THE BRIGADE

SUMMER FALL 2014

EXERCISE SPIRIT WAY

RESERVES FIGHT FLOODS
SASK. MEDIC VISITS BELIZE

WE REMEMBER...
THE MAGAZINE OF 38 CANADIAN BRIGADE GROUP
THE ARMY RESERVES OF SASKATCHEWAN, MANITOBA AND NORTHWEST ONTARIO

Commanders Message
As I pen this introduction to the 2nd edition of The
Brigade for 2014, the snow has started to fall,
individual/IBTS training has given way to collective
combined arms training, two BMQ courses are
nearing completion and numerous ceremonial/
social functions are proudly celebrating Army
Reservists across our Brigade area of operations.

Colonel Ross Ermel

In terms of domestic operations, in July, 38 CBG

generated a Domestic Response Company for
Operation LENTUS in response to flooding in
Southern Manitoba. This company of 65 all ranks
attached themselves seamlessly to the Immediate
Response Unit from 1 CMBG and performed
exceptionally. This latest operational deployment
highlights the strong bond between our two
formations and the value of the Army Reserve.
Moreover, it was a testament to the readiness of
the leaders and soldiers of the Brigade. That said,
let us all remember that true readiness just doesnt
happen. It is built upon focused training, clear
communication and detailed coordination.

As we reach the end of 2014, I join with the

Brigade Sergeant-Major in wishing all of you a
joyous and safe holiday season. Take time with
your families and friends, recharge and reflect
upon the many accomplishments that you have
helped assure. Should you need to reach out for
help for any medical or work related reason, help
is there, whether in-unit or from the numerous
other sources of assistance. As well, should you
see a fellow soldier in need, ensure that you say
something and offer a helping hand.

In terms of Brigade Revitalization efforts, I wish to

highlight one of our most recent accomplishments.

I applaud all soldiers and leaders of our Brigade for

their ongoing dedication and service and tell you
that it is an honour to soldier with you.

Brigade Sergeant-Major Message

Our ability to generate a company speaks to

readiness at all levels from troops to the Brigade
staff. I continue to hear from 3rd Canadian Division
Headquarters of the impressive response, the
ability to plug and play and your overall morale.

A great deal of time and effort was undertaken on

the part of the Brigade Battle School and all the
units contributing staff, which saw an increase
in Individual Training. This year weve seen more
soldiers on PLQ and an increase in individual
training courses over all. Well done, keep up the
effort, continue to develop your craft, learn your
trade and lead your units.

As we look towards the start of 2015, our Arctic

Response Company Group will once again deploy
on Exercise ARCTIC BISON in February 2015 in
central Manitoba. There, we will fully exercise our
command and control over a 300 kilometer-long
operating area in austere winter conditions.

In August, our Arctic Response Company Group

deployed to the area of Thompson, Manitoba on
Exercise SPIRIT WAY, which saw the Company
Group work with the Manitoba Office of the Fire
Commissioner, elements from 17 Wing, as well as
4 CRPG. This exercise was a resounding success
in that it was the first in a series of three field
training exercises which will serve to confirm the
Arctic Response Company Groups final operating
capability a goal that we seek to achieve by
March 2016.

During the summer and fall, the Brigade has been

extremely active, and I want to say to all of you,
well done and thank you.

Brigade Sergeant-Major Al Boucher

In late summer, the Saskatchewan Government

and both Regina School Boards approved the
roll-out of the first Basic Military Qualification
Cooperative Programme in the province. Although
military cooperative programmes are not new
to Canada, this particular one is unique in that it
is the first programme to offer both a core and
elective high school credit and the fact that it
benefits from a province course code meaning that
it can be delivered in any school division in the
province. We look forward to the first day of the
programme, which will commence in Semester 2 of
the Regina high school calendar in February 2015.
This new programme will serve to greatly increase
the profile of the Army Reserve in Southern
Saskatchewan and accelerate the growth of our
Regina based units.

Lieutenant-General Hainse, the Commander of

the Army, reminded us this summer that the
mission of the Canadian Army is to generate
combat effective, multi-purpose land forces to
meet Canadas defence objectives. He further
stated that what we bring as an organization to
the people of Canada is Readiness. Our Domestic
Response Company Group responded to that call
deploying during Operation LENTUS and performed
admirably. They mobilized rapidly, effectively,
maintained high spirits and resolve throughout.

This summer Exercise SPIRIT WAY increased our

ability to respond and deploy the Arctic Response
Company Group into the unfrozen North. Many
lessons were learned in mobility, on foot and on
ATV, communications and several others. We
are leading the way in our ARCG deployments. I
encourage all members of the Brigade to take part
in ARCG training at the soldier level then later as a
leader. The ARCG is an operational tasking the
only one in the Division.
The Christmas season is upon us, enjoy time with
family and friends, see you all in the New Year.
Ever forward never back
Progredere Ne Regredere

Features

On the Cover:

See this icon?

Click on it throughout to see related images.

Operation LENTUS

Medic Master Corporal

Expands Horizons in Belize

14

Exercise SPIRIT WAY

18

Fort Garry Horse Mark

North-Manitoban Lake

22

Prince Edward Renames

Saskatchewan Dragoon Award

23

We Remember

Soldiers of 38 CBG Arctic Response Company

Group search for a simulated downed aircraft
during Exercise SPIRIT WAY in Thompson,
Manitoba last August.

This magazine was published under

the authority of Colonel Ross Ermel,
Commander 38 CBG.
Publisher/ Editor

Major Mike Lagace - 38 CBG PAO

Designer/ Photographer

MCpl Alan Haley

Designer

Bernice May Tuano

Lead Public Affairs NCM

MCpl Draper Houston

Photographer

MCpl Cameron Skrypnyk

For more information on 38 Canadian
Brigade Group, or to submit articles for
future publicatons, please send to
michael.lagace@forces.gc.ca
or contact
204-833-2500 ext. 6543

Photo Credit: MCpl Melanie Ferguson

Citizen Soldiers Fight the Floods

By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG NCM PAO

Portage La Prairie, Man. Over 45 members of the 38 CBG Domestic Response

Company (38 CBG DRC) were called out on Saturday, July 5 to participate in
Operation LENTUS 14-05, which was to support the province of Manitoba with
the flood efforts in and around the Assiniboine River surrounding Portage La
Prairie, Man.
When we arrived on the ground, it was a really smooth integration into
working with the Regular Force, said Warrant Officer Lionel Packulak, Fort
Garry Horse. The civilians were surprised at our ability to be self-sufficient.
The army reservists from Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie and Brandon area
arrived just a day after the Immediate Response Unit, made up from 1 Royal
Canadian Horse Artillery (1 RCHA) and 2nd Battalion Princess Patricias
Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI) from Shilo, Man. The Brigade soldiers were
eager to showcase the response capability of the Army Reserves.
It was a lot of hard work, said Sergeant Dave Tobin, 31 Engineer Squadron.
The work began as soon as we hit the ground, but then we were changed to
the nightshift on the Sunday night.
Charged with filling the ever-growing need for sandbags, the filling machines
never stopped, with an estimate of 100,000 sandbags per machine for a
24-hour period. In fact, the civilians working with the 38 CBG DRC even got a
third machine started in order to increase production.
The civilian workers were shocked when they asked if the military personnel
had someone qualified to operate the front-end loader for the third sandbag
machine.
They did a quick practical test with Master Corporal Ryan Perry (31 Engineer
Squadron), said Packulak. Then he was on the front-end loader, and we were
on our own completely self-sufficient.
Even when the Acting Commander of 38 CBG, Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm
Young, came by the sandbag machines, the work did not stop.
The Deputy Commander stopped to speak to one of the troops filling
sandbags from the octopus (the nickname of the sandbag filling machine),
and not wanting to stop the troop handed him a sandbag in the middle of the
conversation, Packulak chuckled. The Deputy Commander had to get in there
to get a word with the troops because the sand wasnt stopping!
After six long and grueling days filling sandbags for upwards of 14 hours per
day, and when the river started to let up, the 38 CBG DRC was re-tasked to be
the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) for the domestic operation.
We were extremely prepared to take over the mission, said Captain Piotr
Sliwowski, Officer Commanding, 38 CBG DRC. Specialty engineer equipment
capabilities like rigid hull inflatable boats, trucks with hydraulic cranes, heavy
winching capability for self-recovery and troop lift allowed for a quick response
to any potential emergency.
Corporal Corbin Delichte
4

