Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008 IN THIS ISSUE Lean On Me · Lean On Me · Canada's Dirty Dark Vietnam War Secret · Military museum wows minister · Michele Forbes-Now resting at home. · Korean War vets look back, see history repeating itself in Afghanistan · Korean War veterans deserve recognition for their sacrifices · Veterans observe 55th anniversary of Korean War armistice · The battle that changed it all · Old brains, new cells · Anniversary of Korean War brings back memories · The war is over but will never be 'forgotten' · Native veterans forced to fight another war on home front · Porn film made at First World War memorial · Outpouring for slain Canadian soldier impresses veteran · Rally in Trenton will pay tribute to military personnel and their families · Lethbridge Veteran Keeps Military History Alive. · Ombudsman ready to take on feds over Afghan vets' benefits · You did what you felt you had to do. · Regiment to celebrate 125th anniversary · MP Fund for Blind Children helps in Afghanistan Master Corporal Paul Franklin and his son · CF pilot recaptures the magic Simon. Franklin lost both his legs in a · Pride and determination: Celebrating Canada’s birthday in Kandahar suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan that left a Canadian diplomat, and at least two · Soldier shouldn't face battle on the homefront Afghans dead. Franklin never saw his · Veterans Affairs wants Chicoutimi survivors given same consideration as war attacker. vets Credit: www.cbc.ca · Government of Canada Remembers the Korean War with Commemorative Cruise and Presentation of Memorial Cross in Quebec City Left a double, above-the-knee amputee following a suicide bombing · Leduc Royal Canadian Legion donates on his second tour of duty in · Stratford Legion to call Allman arena home Afghanistan, Master Cpl. Paul Franklin · Orillia Legion hopes to raise cash for medal considers one of his prime duties now · Statue of Tom Fleetwood to honour war veteran is to aid fellow disabled veterans get · He's taping veterans' stories to pay a debt back on their feet -- literally. · Second-degree murder conviction for RCL Murderer · Helicopters to keep troops off dangerous roads in Afghanistan According to Time Magazine he's one of Canada's heroes, while Rubicon Publishers has placed him up there with the best of the best in Canada's Top 10 Most Inspiring Canadians. When Gov. Gen. Michaele Jean prepares the guest list for her Rideau Hall home in Ottawa, the honour of taking a seat at the table is -- for most -- a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Master Cpl. Paul Franklin dined with Jean twice. The Canadian soldier, and now also an inspirational speaker, sustained catastrophic injuries in a suicide The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 1 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008 bombing on his second tour of duty in the perfect fit for the charity because, Capt. Roy Harten, Unit Public Affairs Afghanistan that left him a double, "we could work under the umbrella of Officer and past Commanding Officer of above-the-knee amputee. mutually agreeable mandate for the 2310 Army Cadet Corps, met research education and support. Franklin in May. Franklin's not one to keep this experience bottled up inside him. "They do the taxes, accounting and He was guest speaker of the 49th Field administration, allowing donations to go Regiment and also did a presentation He's is set to visit Algoma -- for the third directly to the clinics and other activities for the support group. Franklin had time this year -- to discuss his life- we had planned and the Franklin Fund copies of his book for sale and Harten altering experiences, also documented is the national arm of the plan." bought one. in the 2007 book The Long Walk Home, Paul Franklin's Journey from Franklin tours the country telling a Written by Liane Faulder, a feature Afghanistan. soldier's story. writer with the Edmonton Journal, The Long Walk Home is a story about Jan. 15, 2006 began like any other day The Sault Ste. Marie Military Family courage and determination. for a Canadian soldier serving in the Support Group has invited him to return war-torn region -- with danger hanging for engagements Aug. 14-15. Group "Canada hasn't been at war for 50 in the air. But something even more founder and facilitator May Adshead years," said Harten in a recent sinister lay hidden, which would literally hopes Franlkin's visit will drum up interview at his home, "and major tear Franklin's world apart. community support for troops, their injuries have been rare." families and trigger an awareness for His convoy was attacked and the G That's changing and more soldiers are charitable organization. Wagon he was driving took a direct hit. getting hurt or dying in battle. The carnage was devastating, leaving Franklin will speak Aug. 14 at the Royal "Paul tackled things head on," said him without his left leg while the right Canadian Legion Branch 25, with The Harten. "He needed them get through was so severely injured the decision Red Friday Golf Fun Day Aug. 15 at post traumatic stress disorder, combat was made to surgically amputate what Crimson Ridge Golf Course. stress and the difficult challenges of was left of the limb. Just as yellow ribbons are recognized working overseas. Passenger Glyn Berry, a Canadian the world over as symbols of troop Darch, an Aweres public school and diplomat, died and two fellow soldiers support, so are Red Fridays. Bawating Collegiant and Vocational were critically injured. Organizers hope such golf fun days will School graduate, was stationed in spring up across Canada. Based in Edmonton with 1 Field Kabul Afghanistan in 2003-2004 and Ambulance, Franklin was is a medical Both functions will also raise money for was an acquaintance of Franklin. technician and remains an active the local Military Family Support Group, He said that the G Wagon Franklin was member of the Canadian Armed Forces which, in turn, will help military families driving the day the suicide bomber with Casualty Support at Land Forces by providing spiritual and emotional struck is "a military SUV." It is no longer Western Area. encouragement, while co-ordinating used outside the wire and has been activities and sponsoring guest In an amazingly short period post replaced in this capacity by the light- speakers. trauma, the soldier was able to walk armoured vehicle (LAV), weighing 15 to with prosthetics and crutches. It was "It gives the community an opportunity 18 tons while sporting eight wheels. during this difficult transition period that to support these troops, and the legs and he told them what he needed." he discovered a new passion. He saw families who are left behind," Adshead how other patients suffered, was able said. Franklin, 40, was born in Halifax and to share in their frustration and pain Franklin was an Emergency Medical grew up in Calgary. The married father and knew exactly what they needed. Technician with Infantry Division of the of one concedes he will never be able Franklin's prosthetics cost $60,000 per Provincial Reconstruction Team in to return to combat but knows many leg. The big issue now is research into south Kandahar Province when he was wounded soldiers who want to return to high-tech devices so the price can be injured. full and active duty. brought down, making such support As his entire being lay in the balance "I work here to help the soldiers that more accessible. half a world away, his long walk home, are wounded to come back in a His concept for a charity organization, while one of the cruelest ironies of all, dignified and honourable manner," he designed to help all Canadian was laid squarely at the feet that were writes. "We do this by making sure amputees both military and civilian, no longer there. mistakes that are made, are made only began to take shape. It became a once, by ensuring each patient gets the But he has taken irony and used the reality when he co-founded the best care possible." twist to focus on a challenge most Northern Alberta Amputee Program in couldn't conceive let alone follow He said that his charity aims to improve 2006. through on. reintegration of returning soldiers by "NAAP was started to help fill the gap in helping "The G wagon has limited use Heyden native Col. Allan Darch, army amputee care," Franklin said in a inside the wire," Darch said. "And is command surgeon in Ottawa, has recent e-mail interview from Edmonton. used inside Kabul where there is lower nothing but admiration for Franklin, risk for improvised explosive devices citing his "incredible courage, strength He said the University of Alberta was (IEDs)." of character and positive attitude." Page 2 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending August 1, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Adshead realizes through her works as Franklin said the publicity surrounding Military designated name because of a facilitator, that "99 per cent of injured his story is "a bit self manufactured," as the paint strip around the barrels for soldiers want to get back to work. And he promoted the idea "of making sure easy identification in a time of war, they need more advanced prosthesis wounded soldiers are in the media. which just happened to stick. so they can continue doing their jobs in "If they want to, they can show the Now I have indicated that I believe the forces." Canadian people their sacrifice and Ottawa was testing these products on When she and her husband Ed's son, what it means to be a Canadian their own troops and that of the US and Brandon Corbett, was deployed to soldier." British military at Canadian Force Base Afghanistan in February 2007, there (CFB) Gagetown in New Brunswick, As far as life on the links, "I wasn't a wasn't a support group in the Sault. Canada due to Ottawa's own words. golfer when I had legs but the 19th hole Corbett was a reservist with the 49th Government Officials have stated that looks pretty good." Field Regiment and went over with a they neither knew that the chemical unit from Petawawa. Saturday, July 26, 2008 products contained (TCDD) Dioxin or (HCB) Hexachlorobenzene (both "Military bases have support networks," PATRICIA BAKER, SPECIAL TO THE STAR Section: Veterans known carcinogens and without much she said. doubts two of the most deadly man- "North Bay Family Resources Centre made chemicals known to mankind), was looking for someone to start one Canada's Dirty Dark Vietnam nor even if they had that they didn't up here. I had absolutely no military War Secret know that these two chemicals were training. But by May of that year, our harmful. This clearly indicates that if Military Family support Group was up these chemicals were in fact registered and running. (not yet established) that little or no testing was done on behalf of the The group helps families prepare for Canadian people by Health Canada deployment, said Harten. "It establishes and that the testing was actually being contacts and helps maintain order in done at CFB Gagetown for both the their lives for six months." Canadian and US Military, on our own Sault Ste. Marie has seen its share of Military personnel and with no regards military personnel depart for violent to the collateral damage it might wreck theatres of war, so having a support on the surrounding civilian population. group started here was important. Ottawa kept this 29 year defoliation When Harten's wife, Laura, went to program, or at least what chemicals Afghanistan as a civilian barber in they were using, secret for over 50 2005, there wasn't a group into which years and to this writer it was a far to tap. Agent Orange Corpdusting. better kept secret then the nuclear Credit: Student Pugwash USA weapons testing being done world "It was talked about, but we needed a It was shocking to many Canadian wide. This Government secrecy had the facilitator," Harten said. "And my hands Veterans to find out that the Canadian effect of compounding the problem were full." Department of National Defense (DND) which as many as 350,000 possible He provided Adshead with the contacts under the orders of the Canadian victims were facing as they began to in CFB North Bay and she took it from Government began testing Agent become sick with all sorts of exotic and there. Orange, Agent Purple and later Agent rare medical conditions, which most if White at CFB Gagetown starting in not all Canadian doctors had neither Several soldiers and a civilian are 1956, long before it was ever used by experience nor knowledge of. Soldiers returning from their tours and two more the US Military in Vietnam. ,if they became too sick, were just soldiers will soon be deployed. discharged to the public sector and to Adshead subsequently co-ordinated a Now to be fair, the Canadian civilian doctors ill-prepared to recognize group effort to adorn local streets with Government (Ottawa) claims that it or treat chemical contamination, and yellow ribbons. wasn't actually testing these chemicals soldiers couldn't even give the doctors and that they were in fact conducting a Harten and his youngest daughter, the heads up on the possibility of toxic defoliation program and even went so Emma, stapled their ribbons to poles chemical exposure being a factor. far as to claim that it was being done along Second Line West, while others for our own good; so a branch wouldn't The US military is not innocent in this did Queen Street and Great Northern fall on our heads while training. fiasco either as they accepted a Road in Sault Ste. Marie. Canadian invitation to test their sprays Ottawa went on to claim that the Franklin plans to share with his legion in 1966 and again in 1967 where they chemicals which they used weren't audience accounts of his two missions chose to spray chemicals on their allies Agents Orange, Purple and White but in Afghanistan, the incident, recovery, which they had already stopped let's face it the US hadn't coined the rehab and reintegration. A spaghetti spraying on their enemies in Vietnam names of the Rainbow Chemicals yet dinner will be available for a nominal because of health concerns and and technically there never has been fee. The Red Friday Golf Fun Day also chemicals which were illegal to spray