Affairs : Proudly Serving Canada’s Community Spring 2010 Do You Need Help Finding a Civilian Job? to make a change. A colleague told him “I recommend this program to any CF VAC had a program that could help. Now employed as a route manager with a large member entering the civilian workplace for waste management company, he says his the first time or after any length of service. ability to get the job is due to the training and tools he received through Career It’s a great program for anyone looking to Transition Services. refresh their résumé writing, job-searching If you are a regular or reserve force and interview-taking skills. ” member or Veteran with eligible service, a Jamie MacGregor Veteran who gets Canadian Forces Income Support, or a survivor of a CF member or Veteran who would have been eligible for these services at the time of death, Modern-day Veterans tell us a satisfying job is to conduct your job search and practice you may be eligible for Career Transition one of the most important things they need to interview basics. Services. make a successful move to civilian life. During individual career counselling, you In most cases, your application must To help achieve this, Veterans Affairs Canada’s are paired with a counsellor to finalize be made within two years of release for Career Transition Services (formerly the your résumé, evaluate your skills and regular force or upon completion of your Job Placement Program) offers workshops, experience and develop a plan to enter the eligible service for reserve force. individual career counselling and job-finding civilian workforce. When ready, you will assistance to help Canadian Forces (CF) get job-finding assistance to prepare for job If you are thinking about making the move members and Veterans prepare for civilian interviews and sell yourself for specific jobs. from the military to civilian life and want employment. to learn more about VAC’s programs, visit Career Transition Services works. Jamie one of our on-site offices, call our toll-free In workshops, you can develop a draft résumé MacGregor was a 33-year-old Canadian Forces number at 1-866-522-2122 or visit us to sell your strengths, learn effective ways member in 2008 when he decided it was time online at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

IPSCs Bringing VAC to You It has been over a year since the Just ask Marlowe Fraser, the Advocacy the community; and announcement of the integrated personnel Director of the Canadian Peacekeeping • information on and access to VAC’s support centres (IPSC) and the number Veterans Association and a member of the benefits and services such as career of people using their services continues to New Veterans Charter Advisory Group. transition services, disability and grow. financial benefits, rehabilitation Recently, Mr. Fraser toured his local IPSC. services and the Public Service Health The goal of the IPSCs is to provide a He said, in his opinion, the IPSC is a major Care Plan. “one-stop service” where CF regular and step forward for VAC in terms of client reserve force members and their families, service delivery and will significantly improve Across the country, as more people realize particularly the ill and the injured, are able transition outcomes. the ease of access and positive experience to access key services provided by VAC and resulting from a visit to an IPSC, VAC DND, as well as other important services. Mr. Fraser described the IPSC initiative as continues to see more clients. For example, Some of these include the Military Family “a dream come true.” Core VAC services at the IPSC Halifax is presently helping about Resource Centre, the Operational Stress each centre focus on a member’s recovery, 50 clients, while in Edmonton, roughly 250 Injury Social Support Network and the rehabilitation and reintegration. This includes clients are being helped at the local IPSC. Service Income Security Insurance Plan. things like: Over 300 clients are receiving assistance at • transition interviews and case the IPSC in Petawawa. By placing VAC and DND staff together, the management; centres allow the two departments to work • coordination of resources available to the For a list of all the IPSCs, please visit more closely. The result? Better service. client, both inside the Department and in www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

www.vac-acc.gc.ca 1-866-522-2122  Veterans Affairs Canada: Proudly Serving Canada’s Veteran Community Minister’s Message