A Civilian Employers Sneak Peek into

a Reservists Other Life
By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG NCM PAO

Portage La Prairie, Man. Its not too often that

civilian employers have the opportunity to see a
reservists other life first hand. On June 9, one
reservist had the opportunity to show representatives
from his civilian employer, Viterra Inc. an agricultural
company that handles and markets grain and oilseed
exactly what being a reservist means.
Bill Roszell, Director of Regional Management, and
Kent Klimpke, Regional Manager (Winnipeg Region)
received a first-hand view of Corporal Corbin Delichte
of the Fort Garry Horse in action and the overall
military effort for the Manitoba floods.
Cpl Delichte is a reservist of four and a half years and
a facility operator at Viterras Winkler elevator.
I am happy to have the opportunity to help the
community as I hope others would if I was in the same
situation, Delichte said. I am glad that my civilian
employer got to see what reservists are doing. I hope it
helps them understand that its more of a commitment
than just hiking around, and the skills Im gaining being
a reservist can help in my civilian position as well.
Roszell and Klimpke caught up with Cpl Delichte just
west of Portage La Prairie, Man. at the site where
sandbags were being filled by an impressive sight
of conveyors delivering sand to a distribution point
huddled by both military and civilian personnel alike.
Cpl Delichte, along with Captain Piotr Sliwowski,
Officer Commanding, 38 Canadian Brigade Group
Domestic Response Company, explained how the
sandbag fillers (affectionately nicknamed the
octopus) worked much like the workings of a grain
elevator, commented Klimpke. Sand is piled into a
hopper and conveyed to the top and distributed to
many different filling points where the sandbags are
tied and placed into a front-end loader and brought to
a truck.
Its really important to support these efforts,
said Roszell while viewing the operation. Our
business is all about rural communities in Manitoba,
Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Photo Credit: MCpl Melanie Ferguson

Viterra is a very strong supporter of the flood efforts

and reservists alike recently donating $100,000 to
support flood relief efforts. Further, after learning
about the transition into a quick reaction force
operation and the potential for the operation to persist
past the time that Cpl Delichte had initially booked
off, Raszell stated we [Viterra] will support you in
whatever you need to do.

L-R: Captain Piotr Sliwowski, Officer Commanding, 38

CBG Domestic Response Company; Kent Klimpke,
Regional Manager (Winnipeg Region), Viterra Inc.;
Corporal Corbin Delichte, Fort Garry Horse; Bill Roszell,
Director of Regional Management, Viterra Inc.

In terms of recruiting, however, a significant number of changes have taken

place within the Brigade Recruiting Group (BRG) over the past few months. The
BRG, for the first time in over two years, is now fully staffed with recruiters in
each designated location. Under the command of Captain Piotr Sliwowski, he
brings significant experience to his new appointment returning back to the
Brigade having spent over six years at the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre
in Winnipeg. He and his team will build upon the solid foundation created
by Chief Warrant Officer Roger Coutu, whose long service to the BRG set a
standard that is recognized across Canada.
Most recently, the BRG made a number of recommendations to Canadian Army
Headquarters focused on reducing the amount of time it takes to get a recruit
applicant processed and enrolled from the time of the completion of the initial
application.
These recommendations will see our BRG taking responsibility for critical steps
of the recruiting process allowing us to:
decrease time in processing recruit applications;
increase flexibility in the implementation of the recruiting process
steps and greater ownership by the BRG; and
provide accessibility and greater oversight on the whole process
including steps conducted by the CFRC allowing for communication
and engagement with applicants.

Revitalization Update We Need You

Our BRG is shaping the future for Army Reserve Recruiting across Canada.
Over the coming months, Capt Sliwowski and I will be conducting briefings to
the unit command teams to explain the 2015 BRG Op Plan and the role that you
can play in attracting new recruits to your units.

In World War I, there was famous recruiting poster that showed a picture
of a senior British Officer pointing out to all those who saw it that read We
Need You Join Now! To revitalize our units, the Brigade needs volunteer
class A recruiters to help tell our story and promote the value of your individual
regiments and trades.

The BRG staff provides effective and professional recruiting administration.

They depend on the class A soldiers to assist them at attraction events. We
need soldiers to sell the value of your unit and trade. Help us tell the story by
volunteering to be a class A recruiter and help sustain the institution that is
your regiment in order to carry on your proud history.

Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Young

One of the key strengths of the Army Reserve is our connection with our
communities. Each of our units is an institution within the fabric of our
communities, and in many cases, has existed long before many of the business
or academic institutions that exist where we live. Unlike businesses, our
definition of service and the meaning of sacrifice for us takes on a totally
different meaning.
To carry on our long tradition of service to Canada and our communities, we
must be self-sustaining. With the end of the conflict in Afghanistan, we must
now take the opportunity to revitalize our ranks and grow our numbers and
depth of leadership. Critical to our revitalization is retaining our experienced
non-commisioned members and officers to carry on that tradition of service.

