Volume - 2 Edition 26 Week Ending July 4, 2008 IN THIS ISSUE 95-year-old Ottawa Veteran · 95-year-old Ottawa Veteran completes his first skydive completes his first skydive · Death leads to legion's license suspension · Air Force Club of Windsor loses club building · Royal Canadian Legion wants urinating on cenotaphs to be a Criminal Code offence · Families of soldiers serving in Afghanistan band together · HMCS Kitchenener CTV News · War Amps Cliff Chadderton to appear on national radio show July 1st · Disabled veterans' families feel strain on finances, health: survey · CUTHBERT, Ron J. George Gow. Credit: CTV News · Minister Issues Statement on the Occasion of Beaumont-Hamel Anniversary · Canada Day celebrations range from silly to sombre A 95-year-old Ottawa man has done · Moncton Legion celebrates Canada Day with show of support for our troops something most people a quarter his · Canada Day another day at the office for some Canadian troops age would never dare try -- he threw · New Nova Scotia memorial honours great sacrifices himself out of a plane for a skydiving · Government of Canada to Support Veterans’ Participation in Quebec City’s adventure. 400th Anniversary Parade George Lyall Gow completed the · Governor General presents Military Valour Decorations at the Citadelle skydive early Saturday evening, the · Why Gen. Hillier was so loved by his troops first ever jump for the Second World · June was deadliest month for troops in Afghanistan war War veteran. · Ex-Chancellor Schmidt Reflects on The Cold War · Soldiers helping fellow soldiers "(It was) absolutely marvelous," he told · Sombre anniversary for Canadian troops CTV.ca just after the jump in · No stopping Senior of the Year Gananoque, Ont. "I'm ready to go back · Legion 8-Ball All Ontario Champions anytime." · 2008 Legion Convention Reports and Resolutions He said he wasn't scared at all during · Change Of Command the jump, describing the experience as · Stay in Afghanistan as long as it takes, soldier's widow says "stupendous." · Random act of kindness floors a soldier. · Iconic Liberty Belle bomber lands on English soil for the first time since World Gow said he got the idea for the War Two tandem jump after a conversation with · PM honours slain officers at Mayerthorpe memorial a friend. The pilot told Gow he would · Comrade Griffin 'Bill' Johnson take him up in his plane, if he was up for the challenge. "I never had the opportunity to make a jump before. I said I would love to do it," Gow said. "You only live once." Gow has always had an adventurous spirit. He's travelled extensively since retiring from his desk job at the Bank of Canada. Just a few years ago, he went horseback riding through the Rockies. But his latest idea has some of his friends and family concerned. "The reaction has been great, but some people think I am out my... head," he The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 1 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 Week Ending July 4, 2008 said with a big laugh. second time bloodying his mouth, the George McMahon, past president of board was told. the club and current trustee, said there His daughter, Gloria, told CTV.ca she was a time, during the 1960s and supports her dad, but his plan had her Bar staff took Fiefield's car keys, put 1970s, when membership totalled more worried. him in a wheelchair and took him to his than 200 and the club was a going car to "sleep it off," the report said. Two "I think he's nuts to do it," she said concern, hosting events and hours later, a concerned legion flatly before the jump. celebrations, raising money for student member checked on him and called an bursaries and supporting local air But she said her brothers are fully ambulance when it appeared he had cadets. behind her dad's jump, and she has suffered a stroke. come around. But now, with Second World War Fiefield died three days later. veterans now well into their 80s, the "You got to do what you got to do," she The board ruled the legion staff's membership has dwindled to just 71 said, resigned about her dad's resolve. handling of the matter was and the costs of running the building Gow became one of the oldest "irresponsible and, indeed, prohibited," have become too high, said McMahon. skydivers in the world. However, he's the report said. "Demographics has raised its ugly shy of breaking any records just yet. Saturday, June 28, 2008 head," he said. "This used to be a busy According to the Guinness World UPI.com place, but see what has happened to Records website, a 100-year-old Section: RCL us. It's just the way the world is. We American woman made a tandem jump started losing money and the choice in 2004. Air Force Club of Windsor was obvious. We had to sell to survive." George Lyall Gow said he enjoys all of loses club building McMahon said the club will go on and the attention he's getting. He's had lots members will still hold meetings at the of calls from the media. But he notes new legion-owned club. They will he doesn't want notoriety -- just continue supporting cadets and may re- adventure. establish the bursary program. Fog in the Ottawa area Saturday "The esprit de corp will continue," he morning threatened to cancel his jump. said. "But it's a sad day. Look around. He was supposed to jump at 2 p.m. but There are a lot of tearful people." it was delayed until blue skys came over the area at about 5:30 p.m. Many stood wiping their eyes as the sky-blue air force ensign, emblazoned Saturday, June 28, 2008 CTV New s with the maple leaf rondelle that Billy Section: Veterans Bishop designed, came down the pole, along with Canada's Maple Leaf flag, for the last time. Death leads to legion's license suspension Members of the Air Force Club of Windsor © The Windsor Star 2008 look at the RCAF and Canadian flags that were taken down and placed on the Sunday, June 29, 2008 podium during a closing ceremony as the Don Lajoie, The Windsor Star building has been sold. Section: Veterans Credit: Pawel Dwulit, The Windsor Star The Air Force Club of Windsor, Wing Royal Canadian Legion wants 412, "has not passed on but continues HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, June 27 (UPI) -- urinating on cenotaphs to be with a new life, one without the burden A Royal Canadian Legion branch in a Criminal Code offence of a building." rural Nova Scotia had its liquor licenses suspended for a month after an That was the message Rev. Stan intoxicated man was served drinks and Fraser gave to about 70 club members later died. gathered on the lawn of the venerable old club building on Marentette Road The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Sunday, as the long-time home away Board, the provincial agency that from home for air force veterans passed regulates the Liquor Control Act In response to the urination incident on into local history, with its official revoked the Stellarton branch's license the Peterborough Cenotaph earlier this closing ceremony. after the stroke death of John Fiefield, year, the Royal Canadian Legion is 64, in October 2006, the Canwest The building, which has been in pushing the federal government to News Service reported. constant use since it was built in 1961, include the offence in the Criminal has been purchased by the Royal Code of Canada. The man reportedly told staff he'd Canadian Legion Branch 143 for consumed a pint of liquor before arriving At the 42nd Dominion Convention in $340,000. Ownership will be transferred but was served drinks. Twice, Fiefield Ottawa this week, the national ruling Friday. fell out of his chair onto the floor, the body agreed to lobby to stiffen the punishment for desecrating the Page 2 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 4, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 monument, said Fred Rathburn, The national group also focused on Buzak, 36. president of Peterborough’s Royal generating improved benefits for "And then he doesn't phone you or e- Canadian Legion Branch 52. veterans, said Hogg. who has attended mail you and (you feel like) ... nobody the convention since 1947. “We want urinating on the Cenotaph cares. It's just the loneliness. put in the Criminal Code of Canada,” “We’re always trying to get our Sometimes you just get tired of being Rathburn said. veterans better pensions and facilities,” alone when you're in a couple. he said explaining it’s geared towards Sometimes it's just hard." “The $65 fine for the boy in keeping them in their homes as long as Peterborough is not enough. We are She proudly shows off a picture of a possible. going to push for stronger punishment.” recent holiday in Italy with her husband- “There have been drastic improvements to-be, Master Cpl. Robert Jackson, 38, The community was angered when a over the years,” Hogg said. of the Calgary Highlanders. He's been 17-year-old boy was charged with a gone since February and is due back The next Dominion Convention is being municipal offence on May 5 for this fall. They are to be married Nov. 8. held in Winnipeg in 2010 and the urinating on the Cenotaph. The $65 provincial convention is scheduled for "I would like him sitting right here penalty was too lenient for many. Burlington next year. beside me," she says, patting the Mayor Paul Ayotte said at the time the cushion beside her. "At the same time, Sunday, June 29, 2008 boy should be responsible for cleaning JAMES NEELEY, The Peterborough Examiner it makes him happy. It's the work he the Cenotaph. Section: RCL loves and part of who he is." "This should upset anyone," Ayotte Jackson, a reservist, works with said. "I think he got off light with a $65 Families of soldiers serving in autistic and disabled children when he fine." Afghanistan band together is at home. The convention, which takes place Buzak is not the only one holding a every second year, was a good learning lonely vigil for loved ones serving experience and a lot of important overseas. She is one of countless business got done, Rathburn said. military partners left alone to deal with the day-to-day humdrum of working, A change in headwear regulations was taking care of homes and looking after passed at the convention, which was children. attended by four Peterborough delegates, he said. "You realize you've got to do it alone and you're going to be two parents. It's “All members are now allowed to wear hard," says Ginna McDermott, 27, as the regiment headdress they served in,” she watches her son, Brendan, 8, Hogg said. playing on his computer in their The decision took a couple conventions southwest Calgary apartment. to pass and was done to accommodate "A lot of parents don't know what it's veterans of the current Afghanistan like to be both the dad and the mom mission. because you've got to take care of the The legion made some executive cuts kids, you've got a job and you don't to ease the financial burden of many have someone with you to help you branches, he said. Master Bombadier Dave Montgomery with it." “Each province now has only one (front) and Gunner Steve Stanford (back), Her husband, Cpl. Shawn McDermott with 1 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, representative,” Rathburn said. of the Calgary Highlanders, is on his spend their final few minutes with their second tour of Afghanistan. A large Previously, most provinces had two and families before leaving the Multi-Purpose wedding photo of the couple - she in Ontario had six. Training Facility at CFB Shilo on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 . white and he in his military uniform - The number of Dominion vice- Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tim hangs above the mantle. There are also presidents was also trimmed to three Smith pictures of their son in a mini-military from four and the number of meetings uniform and aiming a toy gun. were reduced, Rathburn said. CALGARY - Perched on the edge of her sofa -12,000 kilometres away from "I want to be an army man and a Despite 18 branches nationwide the front lines of Afghanistan where her scientist when I grow up," says closing since the 2006 convention the fiance is serving with the Canadian Brendan, as he takes a brief break from Branch 52 is doing well, said Eric Forces-Leanna Buzak is dealing with the computer to stand close to his Hogg, the branch’s finance chairman. her own hardships. mother. “We’ve been able to increase our "Sometimes you just get fed up with it "I miss having fun with him and going membership by about 200 in past few all ... you had a rotten day at work, a fishing and watching movies together at months with new facility (at Lansdowne hundred things