TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021

VOLUME 63, #10 19 WING COMOX S1 Lisa Wallace

Exercise TAZ RUNNER Exercise TAZ RUNNER is an annual Improvised The 19 Air Maintenance Squadron Explosives the end of their three year currency.” Explosives Device Disposal (IEDD) exercise that Disposal Flight (EDF) is responsible for the or- The objective in the past was to prepare mem- takes place at 19 Wing Comox. ganization of the exercise. bers for their IEDD Operator course. Between April 26 and June 4, IEDD Operators “TAZ RUNNER 21 was a Taz like no other,” shares “TAZ RUNNER also afforded us the opportunity from all three elements of the Canadian Armed Sgt Levesque, 19 EDF Deputy Commander. “Typi- to use the newly upgraded tEOdor Robot,” adds Forces are conducting numerous IEDD scenarios, cally we run this exercise in February, but this Sgt Levesque. “The tEO EVO came equipped relevant to the current RCAF explosive ordnance year, due to the constraints of COVID-19, we had with better cameras, lighting systems and overall disposal (EOD) mandate. to shift it to the right. This is perhaps the first Taz controls. The cameras alone made the upgrade The annual exercise began in 2012, and EOD to ever feature back to back days of gorgeous a delight to work with.” operators primarily come from trades including weather, and while the Snowbirds did complicate Personnel from across the Canadian Armed clearance diver, ammunition technician, combat things for us with regards to the usage of some of Forces traveled to 19 Wing Comox after taking a engineer, and air weapon systems technician. our training sites, we managed to make it work.” COVID-19 test, and were quarantined at HMCS Beyond the combat implications, there are many The focus of the modified 2021 exercise was Quadra for seven days prior to the start of the situations in which ammunition, pyrotechnics, the conduct qualification renewals for the IEDD exercise. flares and other devices which contain highly Operators in the CAF. Movement has been limited to training sites, and combustible materials must be rendered safe “This provides us with a time effective way to participants have not been permitted to interact or inert. renew operator’s authorization as they come to with the general public.

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Approved Service Provider to the DND Integrated Relocation Program

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19 Wing Comox Employment Equity Working Group Defence Visible Minority Advisory Group | Defence Team Pride Network Words Matter Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group | Defence Women’s Advisory Organization Defence Advisory Group – Persons with Disabilities

Empathic communication: How abbreviations diminish meaning

“MMIWG2S” – turning a very serious topic into MCpl Cory Bakker, 418 Sqn | something more palatable on paper. Words can invoke feelings. Lack of words can In the current world of social media, it has be- rob them. come so simple to convey support for a cause by To be more efficient, we freely substitute people, superimposing an acronym over a profile photo, places and things with abbreviations that are or adding a hashtag. assumed to be innocuous and appropriate for Consider that many well-intentioned people do official business, in the interest of making com- this, but anecdotally it does not generate a lot of munication more concise. meaningful discussion. The post gathers dozens S This jumble of letters can create a barrier to of arguably impersonal “likes” and people gen- G2 conveying ideas that are important or emotional, erally move on and keep scrolling. MIW and it can actually lead to misunderstanding. It In contrast, by spelling out the difficult issues M might even be harmful. facing First Nations women and their families, it allows us to feel what Red Dress Day, held on s If we go back into history, we can understand genou why simplifying an idea can take us in the wrong May 5, is about – not to just scroll by. By talk- Indi s direction. Since settlers arrived in North America, ing about it, we are inclined to read about the = red rit Murde o-Spi countless traumas associated with colonization Highway of Tears in British Columbia, and why g and nd Tw of First Nations are well understood. Yet despite its moniker was coined from its historical parallel issin irls a our increased awareness, we still find ourselves in the United States, the Trail of Tears. M en, G abbreviating “First Nations” with “FN” in official We have a moral responsibility to be empathetic Wom correspondence. Unintentionally, we have taken in our communication. a great number of the most important people in In the workplace we saturate correspondence Canada, disregarded and minimized them into with robotic efficiency, but an abbreviation or a couple of letters, in the interest of efficiency. acronym can change the understanding of a To further illustrate how simplifying an idea complex topic. It can rob us from having a con- into letters can be harmful to a sensitive topic, versation. We can all be the change if we decide we shorten the title “Missing and Murdered In- not to diminish these issues, but choose to em- digenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirits” into brace the why.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia was observed on May 17 across the nation. It was a day to reflect on our attitudes towards others, to confront and overcome our biases, and to acknowledge that around the world, LGBTQ2+ individuals are still the victims of violence.