LCol Malcolm Young

Deputy Commander

16th Field Ambulance Master Corporal

Expands Horizons in Belize
By Sgt Kali Gradishar, U.S. Air Force Technician

Punta Gorda, Belize - A Canadian Master Corporal deployed from the 16th
Field Ambulance in Saskatchewan expanded his own horizons as a medical
technician for Exercise NEW HORIZONS Belize 2014.
Ex NEW HORIZONS is an annual exercise held in Central America, South
America or the Caribbean that offers international partners an opportunity
to train to deploy while operating in a humanitarian capacity. The exercise
incorporates Medical Readiness Training Exercises (MEDRETE), along with civil
engineering construction projects throughout the select country.
Last May, in Belize, MCpl Sebastien Lepage applied his extensive training and
experience during the MEDRETEs held in the southern Toledo District. Even
with considerable knowledge, however, Lepage is still finding much to discover.
Im learning lots of different things every day, even medically speaking,
Lepage said, relaying his recent hands-on education in steroidal injections or
maneuvering scar tissue from a cesarean section to ease abdominal pain. We
dont deal with those kinds of patients typically at our bases. Im learning a lot
more outside of my scope than Im used to.
Typically, the master corporal and his home unit handle less family-related
medical concerns.
Im part of a unit that supports multiple units: engineers, infantry, artillery, and
our service and supply. We support them medically, so every time we go to
a range and do live fire, especially, or they want general med support there,
were the ones who go. The nice thing about us is were so diversely trained. I
can work with pharmacists. I can work with the ER docs. Im trained basically
for the field and for clinical.
Here, Im part of a three-person Canadian team. As a medical technician, my
primary role is to support the other doctors; although, the doctor has been
great with me and allowed me a little independence, Lepage added. What
Ill do is grab a patient, and Ill do an assessment on them. If its within my
scope of practice, Ill provide the treatment - either medication or whatever it
happens to be. If not, Ill do a handover to a doctor and basically shadow them
for a little and see if theres anything else I can help with.
Lepage has studied hard and gone through extensive training in order to
effectively assess a persons medical needs, as well as to act on those needs
as he is able. With an Emergency Medical Technician certification, plus his
military training, Lepage is trained in pre-hospital and clinical skills. Its all that
training hes been able to apply as he provides medical care to Belizean people,
as well as assists other doctors with care outside of his current capacity.
I dont really have previous experience, but I can say that after the first
day I felt like all this training and all this build-up has finally paid off. It felt
really worthwhile to do what I could, Lepage said. This is actually my first
humanitarian mission, which is a big reason why Im so excited to be here.
From the moment I joined, this is all I wanted to do.
Deep down, I just wanted to help people, he added.
Beyond being able to help people, Lepage said two other joys of this exercise
are the weather and the children.
As part of a Canadian unit, Lepage is no stranger to the cold. His Brigade is
tasked with one of four Arctic Response Company Groups across the Canadian
Army, so Arctic and cold-weather exercises are fairly frequent. Belize has been
a nice reprieve from that cold, according to Lepage.
Ill be honest, Ive lived in Canada my whole life, and I hate the cold. This heat
(in Belize) is amazing, Lepage said. And the kids its hard not to love those
kids and the big smiles on their faces.
Thereve been lots of things for me to be excited about, he added. Im
grateful to be here.
7

Photo Credit: Calvin Fehr of Calvin Fehr Photography

L-R: Brigade Sergeant-Major Al Boucher, Master Corporal Silas Belonio, Corporal Christopher Clark, Major Bruce Hanbidge, Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon
Schofield, Brigade Commander Colonel Ross Ermel, Sergeant Timothy Huckle, Private Jeffrey Ironside, Captain Rae Sloan, Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Young

Saskatchewan Soldiers Recognized

for Lengthy Service
Protective Services Medal awarded in Regina
By Major Mike Lagace, 38 CBG Senior PAO

Thats what Canadians do, he answered when asked why he devoted so many
years of his life to the reserves.
Major Hanbidge humbly received the medal and said it reminds him of the
history behind it. He explained the medal also recognizes of a lot of other
people he served with over the years.
The medal recipients included:
Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Young

Regina, Sask. The Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal was handed

out to long serving soldiers and officers of 38 Canadian Brigade Group by
Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield at Government House on
November 17. The medal recognizes 25 years of service by either volunteers or
those serving full-time.

Major Bruce Hanbidge

Sergeant Timothy Huckle was one of seven soldiers to stand proud as the
medal was pinned to their chests. Hes been with the reserves based out of
Moose Jaw for 26 years. Sgt Huckle also served nine months in Afghanistan
as a convoy escort commander and worked security at Kandahar Airfield.

Sergeant Timothy Huckle

I dont want to be the guy that just cuts the lawn every Sunday afternoon, he
said after the medal presentation.
Leaving his family to go overseas was tough, but his son James and daughter
Jenna were proud to see their father recognized for his service, even if that
meant giving up nine months of their time together.
Huckle explained the great part about being a reservist is that although he may
be away for extended periods of time, he can choose those times. He still lives
in Moose Jaw where he also works as a district sales manager.
Serving in the reserves for 37 years is also like a second job for Major
Bruce Hanbidge. Hes with the North Saskatchewan Regiment based out of
Saskatoon and served six months in Afghanistan and six months in Bosnia. He
also works as a biologist and consultant.
8

Deputy Commander of 38 Canadian Brigade Group, Saskatoon

North Saskatchewan Regiment, Saskatoon

Captain Rae Sloan

Saskatchewan Dragoons, Moose Jaw
Saskatchewan Dragoons, Moose Jaw

Master Corporal Silas Belonio

Saskatchewan Dragoons, Moose Jaw


Corporal Christopher Clark

North Saskatchewan Regiment, Saskatoon

Private Jeffrey Ironside

North Saskatchewan Regiment Band, Saskatoon

Royal Regina Rifles Change of Command

By Major Mike Lagace, Senior PAO

Regina, Sask. When a proud and historic Regiment, entrenched into the
fabric of Reginas own history, changes leadership, it becomes a moment
for the citizens to cherish. For this change of command it was quite different
as they received a serving veteran Lieutenant-Colonel still attached to the
Regular Forces- one that offers an opportunity for all soldiers of the Royal
Regina Rifles to experience full-time command leadership.
Last May, at the Saskatchewan Legislature grounds, Lieutenant-Colonel Vic
Sattler became the 24th Commanding Officer of the Royal Regina Rifles since
the end of World War II, The RRR, now an Army Reserve infantry unit that has
had a presence in Regina since 1905.
Unique to this change of command, Lieut.-Col. Sattler brings to his command
over 25 years of military experience. A veteran of the Bosnia conflict and
numerous operational tours, including NATO Arms Control Inspections across
Eastern Europe and Central Asia, he assumed command and brings about a
new approach for the decorated reserve infantry regiment. For many years, the
Regiment has been part of a larger Infantry command team. Now, under his
command, he will provide focused leadership and build leadership within the
regiment, preparing it for its sustainable future with its citizen soldiers.
During his career, Lieut.-Col. Sattler, a regimental officer of the Princess
Patricias Canadian Light Infantry, has served with the Royal Green Jackets,
the British Army Regiment that was allied with the Royal Regina Rifles.
Outgoing Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Col. Tony Engelberts, joined the RRR as
a young Private in 1989, rose through the ranks and took command in 2012. He
continues as the Commanding Officer of the North Saskatchewan Regiment.
Recently, The Royal Regina Rifles was one of 53 Canadian Armed Forces
units awarded a Theatre Honour Afghanistan in recognition of the members
services during the Afghanistan War.

Photo Credit: Maj Mike Lagace

Outgoing Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Tony Engelberts

hands over command to Lieutenant-Colonel Vic Sattler
9

Artillery Tactical Group Change of Command

By MBdr Lynn Danielson, UPAR, 116 Ind Fd Bty

Number 1 Fire!
Boom!
It is done. End of mission for Lieutenant-Colonel David Dalal as 38
CBG Artillery Tactical Group (ATG) Commanding Officer a position
he has held with distinction for the past three years.
As you leave command, know that you have had a positive and
enduring impact on the ATG, its leaders and soldiers, stated
Colonel Ross Ermel, Commander 38 Canadian Brigade Group, during
the ATG change of command ceremony as part of Ex LIMBER
GUNNER on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at King OP in Shilo, Man.

