TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Volume 59, #19

Approved Service Provider to the DND Integrated Relocation Program

Royal LePage In the Comox Valley

#121-750 Comox Road, 1640 ARDEN ROAD 5 ACRES WITHIN THE CITY of Courtenay’s Val Thomas Courtenay, B.C. V9N 3P6 boundaries, zoned R1A. Currently operating Hart 1390 FARQUHARSON DRIVE Bus: 250-334-3124 as organic market garden, with farm status, Wright THIS 3 BED, 2 BATH HOME HAS IT ALL! 13 ft Toll Free: 1-800-638-4226 not in the ALR. Solid built 2 bedroom home ceilings, reclaimed fir beams, 10 head shower Fax: 250-334-1901 with full basement and other farm buildings. 250-334-7460 250-218-4278 and soaker tub and office/yoga studio all with a Property is a charming mix of open spaces breathtaking view of the Comox valley. www.royallepagecomoxvalley.com Email: [email protected] and wild areas with mature trees. $899,900 www.royallepage.ca/id/430097 $799,500 www.royallepage.ca/id/432321 2 | NOVEMBER 7, 2017 | TOTEM TIMES Totem TIMES Commander’s Message – Veteran’s Week 2017

This year’s theme of Re- people at the Remembrance hundreds of thousands of membrance is ‘In Service to ceremonies as they become Canadians still share per- Canada’ and is dedicated to increasingly aware of the sonal connections to the loss honour those Canadians that deeds of our veterans, and of of family and friends who have served in our military, their own family connection died in war, conflict, and in and those who continue to to soldiers, sailors, airmen the service of peace. MANAGING EDITOR serve today. and airwomen who have On November 11 they Camille Douglas All at 19 Wing Comox are made the ultimate sacrifice. will be at ceremonies across 250-339-2541 in service to Canada, and I credit some of this Canada to pay their respects. [email protected] sadly many of us have expe- awareness to the Veterans’ I implore you to join local rienced the loss of a friend or Week Speakers Program, citizens at ceremonies being GRAPHIC DESIGNER colleague during our career. a formalized program that held throughout the Comox Gillian Ottaway Querin Like most of you, there is encourages schools and Valley or in the community EDITORIAL ADVISOR hardly a day that goes by that civic organizations to in- where you live. Be proud of Capt Brad Little I don’t remember them; their vite service personnel to your service, engage with service, and their sacrifice. meet the youth of Canada, the public, share your story, DISTRIBUTION Remembrance is an ongoing speak of the sacrifices made and listen to theirs. Michael Pearce affair. However on Remem- by military personnel, and We honour those who brance Day we gather and share their own experi- have sacrificed their lives remember collectively at for- ences. This is an important by keeping their story alive. mal ceremonies, and are re- initiative and I commend all Lest We Forget. A Division of Personnel minded of the sacrifice of all those volunteers who share Following the ceremonies Support Programs 19 Wing Comox, those who have gone before our collective story and the please join CWO Parent PO Box 1000 Stn. Main, us, and that day is particularly legacy of sacrifice. and myself for a reception th Lazo, BC V0R 2K0 poignant when there is a per- On this, the 100 anniver- at the Warrants and Ser- sonal connection. sary of the battles of Vimy geants Mess from 12:30 to [email protected] WComd Col Mike Atkins You’ll notice many young Ridge and Passchendaele, 4:30 p.m.