Strength. Bravery. Sacrifice. Vol.8, No.2 These are words often heard during any Salute! is published by Veterans Affairs discussion of Canada’s military efforts, both Canada. The contents of this publication past and present. But, rarely have those words are subject to copyright. Articles may be carried as much weight for me personally as reproduced, in whole or in part, with during my recent visit to the Netherlands. appropriate credit given to Salute!, the writer and/or photographer. I was honoured to travel there in May with a group of Canadian Veterans and youth Your comments and suggestions are to remember and celebrate those who welcome and should be sent to: contributed so much to both Victory in Europe and the liberation of the Netherlands Veterans Affairs Canada 65 years earlier. Among the Canadian P.O. Box 7700 delegation, there was a true sense of pride , PE C1A 8M9 in what had been accomplished all those Attention: Editor, Salute! decades ago. This paled in comparison, or however, to the Veterans’ personal tales and E-mail: [email protected] the overwhelming gratitude displayed to these Canadian guests by the Dutch people. Each Veterans Affairs Canada has made and every Veteran who returned to mark the every effort to ensure the accuracy 65th anniversary of their victory was rightly of information at time of publication. treated as a hero. The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), However, the department makes no speaks at a plaque-unveiling ceremony warranties of any kind regarding this Along with the sense of pride, I could see in commemorating the Battle of the Scheldt. information, including, but not limited to, the eyes of many of our Veterans a tinge of any warranty of accuracy, completeness, regret that it had to happen at all—a look of sadness that such evil existed in the first It is a tragic reality that tyranny exists. But, timeliness, reliability or fitness for a place. Canadians have always been there to defend particular purpose and such warranties our shared values of freedom, democracy are expressly disclaimed. Health and I am confident this feeling was shared by the and the rule of law. They were there 65 years wellness information in this publication youth ambassadors who made the trip with us. ago to liberate the Netherlands—one of the is not intended as medical advice and These young Canadians have so much of their most significant events leading to Victory in should not be relied upon as a substitute lives yet to be lived. And yet, they are not much Europe and the end of the Second World War. for consultations with qualified health younger than many of those who 65 years ago And, they are there again today—members professionals. ventured half-a-world away to ensure a people of the Canadian Forces protecting the Afghan who were being oppressed would once again people. Canadians are providing hope to ISSN: 1499-495X know freedom. people who for far too long had none. Mailed under Canada Post Publications Mail Sales Agreement No. 40064817 The names ring out through our history— Vimy Ridge, Juno Beach, the Netherlands, Recycle this paper. Share it with a friend. Bosnia, . I am honoured to in some small way work to help those who have Salute! is available in done so much in Canada’s name. As we have been there for Veterans of past battles, we are large print and audio there for those returning home today. formats. Should you Ladies and gentlemen, I honour you and I thank you for your strength. require an alternate Your bravery. format, please contact Your sacrifice. the Editor. To get more Lest we forget. information about articles in this issue, please call our toll-free The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, line: 1-866-522-2122. Minister Blackburn participates in a ceremony to bury the ashes of a former Canadian soldier at the Minister of Veterans Affairs and foot of his friend’s grave in the Netherlands Minister of State (Agriculture)

www.vac-acc.gc.ca 1-866-522-2122 Veterans Affairs Canada: Proudly Serving Canada’s Veteran Community  Canadians Return as Heroes to the Netherlands

Canadian Veterans of the Second World honouring their achievements and celebrating ultimate sacrifice during the liberation, War returned to the Netherlands as heroes the lasting bonds between our two great including the 2,338 buried at Groesbeek. this past May to take part in ceremonies countries.” Among them is Aubrey Cosens of the Queen’s commemorating the 65th anniversary of that Own Rifles, who earned the for country’s liberation and VE Day. The town of Wageningen hosted a poignant his efforts. event, remembering the signing of the terms The official Canadian delegation was led of surrender in the bombed and battered A similar ceremony was held at the Holten by the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Hotel de Wereld 65 years before. Following Canadian War Cemetery where an additional Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of the ceremony was the March Past of Freedom 1,355 Canadians were laid to rest. Holten State (Agriculture) and included Veterans, which featured approximately 1,000 Veterans. also pays tribute to fallen soldiers with a vigil youth and representatives of the Canadian The delegation later attended a reception every Christmas Eve, during which children Forces. where they saw the table on which the place lighted candles on each grave. documents of surrender were signed. From September 1944 to April 1945, Canadian troops fought to free the Dutch people “The tone of the ceremonies in the who had suffered terrible hardship during Netherlands was sometimes solemn, their nation’s occupation. More than 7,600 sometimes joyful,” Minister Blackburn Canadians died in the nine-month campaign, said during a ceremony at the National War a tremendous sacrifice for a nation our size. Memorial in Ottawa. “The ties that bind us to the Netherlands were born of the courageous Over the course of several days, the Canadian attitude and willingness of our Veterans and delegation took part in a number of emotional their comrades to sacrifice in the Second events remembering the long-ago struggle World War. The Veterans in our delegation to free a nation. Prime Minister Stephen demonstrated this every morning. Their Harper joined Minister Blackburn, Chief of dedication touched my heart and inspired the Defence Staff General Walt Natynczyk and me.” other officials at one such ceremony, held at the Bergen-op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery. Another moving ceremony was held at the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in front of “Their courage and determination in grueling thousands of spectators. Minister Blackburn conditions represents the best of what Canada was joined by members of the Dutch royal is,” said the Prime Minister. “Today, we keep family, including Queen Beatrix, to honour A Canadian Veteran signs an autograph in the faith with them by remembering their deeds, the thousands of Canadians who made the Netherlands.