“As the Defence Team forges on to create a more step taken by the Defence Team to include the can be used by anybody. inclusive workplace, acknowledging the persis- voices of our LGBTQ2+ communities by officially “B” is for bisexual, and that’s somebody who is tent and frequent misconduct being brought to recognizing a fifth Defence Advisory Group: the attracted to people of their own gender and other light recently, I can’t think of a better time for us Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization (DT- genders. It can also refer to non-binary people. to rally together to combat homophobia, trans- PAO), previously known as the Defence Team “T” is for transgender, a person whose gender phobia, and biphobia,” stated RAdm Luc Cassivi, Pride Network. identity is different from the sex placed on their Champion for the Defence Team Pride Advisory This group of volunteers from across the country birth certificate. Organization. will provide much needed advice, education, and “Q” stands for Queer, an umbrella term often Despite the progress made since the end of the critical support to Defence Team leadership and time used to categorize the entirety of the LG- LGBT Purge, too many people still do not feel they members, to further promote an environment of BTQ2+ community. can be honest with their team members about dignity and respect for all. Next, we have the “2” – it’s for Two-Spirits. It is their own identity for fear of harassment, career On May 19 the Pride flag was raised across the an identity used by some Indigenous folks who, impact or other negative outcomes. They also feel country to show support for and solidarity with just like queer, whose gender identity, sexual that most of our policies and processes are not LGBTQ2+ members, and to reinforce the mes- orientation or spiritual identity differs from the supportive of their identity and lived reality. This sage that everyone belongs. societal norm, and it’s called Two-Spirits because situation negatively impacts their well-being, team Let’s reflect on our values and support a Defence a person may be believed to have both the male cohesion, and our ability to create an inclusive and Team in which everyone feels safe and welcomed and the female spirits within them. respectful environment for all - it must change. to bring their whole selves to the workplace. And then, there’s the “+” sign, which is there to These changes can only take place if we all con- What does the LGBTQ2+ acronym stand for? represent all of the other identities that you may tribute to the effort. All members of the Defence “L” is for lesbian. Basically, a woman who likes have already heard of: non-binary, pansexual, Team deserve to feel safe, and be treated with women. asexual and intersex. We use the plus sign be- dignity and respect. “G” stands for gay. That’s a person who is at- cause there’s so many identities out there, and Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization tracted to people of the same gender. Most often the community and the language is always evolv- We are pleased to recognize the significant it is used for a man who likes other men, but it ing and we want to be inclusive.

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 Bryn Elliott, 19 Wing Commander. Publications Mail Registration No.4098. Printed by Ladysmith Press, Ladysmith, BC. Circulation: 1800. MAY 25, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES | 3 Weaving Traditions Celebrating Indigenous Awareness Week

Dr. John Borrows

Indigenous Awareness Week - May 25 to 28 - presents an opportunity for Canadians to learn about the rich diversity of the cultures, traditions and values of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The Canadian Army is inviting all members of the Defence Team to participate in a vir- tual keynote presentation on Thursday, May 27 from 3 to 4 p.m. EST. Dr. John Borrows will provide a presentation that explores how Indigenous peoples actively tions alongside other standards to search for work to strengthen their communities in the peace and order in their relations with others. face of significant conflict within and beyond It will provide positive examples of how Indig- their reserves, settlements and homelands. enous peoples are using their laws to create They regulate their affairs and resolve their brighter futures. disputes by reference to many sources of au- The bilingual session will be held over Zoom, thority, and this presentation considers how webinar ID: 831 4192 3784, case-sensitive Indigenous peoples use their own legal tradi- password: IAW.