in any chemical product registered under open to the public. the US. these names, and besides it was a The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 3 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008 Ottawa has so far done very little for love of my life wile in Germany and we Queen to the Brantford Armouries. the victims which they created at CFB are soon to celebrate our 39 "I am absolutely overwhelmed," Gagetown even though over 3.3 million anniversary on August first and we Thompson said, following a tour of the liters and/or pounds of toxic chemicals have two now grown up boys and a few museum. "They have everything here were sprayed there by Canada. This wonderful grand children. from guns to photos and uniforms. "I would most likely make Gagetown the I was contaminated by Toxic Chemicals have to say that I really didn't expect to second most sprayed area in the world wile on duty at CFB Gagetown New see so many artifacts. I'm really and, because of it size or lack thereof, Brunswick, Canada with chemicals now impressed by what you have here." may actually contain more liters/pounds known to contain Dioxin (TCDD) and per acre then most places in Vietnam To his knowledge, no other community Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) better and where concentrations of as much has such an expansive collection. The known as Agent Orange and Agent as 14,300 % above (CCME) Canadian only museum that compares is the White. Council for Ministers of the National War Museum in Ottawa, he Environment acceptable guidelines for I was released from the Army after I said. dioxin was found only last year, forty became extremely sick due to toxic Thompson was in Brantford to visit years after the last chemicals claimed chemical exposure. local dignitaries and veterans, tour the to contain dioxin were in fact sprayed. I am a proud member of the Agent museum and speak to local What Ottawa (Canadian Government) Orange Association of Canada (AOAC) Conservative Party faithful. has done for Gagetown victims is to and at present I am one of their article The Brant Federal Conservative Riding offer a $20,000 one time Ex-grata writers. Association held a reception for him (meaning they accept no guilt or I have in the past two or three years following his museum visit. He was responsibility) payment for soldiers and had as many as 250 small articles escorted around the museum by Rick civilians who lived within a 5 klm radius published all with the Gagetown issue Shaver, the museum's chairman, and of the Base in the summers of 66 and and the tens of thousands of Victims it Phil McColeman, the Brant 67, while excluding any claims for created. Conservative candidate for the next compensation to anyone who had the federal election. bad form to have died before Saturday, July 26, 2008 November 6th 2006--and then only if Kenneth Young , opednews.com Thompson was in Brantford a couple of they can prove a limited number of Section: Veterans years ago to attend the annual Thank-a- medical conditions for Dioxin Vet dinner and he praised the contamination--placing the blame community for its support of veterans. squarely on the shoulders US Militaries' Military museum wows During his formal remarks, Thompson 2 and ½ barrels of chemicals while minister said he has the best job in Canada, totally ignoring the over 5,500 barrels adding that he and his staff remember and over 2 million pounds of Canadian the nation's veterans every day. sprayed chemicals of identical Veterans Affairs also helps initiatives composition. that connect schools and communities At this time there are as many as 4 with veterans. As part of that ongoing Class Action Law Suits relating to CFB effort, the ministry is contributing Gagetown and the chemicals used $5,000 to this year's Brant United Way there, Ottawa refuses to call for a full Airshow. public and judicial inquiry, soldiers The annual United Way fundrasier runs continue to train in a dioxin soaked Aug. 27 at the Brantford Municipal training area and Veterans of the cold Airport. The theme is a salute to the war Chemical weapons testing military: past, present and future. continue to die. If you are in the Brantford area and want to learn something about the military past of RARE SPITFIRE Cpl. Kenneth H. Young CD Canada don't miss to visit the "Canadian (Ret'd).Nanaimo, BC Canada Military Heritage Museum". The show will feature aircraft from the Second World War, as well as modern Comment Letter Credit: Canadian Military Heritage Museum fighter jets. Also featured will be a rare Hi! My name is Ken and I was born in a Head of Veterans Affairs brings Mark 9 Spitfire airplane, a CF-18 cheque for airshow during Friday visit little town of Grand'Mere Quebec, Canadian Fighter jet and one of only Canada in 1948. I grew up and lived in Veterans Affairs Minister Greg two Lancaster bombers still in Quebec until I was 17 years old when I Thompson came to Brantford on Friday operation. The Skyhawks, Canada's joined the Canadian Armed Forces- and he didn't come empty handed. military parachute team, are scheduled Army to be exact. to do a jump at the show. Charian Gary Thompson brought a $5,000 federal Surette welcomed the contribution. The Royal Canadian Regiment was my government contribution to the home for almost 13 years, where I seen upcoming Brant United Way Airshow. "It's something that helps solidify what many countries, did some UN peace He also had plenty of compliments for we're doing," Surette said. "It ensures keeping and almost 5 years in the Canadian Military Heritage Museum this year's airshow will have a terrific Germany, Europe in NATO. I met the and presented a new portrait of the take off and soar above the skies of Page 4 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending August 1, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Brantford and Brant County." soldiers currently in Afghanistan. in relative security. Thompson and McColeman also As they mark the 55th anniversary of The hope is that Canadian and other provided representatives of the the end of what was once Canada's NATO soldiers currently in Afghanistan armouries with an updated portrait of "forgotten war," many of the men who can help that country rebuild just as the Queen. Other dignitaries to attend fought for freedom in South Korea are South Korea has flourished since the the event included Brant MP Lloyd St. drawing parallels between the end of the war, say the Korean Amand, Brant County Mayor Ron Eddy Afghanistan of today and the Korea of veterans. and Brantford Mayor Mike Hancock. yesteryear. In a statement issued Sunday, Prime Several veterans also attended. "In 1950, Korea was totally destroyed," Minister Stephen Harper drew his own Speaking to reporters after the event, recalls Mike Czuboka of Winnipeg, who parallels between the Korean War and Thompson, MP for New Brunswick operated an 81mm mortar launcher the conflict in Afghanistan. Southwest, said he isn't sure when the during his time in the south Asian "During the Korean War, Canada next federal election will be held. But he country. reaffirmed its position as a nation is sure that once it is called, there will "There was nothing there. It was just committed to peace and democracy," be a lot of close races at ridings across rubble." he said. the country, including many in Ontario. Today, Seoul and Pusan are thriving, "Today, the Canadian Forces serving in "We believe there will be a lot of modern cities, says Czuboka, who Afghanistan and elsewhere are bravely competitive ridings," he said. returned to South Korea this month as and diligently confronting tyranny and Saturday, July 26, 2008 part of a commemorative visit arranged oppression, in order to bring security to VINCENT BALL, EXPOSITOR STAFF by Veterans Affairs Canada. nations desperate for new beginnings." Section: Veterans South Korea's vibrant economy stands There are differences, however, and no in stark contrast to that of North Korea, way of drawing exact parallels between Michele Forbes-Now resting at where nearly two million people the two wars, says veteran Roy Jardine home. reportedly starved to death in the late of Calgary. 1990s due to severe food shortages. Korea offered hilly terrain with much International aid groups warn the tree cover, recalled Jardine, known to present situation in the North may his comrades as Buck. dwarf those numbers as 6.5 million Afghanistan, with its arid mountains people face food shortages and and hot desert, provides soldiers with starvation. little cover and a much different "Had we not gone to Korea, the whole landscape to traverse. country would have been Communists, "You have these sneak attacks on and presumably under the same people who are doing nothing more economic circumstances," said than just driving down the road," Michele Forbes had an operation and is Czuboka. now resting at home, get well soon. Jardine said of the roadside bomb "The country has really pulled up its tactics being deployed by insurgents in Sunday, July 27, 2008 Norma Ash bootstraps," says retired Maj. Eric Afghanistan. Devlin, 89, who revisited South Korea Section: Sick and Visiting "We were just keeping (the North five years ago. Koreans) from coming any further south Korean War vets look back, The men who served in Korea went for in those days," Jardine recalled from see history repeating itself in many of the same reasons that his time in Korea. Canadian soldiers today volunteer for Canadian troops stationed in Korea Afghanistan tours of duty in Afghanistan, say the also seemed to have more, if not better veterans. equipment, said Jardine. They wanted to help people, and hoped There are other significant historical for a better, brighter future for the differences between the countries as country's inhabitants. well. Under the Taliban, and during the civil The Korean War lasted about three war and Soviet occupation that years, following more than a decade of preceded their rule, Afghanistan's post-Second World War tensions and a economy was devastated. political tug-of-war between China and Millions of refugees fled to Japan that began in the late 1800's. neighbouring Pakistan and elsewhere, Afghanistan, on the other hand, has but tens of thousands have since endured centuries of clashes between returned to raise families and restart OTTAWA — Veterans of the Korean its two main tribal clans, not to mention businesses, particularly in the capital, War are hoping the better part of countless invasions from neighbouring Kabul, where the population now lives history repeats itself for Canadian countries hoping to control key trading The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 5 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008 routes. Undoubtedly, memories of vicious or in training, or had succumbed to battles will march through the minds of disease were not airlifted home; they A ceasefire was declared in the Korean those who fought and survived the were buried in the United Nations War 55 years ago Sunday, although it 1950-1953 Korean War. Memorial Cemetery in Pusan (Busan), wasn't officially recognized in Canada Korea. Other casualties who had died as anything more than a "conflict" until Canadian veterans of that war will of wounds after being transferred to the the start of the new century. gather at cenotaphs and memorials British Commonwealth Hospital in Kure, across the country to pay homage to From June 25, 1950, when South Japan, were buried in Yokohama. their fallen comrades. They will also Korea faced the threat of a full-blown Some were killed in the tumult of battle salute the veterans of Afghanistan and invasion by North Korea, until July 27, and were never found. They lay where those who have died in that war while 1953, when the Korean War Armistice they fell, shrouded perhaps by serving in the Canadian army, which was signed, more than 26,000 collapsed trenches, bunkers or in the has evolved from peacekeeping mode Canadians were involved in the United muck of paddy fields. Like those who to a fighting force. Nations mission. were lost at sea in Korean waters in Of the 26,791 Canadians who served in service with the Royal Canadian Navy, A further 7,000 Canadians served the Korean War, 516 lost their lives and there were no known graves at which between the time of the ceasefire and more than 1,000 were wounded. About the living could mourn. the end of 1955, keeping peace 10,000 are still alive. Included in the between the two nations at the height Initially, the war in Korea was called a casualty figures are 45 who died on of the Cold War. "police action," then for many years peacekeeping duties in Korea. Those referred to by media as the Korean In all, 516 Canadians died and more names are not included on the Conflict (with a capital "C") as if the than 1,200 were seriously wounded. Peacekeeper Park Memorial Wall of deaths of two million people (civilians Honour in Calgary's Garrison Green. Three Canadian destroyers were and combatants) didn't qualify as a war. Yet the names of Forces personnel dispatched to Korean waters early in The turning point for its proper name who died in Afghanistan (87 since the conflict to serve under UN came 10 years ago when then U.S. 2002) are inscribed on the wall, even command, along with a Royal president Bill Clinton signed an act of though the mission is combat, not Canadian Air Force squadron. Congress that required government peacekeeping. statutory provisions referring to the However, it wasn't until December 1950 The defining role of the Canadian "Korean Conflict" be struck and that troops from the 252nd Battalion of military during the Korea peacekeeping replaced by "Korean War." the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light era matches the objectives of the Infantry arrived at Pusan. In 1973, a group of veterans formed the Canadian Association of Veterans in Korea Veterans Association of Canada. A number of remembrance ceremonies United Nations Peacekeeping. It fits as Their main goal was to bring the role of marking the Armistice are planned snugly as a blue beret. The association Canadians in the Korean War out of across Canada, including events in raised money for the establishment of obscurity. That campaign is