TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

VOLUME 63, #7 19 WING COMOX

407 Sqn joins efforts to combat narcotics smuggling

ATF-South) mandate of combatting narcotics accomplishing their mission with great success. Capt Ian Paone smuggling in the Caribbean Sea and eastern “I was very fortunate to have been set up with | 407 LONG RANGE PATROL SQUADRON Pacific Ocean from South America. an amazing team to work with on this deploy- Over the month of February, the task force ment which enabled the successes we expe- CP-140 Aurora crews from both coasts came aided in the detection, monitoring, and interdic- rienced,” stated task force commander Maj together during the most recent deployment tion of 2847 kg of cocaine, with a street value Louis St.Pierre. “Everyone worked together of Operation CARIBBE, contributing to the sei- of over $293 million, headed towards North hard, smart, fast and stayed flexible through- zure of approximately three metric tonnes of America, showcasing Canada’s long-range pa- out the operation to achieve our goal on be- cocaine destined for North American shores. trol capabilities to our allied partners. half of the RCAF and Canada. When our crew A 41-person Air Task Force, consisting of Having crews from multiple long range patrol found out that their efforts had helped to keep one aircraft and members from multiple units squadrons work together as a single detach- almost three tons of hard drugs off the streets across the country, contributed 14 missions ment is a relatively uncommon thing. However, of Canada and the US, there was some excite- and approximately 150 flight hours to the US- their professionalism and training allowed them ment for sure.” led Joint Interagency Task Force South’s (JI- to come together and work as an efficient unit, Continued on page 2

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407 sqn participates in Op carribe

Continued from page 1 sired by JIATFs,” says Cdr Rod Druggett, Senior The Canadian Armed Forces has regularly The task force consisted of 20 members from Canadian Liaison Officer to JIATF-South. “Work- participated in Operation CARIBBE, which falls 405 Long Range Patrol (LRP) Squadron, one ing hand-in-hand with multiple US government under the larger, US-led Operation MARTILLO, from 404 LRP and Training Squadron, 12 from agencies, as well as other partner nations, the since November 2006. Participation includes 407 LRP Squadron, three from 14 Operational CP-140 detachment once again demonstrated Royal Canadian Navy frigates and Royal Cana- Support Squadron, two members from 14 Mis- the utmost professionalism and dedication in dian Air Force Aurora aircraft to support JIATF- sion Support Squadron, and a Nursing Officer the counter narcotics fight.” South in the prosecution of illicit smuggling in from 1 Canadian Field Hospital. The task force’s Nursing Officer helped moni- the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the The Canadian contingent also deployed two Air tor the detachment’s health and adherence to Eastern Pacific Ocean through detection, moni- Liaison Officers, from 407 LRP Squadron and COVID-19 guidelines. As a secondary tasking, toring, and interception of suspect maritime Air Component Coordination Element (Atlan- the Nursing Officer also conducted reconnais- vessels. tic), to JIATF-South headquarters in Key West, sance of the medical facilities in the forward All members of the Canadian air contingent Florida, to assist with mission planning and air- operating location, contributing to the Canadian adhered to strict COVID-19 protective health craft tasking. Armed Forces medical intelligence awareness measures throughout the deployment. They The long range and extensive sensor capabilities for future operations in the area. The detach- were tested negative for COVID-19 prior to re- of the CP-140 is in high demand at JIATF-South. ment was also visited by high-level dignitaries, turning to Canada and, upon arrival in Canada, “The endurance, capability, and versatility of providing them with a tour of the aircraft, and they isolated for two weeks in accordance with the CP-140 is outstanding, and always highly de- a briefing on their mission. public health orders.

On February 12, an RCAF CP-140 Aurora deployed under Operation CARIBBE and assisted the US Coast Guard in the seizure of 860 kilograms of cocaine – an estimated value of USD $32.5 million - by detecting a suspect fishing vessel in the waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, south of Mex- ico. Op CARIBBE is Canada’s participation in US-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean.