Parking control at Air Force Beach Over the Victoria Day long weekend, Air Force The Canadian Forces Snowbirds have been Beach was closed to non-authorized users. conducting their annual spring training at 19 Members of 19 Wing Comox, including 12 Mili- Wing Comox since May 4, and the overcrowding tary Police Flight, worked through the weekend seems to be related to residents of the Comox to notify the visiting public when the area was Valley seeking a front row seat to the acrobat- at capacity. ics show. The enforcement measure was put in place As the Snowbirds finish spring training on following the May 15 weekend, where there May 26, residents are reminded to stay home was significant overcrowding in the parking lot, to watch the practice, or to follow them online disregard for speed limits, illegal use of vacant through social media. camping spots at Air Force Beach Campground, and general non-adherence to provincial restric- Did you know that Air Force Beach is ac- tions against gathering in relation to the CO- cessible to users who are not affiliated VID-19 pandemic. with the Canadian Armed Forces with the The traffic control effort aimed to maintain purchase of an annual beach pass for a the safety of Air Force Beach and Tee Pee Park fee of $25, plus GST? users, and to ensure adherence to provincial Beach passes can be purchased at the health measures. campground office. To learn more about authorized users of Air Force Beach, visit cafconnection.ca/ Comox/Facilities/Air-Force-Beach-Camp- ground, or call 250-339-5271.

刀攀愀搀 琀栀攀

漀渀氀椀渀攀℀

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 4 | MAY 25, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES

Support the next generation of writers by voting In late January, a selection committee of CAF acumen,” says Ryan Cane, Editor in Chief and for your favourite youth reporter story between Newspaper editors reviewed applications to se- National Recreation Manager for PSP. “As a com- now and May 31. lect six story ideas with the most editorial merit. munity, we learn a lot by listening to stories that You can set one young person up with a grand Originality and social impact are key consider- are meaningful to the next generation, and it’s prize package, including a $2,500 scholarship! ations. great that CAF Newspapers offers this opportu- Every fall, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) News- One month later, six finalists were contacted nity annually.” papers* invites young people, 13 to 18-years- and given a deadline to develop their story idea Now it’s your turn to connect with these young old, from military families and cadets, to enter into an original article. All stories are featured writers. Read the top six stories and vote for our Youth Reporter Competition. The 2021 com- in a special PLAY e-zine edition, published on your favourite for a chance to win a participation petition is sponsored by Adobe. CAFconnection.ca and in CAF newspapers across prize - voting is open until May 31 at midnight Aspiring reporters are asked to submit a story Canada. - CAFconnection.ca/YouthReporter. idea about something important in their life or Your vote takes them to the next level *CAF Newspapers are managed by Personnel community. CAF Newspapers received more “The youth reporter competition gives young Support Programs (PSP), a division of Canadian than 50 applications from CAF-affiliated youth people affiliated with the CAF a chance to have Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS). across Canada and the world. their voices heard and to develop their writing **Voting rules apply. MAY 25, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES | 5 Vote for your favourite youth reporter story!

ANDREA STACEY CINDY HO

Food for Thought Diet Culture and the Industry Behind It “The diet industry has become so ingrained into our society that it now influences practically every aspect of our daily lives, even sup- The Theatre of Everyday posedly reliable sources, like health classes in school, where, for ex- “Marvelling at the sight of my classmates coming alive with the love ample, they generalize dietary needs instead of promoting individual they have for issues that strike something within them, I can’t help requirements. However, the influence that the diet industry has is but feel gratitude for the teachers that have kept our theatre running strongest felt where profit is the primary goal. There’s a reason why, through thick and thin. Mr. Soriano and Ms. Komad have spent countless despite women’s average clothing size being 14, only 2% of adver- hours supporting their students and have created an atmosphere that tisements include anything above a size 10. There’s a reason why makes it easy to forget the stresses of school, life, and the pandemic. “healthy foods” are packaged differently than what has been deemed Somehow, even though it all, art finds its way to brighten up the bleak- “unhealthy foods”. There’s a reason why everyone uses the weekend est of situations. Whether on a big scale, reaching millions of people as “cheat days”. All of this is because the diet industry has designed like Hamilton, or touching just a community like our theatre depart- it to be this way, all for its own profit.” ment, even a global pandemic cannot stop the show.”