Veterans’ Week: In Service to Canada Every year as part of the National Veter- ans’ Week Speakers Program, CAF members give presentations at schools and other organizations across Canada. The key to the program’s success is the enthusiastic participation of regular and reserve force members. Approximately 25 personnel from 19 Wing Comox have volunteered to speak, sharing their stories of service with Canadians of all ages. Leading up to November 11 members will be traveling to make presentations in Na- naimo, Errington, Parksville, Qualicum The Totem Times is an unoffi- Beach, Port Alberni, Royston, Comox Val- cial publication of 19 Wing Co- ley, Campbell River, Port Hardy and Coal mox, BC. The Editor reserves Harbour. the right to edit copy and re- Last year CAF members gave over 2,100 ject advertisements to suit the needs of the publication. presentations, reaching more than 555,000 Views expressed are those of Canadians during Veterans’ Week. the contributor unless express- ly attributed to DND, CAF, or other agencies. In case of ty- pographical errors, no goods may be sold and the difference claimed against this paper. The paper’s liability is limited to a refund of the space charged for the erroneous item. Mate- rial may be reprinted with at- tribution. Published 22 times a year, every second Tuesday, with permission of Col Mike Atkins, 19 Wing Commander. Publications Mail Registration No.4098. Printed by Ladysmith Press, Ladysmith, BC. Circula- tion: 1800. NOVEMBER 7, 2017 | TOTEM TIMES | 3 Thoughts for Remembrance Day Padre Chris Donnelly side-by-side with comrades are written in stone right in ries of comrades long ago, but in arms from past to present. front of us. also recent conflicts as well. As we do this, we think of This tradition of writing Of course we remember those deployed right now, things in stone goes back to those who fought in the Great taking time to pray for their the most ancient of times. Wars, in Korea, in Afghani- safety while away from The first histories and laws stan, or all the other count- home. We include all those were written on stone tablets less battles over the ages. For on ships in foreign seas, on so that they would stand up some standing with us on No- the ground in countries not to the rigors of time and de- vember 11, remember friends their own and patrolling the cay. These stories are told to who have died recently. We As November 11 ap- skies around the world. They remind generations not to re- all stand united to remember proaches, all military mem- are all working together with peat the mistakes of the past, those who have sacrificed. bers begin to reflect on what one goal of peace and stabil- to celebrate triumphs for free- And on this day we can be the day means to them. It ity, dreaming of a day when dom and accomplishments proud to call ourselves their starts with the first donation we will all live in peace. leading to harmony. comrades because every to the Poppy Fund and proud- Those currently serving The tales remind us that serving member is prepared ly pinning the red poppy on and those who have served power is not to be abused, and ready to take up the call. your uniform. For the next stand in front of the public, rather to protect and de- What was earned by dedica- two weeks everyone you identified as the people who fend all, turning away from tion and sacrifice will not be meet while in uniform thanks voluntarily choose to defend ages spent working as sepa- forgotten. you for your service. others and their civil rights, rate groups fighting only for We will remember them, This recognition reinforc- not only the freedom that we themselves. not just in words, but in ac- es everything that you have enjoy in Canada, but the free- We gather and listen about tions. With this in mind we worked so hard for over dom of others in countries past sacrifices and take time gather for a few moments to the years, such as the long torn apart by war and injus- in the silence to pray for pay tribute to those who gave hours of training, being post- tice. As we stand together in that glorious day when the their lives in service to Can- ed away from family and front of the Cenotaph, we world’s population finally ada. We will stand proudly friends, times spent away are reminded that freedom lays down arms and works together as the group ready from home on TD, courses is not free. Many before us together as one for peace. to do the same when Called or deployment. have given their all to grant So once again we draw to- to Serve - for the task is now All of this is forgotten as Canadians the peace we col- gether to remember one anoth- in our hands. we prepare ourselves to stand lectively enjoy. Their names er on this day, not just memo- We will remember.

Veteran honoured for service in Italian Campaign North Island - Powell River MP Rachel Blaney presented a commemorative statue to Gordon Ban- nerman, a veteran of the Italian Campaign of WWII, in Campbell River in July. The statue is a replica of a sculpture commemorating more than 93,000 Canadians who fought in the campaign that sits in Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto. Each surviving veteran of the campaign received a replica statue. Gordie, pictured here with his wife of over 60 years, Edith, and their nieces, taught himself to type while he was in his 80’s, sharing his memoirs at www.gordiebannerman.com.