Photo Credit: MBdr Lynn Danielson

LCol Dalal will be missed by many in the ATG probably more so by

those of us who first knew him as the battery commander of 116th
Independent Field Battery in Kenora, a position he held for seven
years before commanding the ATG in 2011.
Warrant Officer Sean Fletcher (ret.), previous 116 Ops and Training
Warrant served under LCol Dalal through both positions. He
exemplifies the true significance of what it means to lead. He simply
cuts through argument, debate and doubt in order to offer clear
solutions his subordinates can understand. A few words between
us and it was known what needed to be done. It was fluent and
seamless worked extremely well.
LCol Dalal took time in his address to acknowledge and thank
previous commanding officers who mentored and trained him
throughout the years. It takes everyone to support the success of a
leader. His advice to the troops regarding LCol Neville, forgive him
if he calls you by the wrong name.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Dalal fires his last round as Commander of 38 CBG Artillery Tactical Group

In so much as we lose a great leader, we welcome a new

commanding officer LCol Mel Neville. His appointment is
testament to his exceptional leadership abilities and his ably
demonstrated leadership acumen states Col Ermel. I have great
confidence in you. You are indeed ready for this role.
I am deeply humbled and appreciate this appointment, says LCol
Neville in his heartfelt address. I am committed to pushing the
envelope to bring dynamic training that produces quality trained
gunners who look forward to continuing our profession at arms
Take Post!
Through my own experience as a participant on Ex LIMBER GUNNER
and additionally through the lens of my camera, it is already evident
to me that our new ATG CO LCol Neville has things well in hand.
Following the fanfare with the change of command ceremony, we
fired more missions, moved to other positions, conducted pairs
dry, group dry, pairs live, group live, and then promotions and
accomplishments were recognized to end ex on Sunday.
Seamlessly executed.

10

L-R: Outgoing ATG CO LCol David Dalal, 38 CBG Commander Col Ross Ermel,
Incoming ATG CO LCol Mel Neville

Reservists are being honoured, as Kenora changes the name of Eleventh

Ave. North to Artillery Way

Military Ball Marks Great War Centennial in Kenora

Kenora Renames Street to Honour Reservists

By Mike Aiken, Kenora Online

By Brenden Harris, Kenora Online

Kenora, Ont. A decision to rename a street in Kenora is meant

to show the citys appreciation for the contributions of local army
reservists. Kenora city council has agreed to move ahead with
the renaming of Eleventh Ave. North to Artillery Way.
Kenora city council made the decision to rename the street
during the council meeting earlier this year. They say the name
change represents the contributions and work of the 116th
Independent Field Battery in the community.
Members of the 116th Independent Field Battery can often be
seen conducting exercises in the community, or engaging the
public in other ways. For example, Master Bombardier Lynn
Danielson set up a webcast session for Master Bombardier
Nathan Cousineau, who is serving in Afghanistan. Cousineau had
a chance to speak with members of the community, and students
at the school where he works part time.
Earlier this year in Kenora, the members of the reserve regiment
allowed the public to get a look at what its like to life the life
of a soldier, during their soldier for a day program. The event
included a chance to use their firearms simulator, and a chance to
eat the rations that would be eaten out in the field.

There was a fair bit of commotion at Kenoras Lakeside Inn on Sunday, June
8. There were a couple of artillery pieces, a big deuce truck and lots of guys in
uniform.
Fortunately, they were joined by lots of ladies in their formal attire, as the
reserves marked the centennial of the First World War. Master Bombardier
Matt Watson had one of the hottest jobs on the night.
Myself and Bombardier Mercer are dressed in period dress. So, this is what
they wouldve worn on the Canadian expeditionary force. Its 100 per cent
wool, and theres three layers of it. Its warm, and I could not imagine wearing
it day-in-and-day-our for five years, he said.
Mercer readily agreed with the assessment.
We really cant forget what the men did overseas, wearing this kind of stuff,
this warm and this uncomfortable for so long doing tasks that are unimaginable
for a lot of people. We should not forget what they did, he said.
A special guest on the evening was Brig.-Gen. Kelly Woiden, who is the
Director General of Land Reserves and the chief of staff for the army reserve
in Ottawa.

Photo Credit: MBdr Lynn Danielson

Master Bombardier Matt Watson and Bombardier Jared Mercer of the

116th Independent Field Battery dressed in uniforms from the Great War.

Reservists bring out the big guns, as part of the military ball in Kenora.
11

Lake Superior Scottish Regiment Pulls 3rd

Place at the Glengarry Highland Games
Photo Credit: LCol Geoffrey Abthorpe

By LCol Geoffrey Abthorpe, CO LSSR

Maxville, Ont. On Saturday, August 2, eight members of

the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment competed in the Annual
Military Tug-of-War event at the Glengarry Highland Games in
Maxville, Ontario, which pits kilted highland units against each
other.
The team from Thunder Bay placed third this year behind the
reigning champions, the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of
Ottawa, and the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders
from Cornwall.
This is the third year competing for the Thunder Bay team.
The first Glengarry Highland Games were created in 1948 by a
small group of local businessmen who wanted to ensure that the
Scottish traditions would not be lost by the younger generations.
The tug-of-war has been a key event from the beginning, and the
Military Tug-of-War is a relatively new addition to the roster.

L-R: MCpl Richard Cranton, MCpl William McElroy, Cpl Taylor Crozier, WO Craig
Loverin (Team Manager), MCpl Cody Noyle, MCpl John Conrad, Cpl Tucker Arnold,
Capt Corey Niemenen (Team Captain), CWO Robert Morris (RSM).

One unique tradition observed is that once the cup is presented

to the winning team, it is filled with Scotch and passed along all
the competitors to share in the camaraderie of the day.
The tradition of a military tug-of-war dates back to China where
it was an ancient training technique for warriors in the State of
Chu. In the 11th century AD, there were records from Northern
and Western Europe.
In Scandinavia, the Vikings indulged in various pulling trials of
strength and simulated combat. One was a contest in which
teams reputedly competed to pull heavy animal skins over pits
of fire.
Somewhat less violent was a contest in which two men sat
facing each other with their feet together, and grabbing the ends
of a short rope, they attempt to pull each other over. In our own
north, the Inuit have a similar contest known as arsaaraq.

LSSR Receive a Community Thank You

To Captain George Romick and Master Corporal Billy McElroy,
Lake Superior Scottish Regiment
July 30, 2014
Personally, I felt your presentation was very special for many of our youth. So
often they dont get to hear the history of their ancestors in that light outside
of their communities. I spoke with my three assistant coordinators and they
felt your presentation got through to quite a few of the kids. So often with this
age group you have to interpret their feeling towards something because they
wont tell you their honest opinion; however, with your presentation many of
them were open and enjoyed hearing about the history and seeing the pictures.
Your presentation also opened the door for Marvin Fletcher the following
day. The youth that wanted to ask questions, but was perhaps too shy, sought
Marvin out after and asked him about the programs and how to get involved.
Sincerely,
Kerri Carpenter

Thunder Bay Camp Coordinator

Pimesaywii Apitamahkatwin First Nation Youth Aviation Camp, Thunder Bay
12

Back L-R: MCpl Alan Haley, Capt Allison Brehm, Cpl Travis Weiss, Capt Joe Laba, Capt Russ Donkersley, Lt William Huckulak,
MWO Gord Ladyka, MCpl Draper Houston, WO Brad Shillington
Front L-R: Maj Dennis Desrochers, Capt Piotr Sliwowski, Sgt Cameron Bourre, MCpl Mark Cortens, WO Kurt Macdonald
Missing: Sgt Steve Belley, Les Latinecz, Greg Docker, Vic Lee, MCpl Holly-Anne Young, Maj Jeff Bird, Cpl Robert Watters, Greg Anderson