“My first experience with adapt- ing to change was when my dad, EMILY LACHANCE HANNAH MEAGHER Robert, went on Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) in 2011 as a Refrigeration and Mechanical Systems Technician. I was about three and my brother, William was four months old. I don’t re- member much about that time because I was so young. We lived in Boucherville, Quebec, with my grandfather, Jacques. When my dad graduated from Cadet finds opportunity amidst pandemic his trade course, we got posted “Phones are ringing, planes are landing, and a pilot is asking for a in May 2013 to CFB Bagotville, weather advisory as three more planes enter the circuit. This is an an Air Force base located, in average day at the Allan J. MacEachen Regional Airport in Port Hast- the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean ings, but before working here, I wouldn’t have expected the high de- region. We sold our house in mand for air transportation that exists in Cape Breton. Boucherville and we all moved Adapting to life I also wouldn’t have thought, as a new cadet with a serious fear of into a military house (PMQ) on heights just a few years ago, that I would now be a licensed glider the base. My grandfather moved pilot, working in the aviation industry as it navigates through a global with us too.” as a military kid pandemic, and even acting as a role model for other young girls.”

“All my life, I have tried to fit KAI CHEN KARAM ALBATAL in. I dress like my classmates. I talk like my friends, but no matter what I do, I will never be quite like them. I am a first-generation Ca- nadian. I was born in Cana- da to two immigrant parents, who came to this country from Guangzhou, China, a city with more than 13-million people. They had lives in China — they had jobs, family and friends. Yet, they left it all behind to Happiness start a new life in Canada. Diversity, “Happiness does not exist in nature. We are the ones who create it, My father was the first to im- we are the ones who will create happiness within ourselves. All you migrate. He moved to Saska- acceptance have to do is look for it and you will end up finding it. Happiness can toon, Saskatchewan, in 1991, be as simple as eating ice cream, because it is in simplicity that you with just a few hundred dol- plus friendship can find positivity. Whatever your situation, you can find happiness. lars, which he borrowed from Just find something that keeps you away, if only for a few seconds, family.” My time in Air Cadets from all the negativity around us.”

To read the full stories and vote for your favorite visit CAFConnection.ca/YouthReporter 6 | MAY 25, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES MAY 25, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES | 7

442 Sqn trains with the Canadian Coast Guard

Members of 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron conducted joint training with the Canadian Coast Guard on May 11. The CH-149 Cormorant is captured next to CCGS Gordon Reid near Deserters Island in the vicinity of Port Hardy. The CC-115 Buffalo also took part in the training. The Canadian Coast Guard is responsible for maritime search and rescue services on feder- ally controlled waterways. Along with partners, they assist people, vessels and aircraft that are in imminent danger. The main objective is to save lives at risk. Search and rescue services include response units trained to respond to and assist in maritime and aeronautical incidents, alerting and communication services via Marine Communications Traffic Services, and coordinating operations through three joint rescue coordination centres and two maritime rescue sub-centres. Each year, the Coast Guard responds to over 6,000 calls for marine assistance, and on an average day, they coordinate the response to 19 search and rescue incidents, assisting 68 people, and saving 18 lives.

HELPING FAMILIES FIND THEIR HOME

KRYSTAL PARSONS MORTGAGE SPECIALIST 250.897.2756 [email protected]

Read the Totem Times online CAFconnection.ca/Comox/TotemTimes

Send us your feedback! [email protected] 8 | MAY 25, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES

Access Community Arts Access Community Arts is passionate about making art accessible to every body. The studio - well known in Comox as Kelly Cat Arts - was focused on teaching art to kids. Throughout the last year they purposely grew into Access Community Arts to serve all communities that make up the Comox Valley. “We’re the corner art studio where care, community, and culture come to- gether,” explains Kelly. When gathering was restricted, the studio created discount codes for mem- bers of groups that are integral to the community, like military and teachers, in hopes these discounts would help more Comox Valley residents access the programs. They are currently offering multi-generational classes, kids classes, adult only classes, classes that are adapted for people with diverse needs, and workshops hosted by established artists. Access Community Arts recently created a unique experience for budding artists of the Comox Valley – a Snowbird-themed contest! “One of our employees has been enthralled with the Snowbirds for nearly 30 years – after a unique opportunity to climb a ladder to have a look into the cockpit. She has enjoyed their return to the Comox Valley every spring, so she created a simple contest to celebrate them,” explains Simone. The contest – art depicting the Snowbirds in the Comox Valley – was posted to social media, and a member of 19 Wing Comox, Cpl Marc Bedard, re- tographed and returned immediately. sponded with some stunning photos. “We will accept work until we close on May 31, and on June 1, we will select “We were thrilled with his submission, so we asked Marc if we could cre- a winner based on the effort put into the entry,” says Kelly. ate coloring pages from his photographs - to make it easier for people to Pieces have to be “perfect” to win, and the winning artist wins a custom- enter,” Kelly adds. ized private art class for two. Marc, a unit public affairs representative for 19 Mission Support Squadron, “They can choose their art type or subject matter,” Simone adds. and an avid photographer, readily agreed. “It has been a great co-project with Marc – his beautiful photography and The colouring pages are intended to serve as a starting point for anyone subsequent colouring pages we created from them is exactly what we’re who might be interested in the contest. about,” Kelly concludes. “Art can be as simple as drawing mountains in the distance,” laughs Simone. To learn more about the contest or Access Community Arts visit artisfor- Entries are being accepted online, or dropped off to the studio to be pho- everybody.com.

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!

Cpl Grewal, a firefighter with 19 Wing Comox Fire Service, guides a litter down from the roof of 7 Hanger during high angle rescue training in Feb- ruary. Firefighters regular- ly train to access and res- cue patients from high urban structures using either rope rescue techniques or aerial CANEX.CA apparatus.

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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 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 19 Mission Support Squadron 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⨀ MEMBER PROFILE ⨀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⸀⨀ 眀眀眀⸀眀栀椀猀琀氀攀猀琀漀瀀瀀甀戀⸀挀漀洀 MAY 25, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES | 9 Aim High! Become a RCAF Flight Attendant!

There is an urgent requirement to fill vacant flight attendant (FA) positions, at the rank of Sailor (1st Class)/ Corporal and Master Sailor/ Master Cor- poral, at 437 Transport Squadron at 8 Wing in Trenton, Ontario. The Flight Attendant Employment Program 363 Sqn embraces (FAEP) offers non-commissioned members across the Canadian Armed Forces an amazing opportu- nity to broaden their career experience outside of special theme for their occupation to work as a flight attendant (FA). FAs are skilled at performing a variety of tasks associated with passenger safety and comfort, Annual Review responding to onboard emergencies, and oper- ating aircraft ancillary, emergency and survival equipment.

FCpl Marcel Huber-Stefiuk While the actual positions belong to and are man- MCpl Darcy Lefebvre |CADET CORRESPONDENT aged by the Royal Canadian Air Force, FAs receive a specialty qualification while maintaining their current military occupation and environmental On May 4, the 363 (Captain Brian Barker) Royal uniform. In other words, this is not an occupa- Canadian Air Cadet Squadron of Campbell River tional transfer. hosted their 34th Annual Ceremonial Review – On completion of FA training, members will be virtually, as with all activities this year. posted to 437 Squadron for a very challenging and Since the event fell on May 4, the squadron rewarding three-year tour flying on the Airbus. embraced the opportunity to inject some fun in Though they are working in an RCAF position, to the proceedings, turning the evening into a FAs maintain their own environmental uniform. Star Wars themed “May the 4th be with you”. Typically, FAs wear green flight suits, or when Sgt Amelie Cote, an aircraft structures tech- Reviewing officer WComd (ret’d) Redvers flying with VIPs, their standard DEU 3B uniform. nician, is currently employed as a flight at- Thompson played the role of Darth Sidious. During the course of their FA employment, mem- tendant at 437 Transport Squadron at 8 Wing, Other special guests included past CO Lt Kaitlin bers will continue to be merit-listed within their Trenton. The Flight Attendant Employment Carlow, and Air Cadet League of Canada’s Brit- own occupation, and when FA duties are complet- Program (FAEP) offers non-commissioned ish Columbia representative, Ron Rique, who ed, their respective career managers will deter- members across the Canadian Armed Forces played the role of Darth Vader. mine their next occupational employment. an amazing opportunity to broaden their ca- Awards For more details, including eligibility require- reer experience outside of their occupation The prestigious Lord Strathcona Medal - the ments, talk to your local Personnel Selection Of- to work as a flight attendant. highest award that can be bestowed upon a ficer to get started on a path that really takes off! Canadian Cadet – was awarded to FSgt Lillian Huber-Stefiuk, and was presented by the cur- rent Commanding Officer of 363 Squadron, Capt Robert Benson, as Yoda. The Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence Spring - Art in the Airport moves online was awarded to Sgt Isabelle Laurin by MCpl Dan Gates, former president of the Bonnyville The Comox Valley Airport has welcomed challenges brought about by the pandemic, Legion in Alberta. ArtWrx Studio and Gallery for the 2021 the opportunity to provide our passengers The Commanding Officer’s Choice award was spring art show, currently on display for and staff with a curated selection of high presented to FSgt Jhaztin Hortaleza. passengers using the terminal, and online quality, original works from some of the re- Numerous other awards were presented to the for the public to enjoy virtually. gion’s finest artists is most welcome. The cadets in recognition of their hard work and dili- ArtWrx Studio and Gallery, formerly Ar- artists capture the beauty of the spectacu- gence in carrying on with the Air Cadet train- tAlchemy Studio, is a working studio and lar region we live in, inspiring hope and op- ing program despite the difficult circumstances gallery in downtown Courtenay where art- timism while we patiently await the return imposed by the pandemic. ists share space and the experience of art to normal, and can invite the public to visit Following the awards ceremony, the cadets en- making. Visitors to the studio are welcome the terminal.” joyed pizza that was generously donated by the to witness the process of art making, be Due to the need to provide space for physi- local Domino’s Pizza, while playing games and inspired by a wide diversity of artistic ex- cal distancing, access to the terminal is cur- participating in art, costume, and quote com- pressions, and to buy local, high quality art rently limited to passengers only, but art- petitions. The ACR marks the completion of the work made by the talented artists. lovers are invited to view the works online, cadet year and is a culmination of all their hard “Twice annually, we look forward to the where a virtual show is available: comoxair- work throughout the year. arrival of new art work for the enjoyment port.com/yqq-art-collection. The 363 Sqn cadets are all looking forward to of our passengers,” shared Comox Valley The spring exhibit will be on until Novem- fall with the hope of returning to in person train- Airport’s CEO, Mike Atkins. “With all of the ber 10. ing activities.

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.

Kelly Ham 250-204-9155 [email protected] 10 | MAY 25, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES

Comox Military Family Resource Centre 1575 Military Row 250.339.8290 CAFconnection.ca facebook.com/comoxmfrc

AGM, Special Meetings and the Comox MFRC Society

Did you know? The Comox MFRC is provincially incorporated under the Society Act of British Columbia. This means that our military families, including regular and reserve force CAF members, veterans and their families that reside in the Comox Valley are individual members of our Society (Comox MFRC). Membership is free. The benefits of being an individual member include the ability to access our programs and ser- vices and to vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or at a Special Meeting. For more information or to make sure you are included in our membership list, please contact the Executive Director at executivedi- [email protected] This year the Comox MFRC will be holding both a special meeting on Wednesday, May 26 to discuss and vote on proposed bylaws and the an- nual AGM on Wednesday, June 30. AGMs are mandated by the Society Act of British Columbia and help in- form the membership on the past year’s operations at the society. AGMs allow the membership to vote on important topics affecting the society and learn about the previous year’s operations. The Comox MFRC will present the annual AGM report at the meeting and it includes a highlight of statistics from the previous year.

A fond farewell to Kim Hetherington! Thank you for the dedication, passion, compassion, and vi- sionary leadership you’ve pro- vided the Comox MFRC over the past two years!

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

FITNESS SPORTS facebook.com/19WingComoxPSP

The Fitness and Community Centre is open to all regular and reserve military members and authorized users by reservation only. Call 250- 339-8211, local 8315 with your full name and contact phone number to reserve. *Military members will be given priority. MAY 25, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES | 11

More than 50 members of 19 Wing Comox participated in the annual Broom Busting effort, with several members of the Deputy Wing Com- mander’s team being treated to an air- show while the CF Snowbirds practiced in the skies above Air Force Beach.

June is Recreation Month Broom busting at Air Force Beach June is Recreation Month and 19 Wing PSP is excited to bring the virtual recreation celebration to 19 Wing Comox! With COVID-19 restrictions keeping us within our local regions, it’s time to explore how you’ve been incorporating recreation and activity into your lives. GoByBike: May 31 to June 4 Each week a new theme will be posted to the 19 Wing Comox PSP Facebook page. We will be asking the 19 Wing community to It is time to tune your bike and participate by sharing a photo, video or short post about their ex- prepare for some spring time bike perience with recreation during COVID-19. riding or walking! We know this past year has been a challenge, but perhaps it has 19 Wing is going virtual this year allowed you to find new ways to be active in the community. - so register now at gobybikebc.ca, Did we mention there are prizes to be won? At the end of each and then wait for your unit PT OPI week, all individuals who participate in the event with a post will to send you your team link to start automatically be entered. recording your kilometers. Follow 19 Wing PSP at facebook.com/19wingcomoxpsp to start Ride your bike to work, for fun, the challenge on June 1. for exercise, to stretch your legs between TEAMS meetings, to clear your mind. No matter the reason, just ride your bike and log your distance! GoByBike runs from Monday, May 31 to Friday, June 4. Collect points for your unit per kilometer and be entered into the daily draw, the grand prize weekly draw, and the ‘Unit Coffee Break’ for the unit with the most partici- safety of anyone who chooses to Preventing Injuries Workshop pation. GoByBike, follow the COVID-19 Wednesday, June 2 - MS Teams - 2pm Unit OPIs will send over their kilo- guidelines and protocols, and be meter tally by 3 p.m. each day so sure to cycle safely. If you’re new How is your posture as you are reading this? Did you just make an ad- all shift workers can be included. to cycling, check out the safety tips justment? For the enjoyment, health, and available at gobybike.ca. Could you benefit from some practical ways to reduce your risk of injury and enhance your posture? Whether you work primarily seated at a desk or not, we all sit at some point throughout our day. Join 19 Wing Health Promotion and 19 Wing PSP Reconditioning Specialist for a 1-hour virtual workshop focussed on preventing injuries. Learn practical injury reduction tips and exercises that you can do at work and at home. Open to all military members and their family mem- bers over 18, as well as DND, NPF, and MFRC employees. Register by email to Melanie Overhill at [email protected] or visit cafconnection.ca/comox/19whp.

2021 Canada Army Run virtual event September 10 to 19

NEW! Canada Army Run Training Program Embark on a 12 or 18-week running program that will prepare you for the Army Run! This exclusive training program is provided by PSP Ottawa – guiding runners of all levels, providing the tools and prac- tical expertise to achieve personal objectives safely. Available for download in ePUB or PDF cafconnection.ca/NCR/Army- Run. Register at armyrun.ca 12 | MAY 25, 2021 | TOTEM TIMES S1 Lisa Wallace

National Road Safety Week

National Road Safety Week was observed from May 10 to 16 at 19 Wing, with an emphasis on impaired driving. Crashes involving alcohol or drugs remain a leading criminal cause of death in Canada. MCpl Rob Shirley and MCpl Ed Tatchell from 19 Mission Support Squadron’s Road and Ve- hicle Safety section work to promote safe driving year round. Do your part and do not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs and medications. (L-R): Maj Patrick Gaudet, MWO Kenny Boudreau, MCpl Ed Tatchell, MCpl Robert Shirley, MWO Monique Ryan, Maj Darren Macklin and LCol Christina Marentette. s e m i T ! k m o e t o o b T e g c n i a F W

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