ongoing. Halifax and Yarmouth, N.S., Brampton, the memorial wall and for its expansion. Ont., Paradise, N.L., Winnipeg, Regina, Another item of concern to these An Order in Council signed in 1999 Saskatoon, Edmonton, and Lethbridge, veterans was the fact they were all created the Canadian Peacekeeping Alta. volunteers, yet the Canadian Service Medal. Canadians who had government had not authorized a served in Korea following the 1953 Sunday, July 27, 2008 volunteer medal as had been the case ceasefire were among the recipients, The Canadian Press in the First and Second World Wars. Section: Veterans further solidifying their peacekeeper There were years of fruitless lobbying. status. Finally, two MPs, one a Korea veteran, Korean War veterans deserve That the Korea peacekeeper dead are circulated a petition in Parliament and recognition for their sacrifices not inscribed on the Wall is not an the Senate that was signed by all unusual situation for Korea veterans. including the prime minister, then They've had to fight for recognition for presented to the Governor General. years. The fact that the war in Korea Authorization for the medal followed. was once known as the Forgotten War Most of the Korea vets received theirs is not a myth. People were not in the mailbox, 38 years after their war interested. There were no televised had ended. ramp ceremonies (TV did not arrive in The Korea Veterans Association Calgary until several months after the appointed a memorials chairman in armistice in Korea), no Route of Valour, 1993 who supervised the installation of Military Family Fund, Red Shirt Fridays, bronze plaques inscribed "Korea 1950- Support Our Troops decals, Military 1953" that were affixed to memorials Family Resource Centre or anything and cenotaphs across Canada. Four else. Korea veterans returned to years later, on July 27, the Korea Canada after long sea voyages, went Veterans Association National Wall of Today marks the 55th anniversary of home and were forgotten for decades. the armistice in Korea. Remembrance was dedicated in In Korea, Canadians who died in battle Meadowvale Cemetery, Brampton, Ont. Page 6 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending August 1, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 It contains the names of all 516 than five million casualties. November 1950; for the next three Canadians who lost their lives during Twenty-six thousand Canadians served years, a stalemate settled in as death the Korean War and the peacekeeping in the conflict, 516 of whom died. It tolls mounted on both sides. era that followed. remains the Canadian military's The armistice was meant to direct deadliest conflict since World War Two. In 2003, the Korean War Monument to discussions towards a formal peace the Canadian Fallen was dedicated in In a statement released Sunday, Prime treaty, but after 55 years, no agreement Ottawa. Although most of the Minister Stephen Harper remembered had been signed by both warring memorials and monuments are in all the Canadian soldiers that signed up parties. Today, along the 38th parallel, eastern Canada, a statue of a to serve in Korea and stand "their the Demilitarized Zone, a heavily Canadian Korean War veteran stands ground against the enemy." fortified, nearly impenetrable border, in front of the Military Museums in splits the peninsula in two. "They fought in swamps and rice fields, Calgary. through torrential rain and snow, in the In the north, the Democratic People's It's fitting that the brave, young air and at sea. Canadians proved their Republic of Korea, led by Kim's son, Canadians who volunteer to serve in mettle again and again . . .," Harper Kim Jong-Il, remains an isolated and the Afghanistan War be acknowledged, said. "Canada will never forget those impoverished authoritarian state. The revered and remembered. The names who wore the Canadian uniform with southern Republic of Korea, a of their fallen comrades should be pride, and the men and women who beneficiary of decades of American, recorded wherever possible, even on a continue to serve our country today." European, and Japanese investment, peacekeeping memorial. thrives as a vibrant, capitalist Minister of Veterans Affairs Greg democracy. Attempts at reuniting the However, it's likely that the Canadian Thomson visited a United Nations two countries have so far been met with warriors of Afghanistan will want their cemetery in South Korea two weeks little success. own memorials dedicated to their dead, ago with a delegation of veterans of the and their own bronze plaques similar to war. © Canwest News Service 2008 those of Korea. "We honoured their service and vowed Sunday, July 27, 2008 Roland Soper served in the 1st & 3rd that neither time nor distance shall Mike Barber , Canwest News Service Section: Veterans Battalions of Princess Patricia's lessen our remembrance," Thomson Canadian Light Infantry in the Korean said of the memorial. War. He is the author of the war novel, Canadian involvement in the Korean The battle that changed it all Sword of Wood. He lives in Calgary. War has often been overlooked, © The Calgary Herald 2008 resulting in the war being referred to as Sunday, July 27, 2008 the Forgotten War. The conflict was the Roland Soper, Calgary Herald first armed engagement of the Cold Section: Veterans War, but its significance in the West is often lost between the horrors of the Second World War and the Vietnam Veterans observe 55th War that would follow in the 1960s. anniversary of Korean War armistice Today, remembrance ceremonies were to be held in cities across Canada. In Winnipeg, a candlelight vigil will honour The Drummond Hill Cemetery is situ the 36 Manitobans killed in the war. Credit: Niagra Falls Public Library Canadian Forces personnel will observe the end of the war aboard Remembering how the War of 1812 HMCS Toronto, currently near Iqaluit, turned on Lundy's Lane. Nunavut. Other ceremonies are Every year, Lundy’s Lane Historical planned in Yarmouth, N.S., Edmonton, Society president John Burtniak stands Calgary, Brampton, Ont., Regina and among tombstones so faded they’re Saskatoon. unreadable, and ponders what it all The war began on June 25, 1950, when means. North Korean forces invaded the Heroes are buried here. The tide of a southern half of the peninsula in an war was changed here. It’s among the OTTAWA -- Legions and veterans attempt to reunite the two countries most important patches of land in across Canada are marking the 55th under a Kim Il-Sung's communist Canadian history, yet people can walk anniversary of an armistice that brought regime. After nearly forcing the South right by without noticing it. an end to four bloody years of the Korean army out of the country, allied Korean War. reinforcements from Canada, the U.K., And so every July, Burtniak gives Drummond Hill Cemetery its due. On On July 27, 1953, major fighting U.S., France, and 17 other countries the same land about 1,600 American between North Korean and Chinese arrived in September 1950. The and Canadian soldiers died, he pays communist forces and South Korean newfound strength pushed the North tribute the last, great battle of the War and allied forces stopped, after more Korean army to the Chinese border. Chinese forces joined the war in of 1812. The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 7 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008 “This has been done faithfully for 120 gently riding a stationary bike and doing Anniversary of Korean War years, and today we continue that yoga. When the weather gets cold, I tell brings back memories tradition,” he said. her she can always go for a walk at the mall, or keep busy walking around the The scene is the same every year - a house." crowd gathers in front of the Soldier’s Monument while veterans and Christie was first attracted to this politicians lay wreaths to mark the research area by exercise's positive decisive fight which erupted here on effect on neuron creation and cognition. July 25, 1814. But, he says, new neurons can't account for the total brain gain from That day, about 2,800 Canadian and exercise. After all, how can new brain British soldiers faced the American cells get access to old memories? So Army in sweltering heat for a six-hour now, in research funded by the stand-off which went into the night. Canadian Institutes of Health Canadian troops expected to keep Research, Christie is looking at what A ceremony was held at the Nutana Legion fighting the next day, but the exhausted happens to the brain cells you already Sunday marking the 55th anniversary of the American side withdrew to Fort Erie have when you exercise. And, it turns, Korean War armistice; the attendees and eventually home. The war ended out, there's a lot going on. include Min Jowin (from left), Park Sook soon after. Hee and her daughter Jung Yu Jung and When people exercise, he has found, veterans Jim Dockstader, Irving Larson, Les Sunday, July 27, 2008 the structures that enable brain cells to Muirhead and Will Scott. John Law, The Niagara Falls Review talk to each other are improved. Section: Veterans Credit: Richard Marjan, The StarPhoenix Dendrites, which carry electrical signals from cells to synapses, become longer When Harley Welsh reminisces about Old brains, new cells and reach farther, while synapses, the time he served in the Korean War, which help neurons communicate with he can't help but think about what didn't target cells, become more numerous. happen when he returned to As well, the synapses become more Saskatoon. plastic -- able to make connections and "A fella I joined up with from Saskatoon increase communication between was killed in late October there, just a neurons -- after exercise. couple months before we were due to Christie thinks that a big part of the be rotated," Welsh said. "We made a secret is that getting your heart lot of plans, things we were going to do pumping sends blood flowing through when we got back -- a cold beer at the your brain. The increased blood flow, in Empire Hotel -- but I'm afraid he didn't turn, carries more growth factors, more make it. I always feel bad about that." evenly, to more parts of the brain. The veteran told his story Sunday at a Growth factors stimulate new neurons ceremony marking the 55th anniversary Keeping your mind in top shape while and new connections among neurons. you age. of the Korean War armistice of July 27, So far, research has found that the 1953. Gathering at the Nutana Legion A 20-minute walk with the dog may not gains in brain function from exercise with other Korean War veterans, send you to the Olympics -- but it may seem to affect mostly memory and members of the Korean community and help you keep that Olympic-calibre learning. Now, Christie is looking at Canadian government representatives, brain as you age. whether more intense exercise for Welsh spoke of the time he served with the Second Battalion of the Princess Dr. Brian Christie of the Division of longer periods of time can affect other Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Medical Sciences at the University of areas of the brain, improving brain what is now South Korea in 1950 and Victoria was one of the first researchers function beyond memory and learning. 1951. to demonstrate the now widely- Dr. Christie's research provides yet accepted notion that exercise can more reason for seniors to stay Already a Second World War veteran, create new brain cells, or neurons, and physically active. By being their own Welsh signed up for the reserve army that these new brain cells can result in Olympians, seniors can help keep their and was deployed to Korea after the better learning and memory skills. brains, as well as their bodies, nimble. communist regime in what is now North The effects of exercise, he says, are Korea tried to gain forcible command of For more information, visit the nation and crossed the 38th parallel quite pronounced in seniors, even if www.impact.cihr.gc.ca. they don't engage in intense exercise. with its armies. Canada was one of 16 nations that fought under the United "That's the beauty of it. Just 20 minutes Monday, July 28, 2008 NEWS CANADA Nations banner, trying to bring peace of exercise, a couple of times a day, Section: Seniors and aid to the country. are enough," he says. "Even for those "It was very, very cold. A lot of people who are less mobile, there's always a think it's a tropical nation -- it's warm way to get some exercise. My mom, near the ocean and the southern part, after her hip replacement, started Page 8 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending August 1, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 but once you get up in the hills or the The war is over but will never home with a bullet hole in his leg, and northern part it gets very, very cold," he be 'forgotten' memories which may be even more said. "We were outside during the painful. His voice wavers as he winter. You would be in your trench and remembers a valley "paved with dead the little stream flowing below you at bodies" as the Chinese and North night, it wasn't flowing in the morning." Korean troops made a final push. It was the hardships of the Korean But when the Canadian troops returned people, however, that gave Canadian home after the ceasefire, there was no forces the most discomfort, he said. heroes' welcome. "For the people in the middle, the "There was no parade, no nothing. We civilians, you had to feel sorry for them. got off the train and our family was How do you get crops and food when there and that was it," he said. "We got you can't work?" he said. in the car and away we went home." The anniversary brings back many Less than two dozen spectators turned memories for the veterans of the war. out on Sunday to honour the men. However, those first-hand accounts of Speaking at the sombre service, the conflict will not be available forever, Salvation Army Maj. Len Millar said it is said Jim McKinny, one of the important to remember the Canadians organizers of the event and a veteran who died in the Korean War, to reflect of the war himself. While it is often on the contribution of others who referred to as The Forgotten War, there served there, and to give thanks for is still an opportunity for the event to be what the war achieved. remembered. Millar also described the Korean War "If anybody is going to know anything as the launch pad to Canada's about the Korean War, we've got to tell peacekeeping efforts. them," said McKinny, noting Korean War veteran James Pawaschuk was Saskatoon's Korean Veterans one of the few remaining veterans that took Korean War veteran Ken Garbutt says Association is becoming involved in as part in a remembrance ceremony for the the Korean conflict was significant in many events as possible in order to Korean war in Victoria Park on Sunday. many ways, including that it was the shine some light on the conflict. Credit: Joshua Sawka, Leader-Post first act of aggression after the formation of the United Nations, and set There's another reason why the group Bob Nolan remembers the "Forgotten a precedent for subsequent UN organized Sunday's ceremony. War" all too well. response to global conflicts. "It's the 55th anniversary; our numbers Nolan was a boy of 19 when he fought Canada sent the third largest are depleting. We don't know if we'll in the Korean War, one of nearly contingent of troops to Korea, after the have enough to organize it for the 27,000 Canadians who stood against United States and Britain. 