Leading the League 38 Canadian Brigade Group HQ

Bisons Hockey
By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG NCM PAO

Winnipeg, Man. The 38 Canadian Brigade Group HQ Bisons hockey team,

which has played a total of 13 games so far this season, has a record of 8-4-1
and is currently leading the 17 Wing League that plays out of the MTS Iceplex
as of November 18.
The team has some great synergy, stated Major Dennis Desrochers. We
keep it positive, go out there and work hard as a team, and everything for the
most part falls in place.
In their latest win, edging out the Geriatric Jets who currently hold on to
second place, Master Corporal Alan Haley of 38 Signal Regiment scored the
second goal putting the Bisons in the lead that they would hold until the end.
This wasnt out of the ordinary for MCpl Haley, as he is currently third overall in
points (18) and second overall in assists (11).
Sergeant Brent Mason is also rocking the leaderboard and leading the league
in points (21) and goals (14).
Its not just the offensive forwards contributing to the success of the team.
Warrant Officer Kurt MacDonald, the goalie, is first in the league for wins (7)
and fourth overall in goals against average (2.90).
The team is looking forward to a successful season as well as competing in
the 17 Wing Commanders Tournament and a game against the National Guard
in St. Paul Minnesota in January. A friendly challenge has also been issued to
both the Royal Regina Rifles and the North Saskatchewan Regiment.

Photo Credit: MCpl Holly-Anne Young, 17 Wing Imagery

Above: Warrant Officer Kirk Macdonald makes a save during the 17 Wing
Commanders Tournament
Right: Master Corporal Alan Haley rests up after a strong shift
13

SEARCH AND RESCUE

EXERCISE SPIRIT WAY

By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG NCM PAO

Thompson, Man. On August 22-27, the Arctic Response Company Group

(ARCG), as a part of 38 Canadian Brigade Group, participated in Exercise
SPIRIT WAY a joint search and rescue exercise simulating the search for
survivors of a downed aircraft and other survival training with the Manitoba
Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) and the Canadian Rangers in Thompson,
Manitoba.
The training was excellent, said Corporal Anna Janzen of the North
Saskatchewan Regiment. The wounds on the simulated victims were very
realistic. We often do similar training aa a Primary Care Paramedic in my
civilian career, but as an infantry soldier, I have never seen training this indepth.
During the exercise, the ARCG conducted ground searches for casualties of the
crash in coordination with the OFC and also linked up with Search and Rescue
Technicians from 435 Squadron based out of Winnipeg to provide first aid to
the simulated victims. The ARCG also provided area searches for lost aircrew
and equipment such as the black box of the aircraft.
Comprised of primarily army reservists from northwest Ontario, Manitoba, and
Saskatchewan, members of the ARCG received a Ground Search and Rescue
(GSR) qualification from the OFC with team leaders receiving more advanced
qualifications in order to be prepared for potential future emergencies of this
nature.

Leading up to the exercise, everyone in the ARCG had to be up-to-date with

their first aid, said Master Corporal Sebastian Snidel, 1 Section Commander
as a part of 1 Platoon, ARCG. Those on the [ground search and rescue] team
leader course also learned how civilian organizations operate prior the exercise
so that we can better integrate with them in a crisis situation of this nature.
After the simulated search and rescue, training continued for the ARCG that
included ATV training and qualification, survival training with the Canadian
Rangers, and familiarization training with the assault boats by members of
31 Engineer Squadron that were also part of the ARCG.
The passive search was my favorite part, said Corporal Levente Luka of the
Royal Winnipeg Rifles. We set up a fire or make noise during the night near
the crash site to draw the lost people towards you.
Exercise SPIRIT WAY was the first military exercise in the vicinity of Thompson,
and residents of the area were very welcoming. Thompson city councillor,
Charlene Lafreniere, visited the site of the exercise, and senior military
leadership participated in a sweat lodge conducted by the Nisichawayasihk
Cree Nation as well. Further, residents of the area passing by on the nearby
highway were stopping by throughout the exercise to see the ARCG in action.
The Thompson area and Manitoba in general has a vast rural region
with the potential for people to lose their bearings and require search and
rescue efforts from all levels of governmental organizations. Joint exercises
like Exercise SPIRIT WAY ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces, in particular
the ARCG and its unique role, are prepared to assist the Province of Manitoba
during search and rescue efforts.

Photo Credit: MCpl Draper Houston

Reservists Military
Experience Aids in
Civilian Career
By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG NCM PAO

Thompson, Man. On August 25, Dr. Adam

Amadu, physician and head of medicine
department, and Cindy Walsh, clinical resource
nurse, had the opportunity to see Corporal
Stephanie Schneider, a medic with 17 Field
Ambulance, in the midst of treating a patient
as they arrived during Exercise SPIRIT WAY in
Thompson, Manitoba.
I was all for [the employer visit] when I first heard
that she was in the reserves, said Walsh. They
can deliver some good basic care in the middle of
nowhere; to know that I could walk in [to the unit
medical station], sit down and work takes some
ingenuity.

Photo Credit: MCpl Draper Houston

Cpl Schneider works as a physicians assistant in

an emergency department in Thompson with the
Northern Regional Health Authority in her civilian
life.
Its going to be really helpful for me to take
time off now that theyve seen what I do in the
reserves, said Schneider referring to the employer
visit. They dont have much of a connection to the
Canadian Forces.
Working in the health field in both aspects of her
life, Cpl Schneider believes that working with the
military helps her deal with issues and challenges
better in her civilian career.
In her civilian life, Cpl Schneider sees patients,
completes physical exams, orders diagnostic tests,
deduces her impression of what the diagnosis is,
and initiates treatment plans under the supervision
of a physician.

Corporal Stephanie Schneider describes her position as a field medic at the Unit Medical Station to her employer during
Exercise SPIRIT WAY 2014

The training model in the military has been really

helpful in getting some of the harder skillsets
down, said Cpl Schneider. The well-rounded
training that I receive in the military such as
nursing skills, the camaraderie, teamwork, and
mission-oriented environment help me as a
physicians assistant.
Many feel the pinch when it comes to leading the
double life as a reservist; however, employers
feel that pinch as well when an employee is away
for a period of time, especially when managing a
small team. Visits such as this one help bridge that
gap, and after this employee visit, Dr. Amadu was
impressed.
We know its for a good cause, said Dr. Amadu.
With a small team, chipping in to work a little
harder because a colleague is gone for a good
cause makes it easier. I fully support her coming
out and doing things like this.
Corporal Stephanie Schneider teaches casualty extraction to participants of Exercise SPIRIT WAY 2014
16

Photo Credit: Calvin Fehr of Calvin Fehr Photography

Photo Credit: MCpl Cam Skrypnyk, MCpl Draper Houston

Northern Manitoban Lake Dedicated

to FGH Victoria Cross Recipient now
Marked with Plaque
By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG NCM PAO

as a time capsule consisting of a write-up on the trips several members,

newspaper articles on Lieutenant-Colonel Harcus Strachan, copies of the
official announcement dedicating the lake in his honour, poppies, and a 38
Canadian Brigade Group Command Team coin.
During the trek, the group dealt with the elements, prevailing winds, flood
waters, train delays to get to their departure point, team members with limited
wilderness canoeing experience, and miles of swamp making it quite the
adventure.
They were very grateful for the help that they received along the way from the
members of Thicket Portage and Cross Lake communities as well as employees
of Manitoba Hydro.
The citizens from Thicket Portage that we met on the water and the Hydro
employees all wanted to get their picture taken with the plaque, said Williams.
We were putting a plaque up in their back yard and they were pleased to know
about Strachan and his lake.
On August 22, the adventurous group arrived back in Winnipeg.