have gone wrong, I've the theatres and going places." Street West and Kawartha Heights got to get up to his house to cut the McDermott kept to herself during her Boulevard),” Hogg said. grass and I don't have time," sighs husband's first tour of duty but quickly The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 3 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 Week Ending July 4, 2008 realized there was both support and "I just keep myself focused ... and loved ones to go off to war. These are help available from other spouses. In think if Owen and the guys over there the same notes that many sailors on any military community, there is a can help people, then I guess I can this ship, HMCS Kitchener, listened to grapevine along which news travels deal with my fear." during World War II. It was 66 years quickly. ago today she set sail for the first Buzak says bad news is worrisome - time." "It's a big, tight community and they all no matter who it affects. "You hear it respect and support each other. It is a on the news, your person's OK, but "There wasn’t an empty seat inside family. Everybody knows everybody you worry about everybody else." Branch 50 of the Royal Canadian and if you don't know them personally Legion as Veterans raised a glass to McDermott expects her husband will you still know them," she said. this mighty vessel, a warship named eventually go on tour again. She says after their city, and a name that went Many women become fast friends and it's important for Canadians to down in the history books. The ship share their worries and frustrations. understand what military families go also has another claim to fame, she through. "There is a grapevine but there is also a was later dubbed HMCS Hollywood, lot of sensitivity to the family," "They always focus on the soldiers and after appearing in a movie called acknowledged Claire Savage, who has them being overseas. They don't seem Corvette “K-225” starring Randolph been married five years to Capt. Owen to focus on the families that are left Scott. In July 1945 she was Savage, a member of the Princess behind, that are left to deal with all the decommissioned and broken up in Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. issues the soldiers don't have to worry 1949." about," she says softly. "There's a couple of military wives I've "While Kitchener may be gone, thanks become very close to while the "A lot of people wonder how do you do to songs like this one, the memories husbands are overseas and we get it? How do you wait for your husband will never fade." together regularly for coffee. We ... can for so long? We all know how to deal Katriona Moss, CTV News, share information practically on the day- with it to a point, but when they do get Kitchener." to-day struggles of living on your own," home, you have to get used to being said Savage, who recently joined the married again." Click on the link below to watch the reserves and is a second lieutenant. video report. Sunday, June 29, 2008 Buzak joined the Calgary Highlander's Bill Graveland, THE CANADIAN PRESS Monday, June 30, 2008 ladies auxiliary and is a member of two Section: Afghanistan CTV online communities for spouses of Section: Veterans Canadian soldiers who are overseas. Her online "family" has become a HMCS Kitchenener CTV lifeline for her. News War Amps Cliff Chadderton to appear on national radio "They have become some of my closest allies in the last year because show July 1st they understand what you're going through in ways that your civilian friends and even your family doesn't," Buzak said.

"It's been nice to have a place to go OTTAWA: Cliff Chadderton, Chief and rant when you need to and Executive Officer of The War Amps and celebrate the things you need to Chairman of the National Council of celebrate." Veteran Associations, will be She's also close to many of the other CTV news did a splendid job reporting participating in an important radio show spouses in Calgary. There are "lots of the successful event to celebrate which will be broadcast nationally from phone calls back and forth" and efforts HMCS Kitchener's 66th birthday on 5-7 p.m. EST on Tuesday, July 1st. to go out to dinner together once a Saturday. Congratulations to all The Gerry Cammy Show airs live on month. involved on a splendid job. CFRA Radio (580 AM) in Ottawa and A major thing the women share is fear Transcript.. can that the next bad news out of also be heard across Canada on the Afghanistan will be personal. That "And as we get set to celebrate Internet at www.cfra.com. The call-in reality hit close to home on May 6 Canada day, Veterans at a Kitchener show will have a Canada Day theme, when Cpl. Michael Starker of Calgary Royal Canadian Legion were marking with Mr. Chadderton commenting on died in an ambush outside Kandahar. another anniversary today, CTV’s Canada's military heritage and current Katriona Moss explains." issues affecting veterans. "Definitely it scares me. The sense of tragedy for that family hits you because "It’s a song about hope, love and fear, Questions can be submitted to Mr. it could so easily be our family," says while this melody is no longer main Chadderton during the show by calling: Savage. "That could be Owen and stream, the words are just as powerful (613) 521-TALK (521-8255) in Ottawa that's very scary. today, as they were over 60 years ago. or toll-free 1-800-580-2372 from across The song is about home, and leaving Page 4 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 4, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 Canada. of taking care of their loved one caregiving so a spouse can work exacted on their own health, as well as outside the home. Monday, June 30, 2008 the strain on their relationships with Veterans Affairs said it is already CNW other family members. Section: Veterans acting on the report. “Everything is affected because I have "We are contacting all Canadian to do things for him that he can't do for Forces veterans who are seriously Disabled veterans' families himself, so everything that I would do disabled, and their families, to ensure feel strain on finances, health: otherwise is decreased," the study they have all the supports possible quoted one respondent as saying. "It is survey from Veteran Affairs Canada and other more draining on emotions than the sources," said spokeswoman Heather physical. The financial cost alone is MacDonald. tremendous. The non-financial cost, you can't count it.” "Our department is increasingly aware of the impact of veterans' injuries on 'A whole new phenomenon' caregivers and we have … many “The biggest problem is the … loyalties initiatives to help meet the changing divided between caring for your family needs of our younger veterans and their and bringing in a wage. Who suffers the families." most? The kids suffered,” another respondent said. Monday, June 30, 2008 The study's authors say the problem is CBC New s growing as more Canadian military Section: Veterans families are forced to care for loved ones who have suffered long-term, CUTHBERT, Ron J. debilitating injuries during the Afghanistan mission. Study recommends compensation, benefits go directly to caregivers. "These young veterans present a whole new phenomenon," said Norah Keating, People who care for Canada's disabled co-author of the study. "Now we've got veterans often face overwhelming disabilities happening so much earlier demands and financial pressures, in life. Families have to cope for 20 or according to a study prepared for more years." Veterans Canada. The soldiers surveyed were between 25 The study by the University of Alberta's and 65. They were suffering full human ecology department indicates impairment to most of their bodies and the families of Canadian soldiers were often battling emotional, released from active duty with severe psychiatric and psychological disabilities suffer long-term financial conditions. burdens, as well as high rate of emotional stress and health issues. Several respondents also noted the specific difficulties facing younger The study, titled Wounded Veterans, veterans with high levels of disability Wounded Families, was based on We are sorry to report that Ron who did not expect to be dealing with phone interviews in the fall of 2007 with Cuthbert has passed away. Our problems that they associated with of 142 wounded soldiers and 115 of condolences and prayers go out to his later life. their caregivers. It was aimed at family. evaluating the experiences of family Difficult for caregivers CUTHBERT, Ron J. - Passed away, on members and friends who support Many said they felt that groups like the Saturday, June 28, 2008, at Freeport those with service-related disabilities. Canadian Legion and Veterans Affairs Hospital. were designed for the needs of aging Almost 40 per cent of spouses had A treasured life ended long before its veterans of the Second World War and been providing support to their disabled time. the Korean War. partners for between 10 and 19 years, Ron will be missed forever by his wife, while another 24 per cent had been The Canadian military takes good care Helen (Cartmell) of 27 years and his providing support for more than 20 of veterans, Keating said, but the daughters, Stephanie Leah and Bailey years, according to the study. Some system of having benefits flow through Anne. He was predeceased by his 55 per cent of caregiver respondents the disabled soldier often makes it mother, Viola Cuthbert. The loss will reported spending five or more hours difficult for the caregivers. every day helping the veteran. also be deeply felt by his caring sister, The study recommends compensation Donna Hynd and nieces, Megan and More than 40 per cent reported they and benefits flow directly to caregivers, Kelly Hynd and Kate Cartmell. were earning less money and that the focus be on the family's needs Grandsons, Logan and Leland will be experiencing financial hardship, while as well as those of the veteran, and forever warmed by recollections of their several spouses spoke of the high toll that the department help with very proud Poppy. The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 5 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 Week Ending July 4, 2008 Ron valued his friends immensely. He tens of thousands of Canadians would At Halifax's Pier 21, the historic entry appreciated their support at home and see action. Ultimately, Canada suffered point for immigrants was packed as in the hospital over the last several approximately 24,000 casualties. family and friends celebrated the months. He was a man of integrity, country's newest citizens. Sixty-one We should regard their legacy with strength and courage. He was truly people were sworn in Tuesday from 27 nothing less than sincere gratitude and admired for the way he faced and twice different countries. respect. Their unbreakable spirit, conquered cancer. A third battle raged unwavering courage and selfless Florencia Berakha said she felt "proud which Ron fought with the sacrifice so many years ago continues and grateful" of acquiring her determination so typical of him. to have a profound influence on our citizenship, adding she was "very Cremation has taken place. A private Canadian way of life. Their legacy is happy and willing to contribute to my reception will be held at a later date. our heritage - and, together, we will community and this province in honour their memory." particular." If you wish, donations may be made in Ron's memory to the Royal Canadian Monday, June 30, 2008 In Montreal, organizers said a crowd of Legion, Branch 50. (524 Belmont Veterans Affairs Canada at least 100,000 attended the annual Street West, Kitchener N2M 5E3). Section: Veterans loud-and-proud Canada Day parade. Enthusiastic, flag-bedecked Visit www.henrywalser.com for spectators, many in family groups, Ronald's memorial. Canada Day celebrations range from silly to sombre lined up patiently for slices of the Monday, June 30, 2008 traditional birthday cake at the end of Webmaster the event. Section: Births Deaths and Marriages A total of about 60 groups participated, including several marching bands. "It Minister Issues Statement on was very smooth," said Leo Fauvel, the Occasion of Beaumont- one of the organizers. Hamel Anniversary In Vancouver, German-born Katja Magarin, 30, was sworn in as a new Canadian at Canada Place. The RCMP musical ride performs in front After she and the 79 others had taken of thousands during Canada Day the oath of citizenship with its three Ottawa - The Honourable Greg celebrations on Parliament Hill. promises -- faithfulness to the Queen of Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Credit: Chris Mikula, Canwest News Canada, adherence to the laws of issued the following statement to mark Service Canada and fulfilling the duties of a the 92nd anniversary of Beaumont- good citizen -- they were invited to Coast-to-coast festivities ring in 141st approach the platform that included Hamel: birthday B.C. "As Canadians come together Across the country, Canadians came tomorrow to celebrate our nation on its Lt.