䌀䄀一䄀䐀䤀䄀一䴀䤀䰀䤀吀䄀刀夀倀䔀刀匀伀一一䔀䰀刀䔀䈀䄀吀䔀倀刀伀䜀刀䄀䴀 ␀㔀刀䔀䈀䄀吀䔀㄀㈀㔀䈀䌀漀洀漀砀刀搀⸀ 漀渀愀渀礀渀攀眀䠀漀渀搀愀䌀漀甀爀琀攀渀愀礀Ⰰ 䈀䌀䌀伀䴀䔀䤀一伀刀䌀䄀䰀䰀唀匀䘀伀刀䴀伀刀䔀䤀一䘀伀刀䴀䄀吀䤀伀一 ⴀ ㈀㔀 ⸀㌀㌀㠀⸀㜀㜀㘀㄀嘀㤀一㌀倀㠀 4 | NOVEMBER 7, 2017 | TOTEM TIMES Military wives sing for Remembrance Day The Canadian Military Wives Choir (CMWC) Comox will be performing throughout the Comox Val- ley for Remembrance Day, singing at the candlelight vigil at the Comox cenotaph on Friday, November 10 and then on Remem- brance Day in Comox. “We are also very pleased and honoured to be invited after returning from the In- kick off to the holiday buy- working to raise funds to to sing in a Remembrance victus Games in Toronto, ing season and the night purchase an electric pia- Day concert with Island welcoming new female that the City of Courtenay no to use in the chapel or Voices on November 11 at voices for the 2017/ 18 lights their Christmas tree. travel with. 2:00 p.m. at St. George’s season. We will also be caroling The Prime Chophouse United Church in Courte- “We are thrilled to an- at Filberg Center at their and Wine Bar is helping out nay,” shares Tannis Harri- nounce that we have seven Christmas at the Lodge on Sunday, November 19 son, CMWC Comox presi- new members this fall who event at noon on Novem- with a community throw- dent. are all working super hard ber 25.” back fundraising dinner. Canadian Military Wives to learn all the music!” The hugely-popular Starting at 5:00 p.m., diners Choirs are all female choirs Holiday season Christmas Concert and can enjoy a limited menu that aim to support mili- Carols will be on Sunday, and drink pairing for $20, tary women through vocal performances December 10 at 2:00 p.m. with $5 of each meal going music and camaraderie. The choir has several at St. Michael and All An- towards the CMWC Co- Members are closely as- more performances planned gels Protestant Church on mox. Tickets for the dinner sociated with the military, with the holiday season Military Row. Admission are not required in advance; either by marriage or by quickly approaching. is by donation at the door anyone is welcome to at- occupation, and there is a “In terms of our Christ- and they will be holding a tend and support. strong emphasis on friend- mas season, we will be bake sale. For more information ship and fun. starting it all off with sing- about the CMWC Comox The choir hosted a new ing again at Moonlight Prime Chophouse contact Tannis Harrison member night at the end Magic on 5th Street in fundraiser at canadianmwc.comox@ of September, just a week Downtown Courtenay – a The CMWC Comox is gmail.com. Under the Bombs A seven-year-old’s view of WWII Norm Blondel In 1939 I was living the German army occupied ing. Eventually, our group further away. The stick of with my aunt and uncle on Guernsey, Jersey, Alder- arrived in a small town, bombs had missed us. I am a farm near to Guernsey ney, Sark and Herm, to Neston, in the Wirral pen- the seventh son of a sev- airport, in the Channel Is- begin a five year ordeal for insular, a few miles from enth son; I guess this was lands. I was an orphan, six the islanders. Birkenhead, a city across my first lucky break. years old. I remember that day the Mersey River from the Each household was is- On September 3, I re- in June, 1940, when we great port of Liverpool, a sued an Anderson Shelter, member this group of very sailed for Weymouth, on prime target for the Ger- a collection of curved and tall adults standing, listen- England’s south coast. man Luftwaffe. straight corrugated iron ing to the radio as Neville The sea was very still, like Every night we could sheets. We had to place Chamberlain declared war glass. After a few hours see the glow of fires over the assembled shelter in on Germany. In the follow- we encountered a very Liverpool and listen to the a deep, rectangular hole ing May, it was decided all strange sight: upside down sound of exploding bombs and pile sod on the top schoolchildren and their in the water were doz- and the crack of anti-air- and around it. There were teachers would be evacu- ens of ships, some small, craft batteries. It was hard wooden benches inside it ated to Great Britain for some quite large, some to sleep. to sleep on. We dug away our safety, as the Islands with bows submerged, One morning I found out at the hole, but, after three were about to be invaded others down by the stern. just how “safe” I was when feet, it started to fill with by NAZI Germany. This was the aftermath I looked out of the upstairs water. The water came to In June of 1940, just af- of Dunkirk: these were window and saw a row of within a foot of the sur- ter Dunkirk, hundreds of the ships that didn’t sur- bomb craters, directly in face, eventually. When the us were assembled on the vive the onslaught. We line with my house. The sirens went we all huddled 刀攀愀搀琀栀攀 Saint Peter port harbour sailed through this eerie RAF had chased the bomb- under the stairs. front and were tallied and group for an hour, steer- ers away from Liverpool I was a witness to the had labels tied to our col- ing around these ghastly and they jettisoned their Battle of Britain. And al- lars, bearing our name, totem poles of war. They bombs live, anywhere. most a target. school and teacher. Par- had drifted with the tides. One of the bombs had hit a As we observe Remem- ents, aunts and uncles and In Weymouth we spent house, demolishing it and brance Day, paying trib- some older children were overnight in a converted killing the people inside. ute to the men and women 漀渀氀椀渀攀℀ left behind to face the oc- gymnasium and boarded The next created a crater of our armed forces who cupation. We sailed away a train in the morning. It in a field, about a hundred made the ultimate sacri- on a cross-Channel ferry, steamed north, endlessly yards from our house. I fice, let us also remember 䌀䄀䘀挀漀渀渀攀挀琀椀漀渀⸀挀愀⼀䌀漀洀漀砀⼀吀漀琀攀洀吀椀洀攀猀 the last boat to leave the it seemed, stopping fre- ran to a back window and those who died under the islands. Shortly afterward, quently to avoid the bomb- saw a wrecked barn, a bit bombs. NOVEMBER 7, 2017 | TOTEM TIMES | 5