60th," he explained, adding with a the invasion of South Korea by the laugh, "I'm going to be here, but I don't North Korean Army. After the war, the 2nd Battalion of the want to do all the work myself." Princess Patricia's Canadian Light "Five hundred and sixteen soldiers lost Infantry became the only Canadian unit While the Korean War ended more than over there, I would consider that some in history to receive military citations half a century ago, lessons from the kind of a war, wouldn't you?" Nolan from the President of the United States. conflict are still important today, Welsh said Sunday, on the 55th Anniversary said. of the war's armistice. "That's something too," Garbutt said. "People don't realize how important that "It makes you feel it was worthwhile," A small crowd of veterans, dignitaries is." he said about supporting a nation in and members of the public gathered at need. "That's what we have to the Victoria Park Cenotaph on Sunday Garbutt says the war is definitely remember in supporting Canadian afternoon, to pay tribute to the 55th remembered in South Korea, where troops now. We have a role and Anniversary of the signing of the Korean children faithfully tend the somewhere down the line we hope to Korean War ceasefire on July 27, 1953. graves of Canadian soldiers to this day. look back and say it was all worthwhile, And though Veterans Affairs Canada we did know what we're doing." In total, 26,791 Canadians served in the Korean War, with more than 500 has worked to raise the profile of the © The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008 killed and thousands more injured. Korean War in this country, Galbutt Twenty nine of the dead were from said the milestone 55th Anniversary still Monday, July 28, 2008 Saskatchewan. didn't receive the attention for which he Cassandra Kyle, The StarPhoenix had hoped. Section: Veterans Yet the Korean War has never received much attention from the public or Now, he's hoping the 60th anniversary media, earning it the dubious distinction five years from now will finally bring the as the so-called "Forgotten War." conflict -- and its soldiers -- the attention they deserve. It was no easy battle. Nolan came The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 9 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008 "Most of us now are in our late 70s and some are still buried in countries they the war, other federal departments, early 80s," he said. "And time is fought to defend. particularly the Department of Veterans drawing short." Affairs, excluded Indian veterans and Even though we were prisoners of their families from many of the war and © The Leader-Post (Regina) 2008 poverty in our communities as a result post-war programs they offered. Monday, July 28, 2008 of government policies that kept us Jana G. Pruden, Leader-Post oppressed, we became champions of In a terribly ironic twist, our enemy after Section: Veterans freedom so others could live in peace; the wars became the federal most importantly, many of our veterans government, whose weapon of choice found their spiritual strength and in getting rid of aboriginal peoples has Native veterans forced to fight resurgence as once-proud warriors. been the Indian Act since the late another war on home front 1800s. Today, we stand tall in our defiance of being second-class citizens. It was in To a great extent, it has destroyed the those sacrifices on foreign soil that moral and spiritual fabric of once proud, many of our veterans became warriors self-governing and self-reliant First to fight an equally ominous, but Nations. domestic, foe: the federal government. On the battle grounds of European The way native veterans were treated countries, our veterans and their when they came home also prompted comrades knew who the enemy was. At them to take action. home, we only know that the federal government has an army of faceless When the First World War ended in bureaucrats and politicians who have a 1918, Canadian soldiers were First Nations peoples have every tremendous amount of power over my welcomed home with government reason to feel proud of the wartime people. sacrifices made by their ancestors incentives for improvement. Native during the First and Second World veterans also had a belief they would Monday, July 28, 2008 Wars and other armed conflicts. be returning to improved social and ERNIE SANDY, Packet & Times economic conditions at home. Section: Veterans Almost every family knows someone who served in one of the wars because This was not to be. Within months of there were so many who enlisted. The their return, many found nothing had Porn film made at First World number of veterans will never be known changed with respect to their legal War memorial because so many were excluded. Only status in Canada. We were still under those registered under the Indian Act the dictatorship of government were counted. bureaucrats who treated us like children. According to the Saskatchewan Native Veterans Association, there were more It was as if the war had never than 12,000 native veterans. It was also happened. Many veterans, according to reported by the Native Veterans my late father- in-law, became angry Association of Northwestern Ontario and bitter because the better and freer about 500 native veterans died during world they had fought and died for did the First and Second World Wars. not extend to First Nations. We were to remain prisoners for decades to come. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial took Another source of pride is the fact that, eleven years to build and was unveiled by even though native people were An example of exclusion can be seen in King Edward VIII in front of 50,000 veterans exempt from enlisting, they 1919, when the Soldier Settlement Act and their families in 1936 volunteered. This exemption stemmed gave veterans wishing to farm an Credit: IAN JONES from the fact the federal government opportunity to settle on federal lands or classified my people as wards of the to purchase farms. Pornography has become the latest threat to graves and memorials on the Crown; in essence, we were Even though this legislation included First World War battlefields of northern considered children, therefore not native veterans, it conflicted with an France. responsible enough to have rights as amendment to the Indian Act of 1906, While common acts of desecration Canadian citizens. This law would have which restricted Indian or non-treaty have in the past included vandalism a severe impact upon returning native Indian residents in Manitoba, and graffiti, indecent photographs and veterans. Saskatchewan, Alberta and the videos are increasingly being shot Territories from acquiring a homestead Volunteering to serve in the war had a around the magnificent structures built above a certain size. harsh price. Native people had to during the post-war years to remember renounce their land and treaty rights as That law was upheld and applied to the the fallen. Aboriginal peoples and become other provinces, as well. Canadian citizens. The latest incident saw a French couple Therefore, not only did the Department given a four-month suspended prison In spite of that, thousands enlisted in of Indian Affairs fail to recognize the sentence for making a pornographic wars that had absolutely nothing to do sacrifices of aboriginal soldiers during video at the Vimy Ridge memorial near with us. Hundreds were killed and Page 10 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending August 1, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Arras. Outpouring for slain Canadian climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest summit in Africa and the highest After being found guilty of soldier impresses veteran walkable mountain in the world. exhibitionism, they were fined £400 each and ordered to pay a symbolic Sailes had mourners laughing when he one euro (80 pence) in damages to told them how, when they reached the Canada, which lost 60,000 men in the top, they both tried to push each other Great War. off. Many Canadians perished in the Battle "James taught me what the word friend of Vimy Ridge, in April 1917, when four really meant," he said. members of the Canadian Corps The eulogies for James Arnal, also received Victoria Crosses. known as Jim, were led by his older Despite the courageous deeds and brother, Andrew, who revealed his sacrifice honoured by the Vimy sibling's sensitive side when he spoke Memorial, the couple are believed to of Jim's love of animals, especially his have stripped naked and performed sex black lab. acts beside the soaring stone structure. Corporal James Arnal's mother is escorted The lab died five days before Jim was to her car after passing by the hearse with killed. Andrew hadn't told his brother. They then posted the video on a the 25 year old, soldier's body inside, at website, invited people to pay to watch Grant Memorial Church. Cpl. James Arnal was born in it. Kelvington, Sask., but raised in WINNIPEG - A Canadian military Winnipeg. Their punishment came just six months veteran stood outside the Winnipeg after another couple were fined for church where family and friends were Arnal was on his second tour of duty in taking nude photographs of themselves saying goodbye to Cpl. James Arnal on Afghanistan. He was the 88th Canadian in the same place. Monday and marvelled at how times killed in the war-torn country. In the latest case, heard at Arras have changed. Outside the church, even those who criminal court, involving the married Sgt. Bert Redden, 79, served with had never met Arnal stood to show couple, who are in their 30s, lawyers Princess Patricia Canadian Light their respects. expressed concern at the gradual Infantry during the Korean War. A thin, 82-year-old cried as he tried to increase in such incidents at the explain why he was waiting for the memorial. On Monday, he showed up in full dress to the funeral for Arnal, who was killed funeral procession. The prosecutor, Elise Bozzolo, said: in Afghanistan last week. "These men and women are out there "The memorial has been known for a doing a job that has to be done," said long time as a place where More than 1,000 mourners packed the elderly man, a former reservist for exhibitionism and voyeurism is Grant Memorial Baptist Church to the Royal Canadian Navy who declined common." remember Arnal, who died July 18 when he stepped on an explosive to give his name. Police who investigated the case said device in southern Afghanistan while on "I'm old enough to feel like crying." similar incidents were regularly a foot patrol. reported at other memorial and military Arnal's aunt Janet Hayward, read graveyards. It was a striking outpouring of support condolences from across Canada, the for Redden. United States and even Romania. "It is a problem which appears to be Included among them were letters from getting worse - people appear to get a He said his best friend was killed in other parents and families of other perverse pleasure out of this Korea, then buried in a humble blanket. Canadian soldiers who had died in behaviour," said a police spokesman in "It's like family," he said of Arnal's Afghanistan. Arras. funeral. "Turn the TV on, turn the © Winnipeg Free Press 2008 The Canadian National Vimy Memorial computer on, you hear about it." took eleven years to build and was Grim-faced soldiers carried Arnal's flag- Monday, July 28, 2008 unveiled by King Edward VIII in front of Gabrielle Giroday , Winnipeg Free Press draped coffin out of the church, and a Section: Veterans 50,000 veterans and their families in hearse carrying the body to a funeral 1936. home made its way across the city with The battlefield park which surrounds it a police escort. Rally in Trenton will pay was granted in perpetuity to Canada in Cpl. James Sailes, a friend of Arnal's, tribute to military personnel 1922. The site now draws half a million told mourners at the funeral of Arnal's and their families visitors a year. exceptional courage and bravery.

