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Zoe CôtéBorden Citizen Newspaper––The annual Steel Spirit Gallery, founded by Barbara Brown in 2017, showcases the unique artwork of military, police, firefighters, paramedics, hospital practitioners and other first responders.Brown’s inspiration initially came from her own ties to the military and its unique lifestyle; however, she quickly noticed an interconnectedness between the emotional experiences of military members and first responders. “Diverse backgrounds lead to diverse artwork,” said Brown. “It is one of the things that makes this project so special.”For more information, visit www.thesteelspirit.ca. Steel Spirit Galley is accepting artwork submissions by military and first responder services.Featured Artist: Shawn McCowell To get somewhere as the light fades one must negotiate the trip by sound and touch as much as by sight. The trick is to stay focused, remain calm, and keep paddling.Beginning in March, Staff Sergeant (Retired) Shawn McCowell created a dozen paintings capturing the emotions Canadians are experiencing during COVID-19, from apprehension to anxiety to outright fear. He entitled it the Pandemic Collection.  In the Half-Light is one of the paintings from this series. McCowell is a retired Peel Regional Police officer who uses art as a vehicle to rid himself of stress garnered from lived experience and in his role as a peer support consultant for first responders. In addition, he is the founder of Police Artists of Peel, an organization that raises money and awareness for various charities. He is self-taught and began painting while attending university. His medium is acrylics, clay, and wood. He focuses mainly on police-themed work, family settings, landscapes of all types, and as an Irishman, he says he is “forever drawn to painting darkened trees in brooding forests.”“As first responders we are often exposed to the harsher realities of life and the suffering of victims we are sworn to protect. Those experiences of critical incident stress,...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––The Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) needs your input as they build a new back-to-school support program for youth ages 12 to 19. The MFRC’s Family Wellness Counselling Team is currently planning events and workshops for middle school and high school aged students designed to ease the stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing social distancing measures. “It’s an effort to be supportive to the stress and anxiety many students and parents may be feeling these days as they head back to school in this time of uncertainty,” said Hanna Law one of four members of the MFRC’s Family Wellness and Counselling team. “We have people reaching out to us in recent weeks requesting to be connected with resources available through the MFRC and through local community services.”Currently, the MFRC provides individual counselling, family counselling, support navigating mental health systems, and referrals to other available community services and resources. Counselling ServicesLaw says her team is specifically trained to relate to the concerns of youth from military families through in-house counselling sessions. Those can come in the form of a one-on-one meeting at their Colwood (CPAC) office, a virtual appointment, or simply meeting up in the park to go for a walk and talk about their concerns. She notes that the MFRC has also set up a closed Facebook Page specifically designed for parents of youth to discuss issues in a supportive group setting with staff and encourages anyone interested to get involved.Free TutoringOne other important program, says Law, comes in the form of educational support for students struggling in school. Until Dec. 31, the MFRC is offering specialized tutoring for Grades 6 to 12 students having issues with their studies and requiring extra one-on-one instruction. Families will be reimbursed for any costs for tutoring services...

2Lt Jamie Boparai Base Administration––Commissionaire Carol McRae does more than just ensure guest safety and the security of CFB Esquimalt’s Wardroom. She is a helping hand when a guest is in dire need. Before COVID-19 cleared the rooms of regular boarders, members of the New Zealand Navy were guests at the lodging. One day, a young New Zealand sailor hurt his back and McRae sought out an icepack to help ease the pain in the affected area. She gave a few comforting words to the sailor, who was far from home, before sending him to his room to rest. “A little while later he came back,” after speaking with his mother back home. “They came up with the nickname Canadian Mom.” Being extremely friendly and outgoing has earned her the recognition and respect of her peers and those she serves. “I love to talk to people from all over Canada and other countries around the world.” She has worked at the Wardroom for about a year checking members in and out, answering their inquiries, and doing security rounds throughout the building. “It takes a special type of person to be successful in this type of work. Being helpful and cheerful, being able to work as part of a team, and having the temperament to stay calm during very rarely seen uncooperative situations.”Many commissionaires have ties to the defence community having served in the Canadian Armed Forces prior to entering the commissionaire realm. For McRae, her connection is through her father, a Signalman in the British Navy during the last few years of the Second World War.“I am so very proud of our veterans, they gave so much over the years. I am just grateful for all they have done for us,” says McRae.Like most employees on base, COVID-19 has altered the way she does her work. The Wardroom has 137 rooms and on average hosts 40 in those rooms, with surges during courses and functions. However, at this time there...