-Gov. Steven Point and Rear Admiral out to celebrate the nation's 141st birthday, we must also take the time to Tyrone Pile, commander of the Joint birthday on Tuesday in their own honour those who made the ultimate Task Force Pacific region. distinct ways, from embracing silliness sacrifice so we could enjoy the peace to remembering those who gave their As the admiral shook Magarin's hand, and freedom that we have today - the lives. she leaned towards him and whispered: Canada we have today. "I'm joining up tomorrow." Before ending in a burst of fireworks The Battle of the Somme began in the and jubilation, there were bittersweet Magarin is applying for a commission early morning hours of July 1, 1916, moments. in the Canadian Forces as an artillery near the towns of Beaumont and officer. She already has military Hamel, France. The 1st Newfoundland At the National War Memorial in experience serving with the German Regiment served valiantly and with downtown St. John's, N.L., veterans, military. determination against overwhelming officials, Legion members, peace odds that morning. With courage and officers, nurses and military personnel "But all they will allow women to be are without hesitation, they went 'over the gathered to honour soldiers who made medics," she said. top' into No Man's Land where they the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle In Regina, partygoers flocked to the faced a terror unfathomable to most. In of Beaumont Hamel in the First World shores of Wascana Lake on the less than half an hour the first battle War. legislative grounds for free birthday would be over. Newfoundland paid an More than 230 soldiers were killed, 386 cake and the fourth annual Plywood extraordinary price on that day: of the wounded and 91 went missing in action Cup competition. 801 who had gone into battle, only 68 on July 1, 1916, when soldiers of the were able to respond at roll call the Enterprising boatsmen armed with duct Newfoundland Regiment started to following morning. tape and plywood took up the cross 200 metres of no man's land challenge of building a water-worthy The Battle of the Somme would rage on toward a German position near the craft which they then attempted to for another four and a half months, and French town. paddle across the lake. Twenty teams Page 6 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 4, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 took part -- many of them sinking them every day." said. before they reached land. But with so many days to For him celebrating Canada Day And in Edmonton, thousands of commemorate veterans of various yesterday at the Legion's Support the revellers, including one wearing a conflicts Canadian soldiers have been Troops event was just about "looking Superman costume, crammed into the involved in, either fighting or as after your fellow comrade." downtown for the city's annual Silly peacekeepers, he said it's important to Longaphie said he simply wanted to Summer parade. give a day to recognize men and have a casual day to show their women currently serving our country In Ottawa, tens of thousands of flag- support. overseas. waving people in red and white The day began with a breakfast, gathered on Parliament Hill, joining Veterans of various conflicts were followed by a short ceremony which Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean and Prime present yesterday to show their involved veterans parading in, the Minister Stephen Harper. Mounties support and celebrate the national singing of Oh Canada and God Save escorted a carriage carrying Jean, her holiday. the Queen, and playing of The Last husband and daughter, who waved to Harold Logan is a Second World War Post and Amazing Grace, followed by the cheering crowd. Jean then Veteran. He served in Holland, England a moment of science for "departed inspected a ceremonial guard as a 21- and Germany from 1944 to 1946. comrades." gun salute marked the occasion. Though he never fought in battle, Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc also Shortly after CF-18s and Snowbird jets because the Allies had already gained gave a short speech. roared above the gathering, the prime momentum by the time he was minister spoke to the crowd on the Hill. "It's a great honour to share this day deployed, he said there were some with you," he said. "On behalf of Canada, I wish you all a tense times while was helping occupy happy Canada Day," said Harper. Germany. LeBlanc said he has some friends who "Today is the day we celebrate our have served and are currently serving. Having risked his life for his country, home and native land." Logan is very patriotic. "Of course, we want them to serve our The Governor General also spoke to country proud," he said of soldiers "(Being Canadian) means everything in the crowds. "Happy Birthday, Canada, I currently in Afghanistan, "and for them the world to me," he said. love you," said Jean. to come back safe." Alex LeGood, a veteran who served on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 Wednesday, July 02, 2008 five peacekeeping tours in Cyprus John Pollack, Times & Transcript Canw est New s Service between 1965 and 1988, had similar Section: RCL Section: Miscellaneous sentiments. "It makes me proud to be Canadian," Canada Day another day at Moncton Legion celebrates he said of his service. Canada Day with show of the office for some Canadian "Any time you're out of Canada (as a troops support for our troops soldier) it's high risk," he said. Having served for over two decades in the military, LeGood feels a strong connection with his country. He said he enjoys the freedom he has as a Canadian. "Except for the gas prices," he joked. Logan said that patriotism is one of the few pluses from a country being at war. KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- The Metro Moncton sky was all aglow last For Logan, who was born in 1925, a lot July 1 was a day of partying for some night during the Canada Day celebrations of the patriotism from the First World of Canada's 2,500 soldiers in fireworks show. Good weather brought War was still around when he was thousands of people out to watch the Afghanistan, but it was also a regular deployed. pyrotechnics. workday for many, as the battle group He said it was down in the 1970s and joined in a surprise attack on a Taliban The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. '80s but has been up since 1995, the stronghold southwest of Kandahar City. 6 held a Canada Day celebration 50th anniversary of the end of the yesterday in support of the troops at Afghan national security forces and Second World War. But he said it still their Legion hall on War Veterans British airborne soldiers were dropped wasn't as high then as it is now. Avenue. by helicopters into an area identified as "Only since this Afghanistan thing harbouring insurgents. Canadian troops Legion Branch president Dave started to blossom (has) patriotism with the 2nd Battalion, Princess Longaphie said Canada Day was a started coming back... to where it was Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry battle good day to support the troops in in the Second World War, I think," he group established blocking positions to Afghanistan but "We want to support ensure militants could neither enter nor The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 7 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 Week Ending July 4, 2008 leave the targeted area. funds, collected from ordinary skies, local dignitaries, special guests, Canadians, are used for small projects residents of Hall’s Harbour and the "This particular area was an insurgents' and other needs identified by troops in general public gathered Sunday, June hornet's nest," said Task Force the field. Children facing serious 29 at 9:30 a.m. outside West Hall’s Afghanistan spokesman Maj. Jay medical issues that would otherwise Harbour Baptist Church. Janzen. He said no Afghan security or not be treated are among the allied international troops were killed or They witnessed Comrades from the recipients, he said. wounded in the single-day effort, and Royal Canadian Legion Habitant No. 73 "we believe there was no collateral The day's celebrations included cutting branch Canning, N.S. (assisted by damage." a giant cake, a barbecue hosted by the members of Lumsden Branch No. 74, Canadians, flown-in comedians and a Wolfville) parade in a full Colour Party Janzen said the intention had been to concert by country singer George for the official dedication of the new arrest armed insurgents who had been Canyon, whose band had to vacate the Remembrance Memorial monument in under observation "for some time" in stage temporarily following an this well-known village by the sea. several residential compounds, but insurgent's rocket strike on the base. added "there was resistance . . . we do Legion members were accompanied by believe insurgents were killed." The "I know all my family and friends are Chief David Watson and members of Canadian Forces won't divulge battle thinking about me here today," said the Hall’s Harbour Volunteer Fire casualties, but a source told Canwest Cpl. Jordan Irvine, 23, of Surrey, as he Department (HHVFD), and Cst. Andy News Service that up to 10 militants enjoyed the two-beer special allotment Taylor, New Minas detachment, were killed in the fighting, which given each Canadian soldier on the RCMP, who attended in dress uniform. included attacks from "ISAF aviation otherwise normally dry base. While The formal ceremony was under the assets." describing his experience in direction of Habitant Branch Chaplain Afghanistan as "surreal," Irvine also During one of several ceremonies at (and 20-year Canadian Armed Forces had the opportunity to do what most Kandahar Airfield commemorating (CAF) veteran Captain) Rev. Marc Canadians will never be able to boast -- Canada Day, the mother of one soldier Potvin, who opened the service by touch both the Stanley Cup and the killed while serving as a medic made a leading in the national anthem. Grey Cup in the span of several plea for Canadians back home to learn months' force protection duty. Pastor David Cumby of Hall’s Harbour more about their country's security and Baptist invited the Hon. Scott Brison, reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan Canada Day is a time for Canadians to MP for Kings-Hants; the Hon. Mark and to show greater support for the think about how lucky they are, said Parent, MLA (Kings North); and Kings troops risking their lives to get it done. medic Sgt. Daryl Sagar of Canal Flats. County Warden Fred Whalen to bring "We in Canada, in our safety, in our "Just being part of a great country -- we greetings to the large crowd, which beautiful country, in our land of just do [this] for everybody else," he included a number of other local opportunity, we have so much. And we said of Canada's helping hand in veterans from the village and need to learn in this world that [from] Afghanistan. surrounding area. those to whom much is given, much is Whalen also conveyed regrets on expected," said Maureen Eykelenboom Wednesday, July 02, 2008 behalf of local Councillor Madonna of Courtenay, whose son, Cpl. Andrew Doug Schmidt, Canw est New s Service Spinazola, who was away on business. James "Boomer" Eykelenboom, 23, Section: Afghanistan Tim Bigelow and his father-in-law Kevin was killed by a suicide bomber in Watson, two Hall’s Harbour residents August 2006. New Nova Scotia memorial who are currently serving overseas with Eykelenboom said people who put on a honours great sacrifices the CAF Afghanistan mission, were uniform, whether soldier, police officer also acknowledged at this point. or firefighter, and willingly risk their lives Brison, Parent and Whalen each to protect strangers deserve Canadians' saluted the community’s achievement gratitude. in establishing such a local monument "We need to sit back and readjust our in tribute to past and current efforts of priorities and say, 'Wow, these are our all who have served and continue to heroes.' It doesn't take being killed to serve, and in