Monday, July 28, 2008 "When I was scared, I just looked at Peter Allen in, The Telegraph UK James," said Sailes. Section: Veterans Sailes told about how once, when he and Arnal were on leave together, they The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 11 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008 Trenton – An upcoming parade and rescue demonstration. youth haven’t experienced it, so it’s rally will pay tribute to “the strength harder to remember and relate to that Volunteers and floats are still needed behind the uniform” by honoring military experience.” for the event. For more information on families. participating call Newman at 613-394- He hopes to raise enough money to Branch 110 of the Royal Canadian 1635. take a small group of local high school Legion, along with members of the students to Mons, Belgium in Canadian Army Veterans (CAV) and Tuesday, July 29, 2008 November, to celebrate the 90th the Trenton Military Family Resource Bill Tremblay, Canoe.com anniversary of the end of the First Section: RCL Centre, are organizing the event, which World War. will be held on September 20. His work to educate kids about the “Our aim is to show the military Lethbridge Veteran Keeps sacrifices of Canada’s military boils personnel posted at 8 Wing Trenton Military History Alive. down to one goal: trying to ensure that we value their contribution to our conflicts like the Second World War community,” rally co-ordinator Ena never happen again. Newman said. “And we recognize the “The strongest pacifists out there are sacrifice made by their families.” soldiers.” The legion decided to organize the Miller also hosts a sort of military event following the 2007 rally in support antiques roadshow once per month at of Canada’s armed forces. the General Stewart Branch of the “We decided it would be good to do Royal Canadian Legion, where he acts something that would focus on the Glenn Miller has devoted most of his as service officer. The show helps military family,” said Newman, a life to military service and tradition. people learn more about historic war member of the local legion. Miller, a local resident who retired this memorabilia that has been passed down through their families. His love of The rally and parade will also serve as year after 25 years of service with the all things military-related even extends a fundraiser for the resource centre. Canadian military, recently completed a to his pets: Miller recently adopted two Funds will go toward providing activities trip to Europe, where he attended an golden retriever puppies born on June and programs for members of military annual memorial ceremony in Caen, 6, and named one Juno, after Juno families. France — the site of a major Second World War battle that Canadian forces Beach, where Canadian forces fought The public is encouraged to join fought in. during the invasion of Normandy on Canadian Forces members and their June 6, 1944. families in the parade and rally. While in Europe, Miller took photographs and created charcoal The next two military antique “We are inviting the public out to rubbings of Canadian soldiers’ roadshows will be held at the Legion on support and meet some of our military gravestones, and hopes to show them Aug. 12 and Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. For members,” Newman said. to the soldiers’ descendants in Canada. more information on the free event, contact the Legion at 403-327-6644. While Canada’s role in fighting the It’s all part of Miller’s dedication to Taliban is grabbing most of attention, preserving his country’s military history © Copyright by Lethbridge Herald.com and sharing it with others. the rally will pay tribute to all military Wednesday, July 30, 2008 personnel and their families. “I’d like to think someone would do the Jeff Wiebe, Lethbridge Herald Section: Veterans “Everyone is aware that we have troops same for me,” says Miller as he flips in Afghanistan,” Newman said. “We are through a book of photos comparing hoping to highlight all areas where our 1940s-era war scenes with their exact Ombudsman ready to take on members are deployed.” counterparts decades later. feds over Afghan vets' During the rally, participants will come “It’s just a passion, I guess.” benefits together to form a ribbon in Buster Every year, he tours area schools, Alyea Park with the CAV Motorcycle speaking with students and trying to Group using their bikes to create the promote awareness of Canada’s outline. military contributions throughout the “It will be quite large,” Newman said. “It world. should make a great aerial “Based on my interaction with schools, photograph.” in the last 10 years especially, when 'I enjoy conflict, a good fight' The parade will begin at 11 a.m. in dealing with Remembrance Day, Centennial Park and end in Buster today’s generation doesn’t remember Is there anybody in this country who Alyea Park where the rally will be held. what they don’t know. So I’m trying to thinks it's okay to have Afghanistan war The rally will include various activities help pass the torch,” explains Miller. veterans going for months without receiving their earned pension and and displays such as the Poppy Truck. “It’s a way of giving back, too. As a Organizers have been unofficially told medical benefits upon returning home soldier, I can help bring history to life by wounded? by the base there will be a search and making it more personal for kids. The Page 12 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending August 1, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 It certainly doesn't sit well with medical and financial transition from Stogran has actually been on this issue Canada's new veterans' ombudsman. war zones to civilian life. since being appointed to this new position late last year. In fact his "Leave In fact, straight-talking retired Col. "I know all about it because I had to Nobody Behind" campaign is intended Patrick Stogran said yesterday if wait six months for mine." to help out all veterans. Canada is going to put its troops in Not a very nice way to treat a guy who harm's way, it then can't leave them "We don't leave our wounded on the was "shot at, shelled upon and pissed stranded upon coming home wounded. battlefield, so injured veterans should on" during several tours, which not be left to care for themselves. I will "If you are going to ask them to put included commanding troops in leave nobody behind," he said. their lives on the line, there has to be Afghanistan in 2002! If they would do proper compensation in a timely that to a colonel, the ranks don't have a "We have to reach out and identify manner," Stogran said in an interview. chance. homeless vets. Everyone should feel that they can come to us and be "For somebody who has done the hard That's a caution for politicians who confident that we will follow up." yards, we need to cut through the lines think they'll just slip this national of bureaucracy quickly." disgrace under the carpet. Getting results, he said, is the only thing that will instill that confidence. This hasn't been happening. On the When they get back from their summer fact that many recent Afghanistan vacation, this tough former commander Attention to Prime Minister Stephen veterans have been caught in limbo may not only be on their back -- he may Harper and cabinet: Retired Col. waiting for their entitlements, he said, "I be in their face, too. Patrick Stogran, who has led am disappointed." successful missions against the "If you speak to my colleagues from Taliban, is planning on getting results. But not surprised. when I was in the military, they'll tell you I was a pain in the ass," he said. "I Wednesday, July 30, 2008 In fact, when the ombudsman himself don't see that changing. I enjoy conflict. JOE WARMINGTON , Toronto Sun retired from serving this country in Section: Veterans I enjoy a good fight." wartime, he also had to wait and wade through months of red tape for his He will make "pragmatic military pension. recommendations" to caucus this fall You did what you felt you had on a variety of issues, including soldiers to do. Turns out he is one of dozens and being "caught in no man's land" and perhaps even more who have been who feel they are out there "alone." faced with the humiliating experience. They, he said, are not alone. "Some get medals for their military "It's not going to be too long before we service; the bureaucrats behind this stand up for these issues," he said. should get a badge of shame," said "There is lots of talk going on. The popular Corus Radio talk show host proof will be in the pudding. I fully Roy Green. "Where are the protests intend to keep a scorecard." like there was for the American army deserter?" Such backing was music to Robert Leroux's ears. He's the 45-year-old He is so right. This can't stand. This medically discharged petty officer who can't be too difficult to solve. ATS - Parade in Kempston Barracks. after four tours in Afghanistan and 26 Credit: E.M. Watts. Bedfordshire Libraries A special fund can be created and all years of service missed a mortgage returning troops can be given a stipend payment and had to borrow money A rare person in any context, Joan Faulkner is all the more unique as a to tide them over until their pensions while veterans affairs took almost 17 female Second World War veteran. kick in. weeks to process his military pension. Joan Faulkner has long been a woman Problem solved, free of charge with no He had no food in the fridge while he ahead of her time. need for a consultant. waited -- not long after being shot at by the Taliban. Today, the 84-year-old resident of We need unique thinkers because London's Parkwood Hospital is one of these brave warriors are completing Suffering from post traumatic stress only 14 women veterans of the Second unique tasks. disorder and headaches from a World War among Parkwood's 250 concussion suffered after he was The one-size-fits-all approach does not veterans of that war. thrown from his vehicle, he recounts on work here. his Facebook site similar stories of The average age of a Second World Although warning his warriors coming home to no pay War vet is 86. Ten years ago, "recommendations are not binding" if cheque and no medical insurance Parkwood had 410 vets. Stogran gets his way, those loopholes coverage. Considering that within 10 to 15 years, that delay earned pension cheques will He believes in Stogran and says, "He is it's estimated Canada's Second World be closed. one of few officers I would truly follow War vets will be as rare as its only "I'll get aggressive if I have to," Stogran ... He is a good man in a position where surviving First World War vet is now, said, adding that will be his strategy to he can do the right things." Faulkner stands out as a female convince Ottawa to ensure seamless trailblazer who embraced the adventure The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 13 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008 of going overseas, fresh out of high She also recalls her father-in-law regrets about her own war experience. school, to fight for king and country. putting the family car on blocks in the "You did what you felt you had to do." winter, leaving horse and buggy as the "I suppose it was a surge of patriotism," only form of transportation. she says of her decision to leave her Wednesday, July 30, 2008 native London, England after surviving While Joan became a full-time mother MARY-JANE EGAN , London Free Press Section: Veterans the blitz -- Germany's massive bombing of four, Earle worked as a salesman. campaign of British cities -- to sign up Life was good and Faulkner didn't with the British ATS (Auxiliary Territorial regret the whirlwind wartime romance Regiment to celebrate 125th Service) that brought her to a cold climate. anniversary Faulkner did her basic training in In 1975, Earle died and Joan kept England, was then posted in Scotland herself busy with a growing brood of and ultimately boarded a ship to Italy grandchildren. where she served as a radio operator and topographer. But a friend suggested she volunteer at the Royal Canadian Legion's Victory She shakes her head and rolls her branch 17, and once again, Faulkner eyes, remembering the women in the made a mark for women. ATS who received two-thirds of the pay of male soldiers. She became the first female president of a London legion branch, serving from It was aboard ship that she met a 1989 to 1991. young Canadian army soldier, Earle Faulkner, who would become her Faulkner helped to pave the way for the husband. many female presidents to follow, herself included, says Barbara "I had learned in Scotland that the MacIsaac, acting manager of the Canadians were quite boisterous," branch. Hundreds of former members of the Joan recalls. Royal Canadian Regiment, Canada's "Joan was a wonderful member with a "So, when Earle asked me (after oldest continuously serving infantry wonderful sense of humour, but most of meeting her only two weeks earlier) to unit, will gather in Kingston this all she is a lady," says MacIsaac, who marry me, I thought he was joking." weekend to mark the regiment's 125th enjoys Parkwood visits with her friend. anniversary. But Faulkner said yes. "Joan has a real calming influence on More than 600 Royals from New In 1944 the pair wed in Italy, Joan in a people. She can look at problems from Zealand, Australia, Europe, the United borrowed dress, the entire ship's crew all sides and come up with a solution." States and all over Canada will serving as wedding party and Deb Wiltshire, director of Parkwood's descend on Legion Branch 560 on celebrants. veterans care program, said the Montreal Street for the reunion, which "I suppose back then you didn't know hospital works with the Department of was two-and-a-half years in the what tomorrow would bring, so you Veterans Affairs to prepare for the planning. made your choices a little quickly." changing needs of veterans. Most of the regiment's top brass will be On July 1, 1945, Faulkner joined up For example, the hospital, which offers in the city for the weekend, as will a with her Canadian husband at day trips for the vets, who can also convoy of Light Armored Vehicles from Toronto's Union Station -- oblivious to enjoy a pint at the hospital pub the Iron CFB Petawawa. the fact it was Canada Day. Duke, has opened an operational The regimental colours will be brought stress injury clinic that serves all ages "All those waving flags, all those to Kingston by an RCR color party for a of the armed forces including people, I remember thinking what an memorial service to be held on Sunday reservists, regular forces and veterans. incredible welcome," she says. morning at the legion. Parkwood is one of three veterans' Reality set in swiftly. Retired Sgt.-Maj. Jack O'Brien, who is hospitals in Ontario. organizing the reunion, said the Joan and Earle settled in on his family's Wiltshire acknowledges it will be a sad regiment, while never headquartered Listowel-area farm. Her memories of day when the last Second World War here, has a history in the city and that first Canadian winter remain razor vet's voice is silenced in the hospital. Kingston is a central location that sharp. offered all the amenities they require for Faulkner says she'd like to see more "I thought I was in the Arctic," she the reunion. Second World War history taught in laughs. schools. Members of the regiment, which is now The farm had no electricity, and based in London, Petawawa and But she laments the fact Canada is still Faulkner recalls how she would Gagetown, N. B., mustered here to fight at war, sharply reciting the fact "we've automatically enter a room and make a in conflicts from the Boer War and the lost 88 Canadians in Afghanistan." motion to flick on a non-existing switch - Northwest Rebellion to the Pacific - "we had hydro in England," she notes. She says she hopes her grandchildren theatre in the Second World War. won't end up in a war zone, but has no Additionally, the sole surviving Page 14 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending August 1, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Canadian veteran of the First World Det Kabul delivered the new equipment www.forces.gc.ca/site/home_e.asp. War, Jack Babcock, was a member of and supplies, including a desperately Cpl Evans is with MSGU Det at the the RCR. Babcock now lives in needed Braille printer. Canadian Embassy in Kabul. Spokane, Wash., but he was born in Holleford, north of Kingston,. Babcock, Thursday, July 31, 2008 who enlisted underage, Cpl Jeff Evans, The Maple Leaf Section: Afghanistan was designated as a reinforcement for the regiment but the war ended before he could join the troops in the trenches. CF pilot recaptures the magic