Without regard for my personal comfort Without regard... or self advancement, to the best of my ability and October 27 marked the SAR Tech Leader at 442 rigger representing 442 Sqn, sixth anniversary since Sgt Transport and Rescue 424 Sqn, 103 Sqn and CFS- to the limits of my physical Janick Gilbert made a heroic Squadron coordinated the SAR. and psychological sacrifice - parachuting into efforts. 424 Squadron based in endurance, I solemnly the icy northern sea from “Although the weather Trenton, Ontario also con- 2,000 feet out of a CC-130 was perfect for the jump, a ducted a commemorative pledge to make every Hercules aircraft on a mis- challenge with the aircraft jump, as Sgt Gilbert was effort to return to safety sion to rescue two stranded arose. But the professional- serving with 424 Sqn during those victims of disaster walrus hunters off the coast ism of the 442 Sqn main- that fateful mission. entrusted to my care by of Igloolik, Nunavut. tainers made the day. Their “It brings comfort know- The hunters were retrieved dedication was instrumental ing that as the years go by, the assignment of the from the ice and able to re- for the overall success of Janick’s memory will still mission to which I have turn home. this commemorative event, bring people together to re- consented. Since the first anniversary once again demonstrating flect not only on the selfless of his sacrifice, the date has that SAR in Canada is truly a actions he made, but also These things I shall do: been remembered by the team effort, and that everyone on the sacrifices made by SAR community with a com- involved plays a significant others,” shares WO Duch- memorative mass parachute role in the saving of lives.” esneau. jump. The jump is on a vol- 442 Sqn utilized both the To all of those who made That others may live. unteer basis by operational CC-115 Buffalo and the CH- the ultimate sacrifice, we will SAR Techs. 149 Cormorant to dispatch 18 remember. WO Frank Duchesneau, SAR Techs and 1 parachute Lest We Forget. 6 | NOVEMBER 7, 2017 | TOTEM TIMES

Remembrance Day in the Comox Valley

The Royal Canadian Legion Courtenay Branch 17 - 367 Cliffe Avenue A veteran’s breakfast will be served in the upper hall at 9:00 a.m. on November 11. Cold hard- boiled eggs will be served on a bun – just like WWI. Cheese, pickles, butter, and sausages are also available, all for $5.00 per person. Those on parade will muster in front of the Legion at 10:30 with Parade Commander and the Legion Colour Party; the parade marches off at 10:40 to Jubilee Square. A public service of remembrance will be held in Jubilee Square beginning at 10:50, with a fly past at 11:00. Songs of Remembrance will be performed by the Comox Valley Children’s Choir before the laying of wreaths. An open house will take place after the parade, offering refreshments and great music for adult members and the public downstairs. Youth are welcome in the upper hall.