Ready, Aye, Ready! The 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy

in the Allied victory in the Battle of the Atlantic—the struggle to keep the vital flow of war materials sailing from North America to Europe. After the war ended, Canada had the third-largest navy in the world, with 434 vessels and 95,000 men and women in uniform.

The RCN again answered the call during the Korean War. Canadian destroyers served with UN naval forces, helping blockade and bombard the enemy coast, guard against This year marks the 100th anniversary of the title “Royal” on our navy in 1911, the First amphibious landings, protect aircraft the Canadian Navy. Many commemorative World War erupted. The Royal Canadian Navy carriers and assist isolated fishing events have been and will continue to (RCN) entered the war with only two ships villages. be held across the country to mark this and 350 men, but it would grow to take on significant milestone and remember many important duties. Among these were The unification of the Canadian Canadians who have given their life in coordinating shipping in Canadian ports, military in the late 1960s saw the RCN service at sea. performing radio-telegraph services and become the sea arm of the Canadian conducting mine sweeping and patrols off Forces. Our ships stood guard during From its modest beginning in 1910, our navy our coasts. the Cold War and have served with grew to play an important role in Canada’s our NATO allies over the years. And military efforts through the years. Only three The RCN grew a great deal during the Second after 100 years, that proud tradition of years after Britain’s King George V conferred World War and it played an important role service continues today.

www.vac-acc.gc.ca 1-866-522-2122  Veterans Affairs Canada: Proudly Serving Canada’s Veteran Community Care of Veterans Remains a Priority at Ste. Anne’s Hospital

Home to just over 400 Veterans, of the Canada Health Act and Medicare Negotiations such as these can be Ste. Anne’s Hospital is the only in the 1960s, 17 hospitals administered complex and may take a significant remaining hospital administered by by Veterans Affairs Canada have been amount of time. Veterans Affairs Canada. Located just transferred to the provinces. outside Montréal, Quebec, it is a place Minister Blackburn said Ste. Anne’s where every effort is made to make To date, previous transfers have been Hospital is a state-of-the-art facility Veterans feel at home and where the successful because great care was taken blessed with a diverse team of families of Veterans are considered to protect the interests of Veterans, dedicated employees. partners and also receive supportive their families and hospital employees. care and attention. “For the Department of Veterans In recent years, the demand by Affairs, as well as for the general On April 26, the Honourable Jean- traditional Veterans for long-term care at population, it is important to safeguard Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Ste. Anne’s has been steadily declining. this expertise,” he said. “It is our Veterans Affairs and Minister of State In 2009, the responsibility to do so. Therefore, we (Agriculture), was at Ste. Anne’s began discussions with the Government must actively prepare for the future.” Hospital to meet with 175 residents of Quebec regarding a potential transfer and clients to talk about its future. of Ste. Anne’s Hospital. A chief negotiator Minister Blackburn assured residents was appointed in December 2009 to lead and clients the Government of It has been a long-standing policy for discussions on behalf of the Government Canada wishes to maintain Veterans’ the Government of Canada to transfer of Canada. These discussions are in priority access to Ste. Anne’s and to hospitals to provinces in which they the preliminary stage and official the exceptional health care that they are located. Since the implementation negotiations have not yet begun. deserve in the language of their choice.

Veterans Affairs Canada and the Government as a whole are committed to keeping Veterans and their families informed throughout this process and are equally committed to protecting the interests of our Veterans and the Department’s employees.