Photo Credit: H LCol Bob Williams

By any measure that occurs to my mind, the trip was very successful, said
Harold Stimson. We accomplished our goal and completed the trip, mainly by
canoe, and in the allotted time. That portage was one of those ones that (after
you had done it) you would look back on with grim pride.
Led by Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Bob Williams, a group laid a plaque on Harcus
Strachan Lake in northern Manitoba named after Victoria Cross recipient LieutenantColonel Harcus Strachan, VC, MC a member of The Fort Garry Horse during World War I

Harcus Strachan Lake, Man. Last August, six paddlers led by Honourary
Lieutenant-Colonel Bob Williams (of The Fort Garry Horse) began their trek into
the harsh northern wilderness of Manitoba to Harcus Strachan Lake which,
in 2013, was named after Victoria Cross recipient Lieutenant-Colonel Harcus
Strachan, VC, MC a soldier of The Fort Garry Horse during World War I.
I am a wilderness canoer, said Williams. Upon hearing about the
announcement in a meeting, I said I would lead a canoe trip into to the lake.
After I sat down, the fellow beside me asked, Do you have any idea where
that lake is? The stunned look on my face was his answer.
It turns out Harcus Strachan Lake is in the middle of nowhere 85 km due
east of Thompson to be precise.
Accompanying Williams on the trek were Lieutenant-Colonel (ret.) Joe
Greenberg and his son, Brian Greenberg; Harry Stimson, an ex-Fort Garry
cadet; Ed Loewen; and Mike Sellors.
On August 15, after reciting Binyons Verse, the group placed the plaque on
Harcus Strachan Lake.
The group also placed a plastic jerry can protected by a rock cairn to serve

18

H LCol Williams agreed, Mission Accomplished.

L-R: Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Bob Williams, Master Corporal Draper Houston,

Lieutenant-Colonel Dave Koltun, Honorary Colonel Brian Hastings, Honorary Captain John McGoey

The Gate Club Opens at Mcgregor Armoury

Winnipeg, Man. On November 11, The Gate Club was officially opened as the junior
ranks mess of the Mcgregor Armoury. The Gate was a previous name of the Fort Garry Horse
Junior Ranks Club; however, with the addition of 31 Engineer Squadron, the newly-unveiled
name maintains the historical linkage with the accommodation of the new era and became
The Gate Club.
This is now a place that you can bring your friends in, stated Honourary Lieutenant-Colonel
Bob Williams. Its a place to be proud of a great place to build camaraderie amongst the
junior ranks.
The Gate Club had seen better times in recent years; however, with the gracious help of the
Honorarys and various other donors, it opened as a brand new venue.
The renovation included a complete overhaul moving the bar into the main area in order
to open the area up to increase movement. Further, the new bar placement allowed for an
annex room where soldiers and guests can enjoy a quieter experience.
This room now known as The Honorary Lounge was dedicated during the grand
opening to those that made this renovation possible: Honourary Colonel Brian Hastings,
Honourary Captain (Navy) Andrew Paterson, Honourary Lieutenant-Colonel Bob Williams,
Honourary Captain John McGoey, and Captain (ret.) Doug Nairne.
I have been the President of the Mess Committee for quite some time, said Master Corporal
Draper Houston. I never thought I would see the amount of drastic improvements within my
term. The troops at Mcgregor [Armoury] are extremely grateful for a new home.

The Gate Clubs Primary

Fundraiser
The Bunker Party is an annual fundraiser
to raise money for general operation and
activities. It is a long standing tradition of the
Fort Garry Horse Junior Ranks Club now
called The Gate Club at the Mcgregor
Armoury every Good Friday.
The Bunker Party got its start in the 1980s,
and since then, the annual fundraiser has
come a long way.
Each year on Good Friday (April 3, 2015 this
upcoming year), a normally-formal parade
square transforms into a welcoming social
atmosphere complete with bunkers draped
with camouflaged nets, vehicles and lights
similar to that of a nightclub, and of course
the latest music.
When it was first introduced, it consisted
of approximately 20-30 people gathering in
the FGH Junior Ranks Mess to socialize and
promote mess life; however, the fundraising
potential was soon realized. In the early
2000s, it outgrew its home in the junior ranks
mess and moved out on to the parade square
where it is currently held every year.

Photo Credit: MCpl Cam Skrypnyk

Dont miss your chance to be at the event

known Brigade-wide this upcoming year! For
the latest information,
please visit:
www.facebook.com/FGHbunkerparty.

Bunker Party
551 Machray Ave
April 3, 2015
2100 hrs
19

Road Rage Incident

Leads to 17 Wing
Commanders Coin
By Maj Mike Lagace, 38 CBG Senior PAO

Photo Credit: Maj Mike Lagace

Winnipeg, Man. Road rage can affect others

where sometimes people get hurt seriously.
Dependant on how the parties behave, it can
even become a police issue. For Master Corporal
Ryan Perry and Warrant Officer Lionel Packulak,
both reservists from 38 Canadian Brigade Group,
their management of an irate driver and another
passerby who was quietly taping the incident won
them an award from the Commander of 17 Wing.

In July, in front of their peers they were presented

with the Commanders Coin for handling a situation
that could have gotten out of control and even in
the media.

piece. That was not to be as the two military

members remained calm and controlled the
situation with advice that the vehicle the civilians
were in was actually causing a traffic problem.

During the early summer, both soldiers were

handling their weapons systems along a roadway
when a passerby took offense to their weapons
and their uniforms. He stated he was a peace
officer but provided no ID and started lecturing us
on safe weapons handling, recalled seasoned WO
Packulak.

The vehicle was ordered away by the Fort Garry

Horse Warrant Officer. They complied.

He was actually trying to get Master-Corporal

Perry to initiate physical contact, but we kept our
cool.
During the intense discussions, another person
from the vehicle started discreetly filming the
confrontation with hopes of gaining a You Tube

Both MCpl Perry and I managed to remain calm

and spoke to them without using profanity which
is incredible considering our first instinct was to hit
him, WO Packulak finished.
As the incident occurred supporting the air force
during the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and
Escape (SERE) training in Nopiming Provincial Park
near Springer Lake, Manitoba, a very thankful
Wing Commander, Colonel Joel Roy presented both
members, Master Corporal Perry, of the 38 Combat
Engineers Regiment and Warrant Officer Packulak,
of the Fort Garry Horse, with his Commanders Coin.

L-R: Lieutenant-Colonel Dave Koltun, Master Corporal Ryan Perry, Warrant Officer Lionel Packulak, 17 Wing Commander
Colonel Joel Roy

Keep It Inside the Arcs!