The Royal Canadian Legion Comox Branch 160 - 1825 Comox Avenue A Candlelight Vigil will be held at the Co- mox Cenotaph on November 10 at 7:00 p.m. A member’s night will take place at the Legion starting at 8:00 p.m. Those on parade will for up at 10:30 a.m., marching to the Comox Cenotaph for a public service of remembrance. Serendipity Jazz will be performing on November 12 at 2:00 p.m., offering their Remembering the War Years concert.

The Royal Canadian Legion Cumberland Branch 28 - 2770 Dunsmuir Avenue Spectators will be invited to observe Remembrance Day, forming up at 10:30 a.m. for the parade beginning at 10:45. The parade will begin at 3rd Street near the old post office and march up Dunsmuir Avenue until they reach the Cumberland Legion for the ceremony.

LET US BRING YOU BACK IN TIME AT THE COMOX AIR FORCE MUSEUM

Come celebrate our West Coast aviation heritage in a welcoming and friendly museum: l WW1 to present day exhibits; l Excellent aviation reference library; l Located at entrance to 19 Wing; l Heritage Air Park near-by (Numerous Aircraft plus Heritage Stone Display)

Open Tuesday thru Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm (Admission by donation) 250-339-8162 | comoxairforcemuseum.ca NOVEMBER 7, 2017 | TOTEM TIMES | 7

Poppy campaign launches

Four members of the Comox Le- gion Ladies Auxiliary launch the 2017 Poppy Campaign at 19 Wing on October 27. (L-R) Johanne McLeod, Gail Gustafson, Denise Taylor and Pat Verchere. 8 | NOVEMBER 7, 2017 | TOTEM TIMES NOVEMBER 7, 2017 | TOTEM TIMES | 9 442 Squadron remembers the Buffalo Nine 2Lt Kyle Brush