Kandahar Boardroom Named in Honour of Canadians in Afghanistan

Chief Warrant Officer CWO R.W. McNaughton, DND/VAC Wade McNaughton Liaison Chief Warrant Officer, worked (right) and Lieutenant- Colonel Spurgeon on this project. He said he believes it Stewart, Canadian is important for the staff at Veterans Forces (CF) Liaison Affairs Canada who create policy and Officers, meet then put that policy into practice to be in the recently- renamed Kandahar able to see some of what is actually Boardroom in the going on in the field. head office of Veterans Affairs Canada in The Canadian Forces Imagery sections Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. in both Ottawa and Petawawa heard about the project and immediately understood its importance. They worked to print the pictures which were selected by CWO McNaughton. The ongoing efforts of Canadians in Building has been renamed the Kandahar Afghanistan are being recognized at Veterans Boardroom. Darragh Mogan, Director General, Affairs Canada’s head office in Charlottetown. Policy and Research Division, also The pictures now lining the boardroom’s supported the project. Mr. Mogan said In honour of the Canadian Forces, RCMP walls give a sense of the extremely difficult it would not have come together so and others working and sacrificing so conditions under which Canadian personnel successfully without the outstanding much to help the Afghan people, the largest operate in Afghanistan as well as some of the support of VAC and the CF Imagery boardroom in the Daniel J. MacDonald equipment they use on a daily basis. sections.

www.vac-acc.gc.ca 1-866-522-2122 Veterans Affairs Canada: Proudly Serving Canada’s Veteran Community  How To Apply For A VAC Disability Benefit

Here are some pointers to better understand district office or a related to your service with DND or the the disability benefits application process service officer. RCMP? and help you apply. 3) What is the extent of the disability? Step 3 - Your application arrives at 4) How has the disability affected your Step 1 - Get an application Veterans Affairs Canada quality of life?

You can get an application one of four ways: We want to process your claim as quickly Step 5 - And the decision is . . . as possible, but we can’t do so without your 1) Download an application on-line at help. So, please make sure you have all the Once the adjudicator reaches a decision on www.vac-acc.gc.ca; information listed above before putting your your claim, you will receive a letter in the 2) Call us toll-free at 1-866-522-2122; application in the mail. If we don’t have mail. The letter will explain in simple terms 3) Visit one of our district offices across the all of this information, then the decision- what the decision is, what evidence was country; or making process will take longer. used to reach the decision, the level of your 4) Visit your local Legion and a Royal entitlement and your assessment. Sometimes, Canadian Legion service officer can Once you mail or drop off your we’ll need additional information, all of help you. completed application form and medical which will be explained in your letter. documentation, a officer will: Step 2 - It’s all in the details . . . Step 6 - If you’re not happy . . . 1) order your service records; You know the old saying, make sure the “I”s 2) review your application, medical reports If you get an unfavourable decision, are dotted and the “T”s are crossed? Well, and service documents; and that means your claim did not meet the for your application to be complete, that 3) let you know if there is anything else is requirements of our legislation. Your means we need the following items: required to complete your claim. decision letter will explain the reasons why and you will be given appeal rights. In 1) A completed medical form from your Step 4 - Who makes the decision some instances, you may have additional doctor or base surgeon. This must include on your claim information that was not submitted the a medical diagnosis of your disability. first time so you’ll have the opportunity to We will give you the form with your Your claim is then sent to VAC’s head send this to us for a review by a different application for your doctor to complete; office located in Charlottetown, Prince adjudicator. In all instances though, you are and Edward Island. There, it is reviewed by an entitled to free legal advice from the Bureau 2) Any reports on your military or RCMP adjudicator who independently examines of Advocates who can best guide file that would help make the connection the medical and service information and you if you wish to have your claim reviewed between your service and your disability. other evidence you submitted for your or appealed. claim. A few questions the adjudicator Remember, although you are responsible needs to answer in order to reach a for getting the medical information and any decision include: other information that would seem important Many of my fellow comrades to your claim, we can help—just ask to 1) Is there a disability? have told me to expect a negative speak to a pension officer at your local 2) Is your disability the result of or partially decision and that I’ll have to appeal to get the benefits I’m entitled to. Why do we have to go Myth Busting through all this red tape? It’s obvious that my military service caused my condition – I was fit before I enlisted and now I am suffering with X. So More than 70 percent of our first my service caused X. I have been told you need to applications are favourable or partially get my service records for each favourable. There are a variety of reasons claim. To me, this just looks for an unfavourable decision, but the most like you’re making excuses for common reasons include: being slow in processing my 1) No disability was established—for claim. example, you have symptoms of a sore We must make sure your disability back, yet there are no x-rays or other is directly related to your service. medical evidence to establish a back- Some disabilities, like hearing loss for related disability; or example, can be directly related to your 2) The disability occurred outside the service because we can compare the period of service—for example, your audiograms that were taken before your We need to have your service records in injury occurred while you were off duty. service began and after your service order to establish the link between your 3) The disability can only be partially ended. Other disabilities, like heart disability and your service. Although the attributable to your service. For example, disease, may or may not be related to time this process takes may be beyond our you had a knee injury which was not service if for example you have a family control, we are working to streamline it so service-related and then had a second history of heart disease or have been a we can get your records and process your injury to the same knee which was smoker for a number of years. claim more quickly. related to service.