[caption id="attachment_24474" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Photo by Master Sailor Dan Bard, CAF Imagery Technician National Defence Image Library[/caption]DND ~Master Sailor (MS) Diyako Salehi, a Weapons Engineering Maintainer – Fire Control aboard HMCS Regina, has lived in a number of countries under different regimes and governments, which has given him a unique perspective on life, relationships, and work. He immigrated to Canada from Iran, and says he joined the Royal Canadian Navy to give back and serve the country that has given him the opportunity to flourish and achieve his goals. “It also gave me the opportunity to work as an electronic technician, something that has always been an interest of mine.”He recently participated in Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2020 (RIMPAC), the world’s largest maritime exercise, off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands. The exercise gave sailors the opportunity to see and learn how to organize and work in a multinational naval task force and explore the ways they can individually contribute.“This has been my first time participating in RIMPAC on board a Canadian patrol frigate,” said MS Salehi. “I participated in RIMPAC 2018 for three weeks aboard a Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel, which is quite different. It mostly consisted of mine sweeping operations around San Diego, California.”On board HMCS Regina, he participated in a training scenarios including multinational anti-submarine warfare exercises, maritime interdiction operations, and live-fire events. “Despite limitations and changes due to COVID-19 during this year’s RIMPAC, it still provided a wider perspective and understanding in what can be involved in working in a multinational naval exercise,” said MS Salehi. “It is pretty evident to me that the RCN is very capable of contributing and leading a multinational task force.”When asked what his favourite part of the exercise was, he said, “I find the manoeuvering of so many warships...

Naval Tactical Operations Group (NTOG) is a full-time, dedicated unit within the Royal Canadian Navy that specializes in advanced boarding operations at sea. This includes intercepting suspect vessels in order to prevent the movement of illicit cargo and materiel at sea, called maritime interdiction operations, and protecting navy ships, infrastructure and personnel all over the world, known as force protection.NTOG Headquarters is located at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt - Albert Head -  and reports directly to the Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific. The headquarters is augmented by the East Coast Detachment, located at Her Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard Halifax. The unit consists of approximately 50 personnel, located on both coasts, and made up of sailors from both the Regular Force and Naval Reserve.In late August, they practiced tactical combat casualty care training and evacuation.––––

[caption id="attachment_24467" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Sailor Second Class Nick Reicker uses binoculars to scout for and identify nautical flags during a recent training exercise off the jetty of HMCS Malahat.[/caption]SLt Donald DenHMCS Malahat Public Affairs Officer–––Last week, the ship’s company of HMCS Malahat, Victoria’s Naval Reserve Unit, marked the start of their 2020 - 2021 training year. However, things look a bit different due to the changed COVID-19 health and safety atmosphere. Throughout the summer months, the executive team at Malahat designed a plan to keep the routine normal as possible so members could still come into the unit for training nights and conduct their duties while respecting federal, provincial, and Canadian Armed Forces health and safety regulations related to the new COVID-19 environment. This was compounded by the fact that while COVID-19 regulations had limited the amount of personnel that could be in the unit over the summer, recruiting was still in full swing with individuals still being sworn as part of the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve. “We actually saw a huge uptick in the number of people applying during COVID-19 as people looked for alternative employment,” said Petty Officer Second Class James Phillion, Malahat’s recruiting officer. “It was definitely challenging figuring out how to do routine requirements like medicals and FORCE tests, so we had to get a bit creative there.” Now, in order to limit the amount of personnel in the unit at one time, a typical training week is broken into a Port and Starboard watches, with around 50 per cent of the ship’s company assigned to each. For regular, larger meetings, there is a hybrid model in place with half the attendees being in the unit and half connecting virtually through their computers. Malahat also looks a bit different on the inside as well with directional arrows on...

DND ~This past May, Team Canada was scheduled to compete at the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands, but due to COVID-19 they have had to put their dreams and training on hold until next year. The postponement of the Invictus Games was no doubt a big disappointment for the competitors. To recognize their dedication and motivation, Veterans Affairs Canada collaborated with Soldier On to create a podcast series featuring members of Team Canada.The word invictus means unconquered. It embodies the fighting spirit of ill and injured military personnel, and the idea that anything is possible. In the true spirit of the Invictus Games, the global pandemic shone a spotlight on the unconquerable character of Veterans.Recently, the Invictus Foundation announced that the next Invictus Games would take place May 29 May to June 5, 2021. Until we can cheer Team Canada in real time, help us encourage our athletes by listening to podcast episodes.Resources:https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-vac/news-mediahttps://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/faces-of-freedom––––