memory of those who be a hero -- it takes being willing," she paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve said. the freedoms we can otherwise so Richard Parker of the Hall's Harbour easily take for granted. Eykelenboom, who created "Boomer's Historical Society and Lic. David Cumby, Legacy" to remember her son's pastor of the Hall's Harbour Baptist Cumby said that from the time he personalized efforts to help individual Church, unveil the new Hall's Harbour arrived at the church in 2006, he has Afghans after the misery he witnessed Monument of Remembrance during a been impressed by the willingness to in the field, handed Task Force June 29 ceremony. The rock for the help and the unified spirit that has Afghanistan a cheque Tuesday for monument was provided by Derrick and surrounded this particular Memorial $80,000. Barb Shaffer of South Alton. project, as seen in the work of the joint Credit: John DeCoste photos Hall’s Harbour Historical Society Col. Jamie Cade, deputy commander of (HHHS) and Baptist Church the Canadian soldiers here, said the Despite dark and storm-threatening Committee, and everyone approached. Page 8 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 4, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 One example of this team effort was Government of Canada to Governor General presents locating a suitably large 16-ton granite Support Veterans’ Military Valour Decorations at stone by committee member Lewis Participation in Quebec City’s the Citadelle Whitney and its donation, delivery and set-up by Shaffer Enterprises of South 400th Anniversary Parade Alton (represented by owners Derrick and Barb Shaffer). President Richard Parker said after the event, “the HHHS was very pleased with the committee’s design and the Québec - Veterans from Quebec will final installation of the costly bronze participate in a parade celebrating plaque by DeMone Monuments.” He Quebec City's 400th anniversary with also noted, “charitable donations for support from the Government of this project are still very welcome.” Canada. After an exchange of dedicatory words, The Honourable Greg Thompson, the monument was unveiled by Parker Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced (who also read the Memorial Scripture today a contribution to The Royal of Joshua ch. 4:1-9) and Cumby. Potvin Canadian Legion Branch #35 (Trois- led in the Prayer of Dedication, which Rivières). was followed by The Last Post (played by senior NKEC trumpeter Annie Veterans and legionnaires will MacDuff), two minutes of Silence and participate in Quebec City's Official “Reveille.” 400th Anniversary Parade thanks to funding of up to $6,675, provided The solemn ‘Act of Remembrance’ through Veterans Affairs Canada's (words that also appear on the plaque) Community Engagement Partnership Governor General Michaëlle Jean and Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie, Chief was led by Canning Legion President Fund. On July 3, 2008, 80 local of Land Staff Roy Lynk, who was instrumental in Veterans and legionnaires will ride in Credit: MCpl Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall arranging the ceremony. 30 antique military vehicles, led by Potvin called for the Laying of Wreaths Colonel Éric Tremblay of the 5th Quebec, Jun 27, 2008: “On behalf of all on behalf of Canada by Brison Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Canadians, I thank you and want you (assisted by RCMP Cst. Taylor); the The parade will also include 500 re- to know how very proud of you I am, Province of N.S., by MLA Parent (with enactors covering different eras of how very proud of you we all are.” Canada's military history and 1,500 HHVFD Fire Chief Watson); Her Excellency the Right Honourable Canadian Forces members. Municipality of Kings County, by Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Warden Fred Whalen (with Mr. Parker); "Quebec City, Canada's first city and a Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and the Royal Canadian Legion, by UNESCO world heritage site, has a presented Military Valour Decorations Habitant Branch Comrade (and Kings rich military history," said Minister and Meritorious Service Decorations to Co. Councillor) Jim Taylor (with HHVFD Thompson. "The participation of members of the Canadian Forces at Captain Brad Roy). The proceedings Veterans and legionnaires in this the Citadelle in Quebec City, the ended with the singing of “God Save special parade is a great opportunity to Governor General’s second official the Queen” and the marching off of the honour Canada's heroes." home, on June 27, 2008. Lieutenant- Colour Party. General Andrew Leslie, Chief of Land The Community Engagement Staff, was in attendance. The dignitaries and many of those Partnership Fund provides funding to assembled group then filed into the non-profit groups, educational “I also want to thank your families,” historic Baptist Church for a brief institutions and other organizations continued the Governor General, “your Municipal Appreciation and Heritage delivering remembrance activities and brothers and sisters, your parents, your worship Service, led by Cumby. Guest events. Administered through Veterans partners, your children, your loved Preacher was Rev. Dr. Mark Parent on Affairs Canada's Canada Remembers ones. We can never overstate their the topic, “Reaping the Whirlwind” program, contributions are made contribution to the success of the (Hosea 8:1-7a), and hymns were throughout the year and encompass Forces and its missions on behalf of “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” both national and community-based Canada and a democratic ideal.” and “The Church’s One Foundation”. projects. These were the first Military Valour Wednesday, July 02, 2008 To learn more about the Community Decorations to be awarded at the NovaNew sNow .com Engagement Partnership Fund, call 1- Citadelle, with many recipients part of 5 Section: Veterans 877-604-8489 or visit www.vac- Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, acc.gc.ca. operating out of Canadian Forces Base Valcartier. All of the Valour Decorations Wednesday, July 02, 2008 Veteran Affairs Canada were received for actions in Section: Veterans Afghanistan, largely during Rotation 4 of Joint Task Force Afghanistan, which The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 9 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 Week Ending July 4, 2008 deployed July 2007-March 2008. conditions, he successfully led his other CDS before him. company through seven major The Governor General presented 12 While many pundits have sought to operations and hundreds of patrols, Military Valour Medals, four Meritorious define the tenure of departing Chief of improving conditions in an unstable and Service Crosses and 10 Meritorious the Defence Staff, Gen. Rick Hillier, in volatile area. Service Medals. the oblique forms of masterminding our “I think we can all agree that it is very Afghanistan role or the re-equipment of The Medal of Military Valour, one of the often in the most difficult situations that the Canadian Forces, such opinions three Military Valour Decorations which we show our true worth,” the Governor miss the essence of the man. And also include the Victoria Cross and the General said to the recipients. “You are while those are things he certainly had Star of Military Valour, is awarded for absolute proof of this.” a hand in, his tenure is better marked an act of valour or devotion to duty in by the words of soldiers who wistfully the presence of the enemy. This was the fourth presentation of mark his passage with regret that their Military Valour Decorations, which were Corporal Michel Beaulieu of Ville de La greatest champion has left. created in 1993. Baie, Valcartier and Quebec City was I first became close to the general as among the recipients on this occasion. To read the citations, please visit: he prepared to take over the NATO Corporal Beaulieu was the gunner on http://www.gg.ca/media/ mission in Kabul. At the time, I was board a light armoured vehicle when, on doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=5423 acting as his point man for the October 5, 2007, during a patrol in Visit http://www.combatcamera.ca for Canadian team of officers and soldiers Afghanistan, the vehicle was struck by images. that would dominate the NATO mission an explosive device. Although he was in 2004. The first day he met his injured and under sustained enemy fire, Thursday, July 03, 2008 international staff, he disdained the Corporal Beaulieu dismounted the DND norms and, instead of lecturing, he vehicle and manually engaged the Section: Afghanistan launched into a two-way dialogue with enemy, saving many lives while every single person regardless of exposing himself to great peril. Why Gen. Hillier was so loved national provenance and linguistic The Meritorious Service Cross by his troops ability. Quite something in a span of recognizes a military deed or activity three hours with more than 300 people that has been performed in an in the room. But magically, he was outstandingly professional manner, able to do so and thus made everyone according to a rare high standard that feel important and a part of what they brings considerable benefit or great were about to embark on. honour to the Canadian Forces. To the class-conscious Europeans, A Meritorious Service Cross was this was unheard of. A Norwegian awarded posthumously, to Master officer, among others, came to me Warrant Officer Mario Mercier of afterwards saying "I have never seen a Valcartier, Quebec City and general like that." A refrain I would hear Sherbrooke. Master Warrant Officer for the next four years. Mercier was deployed as company In Kabul, nothing changed. He was the sergeant major from July to August most accessible commander I ever 2007. Displaying leadership and saw, and I've seen every NATO devotion to duty, he prepared his commander since 2003. Germans, soldiers for the challenges they would Italians, Brits and every other nation face in Afghanistan, and inspired them Oh I wish this man stayed longer as Chief imaginable and of every rank, would as they went into battle. He made the of Canada’s Defence Staff but I guess come away amazed that this general ultimate sacrifice when he succumbed General Rick Hillier felt that this coming would know their name, and preferred to injuries sustained by an explosion Canada Day was the time to pack it in for to eat in their company instead of in from a roadside bomb. a day. I applaud a man who meant what private or with other generals. Soldiers The Meritorious Service Medal said and said what he meant. He helped from other nations who had served in recognizes a military deed or activity rebuild the Canadian Armed Forces and Bosnia with him a decade earlier would performed in a highly professional gave it’s participants pride that was long ask me about the "General" on seeing overdue needed. He was outspoken, told manner, according to a very high a Canadian flag on my shoulder. "Say it the way it was and stuck it to those who standard that brings benefit or honour hi to him for me" they would ask. have an outdated chidishly leftist to the Canadian Forces. peacenik view of Canada. Well done And while he did lead a re-equipment of Among the recipients on this occasion General! They say old soldiers don’t die the Canadian Forces, his prime thought was Major Patrick Robichaud of but fade away. I hope this is not the case was to connect and make Canadians Valcartier and Rouyn-Noranda. Major with you, as for now I wish you well in your understand the perils of service. Simply Robichaud was deployed as the officer upcoming retirement, sir! put, he refused to put soldiers in harm's Credit: ftloveblog70, Blog at commanding C Company of Joint Task way without the tools necessary for WordPress.com. Force Afghanistan, from July 2007 to their survival. And Canadians should March 2008. Dealing with heavy He was our own JFK; a man who have no doubt, that prior to Gen. Hillier casualties, complex terrain and difficult stirred our emotions and hopes like no we frequently took short-cuts or Page 10 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 4, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 "managed risk" as if soldiers were Every single soldier knew that with this 900 prisoners, then briefly overran a mere poker chips to be played on the CDS, they would be cared for before, strategic valley outside Kandahar. Last international stage. The success of our during and after their missions, as week, a Pentagon report forecast the soldiers and of our nation was always would their families. It is why they fundamentalist Islamic militia would at the forefront of Gen. Hillier's would do anything for this man. But maintain or increase its attacks, which thoughts. these are not my words and thoughts are already up 40% this year from 2007 alone; they are the thoughts of in areas where U.S. troops operate But there are two images of the man thousands of soldiers, who on Gen. along the Pakistani border. that remain indelibly printed in my Hillier's retirement could only say, "say mind, which go far in explaining why In Iraq, at least 31 international soldiers it isn't so." It is like our own Camelot soldiers loved him so. died in June: 29 U.S. troops and one has ended. each from the former Soviet republics of On his last night in Kabul, there was a It is that legacy of compassion that will Georgia and Azerbaijan. There are party held in his honour to say good- endure: that he was the champion of 144,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, along with bye. The former Turkish foreign minister the common soldier. And that legacy is 4,000 from Britain and small was moved to tears in saying farewell. probably the one he would prefer best; contingents from several other nations. Earlier that evening, Gen. Hillier had and it is why we loved him so. been given Afghanistan's highest The 40-nation international coalition is honour for what is still remembered as George Petrolekas was involved in the much broader in Afghanistan, where one of the most successful NATO Afghan mission from 2003 to 2007, only about half of the 65,000 commands in that country, and what representing Canada at NATO's international troops are American. Canadians don't know is that Gen. operational headquarters in U.S. Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Schloesser, Hillier almost single-handedly had Afghanistan. the top commander of U.S. forces here, forestalled a coup d'état against the Originally Posted July 1st, 2008 © The said in June that militant attacks were nascent Afghan democracy. Ottawa Citizen 2008 becoming more complex -- such as But he left all of that and I watched him gunfire from multiple angles plus a in his office write a letter in his own Thursday, July 03, 2008 roadside bomb. Insurgents are using hand to the family of a Norwegian George Petrolekas, Citizen Special more explosives, he said. soldier who had been killed some Section: Afghanistan Mark Laity, the top NATO spokesman weeks earlier. He didn't have to do that, in Afghanistan, said troops were taking all the protocols had already been June was deadliest month for the fight to insurgents in remote areas observed, but he felt the need to troops in Afghanistan war and putting themselves in harm's way. connect and console a grieving family. One or two events can And in 2006, as our own casualties disproportionately affect the monthly rose, I would frequently accompany death toll, he said. him to the military hospital in In June, at least 13 British troops were Landstuhl, Germany, where disdaining killed, along with at least two all protocol and pomp due his rank and Canadians and one person each from office, would arrive in civilian clothes to Poland, Romania and Hungary. simply sit at a soldier's bedside, many grievously wounded, to pass on hope The AP count found that about 580 and commitment with a tenderness people died in insurgent violence last that was moving. Canadian troops leave an armored month, including about 440 militants, 34 civilians and 44 members of the And that commitment extended to their vehicle during a recent operation in Afghan security forces. More than families. I saw and heard him speak to southern Afghanistan, where Taliban fighters overran a district. 2,100 people have died in violence this every single devastated family. year, according to the AP count, which Contrast that with years previous where Credit: Musadeq Sadeq / Associated is based on figures from Afghan, U.S. soldiers were invalided out of the Press and NATO officials. military as soon as was conveniently KABUL, AFGHANISTAN -- At least 45 possible. Gen. Hillier alone changed On Monday, an Afghan official said international troops, including at least that dynamic. U.S.-led forces backed by warplanes 27 Americans, died in Afghanistan in killed 28 militants in southwestern A few weeks ago he was at my home June, the deadliest month since the Afghanistan, including several Taliban for dinner. As we spoke, his words 2001 U.S.-led invasion to oust the commanders. focussed on the families and soldiers Taliban, according to an Associated gone, by name remembered and with Press count. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization praise for their strength. I knew then, said it killed several more insurgents in It was also the second straight month as I've always known, that I was in the coordination with Pakistani forces in which militants killed more U.S. and presence of uncontrived greatness. As along the mountainous border, and NATO troops in Afghanistan than in American and British friends told me "It three members of the U.S.-led coalition Iraq. is more than just you Canadians who died when their vehicle rolled into a will miss him." The Taliban in June staged a riverbed Sunday. sophisticated jailbreak that freed about They say you can't easily fool a soldier. Thursday, July 03, 2008 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 11 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 Week Ending July 4, 2008 The Associated PresAsmericans back then. as a soldier, despite the fact that I am Section: Afghanistan a native of Hamburg, where in 1943 Schmidt Yes, of course. But I did not some 30,000 to 40,000 people were suspect that it would soon come to an killed by the British in a single week. East-West conflict. Ex-Chancellor Schmidt But the people of Hamburg have been Reflects on The Cold War Spiegel: In your opinion, what led to Anglophiles since the Napoleonic Wars the confrontation? Was it unavoidable? and they held it less against the British then against Hermann Göring, who had Schmidt It quickly became clear that failed to protect them. the soldiers of the Western allies were largely outnumbered by the Soviet Spiegel: In 1949, the Federal Union's enormous buildup of troops. Republic of Germany (West Germany) Generally, you would really have to say was founded, followed by the German that from 1947-1948 the Western Democatic Republic (East Germany). powers saw the military superiority of Was the division of Germany the Russians as a threat. That is where inevitable? nuclear weapons entered into the Schmidt It happened. That is clear. equation. They were intended to Whether or not it was avoidable or Former German Chancellor Helmut prevent the Soviets from deploying their Schmidt: Rapprochement with the Soviets someone could have prevented it -- many tanks and soldiers. That was the was "only possible with the military those are all hypothetical questions. principle known as nuclear deterrence. support of the Americans." Spiegel: But it is a fact that in 1952 Credit: SPIEGEL ONLINE Spiegel: Why didn't the West ever Josef Stalin offered to negotiate with attempt to compensate in a This year marks the 60th anniversary the Western powers over the conventional manner? of the start of the Cold War. In an reunification of Germany. West interview with Spiegel, former Schmidt They could not. Given the German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, large number of Soviet troops, it was rejected the offer. He thought the whole 89, discusses the policy of nuclear impossible, despite the later thing was a maneuver to prevent West deterrence during the Cold War, the introduction of military conscription in Germany from being integrated into the Cuban Missile Crisis, the stationing of West Germany. West. Was an opportunity missed nuclear weapons in Germany and the there? reasons behind the collapse of the Spiegel: But from an economic Soviet Union. perspective, the West was significantly Schmidt I felt that Adenauer made a stronger than the Soviet Union. mistake, and today I would still tend to Part 1: 'Both Sides Were in the Grips say that he acted rather rashly by flatly Schmidt When it comes to war, as of Insanity ... Things Have Not turning down the proposal. But Changed' well as the prevention of war, it is not Adenauer was not the key man; that merely a question of economic Spiegel was actually the US President at the : Mr. Schmidt, you were capacities and the size of the defense time, Harry Truman. It was of course up released from a British POW camp in budget, but also of the sheer size of to Washington to decide. August, 1945. The Potsdam the armed forces. You can see an Conference of the victorious Allied example of this in Iraq. The Americans Spiegel: What did Stalin hope to Powers had just been concluded. At do not have enough people on the attain with his proposal? the time, did you think that deep ground there, so they cannot win the Schmidt At the time, the US and divisions would soon divide East and war. West? Adenauer intended to rearm Germany. Spiegel: Recruiting soldiers in a Of course the Soviets knew that. I think Schmidt You know, after eight years dictatorial system is of course much it is likely that the Stalin Note was an in the armed forced, in times of peace easier than in a democracy. attempt to forestall this development. and war, my overriding feeling was: Nobody can really say how sincere the Schmidt The Americans intended to "Thank God, it is over." I was 26 when proposal was because no one knows abolish the draft, which they of course the war ended and I knew nothing what Stalin’s real intentions were. about the world. I had grown up during did later on. The Soviets saw the Nazi period and, until I was made a conscription as merely a matter of Spiegel: Germany was one of the prisoner of war, I had never heard the course. That is also how it was under major battle fields of the Cold War. word democracy. I recall that during the the czars. Were you afraid back then that it could actually come to a nuclear war in last months of the war I said to my Spiegel: One of the most dramatic Western Europe? commander: "What we are doing here events of the early post-war years was is utter nonsense. We should be trying the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49. For many Schmidt Starting with my election to to hold back the Soviets and allowing West Germans, this operation to aid Germany’s lower house of parliament, the Americans to advance as far as West Berlin during the Soviet blockade the Bundestag, in the autumn of 1953, I possible." He then replied: "Lil' made former enemies into friends. delved into strategic issues. I quickly Schmidt, I will pretend I did not hear What was it like for you? realized that the threat of nuclear that." retaliation from the West would provoke Schmidt I did not see the Americans Spiegel a nuclear response from the Soviet : You already preferred the and the British as enemies. Not even Page 12 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 4, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 Union. The Russians had had their politician) Franz Josef Strauss. guided by reason, into a policy nuclear weapons for a long time, and motivated by a yearning for peace. It Spiegel: But the conservative then they also acquired the hydrogen was clear that it could not have German minister of defense with the bomb. continued if, for instance, the Christian Social Union (the Bavarian Americans had said no. Spiegel: And you were not sister party to the national Christian concerned that the situation could Democrats) was unfortunately not in Spiegel: Would you, in retrospect, somehow escalate? Hamburg very often. say that the German policy of détente was a success? Schmidt No. I only felt that the West Schmidt In any case, it is a totally had to be able to defend itself to avoid false story. Schmidt It was a success. In any being drawn into a nuclear conflict. case, it helped minimize the risks of Spiegel: Starting in 1969, the confrontation between the two German Spiegel: In 1962, the Soviets German policy of rapprochement under states. Although it did not convince stationed nuclear warheads on Cuba. Chancellor Willy Brandt slightly eased everyone in the Soviet leadership, it This led to an extremely dangerous East-West tensions. definitely reassured Leonid Brezhnev of situation. The Cuban Missile Crisis Schmidt Correct. But this was our peaceful intentions. clearly brought the dangers of nuclear viewed by the Americans at first