By H LCol Barry Burns, 38 Signal Regiment

The suggestion was quite clear, almost an

order and it came from above from the Brigade
commander. Well, Colonel Ermel, I kept all 30
rounds within the arcs. In fact, I got quite a nice
grouping.
Firing the C7 at CFB Borden in July is just one
of the activities I enjoyed on a Canadian Forces
Executrek. There I was on a hot, steamy Friday
afternoon laying on the firing range, Bob Douglas,
the 84-year-old Honorary Colonel of the Grey and
Simcoe Foresters on one side of me, the lovely
Liona Boyd, international recording artist, on the
other side, both firing away, and Im thinking if they
can do it, I sure as heck better do it and do it well.
The Range Safety Officer, Warrant Officer SoulierDamphouse, laid down the law before our turn at
the range and Sergeant-Major Izzard enforced it
and if he got mad he told us he would swear a lot.
We were lucky he didnt swear much that day.
Next was the NBCD shack for a lesson in chemical
warfare defence. No, we didnt get gassed, but
we were well informed what would happen if our
soldiers ever are.
20

Then it was off to the Military Police Training

facility and a demonstration on pepper spray. The
students, being reservists, were asked if they
would volunteer to be sprayed and everyone did.
The discomfort evident following a spray to the
face made us uncomfortable, but the students
were wonderful. They showed that they could
carry out defence and arrest duties while suffering
the effects of the pepper spray it was amazing.
Even more amazing was when they served us
box lunches inside the MP school while these
demonstrations were going on.
A flight on Griffon Helicopters had been scheduled
for us but the squadron was grounded because of
mechanical defects. So, LCol Mike Gomes and his
staff quickly laid on a tour of the massive cadet
camp, a lodger unit within Borden what a sight.
More than a thousand young men and women
learning a variety of skills, having a lot of fun and
making lifetime friends. This was an experience
theyll never forget, nor will we, the lucky members
of this Executrek organized and run by the
Canadian Forces Liason Council folks of Southern
Ontario.

EX Bison Ready
EX Bison Resolve

EX Bison Warrior

Prince Edward Provides Comfort

to a Grieving Regimental Family
By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG NCM PAO

Moose Jaw, Sask. What should have been a low-key Royal

visit turned out to be an emotional and tear-filled awarding of
a prestigious unit honour, presented and re-named personally
by their Colonel-in-Chief, His Royal Highness, Prince Edward,
the Earl of Wessex. On Thursday Sept 18, the Saskatchewan
Dragoons were honoured and privileged to have His Royal
Highness visit their unit lines during a time where comfort as a
regimental family was forefront.
After promoting four soldiers, Prince Edward presented his
Colonel-in-Chief award for the top Master Corporal in the
Saskatchewan Dragoons to the widow of Master Corporal Jason
Papilion, 33, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident in
Sidney, Montana on his way home from the Sturgis Motorcycle
Rally last August.

Photo Credit: Calvin Fehr of Calvin Fehr Photography

Perhaps the most poignant moment endearing His Royal

Highness to his unit was the genuine consolation he offered to
Papilions widow, Lorellei Willams-Papilion. Prince Edward also
announced that the Colonel-in-Chief award would be re-named
in the honour of Master Corporal Papilion a fitting name for
such a prestigious award.
Papilion was one of the guys you could really count on, said
Major Chris Hunter. He was always cool and collected, and you
could count on him in a pinch. You could give him a task and not
have to worry about it after that, because you knew he would
take care of it.
Papilion played an important role within the unit, he added.
He looked after a lot of the young guys and got them set up as
they started their careers. He did a lot of work training the new
soldiers, and he also took care of a lot of the IT issues we had in
the unit, said Hunter. He had a good head on his shoulders and
always had a good opinion that was worth listening to.
Saskatchewan Dragoon Colonel-in-Chief, His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, the Earl of
Wessex offers condolences to Lorellei Willams-Papilion

Sergeant Jon Barth served with Papilion on a tour in Afghanistan.

Papilion was his third-in-command as part of a force protection
platoon.
I had one of the best soldiers Ive ever worked with in my life
working alongside me, said Barth of the experience. He also
happened to be one of my best friends. I couldnt have asked for
a better person to come with and support me on that mission.
He was absolutely an exceptional soldier, and thats not just
my opinion, he added. I contribute a lot of the success of my
mission to him. I dont really know how else to put it.
Papilion, a member of the Sask Ds for nearly 16 years, leaves
behind his wife, Lorellei and child Rhone.

Master Corporal Jason Papilion (back far left) in Afghanistan Roto 1-08 with other soldiers
of the Saskatchewan Dragoons
22

23

Its a very sombre and emotional kind of experience, Landry

said. Having known so many of them, it was very surreal picking
up the war pipes again to put them into the display. It was very
familiar and something I didnt want to really remember.
From Winnipeg, the Afghanistan Memorial Vigil continued
eastbound and eventually completed its cross-country journey in
Ottawa during Remembrance Week in November.
The Afghanistan Memorial Vigil had travelled across Canada
and the United States from 4 May until 12 November 2014. The
intent was to allow as many Canadians, military and civilians,
to view the vigil before a permanent home was selected for an
Afghan Cenotaph in the National Capital Region.

Photo Credit: Sgt Bern Leblanc, MCpl Cam Skrypnyk, MCpl Alan Haley

More than 39,000 Canadian Armed Forces members have

served in an Afghanistan theatre of operations or in support of
the mission from other locations around the world during the 12
years of service in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Memorial Vigil

Visits Regina and Winnipeg on
its Cross-Country Journey
By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG NCM PAO

Winnipeg, Man. For two weeks in September, the beautifullycrafted Afghanistan Memorial Vigil found its home of reverence
in the Saskatchewan and Manitoba Legislative Buildings, so
that the public had the opportunity to remember Canadas
commitment to the war on terror.
It was emotionally difficult, those few moments, said Chief
Warrant Officer Jim Seggie when speaking of the 40-minute
ceremony, which included a roll call of 158 fallen Canadian
soldiers including his son Michael, 21, who was killed in a
firefight with the Taliban in 2008.
The Vigil display was built from the recovered memorial plaques
from Kandahar Air Field cenotaph. The plaques are comprised of
fallen Canadians, including the 158 soldiers, a Canadian diplomat,
contractor, journalist as well as 40 United States Armed Forces
personnel attached to the Canadian Forces.
The display also included the flag that flew in the Kandahar Air
Field as well as the scarf that chaplains wore officiating and the
bagpipes that played during the ramp ceremonies.
Sergeant MacKenzie Landry of the RCAF Band knows the
bagpipes that are on display all too well. Hes played those pipes
for 18 coalition soldiers ramp ceremonies, many of which he
knew well.
Its very emotional for me, just the sheer number of guys that I
know on the granite panels, Landry said. When we were able
to place poppies beside the markers of the people that we knew,
I didnt have enough poppies. Thats how many I knew.
Members of 38 Canadian Brigade Group, Royal Canadian Air
Force from 17 Wing, Royal Canadian Navy from HMCS Chippawa,
and 4 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (Manitoba Company)
assisted in the set-up and were available to assist or answer
questions for the public viewing the vigil throughout the week.

24

Saskatchewan Remembers 100th

Anniversary of War Declaration
By Maj Mike Lagace, 38 CBG Senior PAO

Regina, Sask. The sacrifice of 1,200 Saskatchewan residents in World

War I was cemented into history on August 4 at the Saskatchewan legislative
grounds.
At a ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the day England
declared war on Germany thrusting Canada into the conflict
Saskatchewan soldiers from 38 Canadian Brigade led the procession and
ceremony.

This province lost 6,400 people in the war. Canada mourned nearly 67,000
deaths in total and welcomed back 173,000 wounded men.
These statistics are important, but they dont do justice to individuals who
served and who sacrificed, said Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon
Schofield, also the Honourary Colonel of 38 Canadian Brigade Group Service
Battalion.
She said being able to add names to the memorial means those who have
served become more than statistics.
For Brigadier General Wayne Eyre, some of those names are family and
colleagues.
The commander of the 3rd Canadian Division was redeployed from Afghanistan
early July. He returned to his home province of Saskatchewan for the
ceremony to pay tribute to two great uncles listed on the monument and
comrades who fell in the Middle East.