Armistice Day was estab- Later, in 1956, demand lished to commemorate the arose for an armed peace- signing of the armistice which keeping force to act as a buf- marked the cessation of hos- fer between Egyptian and tilities on the Western front be- Israeli forces. Eventually the tween Germany and the Allies transportation of peacekeep- during World War I. ing troops around the Middle Marked on the eleventh East would be done, in part, hour of the eleventh day by three Canadian Forces of the eleventh month of CC-115 Buffalo aircraft and 1918, the occasion has since crews. evolved into what we know By August 1974, Cana- as Remembrance Day, a day dian Forces Buffalo crews to remember the fallen and were flying peacekeeping honor their sacrifice. troops from Beirut to Ismail- Although most public ia, Egypt, and Dasmascus knowledge of Remembrance six days a week. When not Day lies around the tragedies flying, duty crews camped of the Great Wars and the in Ismailia under difficult more recent conflicts in the conditions, where a gastroin- Middle East, we must also re- testinal illness called “Gypo member the sacrifices of Ca- Gut” was reportedly very nadians during other conflicts common. and during peacekeeping op- On August 9, 1974, “Flight erations must also be honored 51” took off on a routine Sister-aircraft Buffalo 452 flew alongside Buf- rather than forgotten. flight from Ismailia with falo 461 in August 1974. Buffalo 452 still fly- Canada is renowned for its Capt George Foster, aircraft ing today at 442 Squadron, parked at 19 Wing active involvement in United commander, and Capt Keith Comox with a modern paint scheme. Nations (UN) peacekeeping Mirau, first officer, at the missions, such as being a controls. The crew included what would have been tak- wreckage was found with the in Hamilton, Ontario has re- extraordinary STOL perfor- key player in the establish- Capt Robert Wicks, navi- ing place inside the aircraft propeller controls against the constructed an ex-Sudanese mance, and being able to ment of forces like the United gator, MCpl Ronald Spen- at that point, and even harder stops in the “full-increases” Air Force Buffalo to repre- take off and land on nearly Nations Emergency Force cer, flight engineer, and Cpl to know. The CC-115 Buffalo position, possibly indicating sent Buffalo 461, in memo- any hard surface, no matter (UNEF) and Unified Task Bruce Stringer, loadmaster. did not carry flight data or that the crew saw the on- riam of the crew of Flight 51. how rough, various versions Force (UNITAF). Canada Also aboard were passengers cockpit voice recorders, and coming threat and attempted The Canadian War Mu- of the Buffalo have also seen has lost 114 UN peacekeep- MWO Gaston Landry, MWO later, investigators would find evasive action by using the seum also displays a frag- service with the United States ers, the most fatal of which Cyril Korejwo, Cpl Michael evidence that Syrian authori- Buffalo’s short-take-off-and- ment of the original aircraft Airforce and the Brazilian was the shooting down of UN Simpson, and Cpl Morris ties had erased two-and-a- land (STOL) capability. to honour the lost crew and Airforce, as well as numerous Flight 51, a Canadian Forces Kennington. half-minutes of recorded air A Canadian board of in- passengers, who have be- other militaries and civilian CC-115 Buffalo, tail number The crew aircraft passed traffic control (ATC) conver- quiry that followed the inci- come known as the Buffalo organizations. 115461, in which nine crew through Lebanese airspace sations. dent was unable to determine Nine. Their names can be Today, 442 Transport and members and passengers and received clearance to Damaged but not de- whether missiles were fired found on a memorial in Buf- Rescue Squadron is the last were killed. Damascus’ visual operat- stroyed, the stricken aircraft due to a tragic error by the falo Park, Calgary Alberta operator of the legendary UN peacekeeping missions ing restriction (VOR) prior was observed in a controlled Syrian air defences or due to and on a panel of the Peace- Buffalo in the RCAF, oper- began in the Middle East in to the last known transmis- decent by persons on the a deliberate attack planned keeper’s Park memorial in ating six CC-115s in search 1948 with an unarmed ob- sion made by Capt Mirau, ground as the crew valiantly by the Syrian government Angus, Ontario. and rescue operations. server group called the Unit- “Roger we are cleared to attempted to salvage a hor- to pressure the UN to curtail Built by de Havilland Can- As Remembrance Day ap- ed Nations Truce Supervision Damascus VOR to maintain rific situation. However, min- flights over Syrian airspace. ada 1967, the CC-115 Buf- proaches, while continuing Organization (UNTSO). Its 8000 cross Mike Echo Zulu utes after the initial impact, The ultimate sacrifice made falo has seen more than 50 forward into the future, 442 role was to supervise armi- at 10000 or above.” As Buf- two more missiles were fired by this crew inspired the Ca- years of service with the Sqn pauses to remember the stice agreements between Is- falo 461 crossed into Syria at Buffalo 461 destroying the nadian government to name Royal Canadian Air Force Buffalo Nine and all those rael and its Arab neighbours, it was struck by a surface to aircraft and killing all nine August 9 Peacekeepers’ Day. in both domestic and over- who have given their lives a role that which is still ac- air missile. persons on board. Additionally the Canadian seas operations. Renowned in the service of this country. tive today. It is difficult to imagine Interestingly, the aircraft Warplane Heritage Museum for its rugged toughness, We will remember them.

Proud to offer great value and service, plus family eyewear, for members of 19 Wing Largest selection of frames in the Comox Valley Your 2nd pair is always FREE! 10 | NOVEMBER 7, 2017 | TOTEM TIMES BC Afghanistan Memorial dedicated in Victoria