with war to the attention of the world. Many Spiegel: In the mid-1970s, tensions suspicion. Then National Security feel that averting this catastrophe was rose again. The Soviet Union began to Advisor Henry Kissinger and President the beginning of the policy of détente station SS-20 missiles. What prompted Richard Nixon were very skeptical. I that former German Chancellor Willy this move? would like to think that we helped Brandt's government pursued in 1969 convince them to ease off. But it would Schmidt Years ago, I asked Mikhail with its new Ostpolitik (German for be an exaggeration to say that we won Gorbachev: "Were you not a member of eastern policies), which sought to them over to the détente camp. the Politburo when these SS-20 normalize relations with Eastern bloc missiles were deployed? Each nations, including East Germany. Spiegel: Nevertheless, the US equipped with three independently launched a number of initiatives, Schmidt Credit for resolving the targeted warheads. With a single including the Four Power Agreement on Cuban Missile Crisis goes not just to missile you could have wiped out (the Berlin in 1971 that paved the way for the Kennedy administration, but also to German cities of) Hamburg, Bremen the period of détente and the SALT Nikita Khrushchev and his people. and Hanover, all at once. What negotiations on strategic arms prompted you to make this threat?" Spiegel: Who triggered the crisis in limitations. the first place. Gorbachev responded, and I have no Schmidt Correct. But SALT, the reason to doubt what he said: "That Schmidt Yes. Khrushchev was Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the was never decided in the Politburo. The without a doubt a very impulsive Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the old man did that on his own initiative dictator. But in the end, it was not just Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and so on with the army." The old man was the Russians who gave in, but also the were not part of a strategy of Brezhnev. Perhaps he thought at the Americans, who had stationed nuclear rapprochement, but rather a strategy to time that it was not important enough weapons in Turkey. And these were maintain equilibrium. or too important to bring before the dismantled. Up until then, Turkey had Spiegel: And what was the chief Politburo. In reality, these new Soviet served as the missile launching pad for objective of Germany’s Ostpolitik? Was medium-range missiles were perfectly the Americans. So both sides gave in. it to secure peace or did German unity suited to upset the military balance; Incidentally, that did not lead to a play the key role? What was the main most of them were aimed at West period of détente -- afterwards, in 1968, focus? Historians are still debating this Germany. the Russians marched into point. Czechoslovakia. It was merely the Spiegel: You were instrumental in solution to a wantonly provoked brief Schmidt Let them argue about our orchestrating NATO's response in 1979 crisis that was dangerous to the motives. with the Double-Track decision. This extreme. included an offer for negotiations Spiegel: You have no opinion on the combined with the threat to deploy Part 2: 'The Americans Still Have matter? around 10,000 Nuclear Warheads' more missiles if no agreement could be Schmidt The idea was to maintain reached. Did you really believe that the Spiegel: During the Cuban Missile the substance of the nation, our Soviet Union wanted to use its Crisis you served as interior minister in consciousness as a nation. But missiles? the state of Hamburg. A lot of people Brandt, (then German Minister for Schmidt Probably nothing would have said that you acted out the Special Affairs) Egon Bahr and Walter have happened under Brezhnev. He conflict with people playing various Scheel, who served as foreign minister was actually afraid of war, I knew that. roles. and vice-chancellor, realized that this But I realized that things might look policy was only possible with the Schmidt That is utter nonsense. I different later on, under another Soviet military support of the Americans as never dreamed of doing something like leadership; and with the extremely the leaders of NATO. A number of that. Who supposedly would have nervous population in Germany, people dreamers and ideologues in Germany played the other side? It only could might then break down and roll out have inflated our Ostpolitik, which was have been someone like (Bavarian banners reading "better red than dead." The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 13 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 Week Ending July 4, 2008 All of this had the potential to generate that someone will press the wrong even more volatile than during the Cold pressure. And I also gave some button. There would have been no point War era. Do you share these views? thought to how an American in convincing the Americans to Schmidt No. The Cuban Missile administration would react if only unilaterally reduce their numbers. Crisis was the most perilous moment Germans were at risk. Spiegel: You were a member of the in the second half of the 20th century. Spiegel: Since negotiations failed to German government for 13 years, the The greatest strategic challenge in the produce an agreement, in 1983 the last 8 of which you served as 21st century is not terrorism but rather West began to deploy Pershing II and chancellor. During this time, was there the population explosion and the cruise missiles. In Moscow -- as we ever talk of developing or producing growing cultural conflict between the now know -- this move led to an German nuclear weapons? West and the Islamic part of the world. outbreak of war hysteria. Many These problems could produce mass Schmidt No. To the best of my members of the Soviet leadership migrations and possibly even wars. knowledge, the last time the topic was believed that the West was planning a broached was during the second or Spiegel: Mr. Schmidt, we thank you first nuclear strike. In that sense, the third cabinet under Adenauer. Strauss for this interview. Double-Track decision did not make was the minister of defense and was the world any safer, did it? Interview conducted by Spiegel pushing for the German armed forces editors Klaus Wiegrefe and Hans-Ulrich Schmidt I am totally open to all self- to have nuclear weapons. It is Stoldt. Translated from the German by criticism, but it is nonsense to say that conceivable that some people may Paul Cohen. it made the world less safe. On the have suggested that we could produce contrary, since the West and former them ourselves. There is no doubt that Thursday, July 03, 2008 Chancellor Helmut Kohl stuck with the we could have mustered the scientific SPIEGEL ON-LINE Double-Track Decision, in 1987 this in and technological expertise to create Section: Veterans fact led to the elimination of the them. But as far as I know it has never dreaded medium-range missiles on seriously been considered by a West Soldiers helping fellow both sides -- thanks to the very first German government, although the soldiers disarmament treaty since 1945! conservative Christian Democrats rejected the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Spiegel: If it had come to a war Treaty. between the Soviet Union and the US, Germany would have been one of the Spiegel: The collapse of the Soviet main battlegrounds. Did West Union marked the end of the era of Germany have the right to veto the East-West confrontation. In the end, possible use of nuclear weapons? did the Cold War affect the fall of the Soviet empire or accelerate it? Schmidt On paper, yes, de facto probably not. The veto only concerned Schmidt The fact of the matter is nuclear weapons that could have been that up until the 1980s, the Soviet launched from German soil. Union used its physical potential to fuel Nonetheless, in the 1970s we did a military buildup to a greater degree Warrant Officer Guylaine Plamondon and manage to ban the ridiculous nuclear than any other country. Without UBC professor, Dr. Marv Westwood, join mines between the zones of glasnost and perestroika this could forces to recruit war-zone veterans for the occupation, which would have more or have continued for a number of years. It Veterans’ Transition program. less automatically triggered a nuclear was of course a rigid dictatorship. But Credit: Kurt Langmann war. it is another question as to whether the It’s a program that arrived “50 years too Cold War or a number of Spiegel: Thousands of nuclear late,” according to one battle-scarred megalomaniacs in the Kremlin or weapons were at times stockpiled in veteran. perestroika and glasnost were West Germany. Why did the German responsible for the collapse of the Post traumatic stress disorder is an government never make more Soviet Union. affliction that strikes soldiers concerted efforts to drastically reduce indiscriminately – not affecting all, but this threat? Spiegel: The Soviet Union lost the the consequences for those whom it Cold War. Did the West win it? Schmidt Both sides were in the grips does strike can be deadly. Nightmares of this insanity. And things have not Schmidt The Soviet Union imploded, can lead to flailing out at a spouse changed. The Americans still have but not as a result of the Cold War. while asleep in bed, and PTSD around 10,000 nuclear warheads. And Some Americans would like to believe frequently causes sufferers to turn to the Russians have a few more. that they ran the Russians into the substance abuse, which in turn can ground with the arms race. That is an lead into a downward spiral of physical Spiegel: As the German chancellor, understandable exaggeration, but it is and emotional abuse of those close to you could have stood up and called for also absurd. the victim of this disease. a reduction. Spiegel: US President George W. The federal departments of Veterans’ Schmidt I was interested in creating Bush and others believe that the threat Affairs and National Defence offer a strategic equilibrium because a of international terrorism makes the social support programs for military balance of power reduces the likelihood current world situation as dangerous or families, but have not provided Page 14 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 4, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 psychological programs to assist Sombre anniversary for In Afghanistan there will be no soldiers returning from war-zones and Canadian troops ceremony to commemorate the day. easing back into civilian lives. The only evidence of remembrance or grief here is a cenotaph where the To fill this gap, a former soldier and photographs and names of all those UBC professor, Dr. Marv Westwood who have died are etched on marble created the Veterans’ Transition plaques, offering a stark and sombre program over a decade ago. way to track the deadly progress of the It’s a volunteer-run program by the war from the first fatalities - four on psychological professionals, with April 17, 2002 - to the most recent - funding from the B.C. and Yukon Capt. Jonathan Snyder on June 7. Legion Foundation to pay its operating This wasn't the way the Afghanistan costs. conflict was supposed to turn out for Participation by veterans is also Canada. What began as a modest voluntary, and confidentiality is combat mission six years ago, to rid guaranteed so that soldiers do not have Afghanistan of al-Qaida has become a Cpl. Jordan Anderson and his wife to worry about their medical files going Amanda Anderson at Dadeo's restaurant protracted battle against an enemy that back to their bosses in Ottawa. in Edmonton on the night he deployed. the Pentagon recently acknowledged has "coalesced into a resilient “It’s soldiers helping soldiers,” said One year ago today, six soldiers died insurgency." Westwood, one of the recipients of the in a devastating Taliban attack. Legion Foundation’s Quality of Life Last month the insurgents proved that Awards, June 27 at the Aldergrove KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - resilience by staging a stunning Legion.. Amanda Anderson has never been to breakout at Sarposa prison in Afghanistan but she visits here every Kandahar City, freeing the entire “Psychological injuries can be day in her imagination. convict population including 400 Taliban enormous, and if unchecked can lead fighters and sympathizers. They to serious consequences.” She walks along dusty trails in the baked countryside and marvels at the followed up by occupying villages in the The program started with surviving searing noonday sun. She lives