Photo Credit: Maj Mike Lagace

To me, it means an awful lot because the names of the fallen that were missed,
now they have a place of honour in our province, said Yogi Huyghebaert, the
Because our forefathers sacrificed so much during that conflict, we need to
provincial military liaison.
remember them, he said. Secondly, were still living with the effects of the
Committee member Cliff Walker said that almost as soon as the memorial was
outcome of the First World War.
first dedicated in 1995, missing names came trickling in.
BGen Eyre said the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East in some way constitute
It was one step above a pen quill, Walker said of the research methods
fallout from the Great War.
initially used to collect the names for the memorial.
History is very important to give context to our contemporary operations, he
said.

Tour Traces Steps of Royal Winnipeg Rifles

By Wayne Emde, PAO, Vernon Army Cadet Camp

Graye-Sur-Mer, France When members of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles

landed on the beaches of Normandy in 1944, they fought their way ashore and
liberated the nearby village of Graye-sur-Mer.
Officers then set up headquarters in a 200-year-old farmhouse that had been
used by German officers during the occupation.
Seventy years later, a group affiliated with the regiment journeyed to the area
to trace the steps of those brave soldiers.
Instead of bullets, they were met by Marie Noel Boccon-Gisod, a charming
French lady whose family has owned the stone farmhouse for generations.

Victoria Crosses of Valour Road

Return Home to Winnipeg
Photo Credit: 17 Wing Imagery, Wayne Emde

By Maj Mike Lagace, 38 CBG Senior PAO

Winnipeg, Man. The official presentation of the three Victoria Cross medals
earned by the Pine Street heroes was performed with much-deserved military
pomp and ceremony at the Manitoba Museum on August 6, led by officers and
soldiers of 38 Canadian Brigade Group.

Instead of rations, the 12 Canadian visitors ate a six-course meal, complete

with salads, local cheeses, Normandy chicken, flamb apple and pear tortes
and a flow of wines throughout the meal.
The tour was organized last October by Bob Geddes and Gerry Woodman, both
retired members of the Rifles.
I got a call from Gerry sometime last fall, said Geddes, and I immediately
signed on. We invited some friends, and serving members of the regiment also
joined us.

On the 100th anniversary of Canadas entry into World War I, the three most
prestigious medals for valour were awarded to Corporal Leo Clarke, SergeantMajor Frederick Hall and Lieutenant Robert Shankland for three separate acts
of bravery during the war. All three lived on the same block of Pine Street in
Winnipeg, which was renamed Valour Road in their honour.
For Major Paddy Douglas, Deputy Commanding Officer of the Queens Own
Cameron Highlanders, it was an emotional achievement.
It means a great deal to all of us, said Douglas. It was thought about a few
years ago, and I didnt know if we could pull it off. They are now here all
together. Its truly an honour to bring back all of this remembrance of these
heroes of the World War.
The ceremony drew hundreds that day; the display drew many thousands after.
The three medals were displayed in the foyer of the Manitoba Museum since
August, and after Remembrance Week were returned to the National War
Museum.
It was the first time all three medals have been in the city at the same time on
loan from the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
The project to bring The Victoria Crosses of Valour Road Exhibit to Winnipeg
was a collaborative effort of The Royal Military Institute of Manitoba (RMIM),
The Manitoba Museum, the Canadian War Museum and 38 Canadian Brigade
Group.

Sergeant Peter Montgomery

Geddes, who served with the Rifles for 16 years and has spent 48 years with
the association, said the tour offered an opportunity visit Normandy and,
pay my respects to our riflemen who didnt make it back home.
Each year we repeat the oath, We will remember them so this was the
chance to fulfil that commitment, he said.
For Warrant Officer Shawn Spence, who has served for 27 years, the stops at
Vimy Ridge and Beaumont Hamel on the same day were particularly moving.
The Somme offensive was a failure, he said. There was no proper
reconnaissance, the troops were overloaded with equipment, and it was
assumed the initial artillery barrage would cut the wire. As a result, 90 per
cent of the Newfoundland Regiment became casualties.
Spence compared this failure with the later success at Vimy Ridge.
Meticulous planning was carried out, orders and maps were passed down to
the lowest levels and rehearsals were repeated until everyone knew his role
in the battle. To this day in the Canadian Army, we used these procedures to
prepare for operations that we developed after the disaster at the Somme, he
said.
For Sgt Peter Montgomery, a serving member of the Rifles for 11 years, the trip
offered an opportunity to learn more on the history of his regiment.
He also searched out the grave of Pte Phillipe Alfred Bieler, a relative who was
killed in 1917 at the age of 19, and placed a pin and a Canadian flag on it.
It has been incredibly humbling, experiencing the outpouring of thanks from the
locals. Montgomery said. Its been almost surreal, particularly since I dont
really feel I deserve it.

Thought to have been identified by the American Forces and buried with his
fallen comrades after being killed in the tank he commanded, his namesake
and nephew he never met, lawyer Lawrence Gordon, promised his own father
on his deathbed that he would find his uncles grave in France.
During nephew Gordons Year 2000 trek to France, he discovered there was no
grave for his uncle. Indeed, PFC Gordon was still missing in action. Fourteen
years later, with the help of the French, German, American and finally the
Canadian Armed Forces, PFC Lawrence Gordon, discovered in a German
gravesite, was laid to rest and finally at peace in a beautifully-orchestrated
ceremony of honour and reverence in the picturesque town of Eastend,
Saskatchewan exactly on the day he was killed 70 years ago August 13.
One thing surpasses the 70 lost years to many within this honour guard and
makes this story very real the loss of a warrior in battle as many within
the guard were veterans of the Afghanistan War and had experienced their
own losses of comrades in battle. As well, most of the soldiers were around
the same age of this Saskatchewan-born WWII war veteran when he was
killed (28). Although generations apart, the army reservists all had another
thing in common with the fallen hero besides their homeland of Saskatchewan
their deep commitment to duty and to service.

Saskatchewan Reservists Welcome Home PFC Gordon

70 Years After His Death
By Major Mike Lagace, 38 CBG Senior PAO

Last August, Army Reservists from Saskatchewan, forming as an Guard of

Honour, were on hand to witness and welcome home a Saskatchewan farm
boys repatriated body a body that had been missing in action for over 70
years.
The twelve reservists, all from Regina, Saskatchewan, were really not too
aware of the significance of the reburial until they heard the story and history
of finding Private First Class (PFC) Gordon. That significance became very
clear as it was the American Forces Army Burial Party performing the solemn
ceremony. As witness to the full ceremony and burial, this rare repatriation
resonated deeply for the Reservists from Saskatchewan as it became very
clear when the 38 Canadian Brigade Group Firing Party conducted the 18-gun
salute to the fallen comrade and for his family.
The dying promise of a father to his son to visit a World War II gravesite,
back in 2000, turned into a decades-long search for Private First Class (PFC)
Lawrence Gordon, killed during the Battle of Normandy in August 1944. PFC
Gordon was working in Montana, just south of his hometown of Eastend,
Saskatchewan when the war broke out. As a choice, in 1942 he enlisted with
the American Forces a common practice for many Canadians working in the
USA.

Photo Credit: Maj Mike Lagace

27

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