The Greater Victoria Maureen’s son, Cpl An- Afghanistan Memorial drew “Boomer” Eykelen- Project (GVAMP) society boom, was killed by a sui- created a permanent, pub- cide bomb attack near the lic memorial to recognize border of Pakistan while John’s Photography John’s all members of the Cana- serving with 1 Field Am- dian Armed Forces and the bulance in 2006. Public Service of Canada “To family members, the who served their country BC Afghanistan Memo- during the Afghanistan rial means that the donors, mission. supporters and members of The granite memorial the memorial society care featuring an image of a about our military mem- Canadian soldier and an bers - that their service Afghan child reaching out to this country matters, in to one another, with Eng- Afghanistan or wherever lish and French inscrip- our military is sent in the tions, aims to draw public future. It means that our attention to service in the Afghanistan fallen will be Afghanistan mission. forever remembered. As The memorial also families, we can learn to names all members of the live without them, we can Canadian Armed Forces even find some joy again, and the Public Service of but we will never get over Canada who made the su- the loss of our sons and preme sacrifice during the A permanent public memorial was dedicated in Victoria on September 30 to recognize all mem- daughters, husbands and mission. bers of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Public Service of Canada who served their country wives. The families are The BC Afghanistan during the Afghanistan mission. The memorial also names all members of the CAF that made the forever thankful for this Memorial was dedicated supreme sacrifice during the mission. beautiful monument. We on September 30 by Her will remember.” Honour, The Honourable lows Canadian men and funds for Boomer’s Legacy been used for basic humani- dian Virtual War Memorial Judith Guichon, OBC, Boomer’s Legacy women in uniform make a - money Canadian soldiers tarian needs, medical care, located at veterans.gc.ca., Lieutenant Governor of Boomer was the 26th positive difference in the can access to further help and education. or by visiting the BC Af- British Columbia. Canadian killed in Af- lives of others. the people in communities The fallen 158 Canadian ghanistan Memorial in Vic- Maureen Eykelenboom, ghanistan. He was com- Now a project of Support where they serve. Armed Forces members toria, located at the corner a Comox Valley resident mitted to saving lives and Our Troops, Boomer’s Leg- This is done by hold- that lost their lives in ser- of Quadra and Courtney and founder of Boomer’s helping the Afghan people acy raises awareness for the ing fundraising events and vice while participating in Streets, behind the provin- Legacy, was among the realize freedom; his death Canadian military’s efforts by giving presentations our country’s military ef- cial courthouse and across honoured guests at the was the catalyst to creat- on deployed operations to schools and interested forts in Afghanistan can be from Christ Church Ca- dedication. ing a foundation that al- around the globe and raise groups. Funds raised have remembered at the Cana- thedral.

My Choices, Budgeting with the Best My Work, My Life Excel Level 1 Excel Level 2 Toastmasters Are you a releasing or released CAF Typefocus member in transition to civilian life? Co- The Art of Finding a Job mox MFRC is offering special funding North Island Colllege for unique programming designed to Tools and Insights assist you and your family in adjusting One on One services to life after the military.

Êtes-vous un ancien membre des For more information call: FAC ou un membre en transition vers Pour plus d’information la vie civile qui éprouve des difficultés appelez: 250-339-8290 dans votre transition? Des fonds spé- ciaux sont offerts à ces membres et à leurs familles pour qu’ils participent à une programmation spécifique du CRFM de Comox afin de vous aider à s’adapter à la vie après l’armée.

CAFconnection.ca NOVEMBER 7, 2017 | TOTEM TIMES | 11 No Stone Left Alone: To honour veterans, and to enhance student awareness of the sacrifice of veterans by placing poppies at each of their headstones every November.

In 1971, a child of twelve was having a discussion with her mother who was very ill and near death. Her mother, who was a veteran, stroked the child’s head and asked her not to cry and to try not to forget her on Re- membrance Day. Not wishing that her mother be forgotten, that child started leaving a poppy at her mother’s headstone each year on the 11th of November. In 2010, that child, now a grandmother, enlisted the help of an Edmonton-based regiment, Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) to expand her dream. In five years, from humble beginnings at one headstone The Campbell River No Stone Left Alone (NSLA) ceremony began with the hard work of the to over 25 cemeteries in Alberta, British Columbia, and Campbell River Genealogy Society identifying several graves at the Campbell River Cemetery Manitoba, thousands of students with the assistance of as former Canadian soldiers. members of the Canadian Armed Forces annually place On October 30 two headstones were installed on veteran graves located there in a simple cer- over 15,000 poppies at veteran’s headstones. emony, and on November 1, members of 19 Wing Comox participated in a NSLA ceremony to No Stone Left Alone aims to replicate this simple act honour all the veterans at the Campbell River Cemetery. of remembrance at cemeteries throughout Canada with a The Genealogy Society, Royal Canadian Legion and a class from Ripple Rock Elementary joined view that no veteran’s stone is left alone during the days to conduct a remembrance program complete with the singing of the national anthem, prayers before November 11. and readings, a piper’s lament, reflective silence and the placing of poppies on each grave. To learn more about No Stone Left Alone visit nos- We will remember them. toneleftalone.ca.