in Arghandab district near Kandahar City. Second World War veterans, then Edmonton, but part of her always will "I recognize that when people see Korean War veterans, and currently is be walking through the Afghan things like Sarposa and incidents working with soldiers returning from countryside, side-by-side with her where people are killed it's easy to Afghanistan. soldier-husband, Jordan. One year ago draw the conclusion that we're just “We have helped 120 veterans in B.C., Friday, he was killed with five of his stuck in time, that we're just spinning and our next project is working with comrades and an Afghan interpreter in our wheels," said Col. Jamie Cade, veterans in Whitehorse,” said a roadside bombing. deputy commander of Canadian troops Westwood. Those seven deaths on July 4, 2007, in Kandahar. "Certainly, these acts like Sarposa frighten the local population . . The program has caught the interest of marked one of the deadliest days for . But advances are being made." veterans’ assistance organizations in the Canadian military in Afghanistan. It the U.S., in New York and Seattle. came just two weeks after another Cade pointed to the fate of the Westwood said that the HBO network roadside bomb had killed three insurgents' occupation of the has proposed filming a documentary on soldiers. Arghandab last month to prove his the program, and is seeking four Since that day, 25 Canadians have point. Unlike previous years when the volunteer veterans – two Canadian and died, bringing the death toll for the Taliban mustered hundreds of fighters two American – to be featured in the Afghanistan mission to 85 plus one in the region who had to be pushed out documentary. diplomat. with a concerted effort by Canadian troops, this time, there were far fewer To this end, Westwood has recruited a "It is hard not to feel ripped off at all I've insurgents and the Afghan National veteran of two tours to Afghanistan, lost, some days," says Amanda who Army led the fight to clear the district. Warrant Officer Guylaine Plamondon, was looking forward to her second to assist in finding two Canadian wedding anniversary when Jordan was "If you look back two years to where volunteers for the HBO documentary. killed. "But I am filled with pride at his we had no Afghan security forces trying Guylaine Plamondon, of 19 Wing accomplishments. He served Canada to deal with the security situation and Comox, also spoke at length about her with all his heart." then come forward, you now see that experiences in, and impressions of, they're taking an active part in dealing Afghanistan, during the June 27 Legion Amanda will mark Friday quietly, by with their problems," said Cade. "So, Foundation Quality of Life Awards. taking her dog for a walk. "We used to by that sort of time measurement go to the dog park every night and there's been tremendous progress Friday, July 04, 2008 sometimes twice on Saturdays," says Peace Arch New s made." Amanda. "It was a place where we Section: Veterans spent many happy hours and one of Cade said he has no idea how long it the last places we went the day he will take before the Afghan Army can deployed." fight without help from Canadian troops. The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 15 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 Week Ending July 4, 2008 Other Canadian commanders, such as hearing loss. It advocates the rights awareness of disabilities and identifying Brig.-Gen. Dave Fraser, have said we're and needs of hard of hearing and issues that will lead to the elimination looking at a generation before Afghans persons who are deaf at the municipal of barriers for a person with disabilities. can enjoy a functioning society with level, in an effort to break down social Ms. Smithson participated in the basics such as an army, police force barriers, create awareness and fully discussions and initial implementation and judicial system. integrate hard of hearing and people planning for the Ontario Disability Act. who are deaf into the community. For soldiers here the war is not a black- The City of Hamilton then devised, and-white affair but is filled with shades "Barrier Free Guidelines," which were of grey. There are no easy answers, no derived from the ODA, in 2005. quick solutions, no matter how As well, Ms. Smithson has been a frustrating that is for Canadians back volunteer at St. Francis Xavier Catholic home. Pick a problem, whether it's Church for years. economic reconstruction or poppy eradication, and the results will be She fundraised for the building of the measured in decades, not months or church, along with the parish's school even years. For soldiers, pulling out is and served on the parish council for not an option. If NATO simply were to many years. give up, they say, not only would She has been a coordinator and Afghans be left at the mercy of the facilitator for marriage preparation Taliban, we'd run the risk the country courses for about 20 years and has would again turn into a haven for been instrumental in the planning of the international terrorism. Diocesan Anniversary Mass every year. As far as Amanda Anderson is Ms. Smithson, along with her husband, concerned, Canadians should be in Stoney Creek resident Mary Smithson also received the Diocesan Medal of Afghanistan for however long it takes. has been named the Hamilton Municipal Honour in 2000. It is the highest civilian "My husband made me promise before Senior of the Year. Pictured here, Ms. honour for the Hamilton Diocesan. he went over that if anything happened Smithson shows off the award she Ms. Smithson's other volunteer efforts to him, to tell everyone I could one received at the Sackville Hill Seniors include: fundraising for the United Way, thing: 'stay the course and focus on the Recreation Centre. Red Cross and Salvation Army; board good we are doing. Don't focus on the Credit: LAURA LENNIE, Stoney Creek member of the Stoney Creek Non-Profit casualties, don't focus on the politics.'" News Housing Society; editor for the Stoney Friday, as she has done every day for "I'm hard of hearing, we have a son Creek Quilter's Guild; advisory work for the past year, Amanda will try to heed that's been hard of hearing since age the building of the St. Joseph's Urgent her husband's words and focus on the seven and we didn't get any help in Care hospital; friendly visitor for cancer good. It is a difficult, almost impossible those years," said Ms. Smithson. treatment clients; adult literacy tutor; task. But it helps sometimes if she "Being hard of hearing is difficult to children's finger printing services for the imagines he's giving the advice as they accept. One of the greatest sources of Stoney Creek Community Policing walk side-by-side, along a sun-baked help for hard of hearing people comes Centre; treasurer of the Stoney Creek trail in Afghanistan. from sharing experiences with others Club 60 Senior's Club; and most who are similarly afflicted. Through recently, a member of the Emergency © Edmonton Journal 2008 CHHA, we are able to offer people that Medical Services Committee for the Friday, July 04, 2008 source of help." City of Hamilton. Graham Thomson , Canw est New s Service Section: Afghanistan CHHA Hamilton branch secretary and It's no wonder Ms. Smithson has been friend Jacquie Reid says Ms. Smithson named the Hamilton Municipal Senior has brought CHHA a multitude of of the Year. No stopping Senior of the ideas. Year The honour is given to recognize and "She never stops thinking of CHHA or celebrate the outstanding voluntary STONEY CREEK: Enthusiastic is one how to let the public know we are out contribution seniors make to enrich the way to describe 78-year-old Mary there for them, to support and assist social, cultural or civic life of the Smithson. them in anyway we can," she said. community. "She has an amazing supply of energy An advocate for the hearing impaired, "It's overwhelming," said Ms. Smithson, that would challenge people half her Ms. Smithson has been the president of winning the honour. "You do these age." of the Canadian Hard of Hearing things and you never feel that you're Association (CHHA) Hamilton branch Ms. Smithson has also been a member going to be recognized, I mean you for three years and an active member of the City of Hamilton's Advisory didn't it do it for that intention." for 12 years. Committee for Persons with Disabilities Ms. Reid says Ms. Smithson is a since 2002. The CHHA is a non-profit organization tireless volunteer. led by hard of hearing and individuals As a member of the committee, she is "I don't know how she does it," she who are deaf with varying degrees of committed to raising community said. Page 16 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 4, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 Ms. Smithson says how she does it is period of 22 - 25 June 2008 have now She walks dusty trails in the baked quite simple. been published and are available for countryside and marvels at the searing download at the link below. noonday sun. She lives in Edmonton, "One thing just seems to lead to but part of her always will be walking another," she laughed. Friday, July 04, 2008 w ebmaster through the Afghan countryside, side- Ms. Smithson says she's just always Section: RCL by-side with her soldier-husband, been in the community and enjoys Jordan. One year ago today, he was giving back. killed with five of his comrades and an Change Of Command interpreter in a roadside bombing. "My husband and I came to Stoney Creek when we were bride and groom - that was 57 years ago. I like being known in the community, that I'm approachable," she said. "But more importantly, I like knowing that I've helped someone in some way. There's no feeling better than that." Corporal Jordan Anderson Friday, July 04, 2008 Credit: DND Laura Lennie, Stoney Creek New s Section: Seniors Credit: Sergeant Carl Elson, Photo Those seven deaths on July 4, 2007, Services marked one of the deadliest days for the Canadian military in Afghanistan. It Legion 8-Ball All Ontario General Rick Hillier (right), outgoing came just two weeks after another Champions Chief of the Defence Staff, and her roadside bomb killed three soldiers. Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Since that day, 25 Canadians have Commander-in-Chief of Canada, look died, bringing the death toll for the on as General Walt Natynczyk, Chief Afghanistan mission to 85, including of the Defence Staff, takes over one diplomat. command of the Canadian Forces "It is hard not to feel ripped off at all I've during a change of command ceremony lost, some days," says Ms. Anderson, on 2 July 2008 in Ottawa. who was looking forward to her second The ceremony was attended by a wedding anniversary when Jordan was number of dignitaries including The killed. "But I am filled with pride at his Peter Nielsen, left, and Larry Cuff, Right Honourable Stephen Harper, accomplishments. He served Canada members of the Royal Canadian Legion Prime Minister of Canada and The with all his heart." Branch 80 team, won the All Ontario Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Legion 8 Ball Championship in Windsor Ms. Anderson will mark today by Minister of National Defence and recently. walking her dog. "We used to go to the Credit: Mark Harrison Minister of the Atlantic Canada dog park every night ...," she says. "It Opportunities Agency. was a place where we spent many Peter Nielsen and Larry Cuff, members happy hours and one of the last places of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch A parade to honour dignitaries we went the day he deployed." 