A Division of Personnel Support Programs 19 Wing Comox, PO Box 1000 Stn. Main,Lazo, BC V0R 2K0 [email protected] 250-339-8211, ext 8752

MANAGING EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER EDITORIAL ADVISOR 19 WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS Camille Douglas Gillian Ottaway Capt Brad Little Capt Alexandra Hejduk

The Totem Times is an unofficial publication of 19 Wing Comox, BC. The Editor reserves the right to edit copy and reject advertisements to suit the needs of the publication. Views expressed are those of the contributor unless expressly attributed to DND, CAF, or other agencies. In case of typographical 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. Material may be reprinted with attribution. Published 22 times a year, every second Tuesday, with permission of Col Dany Poitras, 19 Wing Commander. Publications Mail Registration No.4098. Printed by Ladysmith Press, Ladysmith, BC. Circulation: 1800. APRIL 13, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES | 3

A COVID-19 vaccination program is underway in the Comox Valley, and 19 Wing Comox is proud to support the Vancouver Island Health Authority by providing the Glacier Gardens arena as a vaccination location for members of our community. For Canadian Armed Forces members at 19 Wing, we anticipate vaccinations in late April, and I cannot over stress the importance of everyone getting this shot. As I have previously stated, I trust the research be- hind the development of the mRNA vaccines, the on- going studies, and the safety of the vaccines. I hope you do, too. We have come far and sacrificed much since this vi- rus appeared globally, and finally we have a tool that will control the spread. The last step is to get the vac- cines into the arms of our members so they can make Get themselves, their families, their communities, and their workplace free from the threat of COVID-19. Vaccination of CAF members at 19 Wing will be done your by 21 Canadian Forces Health Services, and details of squadron and unit timings are forthcoming. Join me in getting vaccinated. Col Dany Poitras shot! Wing Commander

As a Canadian Forces member the Helping your family Bank of Montreal is here to guide and assist with all of your mortgage find a new home. transactions. Pre-approvals for your posting notice. Special Canadian Defence mortgage rates. Free banking. Purchases, refinances.

Coming together in a time of need Kelly Ham 250-204-9155 [email protected] Two members of 12 Military Police Flight, Cpl equate for the type of injury. The pair offered Gibbons and Cpl Fenton, joined a BC Transit to assist, retrieving the first-aid bag from the driver and an off-duty Comox fire fighter in- at MP patrol vehicle. tending to an injured elderly female on March A field dressing was applied to the wound, and 27 in Comox. a fire blanket offered comfort on the cold and The pair were in transit from HMCS Quadra to windy day. the 19 Wing Jetty at the Comox harbour when “With our combined efforts, we were able to they observed the individual in distress at the provide a high degree of medical aid, increase intersection of Stewart Street and Balmoral Av- the comfort, and reduce the stress and mental enue. impact of the situation, until BC Ambulance was “Although the incident occurred outside of DND able to attend.” property and Military Police jurisdiction, we still Members of the community also offered their live, interact, and participate in the community,” support, creating a positive outcome with a high shares Cpl Gibbons, a member of “B” Shift, 12 degree of care and compassion. Military Police Flight. “Assisting with the inci- “In these challenging times - with reduced in- dent was the right thing to do - out of concern teractions with others due to the risk of expo- for her welfare.” sure to COVID-19 - it is wonderful to see that The elderly female was being assisted by a BC members of the community are looking out for Transit driver and an off-duty Comox firefighter, each other,” added Cpl Gibbons. “It is important but the first aid materials on hand were not ad- that we come together in times of need.” 5th Street bridge project kicks off this week! The work required to preserve and extend the from 1st Street on Anderton Avenue to the Con- The 60-year-old bridge is coated in lead paint life of the 5th Street bridge begins on April 15 densory Bridge toward Piercy Road. that must be removed to address the corrosion – resulting in delays and detours if you drive, These Condensory Bridge commuters should within the steel. To protect the surrounding walk, cycle, or take transit. Commuters heading also anticipate possible delays depending on environment, the bridge will need to be scaf- across the river from downtown Courtenay are traffic volumes, as prior to reaching Anderton folded and wrapped to prevent lead paint and encouraged to consider alternate routes. Avenue they will be sharing the road with 5th other contaminants from entering the Courte- Eastbound traffic leaving downtown Courtenay Street Bridge commuters. nay River. The scaffolding will narrow the vehi- will be detoured northbound on Cliffe Avenue, However wait times for the Condensory Bridge cle travelling lanes, reducing the available lane to the laneway below the Native Sons Hall at are expected to be less than continuing to 5th width and height. 3rd and Cliffe, then to 1st Street and Anderton Street. Construction is expected to last for approxi- Avenue, to the 5th Street Bridge. This detour Cyclists will have access to priority vehicle lanes mately six months. will provide a waiting area for commuters wish- on both the east and west sides of the bridge; To learn more about the project, the detour ing to cross. pedestrians, or cyclists willing to dismount, will routes, park-and-ride options, or to subscribe Vehicle traffic will have the option to turn left be directed to use the existing sidewalks. to updates, visit courtenay.ca/fifthstreetbridge. 4 | APRIL 13, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES LEGO Labrador build homage to dad’s career

If you’d like to see this LEGO Labrador build flying from store shelves in fu- ture, vote with your support online at ideas.lego.com and search for Labrador.

but did spend time “We found a piece for Sara White at search and rescue the base, and started MWO (ret’d) Dan Pasieka, centre, holds the LEGO model built by his AURORA NEWSPAPER bases across Canada. from that – and then | sons, Mike and Denis, of the CH-113 Labrador he flew in for years as Dan retired January it was trial and error,” a Royal Canadian Air Force search and rescue technician. The boys are The “pick-up truck, 4, and the boys got Mike says. “We’d think hoping fan support in the LEGO Ideas online group might see their home workhorse” capabili- to work. we were done, but build someday fly off store shelves. ties of the old CH-113 “We designed this Dad would say, ‘No, Labrador, used by the set for our father as add something – a Royal Canadian Air a gift for him be- door, the back ramp, ing company’s atten- the way to keep inter- their chances. Their Force as its search cause he flew in this a hinge…’. tion, and the Labrador est up. proposed set would and rescue helicopter Labrador,” says De- “The hardest part becomes a sellable kit “If you hit the come with a helipad, for 41 years before nis, describing the was the back ramp. down the road. 10,000, the LEGO GPU cart (ground replacement with the early process of sort- The base plate we Mike says they need board will put your power unit), and a CH-149 Cormorant, ing through their used was offsetting 10,000 votes over design through tests, crew compliment of has a special corner amassed bins of tra- some of our pieces two years to get their deciding if it works,” five LEGO characters: of Master Warrant Of- ditional LEGO to sort and it was really hard design in front of the Mike says. “You help two pilots, one flight ficer (retired) Dan out as much yellow as to figure out how to LEGO board but, ev- them design it. It may engineer and two Pasieka’s heart. they could find. The make the ramp come ery time your project change a little bit, but SAR-Techs. But the LEGO model wanted moving parts back up into the door- hits a voter milestone, it’s still your original “I loved flying on the his sons, Mike, 15, and functioning fea- way. A simple mecha- LEGO adds time to the concepts and design.” Labrador – a very ro- and Denis, 13, repre- tures, including the nism, but it took some campaign. The boys’ Dan says word is bust helicopter,” Dan sents their tribute to retracting winch and time to figure out!” Labrador exceeded spreading among says. “You could put it his 26-year military ramp their dad would As the hours added the initial milestone folks in the search and down on water, which career, including time have worked with as up, including adding – 100 votes in two rescue trade, and re- was cool.” as a search and res- he helped save fish- in movable winch and months, getting that action has been good Check out the LEGO cue technician. ermen, boaters, hik- blade functions, the in just three days. for the boys’ effort. Labrador online at The Ottawa fami- ers, aviators and oth- boys called it com- They’re hoping to hit They’ve been inter- ideas.lego.com and ly, and Dan himself, ers in distress. plete March 11, load- more milestones along viewed for a radio sta- searching for Labra- were never posted to Mike says they start- ing their build to the the way, but haven’t tion, and some online dor. If you’d like to 413 (Transport and ed the build from pic- LEGO Ideas website ruled out modifica- sharing of their pic- see it flying from store Rescue) Squadron at tures, a print a model in hopes fan votes will tions and special an- tures and the LEGO shelves in future, vote 14 Wing Greenwood, their dad had. catch the brick-build- nouncements along link is helping boost with your support.

䄀吀吀䔀一吀䤀伀一 䴀䤀䰀䤀吀䄀刀夀 䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀匀℀ 䌀漀洀攀 漀甀琀 愀渀搀 琀爀礀 漀甀爀 渀攀眀 愀洀愀稀椀渀最氀礀 搀攀氀椀挀椀漀甀猀 愀渀搀 栀攀愀氀琀栀礀 匀琀漀渀攀最爀椀氀氀 䐀椀渀椀渀最 䔀砀瀀攀爀椀攀渀挀攀℀ 吀栀椀猀 甀渀椀焀甀攀 ᰠ搀爀礀 挀漀漀欀椀渀最ᴠ 洀攀琀栀漀搀 椀猀 爀攀挀漀最渀椀稀攀搀 愀猀 戀攀椀渀最 漀渀攀 漀昀 琀栀攀 栀攀愀氀琀栀椀攀猀琀 洀攀琀栀漀搀猀 愀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀 琀漀搀愀礀⸀ 匀椀洀瀀氀攀Ⰰ 栀攀愀氀琀栀礀Ⰰ 搀攀氀椀挀椀漀甀猀 愀渀搀 昀甀渀℀ 䌀漀洀攀 戀礀 愀渀搀 攀渀樀漀礀 CANEX.CA 琀栀攀 戀攀猀琀 猀琀攀愀欀Ⰰ 栀愀氀椀戀甀琀 漀爀 猀愀氀洀漀渀 礀漀甀 洀愀礀 攀瘀攀爀 琀愀猀琀攀⸀ ㈀㌀㔀㔀 䴀愀渀猀昀椀攀氀搀 䐀爀⸀Ⰰ 䌀漀甀爀琀攀渀愀礀 ⨀䰀椀瘀攀 䔀渀琀攀爀琀愀椀渀洀攀渀琀 䘀爀椀⸀ ☀ 匀愀琀⸀⨀ ⨀䈀攀攀爀 愀渀搀 圀椀渀攀 匀琀漀爀攀⨀ ⨀䄀氀氀 漀甀爀 挀漀氀搀 戀攀攀爀 愀渀搀 猀瀀椀爀椀琀猀 愀爀攀 ㈀㔀 ⴀ㌀㌀㐀ⴀ㐀㔀 猀漀氀搀 愀琀 氀椀焀甀漀爀 猀琀漀爀攀 瀀爀椀挀攀猀 漀爀 戀攀氀漀眀⸀⨀ ㄀㘀㈀㔀 䴀椀氀椀琀愀爀礀 刀漀眀Ⰰ 䰀愀稀漀Ⰰ 䈀䌀 ㈀㔀 ⸀㌀㌀㤀⸀㔀㔀㔀㌀ 眀眀眀⸀眀栀椀猀琀氀攀猀琀漀瀀瀀甀戀⸀挀漀洀 APRIL 13, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES | 5

Heritage Air Park open! The volunteers at the Comox Air Force Museum have been busy preparing the Heritage Air Park for the 2021 season; their hard work paid off on April 1! Opening day marked the 97th anniversary of the RCAF. The park is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Visit by donation and enjoy an up-close view of the 12 aircraft on display, including the recently added CC-115 Buffalo. Visitors may also take a moment to pay tribute to those who have served at the Heritage Stone display and SAR memorial. The Heritage Air Park is a family-friendly space and visitors are encouraged to pack a picnic and explore the aircraft that have made the RCAF great! 6 | APRIL 13, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES APRIL 13, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES | 7

The flags at 19 Wing Comox fly at half- mast in observance of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The flags at all Government of Canada buildings and establishments across the country and abroad, including the Peace Tower in Ottawa, will fly at half-mast until sunset on the day of the memori- al service for Prince Philip. Flags at half mast

April is the month of the military child

Children of military families make countless school, home, community and activity groups sacrifices, and April gives us a chance to thank change every few years. them for their contributions in service to Canada. Military youth know and understand that their Military children are part of the Canadian parent(s) engage in high risk situations on a Armed Forces community. They are inherently regular basis. introduced to a military lifestyle through de- Throughout the month we aim to acknowledge ployments, parental absences, relocations, and the resilience of military children - as they are more. This month, CFMWS honours the military often a quiet strength in a sea of change, un- community’s children and recognizes the unique certainty and new experiences. resiliency they demonstrate as part of military Families can support their child by talking about families. the changes that happen every day. Share ob- CFMWS employees work closely with military servations about the weather, blossoming flow- families to support military children’s well-being ers, falling leaves, as well as children’s own through different programs and services offered growing bodies. Help them to identify emotions by colleagues from PSP, Military Family Services, and talk about them. CANEX, and SISIP Financial. Encourage your child to use all their senses - In 2019, 42 youth received scholarships, total- touch, taste, see, hear and smell - to the best ling $78,000, and Support Our Troops provided of their abilities. As they grow this can be a funding to help 182 children with special needs practice in being mindful and managing anxiety. participate in PSP-led summer camp programs. Help your child to notice and celebrate similari- Support from Comox MFRC ties and differences across families, and connect A military child experiences the military lifestyle with other families to expand their network of in a different way than the other members of a support. military family unit. The family dynamic changes Visit cafconnection.ca/Comox to access re- based on absences and deployments, and their sources and support for your military child. 8 | APRIL 13, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES Victory March

Between Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 9, participate at any time in any of the following challenges: 2 x 2 km Boomer’s Legacy Family March 2 x 5 km Friendship March 2 x 10 km Gift of the Tulips March 2 x 20 km Liberation March 2 x 20 km w/ 10 kg weight JTF Nijmegen Commander’s Challenge

Each year since 1952 a contingent of the Canadian Armed Forces attends the Four Day Marches in Nijmegen, Netherlands to participate the largest multi-day march in the world: Liberation March. COVID-19 has halted international gatherings, so the Joint Task Force Nijmegen Canadian Contingent has responded by offering a challenge to all members of the Defence Team! The Victory March, presented by the Chief of Military Personnel (CMP) / Military Per- sonnel Command (MPC), aims to support - and share in - our military teams’ prepa- ration for the Nijmegen Marches that highlight the symbolic relationship that unites Canada and the Netherlands. In fact, the event is open to all Canadians, and upon completion of the challenge, participants will receive a Military Personnel Command coin to remember the experience. Canadians can march alongside members of the Canadian Armed Forces for any two days between May 1 to 9, and experience the military tradition of marches on this Registration is now open: raceroster.com/ virtual event taking place in your community. events/2021/38945/victory-march-la-marche- The Nijmegen “Victory March” enables anyone to celebrate the history of friendship de-la-victoire. The fee to participate is $20/ in- between the Netherlands and Canada. As we march together, we support of Boomer’s dividual or $50/ family, and you can join the 19 Legacy, part of Support Our Troops, in providing humanitarian support at home and Wing team by using the code walk4comox. while deployed.

The value of one Julie Kidson, Comox MFRC

National Volunteer Week takes place from you are doing or envisioning that they want April 18 to 24. to freely give their time towards that goal. It is a week to celebrate successes and ac- The older we get, the less time we all seem complishments achieved through the spirit to have, and the more valuable that time of volunteerism. becomes. Each hour, day, and week we are The theme for National Volunteer Week 2021 all cramming activities, tasks, deadlines and is the value of one, the power of many. general minutia into our schedules that we ‘The value of one’ is a loaded phrase that have less and less free time. cannot easily be broken down or explained Whether volunteers are young or old, they as we all have value, worth, and skills, but are giving of themselves that which cannot what volunteers possess which is of the most be given back to them. Volunteers merit so value is their time. much more than our respect. We should take Time is something we cannot get more of, time to honour them and remember that their but often feel we are in short supply of. We volunteerism carries us through, motivates us rush from one thing to another, and what is to collectively achieve something bigger than truly striking is when volunteers help to sup- ourselves. Thank you to all the volunteers in port an organization, a club, or event and give our community! what cannot be replaced, their time. Your time is valuable, and we as a com- It is also the biggest honour to an organiza- munity can never thank you enough for the tion - to think that someone believes in what value of one. APRIL 13, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES | 9 Fighting the Good Fight

LCol Laura Laycock ing spinal cord injuries, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. It was October 7, 2019, and not only was life The process to donate is simple. First, you good, it was amazing. register online with Canadian Blood Services My career in the Royal Canadian Air Force was or Héma-Québec and do a mail-in cheek swab. going great. I loved my job and was getting pro- Then you wait. It could be months or years be- moted. Throughout my Canadian Armed Forces fore you are identified as a match. During this career of over 20 years, I had represented Can- waiting period, you should update your contact ada around the world with NORAD, NATO and information with the registry if it changes. the UN. I had married the most incredible man. When you are matched, you will be contact- We relocated to Ottawa, started to travel the ed to continue with the donation process. This world together, and were ready to start a family. process is similar to giving blood, but it has its Then, on October 8, 2019, everything changed. differences. The cells are usually collected intra- I was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leuke- venously from peripheral blood in a non-surgical mia (CML) after blood work for vertigo showed procedure but, in rare cases, they are collected extremely elevated white blood cell counts. CML directly from the bone marrow in a surgical pro- is a blood cancer where the bone marrow over- cedure. In either case, the risks associated with produces white blood cells, which eventually im- donating are minor. pairs completely the development of white and In Canada, individuals aged 17 to 35 can reg- red blood cells and platelets. It’s usually caused ister to become stem cell donors (ages 18 to by a spontaneous mutation in DNA, which con- 35 in Quebec). Both CBS and Héma-Québec tains our genetic code. are part of an international network of donor Twenty years ago, researchers developed a new registries from over 50 countries. This network line of drugs that combat this overproduction of has a pool of over 38 million donors but, unfor- white blood cells. These targeted oral chemo- tunately, matches are rare. therapy pills have been revolutionary in the fight So your stem cells could potentially help others against CML. Most people who take them do so To register as a stem cell donor: around the world. And throughout this process, for the rest of their lives and have good survival donor privacy is assured at all times. Canadian Blood Services Héma-Québec: rates. A stem cell transplant remains the only Stem cell matching relies on Human Leuko- blood.ca/en/stemcells actual cure, but it’s risky and is not needed for cyte Antigen typing, which is highly influenced Swab the World: most people. by ethnicity. This means that a patient’s best swabtheworld.com/en/become-a-donor It’s now been about 17 months since my diag- chance of finding a matching donor is from nosis and my body has not tolerated this target- Follow Laura’s campaign: those who share similar ethnic backgrounds. ed chemotherapy. I fall into that small fraction Facebook: @MyBattleWithLeukemia Research conducted by Gragert et al. (2014) of people who get debilitating or life-threatening Twitter: @MBWLeukemia has shown that the likelihood of finding a match side effects from this medication. My doctors Instagram: @MyBattleWithLeukemia for certain ethnic groups can be as low as 16 are discussing other treatment options, one of percent and as high as 75 percent for others. which is a stem cell transplant, but my mixed This disparity highlights the need for more ethnicity (European/Middle Eastern) has made old and new. ethnically diverse stem cell donors in our reg- it difficult to find a donor match. With the help of family and friends, I recently istries. My journey since my diagnosis has been to slow began a social media campaign to increase stem Today, I am calling on my DND and CAF families down and educate myself so that I can heal and cell donor education and registration in Canada to register as stem cell donors to help people, advocate for my care; to appreciate every little and around the world. Many people are unaware like me, who are fighting for our lives. If you moment of joy; and to do my best to overcome of the potentially lifesaving role they can play by aren’t able to register, please share this call with each challenge that arises. I have found strength registering to become stem cell donors. Stem those who can. You, or someone you know, could in the extraordinary support I’ve received from cell transplants are vital treatment options for be the match that saves a life - a simple swab my family, my friends and my community, both people with a range of medical conditions includ- is all it takes to be a hero.

Relatives of CAF newcomers find mutual support

other and support each other. We are also avail- It was while becoming involved with the MFRC Yves Bélanger able to answer their questions,” explains Anne. that Joanne got to know Ann, and they hit it off. |SERVIR NEWSPAPER Two realities “We complement each other well. In fact, we rep- The two women, who saw their children enlist in resent the two types of parents we work with well.” Almost two years ago, two volunteers from the the Forces, admit having a very different connec- Connecting through Facebook Military Family Resource Center - Montreal Region tion with the CAF. Currently, the group Familles-proches des nou- (MFRC), Joanne Saccomani and Ann Marcotte, A former Royal Canadian Navy reservist, Anne veaux militaires/ Families-friends of new military launched a private group on Facebook for rela- had several members of her family who made has more than 350 members. The two women tives of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) newcom- careers in the military world. hope to have more join to gain connection. ers. Their goal was to help them better understand “Watching my son become an officer was just “We had quite a few projects for this group that how life works in the CAF. normal for me.” had to be put on hold due to the COVID-19 pan- Anne explains that the duo were already col- It was experienced differently by Joanne, who demic. Among other things, we wanted to orga- laborating in the presentations of the Military Life had never had a direct connection to military life nize in-person networking evenings to further 101 workshops offered to parents and relatives before her son told her he wanted to enlist. promote exchanges between parents and relatives of new CAF members by the MFRC. “We figured “Suddenly, I was facing an unknown world,” she of military personnel,” says Ann. a discussion group would be very helpful.” explains. Once the pandemic is over, the two leaders of This is how the Families-friends of new military Anne maintains that several parents of new sol- the Facebook group have every intention of im- group came into being. Its objective is to allow diers are in the same situation as her partner. plementing various activities that will promote families and loved ones to discuss various topics “Many parents are anxious that their child has connection. such as the graduation ceremony of the Canadian chosen such a profession. By helping them bet- To access the group, visit facebook.com/ Forces Leadership and Recruit School, to share ter understand military life, we are able to ap- groups/466154543919591. photos, or carpool offers. “They can talk to each pease them.” 10 | APRIL 13, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES

CFSSAR Course 53 fills the sky over 19 Wing

Orange parachutes are visible over 19 Wing Comox as the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue (CFSSAR) is conducting parachute training for prospective search and rescue technicians on Course 53. This critical training phase typically takes place in Arizona at a dedicated facility, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, this training must be conducted locally. The prevailing winds from the north have meant that resi- dents in Comox are observing the aircraft transporting students and instructors to the drop zone adjacent to the tower on the 19 Wing airfield. This is a unique opportunity to observe parachute training, a critical skill for search and rescue in the Canadian Armed Forces. Instructors can be identified by black canopies; course 53 members are jumping with orange canopies.

Earth Week Festival | April 19 to 25 Join the Cumberland Community Forest Society and friends from across the Comox Valley for the Cumberland Earth Week Festival, taking place virtually between April 19 and 25. The global theme for Earth Day 2021 is Restore the Earth. Whether you live in the Village, the wider Comox Valley, the Salish Sea re- gion, or across the globe, you are invited to connect for this celebration of biodiversity, restoration, regeneration, climate resilience, and community action. The Cumberland Forest has organized a diverse program of afternoon and evening events ranging from webinars, after school programs, trivia, the- atre and an online auction, to scavenger hunts and guided walks and talks (as public health orders allow). Cumberland’s Earth Week Festival is all about bringing people together during these strange times to remind ourselves of our incredible capacity to make change, build community, and celebrate the Earth. The program is filled with opportunities to learn, explore, connect, cele- brate, and make change. All the details and registration links can be found at cumberlandforest.com/earthweek, and more events are still being added.