4901 Island Highway 250.334.3161 www.westviewford.ca DL 10773 12 | NOVEMBER 7, 2017 | TOTEM TIMES

The War Amps Sharing a friendship Ryley McMillan, 9, and and remember all who have backyard rink in the winter. Myles Newton, 5, spotted served. To see Ryley not letting his each other for the first time Ryley’s mom, Crystal, amputation stop him from and a tradition through a fence that separat- says it is important for her being active reminds Myles ed their neighbouring school son to mark Remembrance that he too can do anything and daycare. Noticing that Day by laying a wreath. he sets his mind to. Myles (left) and Ryley (right) laying a they both share something “It’s to help spread the word “Because he just turned wreath on behalf of The War Amps. special, they would often and help people remember five, he’s starting to ask, give each other a wave. To- what the veterans sacrificed ‘Why was I born like this?’ day, the boys share a strong for us, and with that, The and we tell him that while friendship as well as a Re- War Amps was started.” Ryley was born missing membrance Day tradition. Rebecca, Myles’ mom, part of his arm, he was Ryley was born a left arm agrees. “To know that veter- born missing part of his leg. amputee and Myles a right ans were part of creating the We’re all different,” says leg amputee. They are both CHAMP Program, which Rebecca. members of The War Amps we are so grateful for today, The two families get to- Child Amputee (CHAMP) makes it important for Myl- gether as often as possible, Program. War amputee es to have that connection.” and while Myles and Ryley veterans created The War It was at a War Amps play, the parents can ex- Amps in 1918, its Key Tag CHAMP aeminar, an an- change advice. “I’m really Service in 1946, and later, nual regional event for child grateful for the CHAMP the CHAMP Program. amputees and their parents, Seminar that brought us Since 1975, thousands when the two boys met for together and the friendship of child amputees have re- the first time without a fence that the boys have formed ceived financial assistance separating them. Ryley has since then,” says Rebecca. for their artificial limbs attended many seminars and When war amputee veter- through CHAMP and have Crystal describes them as ans started The War Amps attended regional semi- a powerful experience. “It nearly 100 years ago, they nars where they learn about put us at ease to know that could not have predicted growing up as an amputee. he was going to be OK. The that their legacy would be For the past couple of War Amps has supported us remembered and carried on years, Ryley and Myles emotionally and supported for years to come by young have laid a wreath together Ryley to do things like any amputees like Ryley and at their local Remembrance other child.” Myles. Day ceremony on behalf of But the boys’ friendship Thanks to the public’s The War Amps Operation extends beyond the semi- support of the Key Tag Legacy. By doing this, they nars and Remembrance Service, The War Amps vi- pay tribute to the sacrifices Day. Rebecca says Myles tal programs for amputees of the war amputee veterans looks up to Ryley, who of- across Canada will continue who started the association ten plays hockey on their long into the future.

Hi! My name is Carly and I am a military spouse who has been a hair stylist here in the Comox Valley for the last 5 years. I am fortunate to have trained and lived in Sydney, Australia, London, England, and Victoria, BC - and have some fantastic clients here in the beautiful valley. I recently joined the exceptional team at Sun Kissed Beauty Bar at their beautiful, newly renovated location in Courtenay. We offer a 15% discount to all military members (ID required), plus we are offering FREE haircuts to the military on Friday, November 10 to commemorate Remembrance Day! I am thrilled to be a part of such a fantastic team who are so supportive of the military and their families! We welcome everyone to our salon to take advantage of the wide range of salon, spa, tanning services and special offers held on an ongoing basis! We would like to thank the military, spouses and exceptional children for their service, past and present! Sun Kissed Beauty Bar 220-470 Puntledge Rd., Courtenay, BC 250.334.8266

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