A number of Royals continue to work at CFB Kingston or Royal Military College for training purposes or choose to retire Canadian Ambassador to Afghanistan Arif here. Lalani (back, fourth from left), members of MSGU Det Kabul, and staff and students of "There are a lot of Royals from this the Kabul Government Vocational School area who will be at the reunion, but for the Blind gather around much-needed we've got people coming from all over new equipment amassed and donated the world," said O'Brien. through the Military Police Fund for Blind Children. While the regiment was officially stood Credit: Capt Dan Dubois, The Maple Leaf 2Lt Kent Pearce and LCol (Ret) Gordon up on Dec. 21, 1883, O'Brien said the Successful fundraising activities, Hatch prepare their glider for flight. reunion was being held in August to organized by members of the MSGU, For Captain Debra Vucko, a cadet take advantage of the better weather. garnered C$8 000. Along with the Events for regimental members will instructor from Victoria, flying is as Braille printer, which was the original good as it gets. take place inside and outside the legion goal of the fundraising, the MSGU also all weekend. purchased a Dari translator program for “Whether it was my 30th, my 300th or Most of those attending will be retired the printer, Braille paper and plastic even my 3 000th flight,” she says, members of the regiment. O'Brien paper, tape recorders, blank tape “every flight is new and exciting to me, noted many current members are in the cassettes and other school items as I recapture the magic every time I midst of preparing to deploy to required by the school. get into an airplane.” Afghanistan - some are scheduled to The school has 140 students and some Capt Vucko has made her 3 000th leave this weekend - which is limiting staff that were either born blind or lost flight, and completed more than 620 the participation of serving members. their sight as casualties of war. The hours of powered flight and 225 hours The regiment has been involved in students are taught to read, type, play in gliders. Her flight record has earned nearly every conflict and operation musical instruments, use computers her a certificate of achievement, where Canadian Forces units or and make crafts. A woodworking shop presented June 18 by Lieutenant- personnel have been deployed. located at the school allows students to Colonel Viljo Kippel, commanding learn to make wooden broom handles officer of Regional Gliding School in Besides a distinguished combat record and brushes that they sell to help Comox. in the First and Second world wars and finance the school. Korea, the regiment was also deployed “Capt Vucko is an asset to the Regional during Desert Storm in the early 1990s After a meeting with the principal to Gliding School and to the Air Cadet and served on peacekeeping learn the needs of the school, MSGU program,” LCol Kippel says. “This is operations in Bosnia and Macedonia, members rallied to the cause with quite a momentous accomplishment, among others. fundraising activities including 50/50 and everyone at the school enjoys draws, a hockey pool, a spaghetti night, working with her.” Thursday, July 31, 2008 and draws for handcrafted Afghan As is the case for most air cadets, Capt IAN ELLIOT WHIG-STANDARD MILITARY wooden furniture and items donated by REPORTER Vucko, who joined as a teenager in Section: Veterans Canadian staff at the embassy. 1974, began her flying career when she The help and support of the staff of the was selected first for the gliding MP Fund for Blind Children Canadian Embassy in Kabul were scholarship program and then for the invaluable. Their hard work ensured private power pilot scholarship helps in Afghanistan that the school has the items necessary program. Capt. Vucko enrolled in the The Kabul Government Vocational to better teach and bring some joy to CF Reserve Force in 1980 as a cadet School for the Blind has received some some of the children of Afghanistan. instructor with 135 (Challenger) Royal essential new equipment and supplies Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in The Military Police Fund for Blind Vancouver. thanks to Military Security Guard Unit Children is active anywhere there are Detachment (MSGU Det) Kabul and the military police. For information on this Capt Vucko met her husband through Military Police Fund for Blind Children. Canadian organization, read “CF the cadets; they have two teenage Arif Lalani, Canadian Ambassador to community supports MP fund” in Issue children. She is a medical laboratory Afghanistan, and members of MSGU 18 of The Maple Leaf at technologist and plans to continue The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 15 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008 flying for as long as she can. Corporal Andrew “Boomer” Haskell, of the Joint Task Force Eykelenboom, who was killed by a Afghanistan all source intelligence cell, Cadet instructor recognized suicide bomber in August 2006, “I was filled with a lot of pride about Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret) Gordon Hatch presented TFK deputy commander being Canadian.” Her mother, received recognition June 18 for his Colonel Jamie Cade, with a cheque for Commander Bonita Thornton, is also in- impressive fight record, racked up C$80 000. theatre, serving as TFK senior legal through years of service with the Air advisor. Force, Regional Gliding School in As evening set in, Canadian personnel Comox and as an air cadet instructor. moved to New Canada House, where LCol (Ret) Hatch has logged his 4 comedian Mike MacDonald regaled 000th flight, and has completed more them with his wit and humour. Then, it than 5 500 hours of powered flight and was back to the boardwalk for the final about 900 hours in gliders. Canada Day event, a concert by country singer George Canyon. Before “Completing 4 000 glider flights is a the first song was even played, very rare accomplishment,” said LCol however, the telltale whistling sound Viljo Kippel, commanding officer of the and subsequent bang of a rocket Regional Gliding School, as he impacting the ground was heard, but presented LCol (Ret) Hatch with his With his Canada Day show on hold because the festivities continued in the concrete certificate of achievement. of a rocket attack, country singer George Canyon takes the opportunity to sign the blast shelters. Although it was not Mr. LCol (Ret) Hatch joined the Royal blast shelter's concrete wall by lighter-light. Canyon’s first visit to KAF, it was his Canadian Air Force in 1963 and, for 27 Credit: CPO Stevo McNeil first rocket attack, which he marked by years, held several postings and flew inscribing the concrete wall of the numerous CF aircraft. He became a “We in Canada, in our safety, in our shelter by lighter-light. And after the ‘all Reserve Officer in 1990 and was beautiful country, in our land of clear’ was given, the show went on. selected as the Deputy Commanding opportunity – we have so much,” Mrs. “It was the best Canada Day ever,” said Officer of Regional Gliding School. For Eykelenboom said. “And we need to Sergeant Maranda Robertson, an the next ten years, he completed learn in this world that [from] those to analyst working in the information hundreds of glider flights and taught whom much is given, much is operations cell. “I haven't been to many hundreds of air cadets before stepping expected.” concerts, so being 10 feet from the down from his post. Ordinary Canadians raised the money, stage was amazing.” When the band “Air Cadets is one of the best youth which will go into the Afghanistan launched into the Johnny Cash classic organizations out there that is available Assistance Trust Fund, to be used for ‘Ring of Fire’, the audience sang along to today’s youth,” he says. small projects assisting Afghans. and the speakers were turned up so Medics treating Afghan villagers in Spin our insurgent neighbours could partake LCol (Ret) Hatch retired from the CF in Boldak discovered five-year-old in our Canada Day merriment. May but continues to volunteer with his Habibur Rahman, for example, who has local air cadet squadron. dolichocephalism, a birth defect “The whole band was really down-to- resulting in major facial disfigurement. earth,” Sgt Robertson said. “They all Thursday, July 31, 2008 Money from the fund will be used to just seemed so happy to be able to The Maple leaf come here and put on a show for the Section: Miscellaneous send Habibur to Karachi, Pakistan for a consultation with specialists. Then, soldiers. That means a lot. It’s nice to further funding will be considered for know that people back home support Pride and determination: Habibur’s treatment. us and appreciate the hard work we are Celebrating Canada’s birthday doing here.” KAF Canada Day celebrations provided in Kandahar both an opportunity to reflect on the During the day’s festivities, the work of colleagues in the field during Canada KANDAHAR — Kandahar Air Field was importance of the Canadian mission in Day was not far from mind. transformed Canada Day as dashes of Afghanistan and a much-needed red and white were added to the muted chance to kick back and enjoy the “Many spent the day engaged with the dusty beige landscape of the air base. company of friends and colleagues. enemy in remote places around CF personnel and civilian staff Members of TFK enjoyed a barbeque Afghanistan,” said Captain Peter Boyle, participated in a variety of Canada Day and cold drinks on the boardwalk, and a Calgary Highlander with the national activities, carried miniature Canadian had their photos taken with the Grey support element and one of the event flags, played with red Frisbees and Cup (in KAF accompanied by Rough organizers. “Their efforts in providing wore red and white shirts and maple Rider alumni and hall-of-famers Roger security so that the Afghan people will leaf temporary tattoos. Aldag and Steve Mazurak). A giant be able to build a nation with democratic principals are the true The festivities began with an emotional Canada Day cake was shared around, reasons to celebrate on Canada Day.” presentation ceremony at the Task eliciting cheers and an impromptu Force Kandahar (TFK) HQ monument rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’. Capt Dumouchel-Connock is a TFK to fallen soldiers. Mrs. Maureen “As I walked around the boardwalk with PAO Eykelenboom, mother of medic my mother,” said Corporal Sonya Thursday, July 31, 2008 Page 16 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending August 1, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Capt Sonia Dumouchel-Connock, The Maplecould Leaf this be? claims and that of the others. If there is Section: Afghanistan merit, the resources should be In this specific case, Leroux, 45. did deployed this week to end this crisis tours in Afghanistan in 2002, '04, '05 and humiliation of our courageous and '06. Soldier shouldn't face battle veterans. on the homefront "As part of signal's intelligence we were It's that simple. No need for litigation or always at the pointy end," he said, inquiry. If there is a backlog of claims, adding there was lots of killing and fix it today and don't put another death. Canadian warrior through this kind of In many cases, he was the investigator dance. on bomb scenes where his friends It may not happen that fast. I have all were killed by a Taliban IED. the appropriate calls out and am "The only things you find at a bomb prepared to tell the other side if there is scene are hands, the head and feet," one. he said, visibly tense. "It's a hard job. No one I spoke with inside the military It's not one of the things you look yesterday wanted to address it -- some forward to." He has already bravely gone into battle citing confidentiality. for this country and should never have In a small coffee shop, he looks "That's what we are running into," said had to battle against it. nervously around at each person. Leroux. "They always say they are But that's what injured war veteran "I know everybody's face," he said, sympathetic but they also say there is Petty Officer Robert Leroux, and adding he understands he's home in nothing they can do about it." others, have had to do to get their Canada but keeping track of faces to Good thing our soldiers never say that proper pension and medical care after stay alive in Afghanistan has proven to when going into battle against the serving so heroically in Afghanistan. be a difficult habit to shake. Taliban. Their adversary this time wasn't bombs As is the memory of Feb. 16, 2006. "I don't want this to be negative toward and bullets but was red tape and "The threat was sniper fire," he said. the military," he said adamantly. "They