www.vac-acc.gc.ca 1-866-522-2122  Veterans Affairs Canada: Proudly Serving Canada’s Veteran Community

What’s New in Research

Neil Armstrong once said research is The ground-breaking study will fill creating new knowledge. While they may research gaps in Canada and around the not be heading to the moon any time soon, world and will also help improve programs Veterans Affairs Canada’s (VAC) Research and services. Directorate is breaking new ground when it comes to military and Veteran health Knowledge Exchange research. In January 2010, VAC’s Research Directorate hosted a three-day research Life After Service Study forum. Presentations and sessions on VAC, the Department of National Defence military and Veteran health were used to and have teamed up for a further the use of research among staff. National major research study. The Life After Service A highlight was the keynote session with Study will explore such themes as: leading population health researcher, Client Survey Dr. Cameron Mustard, from the Institute Conducted • How Canadian Forces members are doing for Work and Health in Toronto. after they move to civilian life in areas of As part of Veterans Affairs Canada’s income, health, well-being and disability; Canadian Military and ongoing commitment to provide Veterans Veteran Health Research Forum and other clients with the highest-quality • Whether VAC’s transition/re- Mark your calendar. Queen’s University service, the Department conducted its fifth establishment programs are reaching and the Royal Military College will host the National Client Survey earlier this spring. those in need; first Canadian Military and Veteran Health Research Forum November 16-17, 2010, in We do these surveys periodically to get • Unmet needs that call for new or Kingston, Ontario. your feedback on our programs and improved programs and services; and services. Your responses provide us with Check out the Web site for more details: valuable information about your health • The quality of life of VAC clients http://www.queensu.ca/conferences/ and well-being and how our programs compared to Veterans who are not mvhr/. and services are meeting your needs. using VAC programs. An independent consulting firm, Corporate Research Associates, was contracted to do the survey. Telephone interviews were held in late April and early May with war service and modern- day Veterans, Canadian Forces members, survivors and RCMP clients throughout the country.

VAC would like to thank those of you who were contacted and took part in the survey. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and the information you provided will help us improve our programs and services so we can serve you better.

The 2010 survey results will be posted soon on our Web site at www.vac-acc.gc.ca and highlights of the survey will be reported in the next issue of Salute!.

For help in difficult times, Veterans and their families can access free, confidential, professional short-term counselling services 24/7 by calling the Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance 24/7 Service at 1-800-268-7708. If you are hearing impaired, please call 1-800-567-5803. Whatever your need, we want to help.

www.vac-acc.gc.ca 1-866-522-2122 Veterans Affairs Canada: Proudly Serving Canada’s Veteran Community 