Located in the 19 Wing Fitness and Community Centre at 1575 Military Row Monday to Friday: 6 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fitness, Sports and Recreation: 250-339-8211, local 7173/ 6989 Sports Stores Counter: 250-339-8211, local 8315 CAFconnection.ca/Comox

& RECREATION facebook.com/19WingComoxPSP FITNESS SPORTS

The Fitness and Community Centre is open to all regular and reserve military members and authorized users by reservation only. Members must call the PSP Customer Service Desk to reserve your gym time slot. Registration will open at 9 a.m. on Mondays for ac- tive military members, and Wednesdays for all other authorized us- ers, one week prior and will close one hour prior to the timeslot. Call 250-339-8211, local 8315 with your full name and contact phone number to reserve. *Military members will be given priority. APRIL 13, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES | 11

Krystal Parsons is a itary families to un- thousands over the mortgage specialist derstand the unique term of a mortgage, with Bank of Montreal benefits available and CDCB members Financial Group who through the Canadi- are eligible for mort- is dedicated to serv- an Defence Commu- gage protection, even ing the Comox Val- nity Banking (CDCB) when on active duty ley, and in particular, program. in an area of civil dis- military clients. “I enjoy offering my order or war. BMO is the official advice, experience “I have so much re- bank of the Canadian and knowledge of spect for the courage Defence Communi- what the benefits are it takes to move your ty, providing exclu- for military members family across the sive offers to mem- who choose a mort- country, from base bers and families for gage with BMO.” to base,” she shares. over 10 years, and Those benefits are “I enjoy making the proudly sponsoring significant, and aim mortgage process as military events and to accommodate the smooth as possible, Support Our Troops way of life for mem- whether a member initiatives. bers of the Canadian is making a new pur- For Krystal, helping Armed Forces. chase or is refinanc- military families with Pre-approved mort- ing. their mortgages is a gage rates are locked The CDCB program passion. in for 130 days – tak- is available to regu- “I grew up here, and ing the worry out of lar force personnel, I’m confident that the house hunting reserves, recruits, Krystal Parsons the families that are process. Mortgages military families, moving here will love can be moved or bro- veterans and retir- BMO mortgage specialist our community as ken without repay- ees, as well as De- much as I do,” Krystal ment charges when partment of National personnel, the RCMP, your mortgage op- at krystal.parsons@ enthuses. posted or deployed. Defence (DND) and and the Canadian tions through the bmo.com or visit her Most of all, she en- The interest rate buy Staff of the Non- Coast Guard. CDCB program, con- website at krystal- joys working with mil- down option can save Public Funds civilian To learn more about tact Krystal directly parsons.mortgage.

Shine the spotlight on your business! This feature is available to anyone with a military background who provides service to the military community! Reach out with your story: [email protected], and we’ll shine the spotlight on you!

19 Mission Support Squadron MEMBER PROFILE Avr Hart joined the RCAF as a materiel management technician in 2019, and after completing her basic training and QL3, was posted to 19 Wing Comox. While most graduates are posted into positions at clothing stores, Avr Hart was posted into 19 MSS Fuel Farm. This essential section isn’t covered on the materiel management technician QL3, thus learning the day-to-day operations on the fly was a “baptism by fire”! Proving to be an apt apprentice, Avr Hart has shown her caliber by quickly learning the many fuel quality tests and standards necessary to achieve safety. Her understanding is so thorough that she is able to teach her peers those same tests, whether at the Fuel Farm or during a transfer operation at the pier. Avr Hart is a great asset to 19 Mission Support Squadron, and she enjoys exploring the Comox Valley while training her new puppy, Rey. 12 | APRIL 13, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES

HELPING FAMILIES FIND THEIR HOME

KRYSTAL PARSONS MORTGAGE SPECIALIST 250.897.2756 [email protected]