regulations. "We did a quick turn." have done a great job and so have the "I don't understand it, either," said the He went flying out of his Bison vehicle doctors working with me on my specific 26-year veteran of the Canadian Armed and landed on his head. More than two injuries. I have my pension coming in Forces who was medically discharged years later he still suffers from post- now. I am doing this for all of the guys with honour in March. "I already did my concussion syndrome, as well as neck, coming home who will have to face part for king and country." back and leg pain. this." And he did. Four times in Afghanistan But it's the mental part of the package And so am I. Don't create conflict for to be exact. He has the medals to show that has him struggling the most. people who have had enough conflict. for it. And the wounds. Some physical. Thursday, July 31, 2008 Some mental. What he said he didn't "I had no idea what post traumatic stress syndrome would do to you,"' he JOE WARMINGTON, SUN MEDIA have for more than four months after Section: Veterans being medically discharged this spring, said. was his financial compensation "You don't sleep, there is anger, entitlements that he more than earned. resentment, guilt, sexual dysfunction Veterans Affairs wants Chicoutimi survivors given "For the first time I missed a mortgage and fatigue." payment," said the separated father of This is the guy our country made go 16 same consideration as war three, who hails originally from weeks and six days without receiving vets Burlington. "And now my credit has his pension cheque. There is just no taken a dive." excuse for this. He's already fought the He also said because of the same ruthless Taliban. bureaucratic loophole that created the It's not right to make a guy fight to above dilemma, he and his children are make ends meet upon his medical not fully covered medically until Nov. 1. discharge. He said upon discharge he had to find "It has been so hard," he said. "I had to his own doctors -- including several borrow money from family to survive. I specialists such as a psychiatrist. literally got down to half a tank of gas "And I am not alone," he said. "I put this and $2 in my pocket." up on my own Facebook site and I Now here's what I think should happen found a lot of people have had the today. OTTAWA - Sailors who survived the same problem." devastating fire aboard HMCS Right from the top there should be an Chicoutimi almost four years ago could Now I know what you are thinking. How immediate investigation into Leroux's be eligible for the same kind of benefits The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 17 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008 consideration as veterans of the Afghan The designation opens up a series of where it had begun its journey. war, if one federal department gets its benefits and considerations that sailors Surviving crewmembers lived among way. might otherwise be denied. the thick soot and ash of the fire and as Veterans Affairs Canada has proposed The final decision on whether to grant many as 28 sailors developed that service on the ill-fated submarine the classification, according to the breathing conditions - or post traumatic be declared "a Special Duty Operation," legislation, rests with the defence stress, according to the veterans affairs according to documents obtained by minister, who has the authority to records. The Canadian Press under access to retroactively declare a mission or The fire was caused when a rogue information laws. operation to be "special duty." wave washed over the conning tower, Such a designation "would mean that Last March, the veterans affairs flowing through an open and the submariners would have 24/7 minister ordered an urgent review of submerging high-voltage lines where coverage for injury incurred during and how survivors of the submarine fire connector insulation had worn down. arising out of service," said a March 13, were being treated after it was revealed Thursday, July 31, 2008 2008 briefing note prepared for that many crew suffer from debilitating Murray Brewster, THE CANADIAN PRESS Veterans Affairs Minister Greg illnesses. Section: Veterans Thompson. In a series of interviews with The The Defence Department's chief of Canadian Press, more than a dozen Government of Canada military personnel was consulted about survivors spoke about their failing Remembers the Korean War the change, the documents said. health and disputes with veterans with Commemorative Cruise affairs over health and pension But the military appears cool to the entitlements. and Presentation of Memorial idea. Cross in Quebec City Records obtained under access to National Defence declined repeated information show 12 of the 28 interview requests over two days and crewmembers who applied for benefits issued only an emailed response. had received either an unfavourable "The incident has not been determined ruling - or an outright denial. to be a Special Duty Area," wrote In a couple instances veteran's department spokesman Jonathan Quebec City – The Honourable Greg bureaucrats were "unable to assess Juteau. Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, (requests); required medical info (was) today spoke to Canadian and Korean "However, all members onboard the not available," said the records. Veterans during a commemorative Chicoutimi were considered on duty It took the military three years to finalize cruise in Quebec City hosted by the and all injuries considered attributable tests on chemical properties of the Association du 22e Régiment. Minister to service; therefore they can apply for smoke inhaled by the sailors on the Thompson also presented to Theresa a disability award" through Veterans Chicoutimi. An analysis of the long-term Lavoie-Mullins, widow of Veteran Affairs. health impact was recently conducted Richard Mullins, a Memorial It is unclear what kind of precedent - if and the navy held a town hall meeting Cross—one of Canada’s most highly- any - would be set since the warship with past and present crewmembers to regarded honours. Mr. Mullins, who was not involved in combat, but on its explain the results. served overseas in the Korean War, maiden voyage to Canada when it was was remembered for his service and Since the plight of the survivors was crippled by an electrical fire. dedication during the ceremony. made public in early March, both the Veterans Affairs spokeswoman Janice military and veterans affairs have "We are here to honour you—the brave Summerby says providing a special conducted an extensive followup. Canadian and Korean Veterans who duty designation allows for the courageously stepped forward when The veterans service has identified at smoother managing the benefits for you were needed," said Minister least six sailors who had not applied for both the bureaucrats and the sailors Thompson. "We are inspired by your benefits and an additional 14 men who because "it removes the need to have a extraordinary efforts and we admire served on the submarine, but were not direct link between your disability and your perseverance." listed in the department's data base - your service." an oversight that could have prevented Daniel Petit, Member of Parliament for In most benefits cases, veterans have them from obtaining benefits. Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles to prove their condition is related to an and Gil-sou Shin, Consul General for An electrical fire in Oct. 2004 crippled event that happened during their the Republic of Korea also spoke to the Chicoutimi, the last of four used service. Veterans. submarines purchased from the British Whenever a Canadian Forces to be delivered to the Canadian navy. The cruise aboard the M/S Jacques- members is sent to a war zone, a Lt. Chris Saunders, 32, of Halifax, died Cartier was organized to mark the 55th disaster area or on a hazardous of smoke inhalation and eight other anniversary of the Korean War assignment, the task is considered crewmembers were injured. Armistice. Korean and Canadian "special duty" in the eyes of defence Veterans were reunited aboard the It took five days to tow the warship was and veterans affairs bureaucrats. cruise with an interpreter present. Both towed back to Faslane, Scotland, Canadian and traditional Korean Page 18 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending August 1, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 elements such as Korean dishes, Director; Marilyn Janzen, Board Chair, “Everything we do here we’re going to incense, and performances by a Shirley Smith, 1st Vice President, try to do there,” said Jim Millar, branch Korean choir in traditional costume Leduc Branch #108 and Tom Smith, 8 president. “But we’re in negotiations were part of the event. A sunset Sergeant at Arms, Leduc Branch #108. with the city so we don’t know yet.” ceremony featured the release of white If both sides agree on a contract, it doves and the laying of 516 white roses Friday, August 01, 2008 could be beneficial to both sides, Mr. into the St. Lawrence River to Leduc Perspective Section: RCL St. Louis acknowledged. The city would remember the 516 Canadians who died be collecting consistent lease payments during or as a result of the Korean War. and the legion would save money on The Memorial Cross, often referred to Stratford Legion to call Allman repairs among other costs. as the Silver Cross, was created in arena home “I think it would be best for both parties, 1919 to commemorate those who died that’s just my opinion,” Mr. Millar said. in the First World War. It has historically been awarded to mothers and widows, Mr. Millar had no concerns about the or the eldest surviving next of kin, of size of the hall accommodating Canadian Forces members who died members. on active duty or whose death was Friday, August 01, 2008 consequently attributed to such duty. Could be out of St. Patrick Street Laura Cudworth, The Beacon & Herald Section: RCL From 1950 to 1953, more than 26,000 location by fall. Canadians served in Korea—working By Remembrance Day local veterans to restore peace and stability to the could be marching to the cenotaph from Orillia Legion hopes to raise area. On July 27, 1953, the Korean their new home in the William Allman cash for medal War Armistice was signed, ending three Memorial Arena. years of fighting. An additional 7,000 Canadians served between the signing The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 8 of the Armistice and the end of 1955, is selling its building at St. Patrick and with some Canadian troops remaining Church streets because the cost to until 1957. keep the building — with rising heating and maintenance costs and fewer For more information on the Memorial members — has become prohibitive. Medal awarded 65 years ago for fire Cross or the Korean War and events in chief's bravery. your area, visit the Veterans Affairs Members have been looking for a new, Canada Web site. more cost-effective place to set up the If not for the quick and heroic action of Thursday, July 31, 2008 legion and may have found it in the the local fire chief in 1943, Orillia's Veteran Affairs Canada upper-floor, 288-square-metre hall Royal Canadian Legion might have Section: Veterans above the entrance to the arena. The been blown to smithereens, says legion room doesn’t overlook the ice pad and general manager Bruce McRae. is completely separate from the sports After an explosion on board a Fairmile Leduc Royal Canadian Legion facility. donates warship at the Hunter Boat Works, The city and legion are currently Orillia fire Capt. Elgin R. Jones entered negotiating and staff were drafting a the burning engine room to seal a lease agreement today, said David St. leaking tank containing more than Louis, Stratford’s director of community 2,000 gallons of high-octane fuel. services. That contract will eventually If the fuel tank had exploded, the legion go to council — perhaps by September in a converted railway station beside or October — and to legion members the boat works might have been for approval. levelled, said McRae. The hall isn’t currently well used, Mr. "Not only was the CPR station spared, St. Louis said. It has been used for the but with fuel storage along the Lakeside Seniors’ Golf Program and waterfront, and Canada Wood's other functions but doesn’t have a stockpiles of lumber along the rail line, permanent tenant. Royal Canadian Legion-Leduc the threat to our downtown would have presented Black Gold Health “We’re looking to relocate those been obvious to the chief." groups. I think we can come up with Foundation with a donation of $10,000. For his valour, Elgin was presented something good for (Lakeside Seniors’ In keeping with the Foundation’s with a King's Police and Fire Service Golf),” he said. mandate, the funds will be put toward Medal, one of only 52 presented in enhancing health care within Leduc The upstairs hall has a kitchen and the Canada's history. Community Hospital and the Health hall could likely be licensed by the Fire Lt. Daniel McLeish, who hosed Centres of Beaumont, Calmar and Liquor Control Board of Ontario down flames while Elgin worked on the Thorsby. because it’s a private club, Mr. St. fuel tank, also received a King's medal. Lorraine Popik, Foundation Executive Louis said. The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 19 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008 When Elgin's medal recently turned up his 39th birthday, Tom died from planning, by celebrating the for sale on eBay, the local fire wounds suffered in battle. community's heritage and honouring a department decide to raise the $6,000 man who gave his life for Canada's purchase price to bring the medal back freedom in the First World War." to Orillia where Elgin left no The Fleetwood Community Association descendants. has chosen its Fleetwood Community The legion hopes to donate $1,000 Centre Plaza as the location where the toward the medal purchase, subject to life-size statue of Lance Cpl. Fleetwood membership approval, said McRae. will be placed. The association also hopes to enhance the plaza with a The medal would be the equivalent of number of other renovations including the Victoria Cross, the military's highest signage, benches and decorative honour, said McRae, noting that since landscaping. British Columbian sculptor 1909, when King George proposed this Nathan Scott has been commissioned medal, most have been awarded to for the project which should be finished police for acts of heroism. this fall. In almost a century, only 11 of these Friday, August 01, 2008 medals of valour have been awarded to Kevin Diakiw - Surrey North Delta Leader Canadian firefighters, said McRae. Section: Veterans Over the Orillia legion's 82- year history, there have many who have He's taping veterans' stories worn uniforms in service of their to pay a debt country through our Armed Forces, as well as wearing uniforms in the protection of their communities through the police or fire department, said McRae. A statue of First World War veteran Tom Fleetwood will be erected in the community Orillia fire Chief Ralph Dominelli said he that bears his name. is grateful for the legion's assistance Credit: Surrey Public Library photo and is looking forward to others coming Edith applied to the provincial forward to help bring this very special government in Victoria for a charter to medal back to Orillia. name her community in honour of Tom. "It's an honour that the legion has got on board to help us," said Dominelli. The community of Fleetwood was born. Randy Young, on his Harley-Davidson that Tom's name is also found on the he is carrying coast-to-coast in the trailer The fire department has struck a behind him during his Rally for Veterans fundraising committee and cenotaph in front of the Surrey Museum tour. He says the purpose of the trip is ‘to announcements about future events to and Archives building. build up the respect of young people for will be made soon, said Dominelli. Now, the province is providing a grant veterans.’ Friday, August 01, 2008 of $65,000 to assist in creating a statue SAINT JOHN - Randy Young moves COLIN MCKIM, THE PACKET AND TIMES of Tom. around a bunch of cinder blocks and Section: RCL "By commissioning this statue the hops from one side to the other of a community of Fleetwood will have a trailer he created by cutting a third of Statue of Tom Fleetwood to lasting monument to a vital piece of its the old travel trailer away with his honour war veteran history," said Surrey-Tynehead MLA circular saw. The ritual is part of his journey, getting his Harley-Davidson off He sailed from England to Surrey in Dave Hayer. "It is initiative such as this that shows just how important local the trailer that's towed by his aged about 1910 to meet with his sister Edith motor home called the Blue Bomber. and husband James Francis, who history is to our residents." settled at about what is now 160 Street The Fleetwood Community Association "I get to ride my Harley around and and Fraser Highway. was also pleased with the plan to have a few thousand coffees and a few beers with veterans," says Young. Then in August 1914, the First World construct a statue of Tom. War began. "This project has been a vision of our Paying back a debt he said he owes to association for the past 10 years and three veterans that acted as a father Arthur Thomas (Tom) Fleetwood, figure to him when he grew up without acting out of loyalty to his home would not have been possible without the support of the province and the one, the 47-year-old will travel the country, enlisted, and in 1915 he joined country over the next two years visiting the 47th Battalion of the Canadian city," said Rick Hart, president of Fleetwood Community Association. "It Royal Canadian Legions and veterans' Expeditionary Forces and was shipped homes and videotaping their stories. to France. will bring together a legacy to preserve the history of the past and add vitality "I found it in a barn," the London, Ont., On Sept. 8, 1917, just two days after and cultural resonance to urban native said of his 1974 Harley. Page 20 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Week Ending August 1, 2008 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 The big blue motor home with the Section: Veterans taking his regular dose of medication fighter planes and bombers on the side for depression, said that he cursed may be the first thing noticed when he Second-degree murder twice at Mr. Vanderpluijm, who pushed pulls into a parking lot, but the Harley him in response. and the custom paint job tell a very conviction for RCL Murderer Mr. Gregory, who at six-foot-three and special story. Painted in army olive 230 pounds was seven inches taller green are renditions of D-Day, the and more than 100 pounds heavier storied Corvette naval ship, a pilot, a than Mr. Vanderpluijm, said he fell off sailor, planes, unit insignias and a very his stool and angrily got up and special picture of the man that started it punched the victim. all - Harry Watts. The 85-year-old inspired Young to begin the cross- Mr. Vanderpluijm was thrown country journey and collect the stories backwards by the force of the blow. Mr. of veterans. Gregory then knelt on him and punched him several more times in the head Watts was a dispatch rider, some of the Jamie John Gregory area. He said the victim was bleeding bravest of the brave, or craziest, from the mouth and making a gurgling depending on how you looked at it. Credit: Ian Fairclough noise, so he grabbed a fire extinguisher "Those guys were crazy out there on 29-year-old patron bludgeoned legion and smashed him in the head three those motorcycles," said Young. bartender to death. times because he thought the man was suffering. He then pinched the And, he said, they all volunteered for ANNAPOLIS ROYAL — An Annapolis veteran’s nostrils and put paper towel the craziness. County man has been convicted of second-degree murder in the killing of a over his mouth in an effort to stop the Friends of Veterans Canada is the Royal Canadian Legion bartender three gurgling sound. group that Young is leading. The days before Christmas in 2006. Mr. Vanderpluijm suffered skull and group's website, facial bone fractures, eight fractured www.friendsofveterans.ca, contains the Defence lawyer Joel Pink had argued ribs and damage to his neck, including story of Watts and why Young has that Jamie John Gregory, 29, was two fractures of a bone. He also had spent $18,000 of his own money to provoked into attacking Peter bruising to his face, head, shoulders, make the trip. Along with accepting Vanderpluijm in the Lawrencetown arms, kidney and the back of his hands, donations, he sells T-shirts legion when the 59-year-old retired along with some lacerations on his emblazoned with the group's logo and sailor and Persian Gulf War veteran head. An autopsy showed he died of its message in a bid to raise funds. pushed him off his stool on the night of Dec. 22. blunt force trauma to the head. "That's the goal of this thing, to build up After the attack, Mr. Gregory emptied the respect of young people for Had the judge accepted that there was the cash register and took two bottles veterans." reasonable provocation and that Mr. Gregory reacted as one might expect of liquor from the bar to try to make it Freedom, he said, costs money and he an ordinary person to react, the look like there had been a robbery. He believes the debt remains outstanding. accused would have been found guilty was arrested the next day. "It was not free. It was blood, sweat and instead of manslaughter. Justice Coady noted there had been no guts." "I am unable to conclude that the punch animosity between the two men before the attack. Young can be reached through his web thrown by Jamie Gregory meets the page and is writing a regular diary of objective standards of the ordinary After the verdict, members of Mr. his journey. He'll spend the next few man," Justice Kevin Coady said Vanderpluijm’s family hugged and days in Saint John recording the stories Thursday when he rendered his verdict cried. of area veterans. He's asking students in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in "It’s like you’re happy and sad at the to videotape local veterans that visit Annapolis Royal. same time," daughter Donna said of the their school on Nov. 11 and tell stories "His response . . . was not proportional verdict, explaining that while she’s about the war - the camaraderie, the and did not comply with the standard of pleased Mr. Gregory was convicted of heroics, the honour and the horror of it. self-control and restraint that is the more serious charge, her father’s Whether they are straight video tape or expected from all members of our violent death "is going to be with us for a mega-production, Young said the society." the rest of our lives." tapes will all be judged by a panel of veterans and the winning entry will During Mr. Gregory’s trial in May, Mr. Vanderpluijm’s other daughter, receive a trip to next year's Second testimony and statements showed that Julie, said she had been confident the World War anniversary ceremonies in Mr. Vanderpluijm had wanted to shut verdict would be for second-degree Holland. The prize will be presented to down the legion’s video lottery murder, and now the family must look the veteran who spoke at the school. machines a few minutes early and ahead to the sentencing in October. close the establishment for the night, "Who doesn't like to hear a good war but Mr. Gregory wasn’t ready to leave. "I don’t think there can ever be closure, story?" regardless of what the sentence is," In his statement to police, Mr. Gregory, Friday, August 01, 2008 she said. JEFF DUCHARME, TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL who had been drinking and was not The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario) Page 21 WEBNEWS Volume - 2 Edition 30 Week Ending August 1, 2008 Mr. Vanderpluijm’s widow Rosalind said "The helicopters (will) provide, planes. that "I have a lot of things to say, but it’s obviously, mobility," Vance said. "They Bob Lockhart of Fredericton, a former all anger." provide a way to move our people more lieutenant-colonel in the reserves, has quickly to trouble spots." Asked for comment, Mr. Pink said that spent time as a photographer with he needs "some time to reflect on what Vance, the former commander of The Canadian troops in Afghanistan. the judge said. We will review his Second Battalion, The Royal Canadian He said there's no doubt that the vast comments and decision and decide Regiment (2RCR) at Canadian Forces majority of Canadian casualties in that what our next step will be." Base Gagetown, said the Chinooks will country are road-related. The also improve surveillance by enhancing Second-degree murder carries an helicopters will make a difference and the ability of troops to better observe automatic life sentence, with no chance are long overdue, he said. what is going on in their area of of parole for a minimum of 10 years. operation. "They will definitely save lives," Crown attorney Lloyd Lombard said he Lockhart said. The federal government is spending will argue that Mr. Gregory should $375 million to acquire six heavy-lift Vance said aside from the helicopters, spend much more than 10 years in Chinooks from the U.S. Army. They are Afghanistan-bound Canadian troops prison before he’s eligible for parole. designed to transport artillery, troops, arriving in February will also benefit Friday, August 01, 2008 ammunition, fuel and supplies within from a U.S. battle group that's expected IAN FAIRCLOUGH The Chronicle Herald military theatres of operation. to arrive in the region and from an Section: RCL Afghan army that continues to get Until those choppers are in place, the better. Department of National Defence will Helicopters to keep troops off lease up to eight Russian-built Friday, August 01, 2008 dangerous roads in helicopters to ferry supplies around the MICHAEL STAPLES, The Daily Gleaner Section: Afghanistan Afghanistan battlefield in Afghanistan and lessen the chances of encountering roadside bombs. Improvised explosive devices have taken a toll on Canadian troops who have been forced to frequently travel dangerous roads. Dean Black, a retired lieutenant-colonel and former commander of the 403 Tactical Helicopter Squadron at Gagetown, said the Chinooks can move a lot of troops, supplies and artillery pieces quickly. The Chinook is a multi-mission, heavy-lift transport helicopter. Its primary mission is to "Helicopter travel can certainly make move troops, artillery, ammunition, fuel, things a lot easier," said Black, now the water, barrier materials, supplies and executive director of the Air Force equipment on the battlefield. Its secondary Association of Canada. "It's one of the missions include medical evacuation, disaster relief, search and rescue, aircraft few helicopters that's able to operate in recovery, fire fighting, parachute drops, that kind of a demanding environment heavy construction and civil development. from a density altitude perspective." Chinook helicopters were introduced in Black said the military once owned 1962 as the CH-47 Chinook, and models A, seven Chinooks. They were purchased B and C were deployed in Vietnam. As the in the early 1970s and sold in the mid- product of a modernization program, which 1990s. included refurbishing existing CH-47s, the first CH-47Ds were delivered in 1982 and "The first one crashed on its way from were produced until 1994. the plant to the ceremony to accept The arrival early next year of six CH-47- them," Black said. "The crew was lost, D Chinook transport helicopters for use unfortunately. But of the eight that we by Canadian troops in Afghanistan will bought, we retained seven. They were ensure that the current and future of great use and they will be again." needs of soldiers will be met, says the The purchase of the Chinooks is commander-designate of Joint Task connected to one of the Force Afghanistan. recommendations of the Manley Brig.-Gen. Jon Vance, who will assume commission report on Afghanistan, control of the mission in February, said released last winter. The federal the helicopters, which will help keep government has until February to Canadian troops off dangerous roads, secure the arrival of the helicopters and should be in theatre at that time. a flight of unmanned surveillance Page 22 The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50 (Ontario)