Veterans Advocate Appointed Alberta Lieutenant-Governor

One of Canada’s most-dedicated advocates He has appeared in front of the House of on behalf of Canada’s Veterans has a new and Commons Standing Committee for Veterans very high-profile office from which to speak Affairs regarding the proposed Veterans’ about the cause. Ombudsman, the Operational Stress Injuries Program and the proposed national Colonel (Retired) Donald S. Ethell was Peacekeepers’ Day. installed as Alberta’s new lieutenant-governor in May during a ceremony in Edmonton. Lt.-Gov. Ethell’s military career was long and Speaking at the event, he left no doubt he will distinguished. He served in the Canadian continue to be a voice of support for Canada’s Forces for more than 38 years, retiring in Veterans, particularly those dealing with July 1993. A Veteran of 14 peacekeeping tours mental health issues. and other secondments to the United Nations and other international agencies, his tours “I would like to reach out to those who of duty included three years of NATO service are dealing with mental illness, to let them in Germany and extensive service in Cyprus, know that they are not alone,” he said. “That Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Central includes members of the Canadian Forces, America and the Balkans. The Honourable Donald Ethell signs official RCMP, municipal police and emergency documents naming him lieutenant governor of response personnel who are dealing with Alberta during a May ceremony in Edmonton. Photo: “I completed many overseas tours of duty that work-related stresses, as well as all people courtesy of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. brought me face to face with people who were living with mental illness. I’d like to shine a living with fear, oppression and instability that light on the excellent work taking place to to those at Veterans Affairs Canada who had most of us can only imagine as Canadians. build a stronger and brighter future for those the pleasure of working with him in recent In fact, I can’t count the number of times I who are suffering. years. He was a member of the Veterans heard fellow soldiers say ‘Thank God I’m a Affairs Canada, Canadian Forces Advisory Canadian’ as we went about our duties,” he “I also will do what I can to comfort families Council, which contributed to the drafting said during his installation. of the fallen, to let them know that the of the New Veterans Charter. He also served thoughts and prayers of their fellow Albertans as the chairman for the joint Department of “I saw the terrible physical, emotional and are with them.” National Defence (DND) and Veterans Affairs mental toll paid by those who serve and by Canada Operational Stress Injuries Advisory those who live in war-torn regions, and this Lt.-Gov. Ethell’s continued commitment to the Committee and the VAC New Veterans Charter gave me with a deep sense of caring and Veterans community comes as no surprise Advisory Group. compassion for all people who are suffering.”

Advisory Group on Special Needs The Advisory Group on Special Needs (SNAG) provides Veterans Affairs Canada with advice on how well programs and services under the New Veterans Charter are meeting the needs of seriously disabled clients and their families.

Established by VAC in 2005, the advisory group’s make-up recognizes how important it is to receive feedback from those affected by the Department’s policies. A passionate and committed group, SNAG’s membership In late 2009, members of the Advisory Group on Special Needs met with representatives of other includes professional and academic experts interested groups. Shown from left to right are Professor Muriel Westmorland (Chair, New Veterans Charter and people with first-hand experience with Advisory Group), Ron Stonehouse, Maureen Proctor, Commander Cathy Bruce-Hayter (Director, Casualty disabilities. Support Management/Joint Personnel Support Unit), Bruce Henwood (Chair, Special Needs Advisory Group), Don Ethell (Chair, Joint VAC/DND/RCMP Mental Health Advisory Committee), Dr. Wanda Smith, There is also a heavy emphasis on experience Dr. Alice Aiken, Margaret Kennedy, Dr. Don Richardson, Geoff Harbinson. Missing from photo are Stephane Martin and Dr. Victor Marshall (Chair Gerontological Advisory Council). —half of the 10-member committee are modern-day Veterans who live with a experiences to the table,” he said. “Some recommendations to VAC about improvements disability, including the group’s chair Bruce members bring knowledge and expertise as to the NVC from the perspective of Veterans Henwood. Mr. Henwood said the advisory clinicians, while others offer the experience with special needs. VAC is looking at what group works as a team, with each member of living with their disabilities on a daily changes can be made. Some of the groups’s offering valuable contributions to their basis. This balance of perspectives is one of recommendations can also serve as important discussions and recommendations. the team’s greatest assets.” advice to ministers should changes be considered by Government in the future. “The team is comprised of exceptional To date, the advisory group has submitted people who bring their own strengths and four reports providing observations and

www.vac-acc.gc.ca 1-866-522-2122  Veterans Affairs Canada: Proudly Serving Canada’s Veteran Community