80 team, won the All Ontario Legion 8 attending the change of command Ball Championship in Windsor recently. ceremony consisted of 200 Canadian In Afghanistan, there will be no Forces members representing all ceremony to commemorate the day. The pair placed first amongst 21 teams elements of the Canadian Forces and The only evidence of remembrance or that reached the qualifying finals. included Regular and Reserve Force grief is a cenotaph where the photos personnel. and names of all who have died are Friday, July 04, 2008 etched on marble plaques, offering a Friday, July 04, 2008 The Mirror.Com stark and sombre way to track the Section: RCL DND Section: Afghanistan deadly progress of the war from the first fatalities -- four on April 17, 2002 -- to 2008 Legion Convention the most recent -- Capt. Jonathan Stay in Afghanistan as long Reports and Resolutions Snyder on June 7. as it takes, soldier's widow This wasn't the way the conflict was says supposed to turn out for Canada. What Woman marks first anniversary of began as a modest combat mission six death in quiet reflection. years ago, to rid Afghanistan of al- Qaeda, has become a protracted battle KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - against an enemy that the Pentagon Amanda Anderson has never been to The Reports and Resolutions arrising recently acknowledged has "coalesced Afghanistan, but she visits every day in into a resilient insurgency." from the 2008 Dominion Convention her imagination. held in Ottawa Ontario during the Last month, the insurgents proved that The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 17 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 Week Ending July 4, 2008 resilience by staging a stunning I'm a soldier in the regular forces who The plane, dubbed the Flying Fortress, breakout at Sarposa prison, freeing the works days so I often drop by a local was flown by Don Brooks, the son of a entire convict population. store in uniform to pick up groceries for tail gunner who completed 34 missions supper. I walk the aisles quickly, in the plane during the war. "I recognize that when people see getting whatever I think my pregnant things like Sarposa and incidents The flight is in memory of Don's father wife wants to eat and often smile at the where people are killed, it's easy to Elton Brooks and all who served in the children who point to me and say, draw the conclusion that we're just U.S. Army Air Corps' Eighth Air Force - "Hey, there's a soldier!" stuck in time, that we're just spinning often referred to as the Mighty Eighth. our wheels," said Col. Jamie Cade, But one day it was different. As I stood The plane is now set to star in the deputy commander of Canadian troops in the checkout line getting ready to Flying Legends Air Show at the in Kandahar. "But advances are being pay with my debit card, a complete Imperial War Museum in Duxford, made." stranger came up, pulled out her credit Cambridgeshire. card and asked, "Would you let Col. Cade said he has no idea how someone commit a random act of The B-17 played a key role in the fight long it will take before the Afghan army kindness?" I was floored. against the Nazis. can fight without help from Canadian troops. Other Canadian commanders, It took me a moment to comprehend Of the 1.5 million tonnes of bombs such as Brig.-Gen. Dave Fraser, have what she was offering -- my bill was dropped on Germany by U.S. aircraft, said we're looking at a generation $25. Humbled, I said, "Thank you very 500,000 were dropped from B-17s. before Afghans can enjoy a functioning much." Before I could pick up my And yesterday the Liberty Belle, one of society. grocery bags, she was gone. Just like a handful of B-17s still flying, that, a complete stranger made my day For soldiers here, the war is not a completed an identical route used by a little easier. black-and-white affair, but is filled with the bombers during wartime. shades of grey. There are no easy I went home and told my wife and we She took off from Maine on June 30 answers, no quick solutions. Pick a both shed some tears to know that and had pit stops in Canada, problem, whether it's economic there are still people out there that give Greenland, Iceland and Prestwick, in reconstruction or poppy eradication, unselfishly. Brenda, wherever you are, Scotland, before arriving at Duxford 65 and the results will be measured in thank you so much! years to the day since the first B-17 decades, not months or even years. Sgt. G. H. Irvine, made a transatlantic flight to help the For soldiers, pulling out is not an war effort. option. If NATO simply were to give up, Ottawa they say, not only would Afghans be Veteran B-17 pilot R Kenning Hoddinott © The Ottawa Citizen 2008 left at the mercy of the Taliban, we'd Jr was among yesterday's crew. run the risk the country would again Friday, July 04, 2008 He enlisted in the Second World War turn into a haven for terrorism. Sgt G. H. Irvine Section: Afghanistan as soon as the US entered following As far as Amanda Anderson is the attack on Pearl Harbor and was concerned, Canadians should be in based with the 487th Bomb Group at Afghanistan for however long it takes. Iconic Liberty Belle bomber Lavenham, Suffolk. lands on English soil for the © The Ottawa Citizen 2008 Stuart Powney, secretary of the first time since World War Historic Aircraft Association, is Friday, July 04, 2008 Two Graham Thomson, Canw est New s Service delighted about the historic arrival. Section: Afghanistan He said: 'It is absolutely superb. The preparation that goes into a Random act of kindness transatlantic flight for an aircraft of this floors a soldier. age and size is phenomenal. 'It shows that it is worth restoring historic aircraft - and it shows the level of interest in them. It's fantastic. 'During the war the B-17s and the Historic plane: The Liberty Belle B-17 American airmen were invaluable. lands in Britain for the first time since the second World War 'They carried out many important raids ENGLAND: It was the historic moment that helped disable the German when an iconic American bomber industrial war effort such as on the touched down on English soil for the Ploesti oil fields in Romania and ball first time in more than 60 years. bearing factories.' Today the Liberty Belle made the They suffered horrendous losses when arduous 8,000 mile journey across the they first went on missions until fighter Atlantic, following the same route the B- planes, Mustangs and Thunderbolts, 17s took during World War Two. escorted them. Page 18 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending July 4, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 After that they were very effective. They Section: Veterans Canada who have died on the job. could fly deep into enemy territory.' Representatives of the youth charity There were over 12,000 B-17s built PM honours slain officers at Kids for Cops, which helped raise funds during the Second World War. Mayerthorpe memorial to build the memorial, joined federal, provincial and municipal governments in Following the war they were declared unveiling the statues. obsolete and the Army Air Force retired most of its fleet. The first statue unveiled was Const. Brock Myrol. It faces south, towards Today only a few of the four-engined his hometown of Red Deer, Alta. heavy bombers survive and there are just 14 left flying in the world. The statue of Const. Anthony Gordon was unveiled next, facing his first The Liberty Belle - named after the RCMP detachment to the west. famous Liberty Bell used on July 8, Officials said Const. Leo Johnston's 1776, to summon the citizens of statue faces north toward his Philadelphia to the reading of the hometown of Lac La Biche, Alta., Declaration of Independence - is owned "where his Metis heart lies." by Don Brooks. Const. Peter Schiemann's statue faces He bought it from renowned restorer east toward his hometown of Stony Tom Reilly in Florida. Four-year-old Spencer Gordon, son of RCMP constable Anthony Gordon, one of Plain, Alta. The 14-year restoration programme the slain Mayerthorpe mounties, lights the Some family members of the slain was completed in 2004 and cost $3.5 flame of a newly unveilrd memorial, on Mounties said they would not attend million. She costs $3,500 per hour to the legislature grounds, in memory of the ceremony Friday over controversy operate. police officers who have died in the line of duty. (A file photo from JULY 18,2006.) about the construction of the park. The Liberty Belle's current day job is to Jason Gordon, brother of Const. tour the U.S. to educate people about Credit: Chris Schwarz/Edmonton Journal Anthony Gordon, said the park should the history and role of the armed MAYERTHORPE, Alta. -- Prime never have been built. He called it a forces.. Minister Stephen Harper again offered "circus for tourists" and said Gordon's The Liberty Belle took part in the formal condolences to the families of widow, Kim Gordon would also not September 9 1944 attack by the 390th four Mounties gunned down three years attend. Bomb Group on Dusseldorph, Germany ago as the town of Mayerthorpe, Alta., Gordon said the park will permanently during which the group suffered its officially unveiled a memorial park on attach the black mark of the killings second largest single mission loss of Friday and praised the legacy of the three years ago to the town of the war. slain officers. Mayerthorpe. She was hit and struggled back to her Calling the shooting a "cold-blooded The officers were killed March 3, 2005. home base long after the other surviving crime," Harper said Canadians Each was shot by James Roszko as B-17s but went on to complete 64 everywhere were horrified by the they investigated crimes on his further combat missions before being murders. property in Mayerthorpe, a community salvaged on February 18 1945. "It was the kind of thing that happens in about 130 kilometres northwest of There is currently one only other flying other places, but not here in Canada," Edmonton. B-17 in the UK. Sally-B is based at Harper told the thousands who Roszko then turned the gun on himself. the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, gathered to watch the ceremony. "And and regularly flies at air shows and certainly not a quiet place like Shawn Hennessey, 28, and brother-in- memorial flypasts. Mayerthorpe." law Dennis Cheeseman, 24, are both charged with first-degree murder in the The Memphis Belle is possibly the best Harper also offered words of praise to deaths. Police allege the two men known Flying Fortress. the families and community residents who raised money to honour the somehow helped Roszko commit the Made world-famous for the movie Mounties, saying everyone conducted slayings. Memphis Belle produced in 1990 the themselves with grace and dignity. The park cost $1.8-million to build. crew of the famed plane incorrectly Provincial and federal governments entered the annals of American pop- "The constables did not die in vain. contributed $730,000 and the rest was culture as the first crew in the Eighth They died in the line of duty," said raised through charity hockey games Air Force to complete all 25 combat Harper. "We must never take them for and other fundraisers. missions in their tour of duty. granted and never forget their purpose." Construction on the park began in The plane is now set to star in the Members of the community held a red August, 2006. Flying Legends Air Show at Duxford on ribbon while dozens of Mounties stood July 12 and 13. around the statues of all four slain With files from the Edmonton Journal. officers and a seven-metre-tall Friday, July 04, 2008 Friday, July 04, 2008 memorial column dedicated to police, Canw est New s Service Daily Mail UK firefighters and soldiers from across Section: Miscellaneous The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 19 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 26 Week Ending July 4, 2008 Comrade Griffin 'Bill' Johnson Cremation to follow. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Friday, July 04, 2008 w ebmaster Section: Births Deaths and Marriages

We are sorry to announce the passing of Comrade Griffin 'Bill' Johnson from the Galt Branch. Bill was well known as a no nonsense Zone and District sports officer for many years. He will certainly be missed for the hours of time and hard work he put into organising many many Legion events. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. JOHNSON, Griffin "Bill" - Passed away peacefully at Cambridge Memorial Hospital on July 1, 2008 at the age of 68. Beloved husband of Carol (nee Huber). Loving father of Cathy Johnson (Guy Jennings), Alison Johnson (Wayne Hickey) and Helen Koehler, as well as his step-children, James Cox (Ana) and Kimberly Belanger (Tim). Grandpa will also be sadly missed by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Helen Krafcheck, Tom Johnson, Gloria Watson, and Van Johnson. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his son, Ronald Johnson; son-in-law, Jerry Koehler; brothers, Raymond and Edward, and sister, Jacqueline. Bill was a lifetime member of the Galt Legion Branch 121. Resting at the Corbett Funeral Home, 95 Dundas Street, Cambridge where the family will receive friends on Friday, July 4, 2008 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

A combined Funeral and Legion Service under the auspices of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 121 will be held at Corbett Funeral Home on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 2 p.m. Page 20 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario)