion hopes to raise cash for medal· Statue of Tom Fleetwood to honour war veteran· He's taping veterans' stories to pay a debt· Second-degree murder conviction for RCL Murderer· Helicopters to keep troops off dangerous roads in Afghanistan

Lean On Me

Master Corporal Paul Franklin and his son Simon. Franklin lost both his legs in a

suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan that left a Canadian diplomat, and at least two

Afghans dead. Franklin never saw his attacker.

Credit: www.cbc.ca

Left a double, above-the-knee amputee following a suicide bombing on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, Master Cpl. Paul Franklin considers one of his prime duties now is to aid fellow disabled veterans get back on their feet -- literally.

According to Time Magazine he's one of Canada's heroes, while Rubicon Publishers has placed him up there with the best of the best in Canada's Top 10 Most Inspiring Canadians.

When Gov. Gen. Michaele Jean prepares the guest list for her Rideau Hall home in Ottawa, the honour of taking a seat at the table is -- for most -- a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Master Cpl. Paul Franklin dined with Jean twice.

The Canadian soldier, and now also an inspirational speaker, sustained catastrophic injuries in a suicide

The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario)

bombing on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan that left him a double, above-the-knee amputee.

Franklin's not one to keep this experience bottled up inside him.

He's is set to visit Algoma -- for the third time this year -- to discuss his life-altering experiences, also documented in the 2007 book The Long Walk Home, Paul Franklin's Journey from Afghanistan.

Jan. 15, 2006 began like any other day for a Canadian soldier serving in the war-torn region -- with danger hanging in the air. But something even more sinister lay hidden, which would literally tear Franklin's world apart.

His convoy was attacked and the G Wagon he was driving took a direct hit. The carnage was devastating, leaving him without his left leg while the right was so severely injured the decision was made to surgically amputate what was left of the limb.

Passenger Glyn Berry, a Canadian diplomat, died and two fellow soldiers were critically injured.

Based in Edmonton with 1 Field Ambulance, Franklin was is a medical technician and remains an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces with Casualty Support at Land Forces Western Area.

In an amazingly short period post trauma, the soldier was able to walk with prosthetics and crutches. It was during this difficult transition period that he discovered a new passion. He saw how other patients suffered, was able to share in their frustration and pain and knew exactly what they needed.

Franklin's prosthetics cost $60,000 per leg. The big issue now is research into high-tech devices so the price can be brought down, making such support more accessible.

His concept for a charity organization, designed to help all Canadian amputees both military and civilian, began to take shape. It became a reality when he co-founded the Northern Alberta Amputee Program in 2006.

"NAAP was started to help fill the gap in amputee care," Franklin said in a recent e-mail interview from Edmonton.

He said the University of Alberta was

the perfect fit for the charity because, "we could work under the umbrella of mutually agreeable mandate for research education and support.

"They do the taxes, accounting and administration, allowing donations to go directly to the clinics and other activities we had planned and the Franklin Fund is the national arm of the plan."

Franklin tours the country telling a soldier's story.

The Sault Ste. Marie Military Family Support Group has invited him to return for engagements Aug. 14-15. Group founder and facilitator May Adshead hopes Franlkin's visit will drum up community support for troops, their families and trigger an awareness for charitable organization.

Franklin will speak Aug. 14 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25, with The Red Friday Golf Fun Day Aug. 15 at Crimson Ridge Golf Course.

Just as yellow ribbons are recognized the world over as symbols of troop support, so are Red Fridays. Organizers hope such golf fun days will spring up across Canada.

Both functions will also raise money for the local Military Family Support Group, which, in turn, will help military families by providing spiritual and emotional encouragement, while co-ordinating activities and sponsoring guest speakers.

"It gives the community an opportunity to support these troops, and the families who are left behind," Adshead said.

Franklin was an Emergency Medical Technician with Infantry Division of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in south Kandahar Province when he was injured.

As his entire being lay in the balance half a world away, his long walk home, while one of the cruelest ironies of all, was laid squarely at the feet that were no longer there.

But he has taken irony and used the twist to focus on a challenge most couldn't conceive let alone follow through on.

Heyden native Col. Allan Darch, army command surgeon in Ottawa, has nothing but admiration for Franklin, citing his "incredible courage, strength of character and positive attitude."

Capt. Roy Harten, Unit Public Affairs Officer and past Commanding Officer of the 2310 Army Cadet Corps, met Franklin in May.

He was guest speaker of the 49th Field Regiment and also did a presentation for the support group. Franklin had copies of his book for sale and Harten bought one.

Written by Liane Faulder, a feature writer with the Edmonton Journal, The Long Walk Home is a story about courage and determination.

"Canada hasn't been at war for 50 years," said Harten in a recent interview at his home, "and major injuries have been rare."

That's changing and more soldiers are getting hurt or dying in battle.

"Paul tackled things head on," said Harten. "He needed them get through post traumatic stress disorder, combat stress and the difficult challenges of working overseas.

Darch, an Aweres public school and Bawating Collegiant and Vocational School graduate, was stationed in Kabul Afghanistan in 2003-2004 and was an acquaintance of Franklin.

He said that the G Wagon Franklin was driving the day the suicide bomber struck is "a military SUV." It is no longer used outside the wire and has been replaced in this capacity by the light-armoured vehicle (LAV), weighing 15 to 18 tons while sporting eight wheels.

legs and he told them what he needed."

Franklin, 40, was born in Halifax and grew up in Calgary. The married father of one concedes he will never be able to return to combat but knows many wounded soldiers who want to return to full and active duty.

"I work here to help the soldiers that are wounded to come back in a dignified and honourable manner," he writes. "We do this by making sure mistakes that are made, are made only once, by ensuring each patient gets the best care possible."

He said that his charity aims to improve reintegration of returning soldiers by helping "The G wagon has limited use inside the wire," Darch said. "And is used inside Kabul where there is lower risk for improvised explosive devices (IEDs)."


WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008

Adshead realizes through her works as a facilitator, that "99 per cent of injured soldiers want to get back to work. And they need more advanced prosthesis so they can continue doing their jobs in the forces."

When she and her husband Ed's son, Brandon Corbett, was deployed to Afghanistan in February 2007, there wasn't a support group in the Sault. Corbett was a reservist with the 49th Field Regiment and went over with a unit from Petawawa.

"Military bases have support networks," she said.

"North Bay Family Resources Centre was looking for someone to start one up here. I had absolutely no military training. But by May of that year, our Military Family support Group was up and running.

The group helps families prepare for deployment, said Harten. "It establishes contacts and helps maintain order in their lives for six months."

Sault Ste. Marie has seen its share of military personnel depart for violent theatres of war, so having a support group started here was important.

When Harten's wife, Laura, went to Afghanistan as a civilian barber in 2005, there wasn't a group into which to tap.

"It was talked about, but we needed a facilitator," Harten said. "And my hands were full."

He provided Adshead with the contacts in CFB North Bay and she took it from there.

Several soldiers and a civilian are returning from their tours and two more soldiers will soon be deployed. Adshead subsequently co-ordinated a group effort to adorn local streets with yellow ribbons.

Harten and his youngest daughter, Emma, stapled their ribbons to poles along Second Line West, while others did Queen Street and Great Northern Road in Sault Ste. Marie.

Franklin plans to share with his legion audience accounts of his two missions in Afghanistan, the incident, recovery, rehab and reintegration. A spaghetti dinner will be available for a nominal fee. The Red Friday Golf Fun Day also open to the public.

Franklin said the publicity surrounding his story is "a bit self manufactured," as he promoted the idea "of making sure wounded soldiers are in the media.

"If they want to, they can show the Canadian people their sacrifice and what it means to be a Canadian soldier."

As far as life on the links, "I wasn't a golfer when I had legs but the 19th hole looks pretty good."

Saturday, July 26, 2008PATRICIA BAKER, SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Section: Veterans

Canada's Dirty Dark Vietnam War Secret

Agent Orange Corpdusting.Credit: Student Pugwash USA

It was shocking to many Canadian Veterans to find out that the Canadian Department of National Defense (DND) under the orders of the Canadian Government began testing Agent Orange, Agent Purple and later Agent White at CFB Gagetown starting in 1956, long before it was ever used by the US Military in Vietnam.

Now to be fair, the Canadian Government (Ottawa) claims that it wasn't actually testing these chemicals and that they were in fact conducting a defoliation program and even went so far as to claim that it was being done for our own good; so a branch wouldn't fall on our heads while training.

Ottawa went on to claim that the chemicals which they used weren't Agents Orange, Purple and White but let's face it the US hadn't coined the names of the Rainbow Chemicals yet and technically there never has been any chemical product registered under these names, and besides it was a

Military designated name because of the paint strip around the barrels for easy identification in a time of war, which just happened to stick.

Now I have indicated that I believe Ottawa was testing these products on their own troops and that of the US and British military at Canadian Force Base (CFB) Gagetown in New Brunswick, Canada due to Ottawa's own words. Government Officials have stated that they neither knew that the chemical products contained (TCDD) Dioxin or (HCB) Hexachlorobenzene (both known carcinogens and without much doubts two of the most deadly man-made chemicals known to mankind), nor even if they had that they didn't know that these two chemicals were harmful. This clearly indicates that if these chemicals were in fact registered (not yet established) that little or no testing was done on behalf of the Canadian people by Health Canada and that the testing was actually being done at CFB Gagetown for both the Canadian and US Military, on our own Military personnel and with no regards to the collateral damage it might wreck on the surrounding civilian population.

Ottawa kept this 29 year defoliation program, or at least what chemicals they were using, secret for over 50 years and to this writer it was a far better kept secret then the nuclear weapons testing being done world wide. This Government secrecy had the effect of compounding the problem which as many as 350,000 possible victims were facing as they began to become sick with all sorts of exotic and rare medical conditions, which most if not all Canadian doctors had neither experience nor knowledge of. Soldiers ,if they became too sick, were just discharged to the public sector and to civilian doctors ill-prepared to recognize or treat chemical contamination, and soldiers couldn't even give the doctors the heads up on the possibility of toxic chemical exposure being a factor.

The US military is not innocent in this fiasco either as they accepted a Canadian invitation to test their sprays in 1966 and again in 1967 where they chose to spray chemicals on their allies which they had already stopped spraying on their enemies in Vietnam because of health concerns and chemicals which were illegal to spray in the US.


WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30Week Ending August 1, 2008

Ottawa has so far done very little for the victims which they created at CFB Gagetown even though over 3.3 million liters and/or pounds of toxic chemicals were sprayed there by Canada. This would most likely make Gagetown the second most sprayed area in the world and, because of it size or lack thereof, may actually contain more liters/pounds per acre then most places in Vietnam and where concentrations of as much as 14,300 % above (CCME) Canadian Council for Ministers of the Environment acceptable guidelines for dioxin was found only last year, forty years after the last chemicals claimed to contain dioxin were in fact sprayed.

What Ottawa (Canadian Government) has done for Gagetown victims is to offer a $20,000 one time Ex-grata (meaning they accept no guilt or responsibility) payment for soldiers and civilians who lived within a 5 klm radius of the Base in the summers of 66 and 67, while excluding any claims for compensation to anyone who had the bad form to have died before November 6th 2006--and then only if they can prove a limited number of medical conditions for Dioxin contamination--placing the blame squarely on the shoulders US Militaries' 2 and ½ barrels of chemicals while totally ignoring the over 5,500 barrels and over 2 million pounds of Canadian sprayed chemicals of identical composition.

At this time there are as many as 4 Class Action Law Suits relating to CFB Gagetown and the chemicals used there, Ottawa refuses to call for a full public and judicial inquiry, soldiers continue to train in a dioxin soaked training area and Veterans of the cold war Chemical weapons testing continue to die.

Cpl. Kenneth H. Young CD (Ret'd).Nanaimo, BC Canada Comment Letter

Hi! My name is Ken and I was born in a little town of Grand'Mere Quebec, Canada in 1948. I grew up and lived in Quebec until I was 17 years old when I joined the Canadian Armed Forces-Army to be exact.

The Royal Canadian Regiment was my home for almost 13 years, where I seen many countries, did some UN peace keeping and almost 5 years in Germany, Europe in NATO. I met the

love of my life wile in Germany and we are soon to celebrate our 39 anniversary on August first and we have two now grown up boys and a few wonderful grand children.

I was contaminated by Toxic Chemicals wile on duty at CFB Gagetown New Brunswick, Canada with chemicals now known to contain Dioxin (TCDD) and Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) better known as Agent Orange and Agent White.

I was released from the Army after I became extremely sick due to toxic chemical exposure.

I am a proud member of the Agent Orange Association of Canada (AOAC) and at present I am one of their article writers.

I have in the past two or three years had as many as 250 small articles published all with the Gagetown issue and the tens of thousands of Victims it created.

Saturday, July 26, 2008Kenneth Young , opednews.com

Section: Veterans

Military museum wows minister

If you are in the Brantford area and want to learn something about the military past of Canada don't miss to visit the "Canadian

Military Heritage Museum".

Credit: Canadian Military Heritage Museum

Head of Veterans Affairs brings cheque for airshow during Friday visit

Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson came to Brantford on Friday and he didn't come empty handed.

Thompson brought a $5,000 federal government contribution to the upcoming Brant United Way Airshow. He also had plenty of compliments for the Canadian Military Heritage Museum and presented a new portrait of the

Queen to the Brantford Armouries.

"I am absolutely overwhelmed," Thompson said, following a tour of the museum. "They have everything here from guns to photos and uniforms. "I have to say that I really didn't expect to see so many artifacts. I'm really impressed by what you have here."

To his knowledge, no other community has such an expansive collection. The only museum that compares is the National War Museum in Ottawa, he said.

Thompson was in Brantford to visit local dignitaries and veterans, tour the museum and speak to local Conservative Party faithful.

The Brant Federal Conservative Riding Association held a reception for him following his museum visit. He was escorted around the museum by Rick Shaver, the museum's chairman, and Phil McColeman, the Brant Conservative candidate for the next federal election.

Thompson was in Brantford a couple of years ago to attend the annual Thank-a-Vet dinner and he praised the community for its support of veterans. During his formal remarks, Thompson said he has the best job in Canada, adding that he and his staff remember the nation's veterans every day.

Veterans Affairs also helps initiatives that connect schools and communities with veterans. As part of that ongoing effort, the ministry is contributing $5,000 to this year's Brant United Way Airshow.

The annual United Way fundrasier runs Aug. 27 at the Brantford Municipal Airport. The theme is a salute to the military: past, present and future.

RARE SPITFIRE

The show will feature aircraft from the Second World War, as well as modern fighter jets. Also featured will be a rare Mark 9 Spitfire airplane, a CF-18 Canadian Fighter jet and one of only two Lancaster bombers still in operation. The Skyhawks, Canada's military parachute team, are scheduled to do a jump at the show. Charian Gary Surette welcomed the contribution.

"It's something that helps solidify what we're doing," Surette said. "It ensures this year's airshow will have a terrific take off and soar above the skies of



Brantford and Brant County."

Thompson and McColeman also provided representatives of the armouries with an updated portrait of the Queen. Other dignitaries to attend the event included Brant MP Lloyd St. Amand, Brant County Mayor Ron Eddy and Brantford Mayor Mike Hancock. Several veterans also attended.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Thompson, MP for New Brunswick Southwest, said he isn't sure when the next federal election will be held. But he is sure that once it is called, there will be a lot of close races at ridings across the country, including many in Ontario.

"We believe there will be a lot of competitive ridings," he said.

Saturday, July 26, 2008VINCENT BALL, EXPOSITOR STAFF

Section: Veterans

Michele Forbes-Now resting at home.

Michele Forbes had an operation and is now resting at home, get well soon.

Sunday, July 27, 2008Norma Ash

Section: Sick and Visiting

Korean War vets look back, see history repeating itself in Afghanistan

OTTAWA — Veterans of the Korean War are hoping the better part of history repeats itself for Canadian

soldiers currently in Afghanistan.

As they mark the 55th anniversary of the end of what was once Canada's "forgotten war," many of the men who fought for freedom in South Korea are drawing parallels between the Afghanistan of today and the Korea of yesteryear.

"In 1950, Korea was totally destroyed," recalls Mike Czuboka of Winnipeg, who operated an 81mm mortar launcher during his time in the south Asian country.

"There was nothing there. It was just rubble."

Today, Seoul and Pusan are thriving, modern cities, says Czuboka, who returned to South Korea this month as part of a commemorative visit arranged by Veterans Affairs Canada.

South Korea's vibrant economy stands in stark contrast to that of North Korea, where nearly two million people reportedly starved to death in the late 1990s due to severe food shortages.

International aid groups warn the present situation in the North may dwarf those numbers as 6.5 million people face food shortages and starvation.

"Had we not gone to Korea, the whole country would have been Communists, and presumably under the same economic circumstances," said Czuboka.

"The country has really pulled up its bootstraps," says retired Maj. Eric Devlin, 89, who revisited South Korea five years ago.

The men who served in Korea went for many of the same reasons that Canadian soldiers today volunteer for tours of duty in Afghanistan, say the veterans.

They wanted to help people, and hoped for a better, brighter future for the country's inhabitants.

Under the Taliban, and during the civil war and Soviet occupation that preceded their rule, Afghanistan's economy was devastated.

Millions of refugees fled to neighbouring Pakistan and elsewhere, but tens of thousands have since returned to raise families and restart businesses, particularly in the capital, Kabul, where the population now lives

in relative security.

The hope is that Canadian and other NATO soldiers currently in Afghanistan can help that country rebuild just as South Korea has flourished since the end of the war, say the Korean veterans.

In a statement issued Sunday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper drew his own parallels between the Korean War and the conflict in Afghanistan.

"During the Korean War, Canada reaffirmed its position as a nation committed to peace and democracy," he said.

"Today, the Canadian Forces serving in Afghanistan and elsewhere are bravely and diligently confronting tyranny and oppression, in order to bring security to nations desperate for new beginnings."

There are differences, however, and no way of drawing exact parallels between the two wars, says veteran Roy Jardine of Calgary.

Korea offered hilly terrain with much tree cover, recalled Jardine, known to his comrades as Buck.

Afghanistan, with its arid mountains and hot desert, provides soldiers with little cover and a much different landscape to traverse.

"You have these sneak attacks on people who are doing nothing more than just driving down the road," Jardine said of the roadside bomb tactics being deployed by insurgents in Afghanistan.

"We were just keeping (the North Koreans) from coming any further south in those days," Jardine recalled from his time in Korea.

Canadian troops stationed in Korea also seemed to have more, if not better equipment, said Jardine.

There are other significant historical differences between the countries as well.

The Korean War lasted about three years, following more than a decade of post-Second World War tensions and a political tug-of-war between China and Japan that began in the late 1800's.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, has endured centuries of clashes between its two main tribal clans, not to mention countless invasions from neighbouring countries hoping to control key trading



routes.

A ceasefire was declared in the Korean War 55 years ago Sunday, although it wasn't officially recognized in Canada as anything more than a "conflict" until the start of the new century.

From June 25, 1950, when South Korea faced the threat of a full-blown invasion by North Korea, until July 27, 1953, when the Korean War Armistice was signed, more than 26,000 Canadians were involved in the United Nations mission.

A further 7,000 Canadians served between the time of the ceasefire and the end of 1955, keeping peace between the two nations at the height of the Cold War.

In all, 516 Canadians died and more than 1,200 were seriously wounded.

Three Canadian destroyers were dispatched to Korean waters early in the conflict to serve under UN command, along with a Royal Canadian Air Force squadron.

However, it wasn't until December 1950 that troops from the 252nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry arrived at Pusan.

A number of remembrance ceremonies marking the Armistice are planned across Canada, including events in Halifax and Yarmouth, N.S., Brampton, Ont., Paradise, N.L., Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, and Lethbridge, Alta.

Sunday, July 27, 2008The Canadian Press

Section: Veterans

Korean War veterans deserve recognition for their sacrifices

Today marks the 55th anniversary of the armistice in Korea.

Undoubtedly, memories of vicious battles will march through the minds of those who fought and survived the 1950-1953 Korean War.

Canadian veterans of that war will gather at cenotaphs and memorials across the country to pay homage to their fallen comrades. They will also salute the veterans of Afghanistan and those who have died in that war while serving in the Canadian army, which has evolved from peacekeeping mode to a fighting force.

Of the 26,791 Canadians who served in the Korean War, 516 lost their lives and more than 1,000 were wounded. About 10,000 are still alive. Included in the casualty figures are 45 who died on peacekeeping duties in Korea. Those names are not included on the Peacekeeper Park Memorial Wall of Honour in Calgary's Garrison Green. Yet the names of Forces personnel who died in Afghanistan (87 since 2002) are inscribed on the wall, even though the mission is combat, not peacekeeping.

The defining role of the Canadian military during the Korea peacekeeping era matches the objectives of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping. It fits as snugly as a blue beret. The association raised money for the establishment of the memorial wall and for its expansion.

An Order in Council signed in 1999 created the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal. Canadians who had served in Korea following the 1953 ceasefire were among the recipients, further solidifying their peacekeeper status.

That the Korea peacekeeper dead are not inscribed on the Wall is not an unusual situation for Korea veterans. They've had to fight for recognition for years. The fact that the war in Korea was once known as the Forgotten War is not a myth. People were not interested. There were no televised ramp ceremonies (TV did not arrive in Calgary until several months after the armistice in Korea), no Route of Valour, Military Family Fund, Red Shirt Fridays, Support Our Troops decals, Military Family Resource Centre or anything else. Korea veterans returned to Canada after long sea voyages, went home and were forgotten for decades.

In Korea, Canadians who died in battle

or in training, or had succumbed to disease were not airlifted home; they were buried in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Pusan (Busan), Korea. Other casualties who had died of wounds after being transferred to the British Commonwealth Hospital in Kure, Japan, were buried in Yokohama. Some were killed in the tumult of battle and were never found. They lay where they fell, shrouded perhaps by collapsed trenches, bunkers or in the muck of paddy fields. Like those who were lost at sea in Korean waters in service with the Royal Canadian Navy, there were no known graves at which the living could mourn.

Initially, the war in Korea was called a "police action," then for many years referred to by media as the Korean Conflict (with a capital "C") as if the deaths of two million people (civilians and combatants) didn't qualify as a war. The turning point for its proper name came 10 years ago when then U.S. president Bill Clinton signed an act of Congress that required government statutory provisions referring to the "Korean Conflict" be struck and replaced by "Korean War."

In 1973, a group of veterans formed the Korea Veterans Association of Canada. Their main goal was to bring the role of Canadians in the Korean War out of obscurity. That campaign is ongoing.

Another item of concern to these veterans was the fact they were all volunteers, yet the Canadian government had not authorized a volunteer medal as had been the case in the First and Second World Wars. There were years of fruitless lobbying. Finally, two MPs, one a Korea veteran, circulated a petition in Parliament and the Senate that was signed by all including the prime minister, then presented to the Governor General. Authorization for the medal followed. Most of the Korea vets received theirs in the mailbox, 38 years after their war had ended.

The Korea Veterans Association appointed a memorials chairman in 1993 who supervised the installation of bronze plaques inscribed "Korea 1950-1953" that were affixed to memorials and cenotaphs across Canada. Four years later, on July 27, the Korea Veterans Association National Wall of Remembrance was dedicated in Meadowvale Cemetery, Brampton, Ont.



It contains the names of all 516 Canadians who lost their lives during the Korean War and the peacekeeping era that followed.

In 2003, the Korean War Monument to the Canadian Fallen was dedicated in Ottawa. Although most of the memorials and monuments are in eastern Canada, a statue of a Canadian Korean War veteran stands in front of the Military Museums in Calgary.

It's fitting that the brave, young Canadians who volunteer to serve in the Afghanistan War be acknowledged, revered and remembered. The names of their fallen comrades should be recorded wherever possible, even on a peacekeeping memorial.

However, it's likely that the Canadian warriors of Afghanistan will want their own memorials dedicated to their dead, and their own bronze plaques similar to those of Korea.

Roland Soper served in the 1st & 3rd Battalions of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in the Korean War. He is the author of the war novel, Sword of Wood. He lives in Calgary.

© The Calgary Herald 2008Sunday, July 27, 2008

Roland Soper, Calgary HeraldSection: Veterans

Veterans observe 55th anniversary of Korean War armistice

OTTAWA -- Legions and veterans across Canada are marking the 55th anniversary of an armistice that brought an end to four bloody years of the Korean War.

On July 27, 1953, major fighting between North Korean and Chinese communist forces and South Korean and allied forces stopped, after more

than five million casualties. Twenty-six thousand Canadians served in the conflict, 516 of whom died. It remains the Canadian military's deadliest conflict since World War Two.

In a statement released Sunday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper remembered all the Canadian soldiers that signed up to serve in Korea and stand "their ground against the enemy."

"They fought in swamps and rice fields, through torrential rain and snow, in the air and at sea. Canadians proved their mettle again and again . . .," Harper said. "Canada will never forget those who wore the Canadian uniform with pride, and the men and women who continue to serve our country today."

Minister of Veterans Affairs Greg Thomson visited a United Nations cemetery in South Korea two weeks ago with a delegation of veterans of the war.

"We honoured their service and vowed that neither time nor distance shall lessen our remembrance," Thomson said of the memorial.

Canadian involvement in the Korean War has often been overlooked, resulting in the war being referred to as the Forgotten War. The conflict was the first armed engagement of the Cold War, but its significance in the West is often lost between the horrors of the Second World War and the Vietnam War that would follow in the 1960s.

Today, remembrance ceremonies were to be held in cities across Canada. In Winnipeg, a candlelight vigil will honour the 36 Manitobans killed in the war. Canadian Forces personnel will observe the end of the war aboard HMCS Toronto, currently near Iqaluit, Nunavut. Other ceremonies are planned in Yarmouth, N.S., Edmonton, Calgary, Brampton, Ont., Regina and Saskatoon.

The war began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces invaded the southern half of the peninsula in an attempt to reunite the two countries under a Kim Il-Sung's communist regime. After nearly forcing the South Korean army out of the country, allied reinforcements from Canada, the U.K., U.S., France, and 17 other countries arrived in September 1950. The newfound strength pushed the North Korean army to the Chinese border. Chinese forces joined the war in

November 1950; for the next three years, a stalemate settled in as death tolls mounted on both sides.

The armistice was meant to direct discussions towards a formal peace treaty, but after 55 years, no agreement had been signed by both warring parties. Today, along the 38th parallel, the Demilitarized Zone, a heavily fortified, nearly impenetrable border, splits the peninsula in two.

In the north, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, led by Kim's son, Kim Jong-Il, remains an isolated and impoverished authoritarian state. The southern Republic of Korea, a beneficiary of decades of American, European, and Japanese investment, thrives as a vibrant, capitalist democracy. Attempts at reuniting the two countries have so far been met with little success.

© Canwest News Service 2008Sunday, July 27, 2008

Mike Barber , Canwest News ServiceSection: Veterans

The battle that changed it all

The Drummond Hill Cemetery is situ

Credit: Niagra Falls Public Library

Remembering how the War of 1812 turned on Lundy's Lane.

Every year, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society president John Burtniak stands among tombstones so faded they’re unreadable, and ponders what it all means.

Heroes are buried here. The tide of a war was changed here. It’s among the most important patches of land in Canadian history, yet people can walk right by without noticing it.

And so every July, Burtniak gives Drummond Hill Cemetery its due. On the same land about 1,600 American and Canadian soldiers died, he pays tribute the last, great battle of the War of 1812.



“This has been done faithfully for 120 years, and today we continue that tradition,” he said.

The scene is the same every year - a crowd gathers in front of the Soldier’s Monument while veterans and politicians lay wreaths to mark the decisive fight which erupted here on July 25, 1814.

That day, about 2,800 Canadian and British soldiers faced the American Army in sweltering heat for a six-hour stand-off which went into the night.

Canadian troops expected to keep fighting the next day, but the exhausted American side withdrew to Fort Erie and eventually home. The war ended soon after.

Sunday, July 27, 2008John Law, The Niagara Falls Review

Section: Veterans

Old brains, new cells

Keeping your mind in top shape while you age.

A 20-minute walk with the dog may not send you to the Olympics -- but it may help you keep that Olympic-calibre brain as you age.

Dr. Brian Christie of the Division of Medical Sciences at the University of Victoria was one of the first researchers to demonstrate the now widely-accepted notion that exercise can create new brain cells, or neurons, and that these new brain cells can result in better learning and memory skills.

The effects of exercise, he says, are quite pronounced in seniors, even if they don't engage in intense exercise.

"That's the beauty of it. Just 20 minutes of exercise, a couple of times a day, are enough," he says. "Even for those who are less mobile, there's always a way to get some exercise. My mom, after her hip replacement, started

gently riding a stationary bike and doing yoga. When the weather gets cold, I tell her she can always go for a walk at the mall, or keep busy walking around the house."

Christie was first attracted to this research area by exercise's positive effect on neuron creation and cognition. But, he says, new neurons can't account for the total brain gain from exercise. After all, how can new brain cells get access to old memories? So now, in research funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Christie is looking at what happens to the brain cells you already have when you exercise. And, it turns, out, there's a lot going on.

When people exercise, he has found, the structures that enable brain cells to talk to each other are improved. Dendrites, which carry electrical signals from cells to synapses, become longer and reach farther, while synapses, which help neurons communicate with target cells, become more numerous. As well, the synapses become more plastic -- able to make connections and increase communication between neurons -- after exercise.

Christie thinks that a big part of the secret is that getting your heart pumping sends blood flowing through your brain. The increased blood flow, in turn, carries more growth factors, more evenly, to more parts of the brain. Growth factors stimulate new neurons and new connections among neurons.

So far, research has found that the gains in brain function from exercise seem to affect mostly memory and learning. Now, Christie is looking at whether more intense exercise for longer periods of time can affect other areas of the brain, improving brain function beyond memory and learning.

Dr. Christie's research provides yet more reason for seniors to stay physically active. By being their own Olympians, seniors can help keep their brains, as well as their bodies, nimble.

For more information, visit www.impact.cihr.gc.ca.

Monday, July 28, 2008NEWS CANADASection: Seniors

Anniversary of Korean War brings back memories

A ceremony was held at the Nutana Legion Sunday marking the 55th anniversary of the

Korean War armistice; the attendees include Min Jowin (from left), Park Sook Hee and her daughter Jung Yu Jung and

veterans Jim Dockstader, Irving Larson, Les Muirhead and Will Scott.

Credit: Richard Marjan, The StarPhoenix

When Harley Welsh reminisces about the time he served in the Korean War, he can't help but think about what didn't happen when he returned to Saskatoon.

"A fella I joined up with from Saskatoon was killed in late October there, just a couple months before we were due to be rotated," Welsh said. "We made a lot of plans, things we were going to do when we got back -- a cold beer at the Empire Hotel -- but I'm afraid he didn't make it. I always feel bad about that."

The veteran told his story Sunday at a ceremony marking the 55th anniversary of the Korean War armistice of July 27, 1953. Gathering at the Nutana Legion with other Korean War veterans, members of the Korean community and Canadian government representatives, Welsh spoke of the time he served with the Second Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in what is now South Korea in 1950 and 1951.

Already a Second World War veteran, Welsh signed up for the reserve army and was deployed to Korea after the communist regime in what is now North Korea tried to gain forcible command of the nation and crossed the 38th parallel with its armies. Canada was one of 16 nations that fought under the United Nations banner, trying to bring peace and aid to the country.

"It was very, very cold. A lot of people think it's a tropical nation -- it's warm near the ocean and the southern part,



but once you get up in the hills or the northern part it gets very, very cold," he said. "We were outside during the winter. You would be in your trench and the little stream flowing below you at night, it wasn't flowing in the morning."

It was the hardships of the Korean people, however, that gave Canadian forces the most discomfort, he said. "For the people in the middle, the civilians, you had to feel sorry for them. How do you get crops and food when you can't work?" he said.

The anniversary brings back many memories for the veterans of the war. However, those first-hand accounts of the conflict will not be available forever, said Jim McKinny, one of the organizers of the event and a veteran of the war himself. While it is often referred to as The Forgotten War, there is still an opportunity for the event to be remembered.

"If anybody is going to know anything about the Korean War, we've got to tell them," said McKinny, noting Saskatoon's Korean Veterans Association is becoming involved in as many events as possible in order to shine some light on the conflict.

There's another reason why the group organized Sunday's ceremony.

"It's the 55th anniversary; our numbers are depleting. We don't know if we'll have enough to organize it for the 60th," he explained, adding with a laugh, "I'm going to be here, but I don't want to do all the work myself."

While the Korean War ended more than half a century ago, lessons from the conflict are still important today, Welsh said.

"It makes you feel it was worthwhile," he said about supporting a nation in need. "That's what we have to remember in supporting Canadian troops now. We have a role and somewhere down the line we hope to look back and say it was all worthwhile, we did know what we're doing."

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

Monday, July 28, 2008Cassandra Kyle, The StarPhoenix

Section: Veterans

The war is over but will never be 'forgotten'

Korean War veteran James Pawaschuk was one of the few remaining veterans that took

part in a remembrance ceremony for the Korean war in Victoria Park on Sunday.

Credit: Joshua Sawka, Leader-Post

Bob Nolan remembers the "Forgotten War" all too well.

Nolan was a boy of 19 when he fought in the Korean War, one of nearly 27,000 Canadians who stood against the invasion of South Korea by the North Korean Army.

"Five hundred and sixteen soldiers lost over there, I would consider that some kind of a war, wouldn't you?" Nolan said Sunday, on the 55th Anniversary of the war's armistice.

A small crowd of veterans, dignitaries and members of the public gathered at the Victoria Park Cenotaph on Sunday afternoon, to pay tribute to the 55th Anniversary of the signing of the Korean War ceasefire on July 27, 1953.

In total, 26,791 Canadians served in the Korean War, with more than 500 killed and thousands more injured. Twenty nine of the dead were from Saskatchewan.

Yet the Korean War has never received much attention from the public or media, earning it the dubious distinction as the so-called "Forgotten War."

It was no easy battle. Nolan came

home with a bullet hole in his leg, and memories which may be even more painful. His voice wavers as he remembers a valley "paved with dead bodies" as the Chinese and North Korean troops made a final push.

But when the Canadian troops returned home after the ceasefire, there was no heroes' welcome.

"There was no parade, no nothing. We got off the train and our family was there and that was it," he said. "We got in the car and away we went home."

Less than two dozen spectators turned out on Sunday to honour the men. Speaking at the sombre service, Salvation Army Maj. Len Millar said it is important to remember the Canadians who died in the Korean War, to reflect on the contribution of others who served there, and to give thanks for what the war achieved.

Millar also described the Korean War as the launch pad to Canada's peacekeeping efforts.

Korean War veteran Ken Garbutt says the Korean conflict was significant in many ways, including that it was the first act of aggression after the formation of the United Nations, and set a precedent for subsequent UN response to global conflicts.

Canada sent the third largest contingent of troops to Korea, after the United States and Britain.

After the war, the 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry became the only Canadian unit in history to receive military citations from the President of the United States.

"That's something too," Garbutt said. "People don't realize how important that is."

Garbutt says the war is definitely remembered in South Korea, where Korean children faithfully tend the graves of Canadian soldiers to this day.

And though Veterans Affairs Canada has worked to raise the profile of the Korean War in this country, Galbutt said the milestone 55th Anniversary still didn't receive the attention for which he had hoped.

Now, he's hoping the 60th anniversary five years from now will finally bring the conflict -- and its soldiers -- the attention they deserve.



"Most of us now are in our late 70s and early 80s," he said. "And time is drawing short."

© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2008Monday, July 28, 2008

Jana G. Pruden, Leader-PostSection: Veterans

Native veterans forced to fight another war on home front

First Nations peoples have every reason to feel proud of the wartime sacrifices made by their ancestors during the First and Second World Wars and other armed conflicts.

Almost every family knows someone who served in one of the wars because there were so many who enlisted. The number of veterans will never be known because so many were excluded. Only those registered under the Indian Act were counted.

According to the Saskatchewan Native Veterans Association, there were more than 12,000 native veterans. It was also reported by the Native Veterans Association of Northwestern Ontario about 500 native veterans died during the First and Second World Wars.

Another source of pride is the fact that, even though native people were exempt from enlisting, they volunteered. This exemption stemmed from the fact the federal government classified my people as wards of the Crown; in essence, we were considered children, therefore not responsible enough to have rights as Canadian citizens. This law would have a severe impact upon returning native veterans.

Volunteering to serve in the war had a harsh price. Native people had to renounce their land and treaty rights as Aboriginal peoples and become Canadian citizens.

In spite of that, thousands enlisted in wars that had absolutely nothing to do with us. Hundreds were killed and

some are still buried in countries they fought to defend.

Even though we were prisoners of poverty in our communities as a result of government policies that kept us oppressed, we became champions of freedom so others could live in peace; most importantly, many of our veterans found their spiritual strength and resurgence as once-proud warriors.

Today, we stand tall in our defiance of being second-class citizens. It was in those sacrifices on foreign soil that many of our veterans became warriors to fight an equally ominous, but domestic, foe: the federal government.

The way native veterans were treated when they came home also prompted them to take action.

When the First World War ended in 1918, Canadian soldiers were welcomed home with government incentives for improvement. Native veterans also had a belief they would be returning to improved social and economic conditions at home.

This was not to be. Within months of their return, many found nothing had changed with respect to their legal status in Canada. We were still under the dictatorship of government bureaucrats who treated us like children.

It was as if the war had never happened. Many veterans, according to my late father- in-law, became angry and bitter because the better and freer world they had fought and died for did not extend to First Nations. We were to remain prisoners for decades to come.

An example of exclusion can be seen in 1919, when the Soldier Settlement Act gave veterans wishing to farm an opportunity to settle on federal lands or to purchase farms.

Even though this legislation included native veterans, it conflicted with an amendment to the Indian Act of 1906, which restricted Indian or non-treaty Indian residents in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Territories from acquiring a homestead above a certain size.

That law was upheld and applied to the other provinces, as well.

Therefore, not only did the Department of Indian Affairs fail to recognize the sacrifices of aboriginal soldiers during

the war, other federal departments, particularly the Department of Veterans Affairs, excluded Indian veterans and their families from many of the war and post-war programs they offered.

In a terribly ironic twist, our enemy after the wars became the federal government, whose weapon of choice in getting rid of aboriginal peoples has been the Indian Act since the late 1800s.

To a great extent, it has destroyed the moral and spiritual fabric of once proud, self-governing and self-reliant First Nations.

On the battle grounds of European countries, our veterans and their comrades knew who the enemy was. At home, we only know that the federal government has an army of faceless bureaucrats and politicians who have a tremendous amount of power over my people.

Monday, July 28, 2008ERNIE SANDY, Packet & Times

Section: Veterans

Porn film made at First World War memorial

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial took eleven years to build and was unveiled by

King Edward VIII in front of 50,000 veterans and their families in 1936

Credit: IAN JONES

Pornography has become the latest threat to graves and memorials on the First World War battlefields of northern France.

While common acts of desecration have in the past included vandalism and graffiti, indecent photographs and videos are increasingly being shot around the magnificent structures built during the post-war years to remember the fallen.

The latest incident saw a French couple given a four-month suspended prison sentence for making a pornographic video at the Vimy Ridge memorial near



Arras.

After being found guilty of exhibitionism, they were fined £400 each and ordered to pay a symbolic one euro (80 pence) in damages to Canada, which lost 60,000 men in the Great War.

Many Canadians perished in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, in April 1917, when four members of the Canadian Corps received Victoria Crosses.

Despite the courageous deeds and sacrifice honoured by the Vimy Memorial, the couple are believed to have stripped naked and performed sex acts beside the soaring stone structure.

They then posted the video on a website, invited people to pay to watch it.

Their punishment came just six months after another couple were fined for taking nude photographs of themselves in the same place.

In the latest case, heard at Arras criminal court, involving the married couple, who are in their 30s, lawyers expressed concern at the gradual increase in such incidents at the memorial.

The prosecutor, Elise Bozzolo, said: "The memorial has been known for a long time as a place where exhibitionism and voyeurism is common."

Police who investigated the case said similar incidents were regularly reported at other memorial and military graveyards.

"It is a problem which appears to be getting worse - people appear to get a perverse pleasure out of this behaviour," said a police spokesman in Arras.

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial took eleven years to build and was unveiled by King Edward VIII in front of 50,000 veterans and their families in 1936.

The battlefield park which surrounds it was granted in perpetuity to Canada in 1922. The site now draws half a million visitors a year.

Monday, July 28, 2008Peter Allen in, The Telegraph UK

Section: Veterans

Outpouring for slain Canadian soldier impresses veteran

Corporal James Arnal's mother is escorted to her car after passing by the hearse with the 25 year old, soldier's body inside, at

Grant Memorial Church.

WINNIPEG - A Canadian military veteran stood outside the Winnipeg church where family and friends were saying goodbye to Cpl. James Arnal on Monday and marvelled at how times have changed.

Sgt. Bert Redden, 79, served with Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry during the Korean War.

On Monday, he showed up in full dress to the funeral for Arnal, who was killed in Afghanistan last week.

More than 1,000 mourners packed Grant Memorial Baptist Church to remember Arnal, who died July 18 when he stepped on an explosive device in southern Afghanistan while on a foot patrol.

It was a striking outpouring of support for Redden.

He said his best friend was killed in Korea, then buried in a humble blanket.

"It's like family," he said of Arnal's funeral. "Turn the TV on, turn the computer on, you hear about it."

Grim-faced soldiers carried Arnal's flag-draped coffin out of the church, and a hearse carrying the body to a funeral home made its way across the city with a police escort.

Cpl. James Sailes, a friend of Arnal's, told mourners at the funeral of Arnal's exceptional courage and bravery.

"When I was scared, I just looked at James," said Sailes.

Sailes told about how once, when he and Arnal were on leave together, they

climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest summit in Africa and the highest walkable mountain in the world.

Sailes had mourners laughing when he told them how, when they reached the top, they both tried to push each other off.

"James taught me what the word friend really meant," he said.

The eulogies for James Arnal, also known as Jim, were led by his older brother, Andrew, who revealed his sibling's sensitive side when he spoke of Jim's love of animals, especially his black lab.

The lab died five days before Jim was killed. Andrew hadn't told his brother.

Cpl. James Arnal was born in Kelvington, Sask., but raised in Winnipeg.

Arnal was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He was the 88th Canadian killed in the war-torn country.

Outside the church, even those who had never met Arnal stood to show their respects.

A thin, 82-year-old cried as he tried to explain why he was waiting for the funeral procession.

"These men and women are out there doing a job that has to be done," said the elderly man, a former reservist for the Royal Canadian Navy who declined to give his name.

"I'm old enough to feel like crying."

Arnal's aunt Janet Hayward, read condolences from across Canada, the United States and even Romania. Included among them were letters from other parents and families of other Canadian soldiers who had died in Afghanistan.

© Winnipeg Free Press 2008Monday, July 28, 2008

Gabrielle Giroday , Winnipeg Free PressSection: Veterans

Rally in Trenton will pay tribute to military personnel and their families



Trenton – An upcoming parade and rally will pay tribute to “the strength behind the uniform” by honoring military families.

Branch 110 of the Royal Canadian Legion, along with members of the Canadian Army Veterans (CAV) and the Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, are organizing the event, which will be held on September 20.

“Our aim is to show the military personnel posted at 8 Wing Trenton that we value their contribution to our community,” rally co-ordinator Ena Newman said. “And we recognize the sacrifice made by their families.”

The legion decided to organize the event following the 2007 rally in support of Canada’s armed forces.

“We decided it would be good to do something that would focus on the military family,” said Newman, a member of the local legion.

The rally and parade will also serve as a fundraiser for the resource centre. Funds will go toward providing activities and programs for members of military families.

The public is encouraged to join Canadian Forces members and their families in the parade and rally.

“We are inviting the public out to support and meet some of our military members,” Newman said.

While Canada’s role in fighting the Taliban is grabbing most of attention, the rally will pay tribute to all military personnel and their families.

“Everyone is aware that we have troops in Afghanistan,” Newman said. “We are hoping to highlight all areas where our members are deployed.”

During the rally, participants will come together to form a ribbon in Buster Alyea Park with the CAV Motorcycle Group using their bikes to create the outline.

“It will be quite large,” Newman said. “It should make a great aerial photograph.”

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. in Centennial Park and end in Buster Alyea Park where the rally will be held. The rally will include various activities and displays such as the Poppy Truck. Organizers have been unofficially told by the base there will be a search and

rescue demonstration.

Volunteers and floats are still needed for the event. For more information on participating call Newman at 613-394-1635.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008Bill Tremblay, Canoe.com

Section: RCL

Lethbridge Veteran Keeps Military History Alive.

Glenn Miller has devoted most of his life to military service and tradition.

Miller, a local resident who retired this year after 25 years of service with the Canadian military, recently completed a trip to Europe, where he attended an annual memorial ceremony in Caen, France — the site of a major Second World War battle that Canadian forces fought in.

While in Europe, Miller took photographs and created charcoal rubbings of Canadian soldiers’ gravestones, and hopes to show them to the soldiers’ descendants in Canada. It’s all part of Miller’s dedication to preserving his country’s military history and sharing it with others.

“I’d like to think someone would do the same for me,” says Miller as he flips through a book of photos comparing 1940s-era war scenes with their exact counterparts decades later.

“It’s just a passion, I guess.”

Every year, he tours area schools, speaking with students and trying to promote awareness of Canada’s military contributions throughout the world.

“Based on my interaction with schools, in the last 10 years especially, when dealing with Remembrance Day, today’s generation doesn’t remember what they don’t know. So I’m trying to help pass the torch,” explains Miller.

“It’s a way of giving back, too. As a soldier, I can help bring history to life by making it more personal for kids. The

youth haven’t experienced it, so it’s harder to remember and relate to that experience.”

He hopes to raise enough money to take a small group of local high school students to Mons, Belgium in November, to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

His work to educate kids about the sacrifices of Canada’s military boils down to one goal: trying to ensure conflicts like the Second World War never happen again.

“The strongest pacifists out there are soldiers.”

Miller also hosts a sort of military antiques roadshow once per month at the General Stewart Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, where he acts as service officer. The show helps people learn more about historic war memorabilia that has been passed down through their families. His love of all things military-related even extends to his pets: Miller recently adopted two golden retriever puppies born on June 6, and named one Juno, after Juno Beach, where Canadian forces fought during the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

The next two military antique roadshows will be held at the Legion on Aug. 12 and Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. For more information on the free event, contact the Legion at 403-327-6644.

© Copyright by Lethbridge Herald.com Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Jeff Wiebe, Lethbridge HeraldSection: Veterans

Ombudsman ready to take on feds over Afghan vets' benefits

'I enjoy conflict, a good fight'

Is there anybody in this country who thinks it's okay to have Afghanistan war veterans going for months without receiving their earned pension and medical benefits upon returning home wounded?



It certainly doesn't sit well with Canada's new veterans' ombudsman.

In fact, straight-talking retired Col. Patrick Stogran said yesterday if Canada is going to put its troops in harm's way, it then can't leave them stranded upon coming home wounded.

"If you are going to ask them to put their lives on the line, there has to be proper compensation in a timely manner," Stogran said in an interview.

"For somebody who has done the hard yards, we need to cut through the lines of bureaucracy quickly."

This hasn't been happening. On the fact that many recent Afghanistan veterans have been caught in limbo waiting for their entitlements, he said, "I am disappointed."

But not surprised.

In fact, when the ombudsman himself retired from serving this country in wartime, he also had to wait and wade through months of red tape for his military pension.

Turns out he is one of dozens and perhaps even more who have been faced with the humiliating experience.

"Some get medals for their military service; the bureaucrats behind this should get a badge of shame," said popular Corus Radio talk show host Roy Green. "Where are the protests like there was for the American army deserter?"

He is so right. This can't stand. This can't be too difficult to solve.

A special fund can be created and all returning troops can be given a stipend to tide them over until their pensions kick in.

Problem solved, free of charge with no need for a consultant.

We need unique thinkers because these brave warriors are completing unique tasks.

The one-size-fits-all approach does not work here.

Although warning his "recommendations are not binding" if Stogran gets his way, those loopholes that delay earned pension cheques will be closed.

"I'll get aggressive if I have to," Stogran said, adding that will be his strategy to convince Ottawa to ensure seamless

medical and financial transition from war zones to civilian life.

"I know all about it because I had to wait six months for mine."

Not a very nice way to treat a guy who was "shot at, shelled upon and pissed on" during several tours, which included commanding troops in Afghanistan in 2002! If they would do that to a colonel, the ranks don't have a chance.

That's a caution for politicians who think they'll just slip this national disgrace under the carpet.

When they get back from their summer vacation, this tough former commander may not only be on their back -- he may be in their face, too.

"If you speak to my colleagues from when I was in the military, they'll tell you I was a pain in the ass," he said. "I don't see that changing. I enjoy conflict. I enjoy a good fight."

He will make "pragmatic recommendations" to caucus this fall on a variety of issues, including soldiers being "caught in no man's land" and who feel they are out there "alone." They, he said, are not alone.

"It's not going to be too long before we stand up for these issues," he said. "There is lots of talk going on. The proof will be in the pudding. I fully intend to keep a scorecard."

Such backing was music to Robert Leroux's ears. He's the 45-year-old medically discharged petty officer who after four tours in Afghanistan and 26 years of service missed a mortgage payment and had to borrow money while veterans affairs took almost 17 weeks to process his military pension.

He had no food in the fridge while he waited -- not long after being shot at by the Taliban.

Suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and headaches from a concussion suffered after he was thrown from his vehicle, he recounts on his Facebook site similar stories of warriors coming home to no pay cheque and no medical insurance coverage.

He believes in Stogran and says, "He is one of few officers I would truly follow ... He is a good man in a position where he can do the right things."

Stogran has actually been on this issue since being appointed to this new position late last year. In fact his "Leave Nobody Behind" campaign is intended to help out all veterans.

"We don't leave our wounded on the battlefield, so injured veterans should not be left to care for themselves. I will leave nobody behind," he said.

"We have to reach out and identify homeless vets. Everyone should feel that they can come to us and be confident that we will follow up."

Getting results, he said, is the only thing that will instill that confidence.

Attention to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and cabinet: Retired Col. Patrick Stogran, who has led successful missions against the Taliban, is planning on getting results.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008JOE WARMINGTON , Toronto Sun

Section: Veterans

You did what you felt you had to do.

ATS - Parade in Kempston Barracks.Credit: E.M. Watts. Bedfordshire Libraries

A rare person in any context, Joan Faulkner is all the more unique as a female Second World War veteran.

Joan Faulkner has long been a woman ahead of her time.

Today, the 84-year-old resident of London's Parkwood Hospital is one of only 14 women veterans of the Second World War among Parkwood's 250 veterans of that war.

The average age of a Second World War vet is 86. Ten years ago, Parkwood had 410 vets.

Considering that within 10 to 15 years, it's estimated Canada's Second World War vets will be as rare as its only surviving First World War vet is now, Faulkner stands out as a female trailblazer who embraced the adventure



of going overseas, fresh out of high school, to fight for king and country.

"I suppose it was a surge of patriotism," she says of her decision to leave her native London, England after surviving the blitz -- Germany's massive bombing campaign of British cities -- to sign up with the British ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service)

Faulkner did her basic training in England, was then posted in Scotland and ultimately boarded a ship to Italy where she served as a radio operator and topographer.

She shakes her head and rolls her eyes, remembering the women in the ATS who received two-thirds of the pay of male soldiers.

It was aboard ship that she met a young Canadian army soldier, Earle Faulkner, who would become her husband.

"I had learned in Scotland that the Canadians were quite boisterous," Joan recalls.

"So, when Earle asked me (after meeting her only two weeks earlier) to marry me, I thought he was joking."

But Faulkner said yes.

In 1944 the pair wed in Italy, Joan in a borrowed dress, the entire ship's crew serving as wedding party and celebrants.

"I suppose back then you didn't know what tomorrow would bring, so you made your choices a little quickly."

On July 1, 1945, Faulkner joined up with her Canadian husband at Toronto's Union Station -- oblivious to the fact it was Canada Day.

"All those waving flags, all those people, I remember thinking what an incredible welcome," she says.

Reality set in swiftly.

Joan and Earle settled in on his family's Listowel-area farm. Her memories of that first Canadian winter remain razor sharp.

"I thought I was in the Arctic," she laughs.

The farm had no electricity, and Faulkner recalls how she would automatically enter a room and make a motion to flick on a non-existing switch -- "we had hydro in England," she notes.

She also recalls her father-in-law putting the family car on blocks in the winter, leaving horse and buggy as the only form of transportation.

While Joan became a full-time mother of four, Earle worked as a salesman.

Life was good and Faulkner didn't regret the whirlwind wartime romance that brought her to a cold climate.

In 1975, Earle died and Joan kept herself busy with a growing brood of grandchildren.

But a friend suggested she volunteer at the Royal Canadian Legion's Victory branch 17, and once again, Faulkner made a mark for women.

She became the first female president of a London legion branch, serving from 1989 to 1991.

Faulkner helped to pave the way for the many female presidents to follow, herself included, says Barbara MacIsaac, acting manager of the branch.

"Joan was a wonderful member with a wonderful sense of humour, but most of all she is a lady," says MacIsaac, who enjoys Parkwood visits with her friend.

"Joan has a real calming influence on people. She can look at problems from all sides and come up with a solution."

Deb Wiltshire, director of Parkwood's veterans care program, said the hospital works with the Department of Veterans Affairs to prepare for the changing needs of veterans.

For example, the hospital, which offers day trips for the vets, who can also enjoy a pint at the hospital pub the Iron Duke, has opened an operational stress injury clinic that serves all ages of the armed forces including reservists, regular forces and veterans.

Parkwood is one of three veterans' hospitals in Ontario.

Wiltshire acknowledges it will be a sad day when the last Second World War vet's voice is silenced in the hospital.

Faulkner says she'd like to see more Second World War history taught in schools.

But she laments the fact Canada is still at war, sharply reciting the fact "we've lost 88 Canadians in Afghanistan."

She says she hopes her grandchildren won't end up in a war zone, but has no

regrets about her own war experience.

"You did what you felt you had to do."

Wednesday, July 30, 2008MARY-JANE EGAN , London Free Press

Section: Veterans

Regiment to celebrate 125th anniversary

Hundreds of former members of the Royal Canadian Regiment, Canada's oldest continuously serving infantry unit, will gather in Kingston this weekend to mark the regiment's 125th anniversary.

More than 600 Royals from New Zealand, Australia, Europe, the United States and all over Canada will descend on Legion Branch 560 on Montreal Street for the reunion, which was two-and-a-half years in the planning.

Most of the regiment's top brass will be in the city for the weekend, as will a convoy of Light Armored Vehicles from CFB Petawawa.

The regimental colours will be brought to Kingston by an RCR color party for a memorial service to be held on Sunday morning at the legion.

Retired Sgt.-Maj. Jack O'Brien, who is organizing the reunion, said the regiment, while never headquartered here, has a history in the city and Kingston is a central location that offered all the amenities they require for the reunion.

Members of the regiment, which is now based in London, Petawawa and Gagetown, N. B., mustered here to fight in conflicts from the Boer War and the Northwest Rebellion to the Pacific theatre in the Second World War.

Additionally, the sole surviving The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario)


Canadian veteran of the First World War, Jack Babcock, was a member of the RCR. Babcock now lives in Spokane, Wash., but he was born in

Holleford, north of Kingston,. Babcock, who enlisted underage,

was designated as a reinforcement for the regiment but the war ended before he could join the troops in the trenches.

A number of Royals continue to work at CFB Kingston or Royal Military College for training purposes or choose to retire here.

"There are a lot of Royals from this area who will be at the reunion, but we've got people coming from all over the world," said O'Brien.

While the regiment was officially stood up on Dec. 21, 1883, O'Brien said the reunion was being held in August to take advantage of the better weather. Events for regimental members will take place inside and outside the legion all weekend.

Most of those attending will be retired members of the regiment. O'Brien noted many current members are in the midst of preparing to deploy to Afghanistan - some are scheduled to leave this weekend - which is limiting the participation of serving members.

The regiment has been involved in nearly every conflict and operation where Canadian Forces units or personnel have been deployed.

Besides a distinguished combat record in the First and Second world wars and Korea, the regiment was also deployed during Desert Storm in the early 1990s and served on peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Macedonia, among others.

Thursday, July 31, 2008IAN ELLIOT WHIG-STANDARD MILITARY

REPORTERSection: Veterans

MP Fund for Blind Children helps in AfghanistanThe Kabul Government Vocational School for the Blind has received some essential new equipment and supplies thanks to Military Security Guard Unit Detachment (MSGU Det) Kabul and the Military Police Fund for Blind Children.

Arif Lalani, Canadian Ambassador to Afghanistan, and members of MSGU

Det Kabul delivered the new equipment and supplies, including a desperately needed Braille printer.

Canadian Ambassador to Afghanistan Arif Lalani (back, fourth from left), members of

MSGU Det Kabul, and staff and students of the Kabul Government Vocational School for the Blind gather around much-needed

new equipment amassed and donated through the Military Police Fund for Blind

Children.Credit: Capt Dan Dubois, The Maple Leaf

Successful fundraising activities, organized by members of the MSGU, garnered C$8 000. Along with the Braille printer, which was the original goal of the fundraising, the MSGU also purchased a Dari translator program for the printer, Braille paper and plastic paper, tape recorders, blank tape cassettes and other school items required by the school.

The school has 140 students and some staff that were either born blind or lost their sight as casualties of war. The students are taught to read, type, play musical instruments, use computers and make crafts. A woodworking shop located at the school allows students to learn to make wooden broom handles and brushes that they sell to help finance the school.

After a meeting with the principal to learn the needs of the school, MSGU members rallied to the cause with fundraising activities including 50/50 draws, a hockey pool, a spaghetti night, and draws for handcrafted Afghan wooden furniture and items donated by Canadian staff at the embassy.

The help and support of the staff of the Canadian Embassy in Kabul were invaluable. Their hard work ensured that the school has the items necessary to better teach and bring some joy to some of the children of Afghanistan.

The Military Police Fund for Blind Children is active anywhere there are military police. For information on this Canadian organization, read “CF community supports MP fund” in Issue 18 of The Maple Leaf at

www.forces.gc.ca/site/home_e.asp.

Cpl Evans is with MSGU Det at the Canadian Embassy in Kabul.

Thursday, July 31, 2008Cpl Jeff Evans, The Maple Leaf

Section: Afghanistan

CF pilot recaptures the magic

2Lt Kent Pearce and LCol (Ret) Gordon Hatch prepare their glider for flight.

For Captain Debra Vucko, a cadet instructor from Victoria, flying is as good as it gets.

“Whether it was my 30th, my 300th or even my 3 000th flight,” she says, “every flight is new and exciting to me, as I recapture the magic every time I get into an airplane.”

Capt Vucko has made her 3 000th flight, and completed more than 620 hours of powered flight and 225 hours in gliders. Her flight record has earned her a certificate of achievement, presented June 18 by Lieutenant-Colonel Viljo Kippel, commanding officer of Regional Gliding School in Comox.

“Capt Vucko is an asset to the Regional Gliding School and to the Air Cadet program,” LCol Kippel says. “This is quite a momentous accomplishment, and everyone at the school enjoys working with her.”

As is the case for most air cadets, Capt Vucko, who joined as a teenager in 1974, began her flying career when she was selected first for the gliding scholarship program and then for the private power pilot scholarship program. Capt. Vucko enrolled in the CF Reserve Force in 1980 as a cadet instructor with 135 (Challenger) Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Vancouver.

Capt Vucko met her husband through the cadets; they have two teenage children. She is a medical laboratory technologist and plans to continue



flying for as long as she can. Cadet instructor recognized

Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret) Gordon Hatch received recognition June 18 for his impressive fight record, racked up through years of service with the Air Force, Regional Gliding School in Comox and as an air cadet instructor.

LCol (Ret) Hatch has logged his 4 000th flight, and has completed more than 5 500 hours of powered flight and about 900 hours in gliders.

“Completing 4 000 glider flights is a very rare accomplishment,” said LCol Viljo Kippel, commanding officer of the Regional Gliding School, as he presented LCol (Ret) Hatch with his certificate of achievement.

LCol (Ret) Hatch joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1963 and, for 27 years, held several postings and flew numerous CF aircraft. He became a Reserve Officer in 1990 and was selected as the Deputy Commanding Officer of Regional Gliding School. For the next ten years, he completed hundreds of glider flights and taught hundreds of air cadets before stepping down from his post.

“Air Cadets is one of the best youth organizations out there that is available to today’s youth,” he says.

LCol (Ret) Hatch retired from the CF in May but continues to volunteer with his local air cadet squadron.

Thursday, July 31, 2008The Maple leaf

Section: Miscellaneous

Pride and determination: Celebrating Canada’s birthday in KandaharKANDAHAR — Kandahar Air Field was transformed Canada Day as dashes of red and white were added to the muted dusty beige landscape of the air base. CF personnel and civilian staff participated in a variety of Canada Day activities, carried miniature Canadian flags, played with red Frisbees and wore red and white shirts and maple leaf temporary tattoos.

The festivities began with an emotional presentation ceremony at the Task Force Kandahar (TFK) HQ monument to fallen soldiers. Mrs. Maureen Eykelenboom, mother of medic

Corporal Andrew “Boomer” Eykelenboom, who was killed by a suicide bomber in August 2006, presented TFK deputy commander Colonel Jamie Cade, with a cheque for C$80 000.

With his Canada Day show on hold because of a rocket attack, country singer George Canyon takes the opportunity to sign the

blast shelter's concrete wall by lighter-light.

Credit: CPO Stevo McNeil

“We in Canada, in our safety, in our beautiful country, in our land of opportunity – we have so much,” Mrs. Eykelenboom said. “And we need to learn in this world that [from] those to whom much is given, much is expected.”

Ordinary Canadians raised the money, which will go into the Afghanistan Assistance Trust Fund, to be used for small projects assisting Afghans. Medics treating Afghan villagers in Spin Boldak discovered five-year-old Habibur Rahman, for example, who has dolichocephalism, a birth defect resulting in major facial disfigurement. Money from the fund will be used to send Habibur to Karachi, Pakistan for a consultation with specialists. Then, further funding will be considered for Habibur’s treatment.

KAF Canada Day celebrations provided both an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan and a much-needed chance to kick back and enjoy the company of friends and colleagues.

Members of TFK enjoyed a barbeque and cold drinks on the boardwalk, and had their photos taken with the Grey Cup (in KAF accompanied by Rough Rider alumni and hall-of-famers Roger Aldag and Steve Mazurak). A giant Canada Day cake was shared around, eliciting cheers and an impromptu rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’.

“As I walked around the boardwalk with my mother,” said Corporal Sonya

Haskell, of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan all source intelligence cell, “I was filled with a lot of pride about being Canadian.” Her mother, Commander Bonita Thornton, is also in-theatre, serving as TFK senior legal advisor.

As evening set in, Canadian personnel moved to New Canada House, where comedian Mike MacDonald regaled them with his wit and humour. Then, it was back to the boardwalk for the final Canada Day event, a concert by country singer George Canyon. Before the first song was even played, however, the telltale whistling sound and subsequent bang of a rocket impacting the ground was heard, but the festivities continued in the concrete blast shelters. Although it was not Mr. Canyon’s first visit to KAF, it was his first rocket attack, which he marked by inscribing the concrete wall of the shelter by lighter-light. And after the ‘all clear’ was given, the show went on.

“It was the best Canada Day ever,” said Sergeant Maranda Robertson, an analyst working in the information operations cell. “I haven't been to many concerts, so being 10 feet from the stage was amazing.” When the band launched into the Johnny Cash classic ‘Ring of Fire’, the audience sang along and the speakers were turned up so our insurgent neighbours could partake in our Canada Day merriment.

“The whole band was really down-to-earth,” Sgt Robertson said. “They all just seemed so happy to be able to come here and put on a show for the soldiers. That means a lot. It’s nice to know that people back home support us and appreciate the hard work we are doing here.”

During the day’s festivities, the work of colleagues in the field during Canada Day was not far from mind.

“Many spent the day engaged with the enemy in remote places around Afghanistan,” said Captain Peter Boyle, a Calgary Highlander with the national support element and one of the event organizers. “Their efforts in providing security so that the Afghan people will be able to build a nation with democratic principals are the true reasons to celebrate on Canada Day.”

Capt Dumouchel-Connock is a TFK PAO

Thursday, July 31, 2008



Capt Sonia Dumouchel-Connock, The Maple LeafSection: Afghanistan

Soldier shouldn't face battle on the homefront

He has already bravely gone into battle for this country and should never have had to battle against it.

But that's what injured war veteran Petty Officer Robert Leroux, and others, have had to do to get their proper pension and medical care after serving so heroically in Afghanistan.

Their adversary this time wasn't bombs and bullets but was red tape and regulations.

"I don't understand it, either," said the 26-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces who was medically discharged with honour in March. "I already did my part for king and country."

And he did. Four times in Afghanistan to be exact. He has the medals to show for it. And the wounds. Some physical. Some mental. What he said he didn't have for more than four months after being medically discharged this spring, was his financial compensation entitlements that he more than earned.

"For the first time I missed a mortgage payment," said the separated father of three, who hails originally from Burlington. "And now my credit has taken a dive."

He also said because of the same bureaucratic loophole that created the above dilemma, he and his children are not fully covered medically until Nov. 1.

He said upon discharge he had to find his own doctors -- including several specialists such as a psychiatrist.

"And I am not alone," he said. "I put this up on my own Facebook site and I found a lot of people have had the same problem."

Now I know what you are thinking. How

could this be?

In this specific case, Leroux, 45. did tours in Afghanistan in 2002, '04, '05 and '06.

"As part of signal's intelligence we were always at the pointy end," he said, adding there was lots of killing and death.

In many cases, he was the investigator on bomb scenes where his friends were killed by a Taliban IED.

"The only things you find at a bomb scene are hands, the head and feet," he said, visibly tense. "It's a hard job. It's not one of the things you look forward to."

In a small coffee shop, he looks nervously around at each person.

"I know everybody's face," he said, adding he understands he's home in Canada but keeping track of faces to stay alive in Afghanistan has proven to be a difficult habit to shake.

As is the memory of Feb. 16, 2006. "The threat was sniper fire," he said. "We did a quick turn."

He went flying out of his Bison vehicle and landed on his head. More than two years later he still suffers from post-concussion syndrome, as well as neck, back and leg pain.

But it's the mental part of the package that has him struggling the most.

"I had no idea what post traumatic stress syndrome would do to you,"' he said.

"You don't sleep, there is anger, resentment, guilt, sexual dysfunction and fatigue."

This is the guy our country made go 16 weeks and six days without receiving his pension cheque. There is just no excuse for this. He's already fought the ruthless Taliban.

It's not right to make a guy fight to make ends meet upon his medical discharge.

"It has been so hard," he said. "I had to borrow money from family to survive. I literally got down to half a tank of gas and $2 in my pocket."

Now here's what I think should happen today.

Right from the top there should be an immediate investigation into Leroux's

claims and that of the others. If there is merit, the resources should be deployed this week to end this crisis and humiliation of our courageous veterans.

It's that simple. No need for litigation or inquiry. If there is a backlog of claims, fix it today and don't put another Canadian warrior through this kind of dance.

It may not happen that fast. I have all the appropriate calls out and am prepared to tell the other side if there is one.

No one I spoke with inside the military yesterday wanted to address it -- some citing confidentiality.

"That's what we are running into," said Leroux. "They always say they are sympathetic but they also say there is nothing they can do about it."

Good thing our soldiers never say that when going into battle against the Taliban.

"I don't want this to be negative toward the military," he said adamantly. "They have done a great job and so have the doctors working with me on my specific injuries. I have my pension coming in now. I am doing this for all of the guys coming home who will have to face this."

And so am I. Don't create conflict for people who have had enough conflict.

Thursday, July 31, 2008JOE WARMINGTON, SUN MEDIA

Section: Veterans

Veterans Affairs wants Chicoutimi survivors given same consideration as war vets

OTTAWA - Sailors who survived the devastating fire aboard HMCS Chicoutimi almost four years ago could be eligible for the same kind of benefits



consideration as veterans of the Afghan war, if one federal department gets its way.

Veterans Affairs Canada has proposed that service on the ill-fated submarine be declared "a Special Duty Operation," according to documents obtained by The Canadian Press under access to information laws.

Such a designation "would mean that the submariners would have 24/7 coverage for injury incurred during and arising out of service," said a March 13, 2008 briefing note prepared for Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson.

The Defence Department's chief of military personnel was consulted about the change, the documents said.

But the military appears cool to the idea.

National Defence declined repeated interview requests over two days and issued only an emailed response.

"The incident has not been determined to be a Special Duty Area," wrote department spokesman Jonathan Juteau.

"However, all members onboard the Chicoutimi were considered on duty and all injuries considered attributable to service; therefore they can apply for a disability award" through Veterans Affairs.

It is unclear what kind of precedent - if any - would be set since the warship was not involved in combat, but on its maiden voyage to Canada when it was crippled by an electrical fire.

Veterans Affairs spokeswoman Janice Summerby says providing a special duty designation allows for the smoother managing the benefits for both the bureaucrats and the sailors because "it removes the need to have a direct link between your disability and your service."

In most benefits cases, veterans have to prove their condition is related to an event that happened during their service.

Whenever a Canadian Forces members is sent to a war zone, a disaster area or on a hazardous assignment, the task is considered "special duty" in the eyes of defence and veterans affairs bureaucrats.

The designation opens up a series of benefits and considerations that sailors might otherwise be denied.

The final decision on whether to grant the classification, according to the legislation, rests with the defence minister, who has the authority to retroactively declare a mission or operation to be "special duty."

Last March, the veterans affairs minister ordered an urgent review of how survivors of the submarine fire were being treated after it was revealed that many crew suffer from debilitating illnesses.

In a series of interviews with The Canadian Press, more than a dozen survivors spoke about their failing health and disputes with veterans affairs over health and pension entitlements.

Records obtained under access to information show 12 of the 28 crewmembers who applied for benefits had received either an unfavourable ruling - or an outright denial.

In a couple instances veteran's bureaucrats were "unable to assess (requests); required medical info (was) not available," said the records.

It took the military three years to finalize tests on chemical properties of the smoke inhaled by the sailors on the Chicoutimi. An analysis of the long-term health impact was recently conducted and the navy held a town hall meeting with past and present crewmembers to explain the results.

Since the plight of the survivors was made public in early March, both the military and veterans affairs have conducted an extensive followup.

The veterans service has identified at least six sailors who had not applied for benefits and an additional 14 men who served on the submarine, but were not listed in the department's data base - an oversight that could have prevented them from obtaining benefits.

An electrical fire in Oct. 2004 crippled Chicoutimi, the last of four used submarines purchased from the British to be delivered to the Canadian navy. Lt. Chris Saunders, 32, of Halifax, died of smoke inhalation and eight other crewmembers were injured.

It took five days to tow the warship was towed back to Faslane, Scotland,

where it had begun its journey.

Surviving crewmembers lived among the thick soot and ash of the fire and as many as 28 sailors developed breathing conditions - or post traumatic stress, according to the veterans affairs records.

The fire was caused when a rogue wave washed over the conning tower, flowing through an open and submerging high-voltage lines where connector insulation had worn down.

Thursday, July 31, 2008Murray Brewster, THE CANADIAN PRESS

Section: Veterans

Government of Canada Remembers the Korean War with Commemorative Cruise and Presentation of Memorial Cross in Quebec City

Quebec City – The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today spoke to Canadian and Korean Veterans during a commemorative cruise in Quebec City hosted by the Association du 22e Régiment. Minister Thompson also presented to Theresa Lavoie-Mullins, widow of Veteran Richard Mullins, a Memorial Cross—one of Canada’s most highly-regarded honours. Mr. Mullins, who served overseas in the Korean War, was remembered for his service and dedication during the ceremony.

"We are here to honour you—the brave Canadian and Korean Veterans who courageously stepped forward when you were needed," said Minister Thompson. "We are inspired by your extraordinary efforts and we admire your perseverance."

Daniel Petit, Member of Parliament for Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles and Gil-sou Shin, Consul General for the Republic of Korea also spoke to the Veterans.

The cruise aboard the M/S Jacques-Cartier was organized to mark the 55th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. Korean and Canadian Veterans were reunited aboard the cruise with an interpreter present. Both Canadian and traditional Korean



elements such as Korean dishes, incense, and performances by a Korean choir in traditional costume were part of the event. A sunset ceremony featured the release of white doves and the laying of 516 white roses into the St. Lawrence River to remember the 516 Canadians who died during or as a result of the Korean War.

The Memorial Cross, often referred to as the Silver Cross, was created in 1919 to commemorate those who died in the First World War. It has historically been awarded to mothers and widows, or the eldest surviving next of kin, of Canadian Forces members who died on active duty or whose death was consequently attributed to such duty.

From 1950 to 1953, more than 26,000 Canadians served in Korea—working to restore peace and stability to the area. On July 27, 1953, the Korean War Armistice was signed, ending three years of fighting. An additional 7,000 Canadians served between the signing of the Armistice and the end of 1955, with some Canadian troops remaining until 1957.

For more information on the Memorial Cross or the Korean War and events in your area, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site.

Thursday, July 31, 2008Veteran Affairs Canada

Section: Veterans

Leduc Royal Canadian Legion donates

Royal Canadian Legion-Leduc presented Black Gold Health Foundation with a donation of $10,000. In keeping with the Foundation’s mandate, the funds will be put toward enhancing health care within Leduc Community Hospital and the Health Centres of Beaumont, Calmar and Thorsby.

Lorraine Popik, Foundation Executive

Director; Marilyn Janzen, Board Chair, Shirley Smith, 1st Vice President, Leduc Branch #108 and Tom Smith, Sergeant at Arms, Leduc Branch #108.

Friday, August 01, 2008Leduc Perspective

Section: RCL

Stratford Legion to call Allman arena home

Could be out of St. Patrick Street location by fall.

By Remembrance Day local veterans could be marching to the cenotaph from their new home in the William Allman Memorial Arena.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 8 is selling its building at St. Patrick and Church streets because the cost to keep the building — with rising heating and maintenance costs and fewer members — has become prohibitive.

Members have been looking for a new, more cost-effective place to set up the legion and may have found it in the upper-floor, 288-square-metre hall above the entrance to the arena. The room doesn’t overlook the ice pad and is completely separate from the sports facility.

The city and legion are currently negotiating and staff were drafting a lease agreement today, said David St. Louis, Stratford’s director of community services. That contract will eventually go to council — perhaps by September or October — and to legion members for approval.

The hall isn’t currently well used, Mr. St. Louis said. It has been used for the Lakeside Seniors’ Golf Program and other functions but doesn’t have a permanent tenant.

“We’re looking to relocate those groups. I think we can come up with something good for (Lakeside Seniors’ Golf),” he said.

The upstairs hall has a kitchen and the hall could likely be licensed by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario because it’s a private club, Mr. St. Louis said.

“Everything we do here we’re going to try to do there,” said Jim Millar, branch 8 president. “But we’re in negotiations with the city so we don’t know yet.”

If both sides agree on a contract, it could be beneficial to both sides, Mr. St. Louis acknowledged. The city would be collecting consistent lease payments and the legion would save money on repairs among other costs.

“I think it would be best for both parties, that’s just my opinion,” Mr. Millar said.

Mr. Millar had no concerns about the size of the hall accommodating members.

Friday, August 01, 2008Laura Cudworth, The Beacon & Herald

Section: RCL

Orillia Legion hopes to raise cash for medal

Medal awarded 65 years ago for fire chief's bravery.

If not for the quick and heroic action of the local fire chief in 1943, Orillia's Royal Canadian Legion might have been blown to smithereens, says legion general manager Bruce McRae.

After an explosion on board a Fairmile warship at the Hunter Boat Works, Orillia fire Capt. Elgin R. Jones entered the burning engine room to seal a leaking tank containing more than 2,000 gallons of high-octane fuel.

If the fuel tank had exploded, the legion in a converted railway station beside the boat works might have been levelled, said McRae.

"Not only was the CPR station spared, but with fuel storage along the waterfront, and Canada Wood's stockpiles of lumber along the rail line, the threat to our downtown would have been obvious to the chief."

For his valour, Elgin was presented with a King's Police and Fire Service Medal, one of only 52 presented in Canada's history.

Fire Lt. Daniel McLeish, who hosed down flames while Elgin worked on the fuel tank, also received a King's medal.



When Elgin's medal recently turned up for sale on eBay, the local fire department decide to raise the $6,000 purchase price to bring the medal back to Orillia where Elgin left no descendants.

The legion hopes to donate $1,000 toward the medal purchase, subject to membership approval, said McRae.

The medal would be the equivalent of the Victoria Cross, the military's highest honour, said McRae, noting that since 1909, when King George proposed this medal, most have been awarded to police for acts of heroism.

In almost a century, only 11 of these medals of valour have been awarded to Canadian firefighters, said McRae.

Over the Orillia legion's 82- year history, there have many who have worn uniforms in service of their country through our Armed Forces, as well as wearing uniforms in the protection of their communities through the police or fire department, said McRae.

Orillia fire Chief Ralph Dominelli said he is grateful for the legion's assistance and is looking forward to others coming forward to help bring this very special medal back to Orillia.

"It's an honour that the legion has got on board to help us," said Dominelli.

The fire department has struck a fundraising committee and announcements about future events to will be made soon, said Dominelli.

Friday, August 01, 2008COLIN MCKIM, THE PACKET AND TIMES

Section: RCL

Statue of Tom Fleetwood to honour war veteranHe sailed from England to Surrey in about 1910 to meet with his sister Edith and husband James Francis, who settled at about what is now 160 Street and Fraser Highway.

Then in August 1914, the First World War began.

Arthur Thomas (Tom) Fleetwood, acting out of loyalty to his home country, enlisted, and in 1915 he joined the 47th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces and was shipped to France.

On Sept. 8, 1917, just two days after

his 39th birthday, Tom died from wounds suffered in battle.

A statue of First World War veteran Tom Fleetwood will be erected in the community

that bears his name.Credit: Surrey Public Library photo

Edith applied to the provincial government in Victoria for a charter to name her community in honour of Tom.

The community of Fleetwood was born.

Tom's name is also found on the cenotaph in front of the Surrey Museum and Archives building.

Now, the province is providing a grant of $65,000 to assist in creating a statue of Tom.

"By commissioning this statue the community of Fleetwood will have a lasting monument to a vital piece of its history," said Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave Hayer. "It is initiative such as this that shows just how important local history is to our residents."

The Fleetwood Community Association was also pleased with the plan to construct a statue of Tom.

"This project has been a vision of our association for the past 10 years and would not have been possible without the support of the province and the city," said Rick Hart, president of Fleetwood Community Association. "It will bring together a legacy to preserve the history of the past and add vitality and cultural resonance to urban

planning, by celebrating the community's heritage and honouring a man who gave his life for Canada's freedom in the First World War."

The Fleetwood Community Association has chosen its Fleetwood Community Centre Plaza as the location where the life-size statue of Lance Cpl. Fleetwood will be placed. The association also hopes to enhance the plaza with a number of other renovations including signage, benches and decorative landscaping. British Columbian sculptor Nathan Scott has been commissioned for the project which should be finished this fall.

Friday, August 01, 2008Kevin Diakiw - Surrey North Delta Leader

Section: Veterans

He's taping veterans' stories to pay a debt

Randy Young, on his Harley-Davidson that he is carrying coast-to-coast in the trailer behind him during his Rally for Veterans tour. He says the purpose of the trip is ‘to build up the respect of young people for

veterans.’

SAINT JOHN - Randy Young moves around a bunch of cinder blocks and hops from one side to the other of a trailer he created by cutting a third of the old travel trailer away with his circular saw. The ritual is part of his journey, getting his Harley-Davidson off the trailer that's towed by his aged motor home called the Blue Bomber.

"I get to ride my Harley around and have a few thousand coffees and a few beers with veterans," says Young.

Paying back a debt he said he owes to three veterans that acted as a father figure to him when he grew up without one, the 47-year-old will travel the country over the next two years visiting Royal Canadian Legions and veterans' homes and videotaping their stories.

"I found it in a barn," the London, Ont., native said of his 1974 Harley.



The big blue motor home with the fighter planes and bombers on the side may be the first thing noticed when he pulls into a parking lot, but the Harley and the custom paint job tell a very special story. Painted in army olive green are renditions of D-Day, the storied Corvette naval ship, a pilot, a sailor, planes, unit insignias and a very special picture of the man that started it all - Harry Watts. The 85-year-old inspired Young to begin the cross-country journey and collect the stories of veterans.

Watts was a dispatch rider, some of the bravest of the brave, or craziest, depending on how you looked at it.

"Those guys were crazy out there on those motorcycles," said Young.

And, he said, they all volunteered for the craziness.

Friends of Veterans Canada is the group that Young is leading. The group's website, www.friendsofveterans.ca, contains the story of Watts and why Young has spent $18,000 of his own money to make the trip. Along with accepting donations, he sells T-shirts emblazoned with the group's logo and its message in a bid to raise funds.

"That's the goal of this thing, to build up the respect of young people for veterans."

Freedom, he said, costs money and he believes the debt remains outstanding.

"It was not free. It was blood, sweat and guts."

Young can be reached through his web page and is writing a regular diary of his journey. He'll spend the next few days in Saint John recording the stories of area veterans. He's asking students to videotape local veterans that visit their school on Nov. 11 and tell stories about the war - the camaraderie, the heroics, the honour and the horror of it. Whether they are straight video tape or a mega-production, Young said the tapes will all be judged by a panel of veterans and the winning entry will receive a trip to next year's Second World War anniversary ceremonies in Holland. The prize will be presented to the veteran who spoke at the school.

"Who doesn't like to hear a good war story?"

Friday, August 01, 2008JEFF DUCHARME, TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL

Section: Veterans

Second-degree murder conviction for RCL Murderer

Jamie John Gregory

Credit: Ian Fairclough

29-year-old patron bludgeoned legion bartender to death.

ANNAPOLIS ROYAL — An Annapolis County man has been convicted of second-degree murder in the killing of a Royal Canadian Legion bartender three days before Christmas in 2006.

Defence lawyer Joel Pink had argued that Jamie John Gregory, 29, was provoked into attacking Peter Vanderpluijm in the Lawrencetown legion when the 59-year-old retired sailor and Persian Gulf War veteran pushed him off his stool on the night of Dec. 22.

Had the judge accepted that there was reasonable provocation and that Mr. Gregory reacted as one might expect an ordinary person to react, the accused would have been found guilty instead of manslaughter.

"I am unable to conclude that the punch thrown by Jamie Gregory meets the objective standards of the ordinary man," Justice Kevin Coady said Thursday when he rendered his verdict in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Annapolis Royal.

"His response . . . was not proportional and did not comply with the standard of self-control and restraint that is expected from all members of our society."

During Mr. Gregory’s trial in May, testimony and statements showed that Mr. Vanderpluijm had wanted to shut down the legion’s video lottery machines a few minutes early and close the establishment for the night, but Mr. Gregory wasn’t ready to leave.

In his statement to police, Mr. Gregory, who had been drinking and was not

taking his regular dose of medication for depression, said that he cursed twice at Mr. Vanderpluijm, who pushed him in response.

Mr. Gregory, who at six-foot-three and 230 pounds was seven inches taller and more than 100 pounds heavier than Mr. Vanderpluijm, said he fell off his stool and angrily got up and punched the victim.

Mr. Vanderpluijm was thrown backwards by the force of the blow. Mr. Gregory then knelt on him and punched him several more times in the head area. He said the victim was bleeding from the mouth and making a gurgling noise, so he grabbed a fire extinguisher and smashed him in the head three times because he thought the man was suffering. He then pinched the veteran’s nostrils and put paper towel over his mouth in an effort to stop the gurgling sound.

Mr. Vanderpluijm suffered skull and facial bone fractures, eight fractured ribs and damage to his neck, including two fractures of a bone. He also had bruising to his face, head, shoulders, arms, kidney and the back of his hands, along with some lacerations on his head. An autopsy showed he died of blunt force trauma to the head.

After the attack, Mr. Gregory emptied the cash register and took two bottles of liquor from the bar to try to make it look like there had been a robbery. He was arrested the next day.

Justice Coady noted there had been no animosity between the two men before the attack.

After the verdict, members of Mr. Vanderpluijm’s family hugged and cried.

"It’s like you’re happy and sad at the same time," daughter Donna said of the verdict, explaining that while she’s pleased Mr. Gregory was convicted of the more serious charge, her father’s violent death "is going to be with us for the rest of our lives."

Mr. Vanderpluijm’s other daughter, Julie, said she had been confident the verdict would be for second-degree murder, and now the family must look ahead to the sentencing in October.

"I don’t think there can ever be closure, regardless of what the sentence is," she said.



Mr. Vanderpluijm’s widow Rosalind said that "I have a lot of things to say, but it’s all anger."

Asked for comment, Mr. Pink said that he needs "some time to reflect on what the judge said. We will review his comments and decision and decide what our next step will be."

Second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence, with no chance of parole for a minimum of 10 years.

Crown attorney Lloyd Lombard said he will argue that Mr. Gregory should spend much more than 10 years in prison before he’s eligible for parole.

Friday, August 01, 2008IAN FAIRCLOUGH The Chronicle Herald

Section: RCL

Helicopters to keep troops off dangerous roads in Afghanistan

The Chinook is a multi-mission, heavy-lift transport helicopter. Its primary mission is to

move troops, artillery, ammunition, fuel, water, barrier materials, supplies and

equipment on the battlefield. Its secondary missions include medical evacuation,

disaster relief, search and rescue, aircraft recovery, fire fighting, parachute drops,

heavy construction and civil development.

Chinook helicopters were introduced in 1962 as the CH-47 Chinook, and models A, B and C were deployed in Vietnam. As the product of a modernization program, which included refurbishing existing CH-47s, the first CH-47Ds were delivered in 1982 and

were produced until 1994.

The arrival early next year of six CH-47-D Chinook transport helicopters for use by Canadian troops in Afghanistan will ensure that the current and future needs of soldiers will be met, says the commander-designate of Joint Task Force Afghanistan.

Brig.-Gen. Jon Vance, who will assume control of the mission in February, said the helicopters, which will help keep Canadian troops off dangerous roads, should be in theatre at that time.

"The helicopters (will) provide, obviously, mobility," Vance said. "They provide a way to move our people more quickly to trouble spots."

Vance, the former commander of The Second Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (2RCR) at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, said the Chinooks will also improve surveillance by enhancing the ability of troops to better observe what is going on in their area of operation.

The federal government is spending $375 million to acquire six heavy-lift Chinooks from the U.S. Army. They are designed to transport artillery, troops, ammunition, fuel and supplies within military theatres of operation.

Until those choppers are in place, the Department of National Defence will lease up to eight Russian-built helicopters to ferry supplies around the battlefield in Afghanistan and lessen the chances of encountering roadside bombs. Improvised explosive devices have taken a toll on Canadian troops who have been forced to frequently travel dangerous roads.

Dean Black, a retired lieutenant-colonel and former commander of the 403 Tactical Helicopter Squadron at Gagetown, said the Chinooks can move a lot of troops, supplies and artillery pieces quickly.

"Helicopter travel can certainly make things a lot easier," said Black, now the executive director of the Air Force Association of Canada. "It's one of the few helicopters that's able to operate in that kind of a demanding environment from a density altitude perspective."

Black said the military once owned seven Chinooks. They were purchased in the early 1970s and sold in the mid-1990s.

"The first one crashed on its way from the plant to the ceremony to accept them," Black said. "The crew was lost, unfortunately. But of the eight that we bought, we retained seven. They were of great use and they will be again."

The purchase of the Chinooks is connected to one of the recommendations of the Manley commission report on Afghanistan, released last winter. The federal government has until February to secure the arrival of the helicopters and a flight of unmanned surveillance

planes.

Bob Lockhart of Fredericton, a former lieutenant-colonel in the reserves, has spent time as a photographer with Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

He said there's no doubt that the vast majority of Canadian casualties in that country are road-related. The helicopters will make a difference and are long overdue, he said.

"They will definitely save lives," Lockhart said.

Vance said aside from the helicopters, Afghanistan-bound Canadian troops arriving in February will also benefit from a U.S. battle group that's expected to arrive in the region and from an Afghan army that continues to get better.

Friday, August 01, 2008MICHAEL STAPLES, The Daily Gleaner

Section: Afghanistan



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