Canadian POWs Return to Buchenwald How to Reach Us of my thinking ‘we’re in a heck of a spot. Veterans Affairs Canada Web site: We’re never ever going to survive.’ That was www.vac-acc.gc.ca a horrible feeling. It was almost a feeling of total despair.” Veterans Affairs Canada E-mail: [email protected] On the morning of August 15, with the liberating Allied Forces approaching Paris, Do you need information on the men were forced into overcrowded Services and Benefits? boxcars and sent on a harrowing five-day train trip to Buchenwald. The train they Note: When you call us, please have your boarded that morning was to be the last to VAC client number ready, if you have one. leave Paris for Buchenwald. Canada: Phone: 1-866-522-2122 (English) “You’re always looking for something. Phone: 1-866-522-2022 (French) There’s always some hope that something is going to happen,” added Mr. Stewart. “As United States: a matter of fact . . . the French Resistance Phone: 1-888-996-2242 tried to stop that train by blowing up one of the tunnels. The Resistance had hoped , Germany, France, or Belgium: that this would block the exit of the train, Phone: 00-800-996-22421 but unfortunately, I think there was a cattle train on the other side of the tunnel and the Any other country: Germans cleared that out and we carried on Phone: 613-996-2242 Canadian Veteran Ed Carter-Edwards holds his the journey.” great-grandson, Sean Carter-Edwards, at the former concentration camp Buchenwald near Weimar, Built in 1937, Buchenwald is known to have Do you need information on disability Germany on Sunday, April 11, 2010. benefit decisions or how to request a been the largest camp in Germany. Between review or appeal? While most Canadians are likely aware of the April 1938 and April 1945, an estimated atrocities carried out in concentration camps 250,000 people were imprisoned there. No Call the Bureau of Pensions Advocates during the Second World War, few may know less than 50,000 prisoners died. (BPA) at: 1-877-228-2250 that 26 Canadian airmen were detained in one of Germany’s most notorious camps, “When we arrived in Buchenwald after five Buchenwald. days, and the doors opened, we were greeted Do you need information on remembrance programming? by all these screaming green uniforms with James Stewart and Edward Carter-Edwards, dogs and whips . . . and then our entrance Canada: two of the 26 Canadians held captive at into Buchenwald where we were greeted Phone: 1-866-522-2122 (English) Buchenwald, traveled to Germany at the by 45,000 walking skeletons,” added Mr. Phone: 1-866-522-2022 (French) invitation of German authorities to attend Carter-Edwards. “I personally thought ‘we’ll Phone: 1-800-465-7735 (Hearing Impaired) the 65th anniversary of the liberation never ever get out of here alive. Our families of Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora will never even know what happened to us.’” Veterans Review and Appeal Board concentration camps. Commemorative events were held there from April 9–12, 2010. In October 1944, a first group of Allied P.O. Box 9900 POWs was transferred from Buchenwald to a Charlottetown PE C1A 8V7 “My grandson, who I think learned a lot, regular German POW camp by the German was with me. He was 23 and gosh, I was 22 air force. The remaining Allied prisoners, Canada when I was in Buchenwald and 23 when I was including Edward Carter-Edwards, thought Phone: 1-800-450-8006 released,” said Mr. Stewart. “It’s all memories, they would never be transferred, but on Outside Canada but so many memories if you’re lucky.” November 29, the German air force returned Phone: 1-902-566-8751 and got them out. Shot down over France in June 1944, the Web site: www.vrab-tacra.gc.ca Canadians, along with 142 other British, “I was three-and-a-half months in American, Australian and New Zealand Buchenwald. I did not go out with the first airmen, made contact with the French group who left in October 1944,” added Funeral and Burial Information Resistance in an effort to escape to England. Mr. Carter-Edwards. “They (the German air Last Post Fund Betrayed, they were arrested by German force) saved our lives. However they found Phone: 1-800-465-7113 forces as spies rather than as military out we were there, they came in and they POWs—meaning their rights were not took us out of Buchenwald, a miracle, and Web site: www.lastpostfund.ca protected under the Geneva Convention. took us to a regular prisoner of war camp. Imprisoned in occupied France, they were They saved us from the meat hooks below subjected to intense questioning, beatings and the crematorium. So that was a miracle in VAC Assistance Line other cruelties. itself.” Confidential, professional counselling 24/7 1-800-268-7708 “My first encounter with horror was when we To learn more about the 26 Canadian were betrayed to the Gestapo in Paris,” said Airmen at Buchenwald Concentration Camp, Mr. Carter-Edwards. “That was the beginning please visit us online at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

www.vac-acc.gc.ca 1-866-522-2122