DND ~The recently launched COVID Alert app, developed and built by the Government of Canada and available for iOS and Android, is an additional public health preventive tool for Canadians to use to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and prevent future outbreaks, as well as protect themselves. As such, military and civilian members of the Defence Team, as well as their friends and families, are strongly encouraged to download and use the app on a voluntary basis. COVID Alert should be installed on one device only, generally the one that you carry with you most frequently. For most members, this will be their personal device, but downloading it to Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces issued smartphones is permitted.COVID Alert complements existing public health preventive measures such as maintaining good hand and respiratory hygiene, respecting physical distancing, and wearing non-medical masks or face coverings when physical distancing is not possible. By advising people of possible exposure to COVID-19, the COVID Alert app helps limit the spread of infection and prevent future outbreaks by prompting individuals to self-monitor for symptoms, perhaps get tested and, if they test positive, take measures to ensure they do not spread the virus further. When a person is diagnosed with COVID-19, they are provided an activation key by a public health authority to enter into their app. This will allow the app to trigger a notification to all users of the app who could be high-risk close contacts of that person. This includes everyone who has been within two metres for more than 15 minutes of the positive case in the past two weeks. If you are notified, this does not necessarily mean you have COVID-19 or need to go into quarantine or isolation, but you should contact your local public health authority for guidance.If you are not in a location where activation keys are provided, you will not be able to use the app to trigger notifications for others. However, no matter...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––––This year’s National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC) has launched but not without substantial changes to how it collects donations. With many staff still working from home, the campaign is turning to an online pledge system. “This year’s campaign comes with unprecedented changes and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Margot Cutcher, CFB Esquimalt NDWCC Campaign Coordinator. “Social distancing and other health and safety precautions have changed how we run this year’s campaign including abiding by the Province of British Columbia’s preventative health measures.”NDWCC is using ePledge available through the DWAN and the Internet. It allows for pay allotments and deductions or donations by credit card or PayPal.“No donation is too small and every cent makes a real difference to Canadians in need, including our fellow Defence Team members, civilian employees, and their families,” she said. Proceeds from the fundraising go to fund programs of the United Way of Greater Victoria and HealthPartners, a collaboration of 16 Canadian health charities, or a charitable organization of your choice such as the Esquimalt MFRC. This year’s campaign slogan: Apart but Together’ at Heart reflects the reality of the unfolding COVID-19 health crisis in Canada. Now more than ever donations are needed to keep local charities operating as they are unable to fully fundraise this year, says Cutcher. For more information about how to become involved in this year’s campaign contact the CFB Esquimalt campaign positional mailbox at NDWCC@forces.gc.ca or directly to Margot.Cutcher@forces.gc.caTo make an EPledge: bit.ly/ndwccepledge––––

Peter MallettStaff Writer–––Cpl Michael Smith is ready to rock ‘n roll again to help children fighting cancer. The 29-year-old, who works in the court section of Military Police Unit Esquimalt, is part this year’s Tour de Rock cycling event. He joins 19 first responders who will pedal a combined distance of 1,200 kilometres in 14 days. The journey begins Sept. 23 at the north end of Vancouver Island in Port Alice and concludes in Victoria on Oct. 2. Since its founding in 1998, the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock has raised approximately $26 million for pediatric cancer research and support programs for children and their families through the Canadian Cancer Society. But it’s more than that, says Cpl Smith. “It’s also the biggest community event on Vancouver Island, unifying every community from Victoria to Port Alice as we rally together to support children who are battling cancer.”Instead of a fresh crop of recruits, this year’s Tour de Rock team is comprised entirely of alumni riders. When Cpl Smith heard about the new format, he jumped at the chance to take part again. “It was an absolute blessing to represent the Military Police as well as CFB Esquimalt last year and I’m humbled and proud to be able to do it again this year. It’s such an amazing experience and I never thought I would have the opportunity to ride again.” The riding format will be different this year. Instead of riding the entire distance together as a team, the ride will be converted to a relay-style format. Cyclists will only ride in the region or geographical area they are from. As an alumni rider from the southern Vancouver Island and the Victoria region, Cpl Smith will ride approximately 150 km. Training also moved from group to solo. Cpl Smith...

MS Elijah Fraser and SLt GomeryHMCS Whitehorse–––While patrolling the northern Search and Rescue (SAR) Zone north of Vancouver Island along the coastline of British Columbia, HMCS Whitehorse came to anchor in Kitasu Bay in search of respite from a storm. The picturesque bay is surrounded by the Great Bear Rainforest and some of the most remote areas of the North Pacific Coast. A member of the ship’s company had hoped to catch a glimpse of the elusive Kermode ‘Spirit’ Bear, along the shoreline through the ship’s ‘big eyes’ binoculars. Unfortunately, what they did see was not a bear. It was large patches of ghost fishing gear polluting the waters and shorelines of the gorgeous bay.According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, Derelict Fishing Gear (DFG), as it is more properly known, is a major maritime issue, impacting marine environments across the planet. Studies have found that abandoned fishing gear constitutes up to 85 per cent of the Great Pacific Garbage patch and the majority of ocean plastics by weight. Not only does marine debris foul props and threaten navigational safety for vessels, but it also damages important living marine resources and their habitat. DFG continues to ‘fish’ indiscriminately. This is dangerous for marine environments, especially when it comes to commercially valuable, and endangered, species. Additionally, DFG is also known to break down under the ocean’s corrosive conditions into micro plastics, which can affect every level of the marine food chain.Five members of Whitehorse’s crew and one embarked Canadian Coast Guard member volunteered the afternoon of their ‘Sunday routine’, as part of a cleanup party accompanied by Whitehorse’s Executive Officer. Over a thousand pounds of line, much of it still attached to buoys, floats, and tattered nets, were pulled from the rocky beaches of Kitasu Bay. In all, four full boat...

2Lt Justin LeongBase Administration––When the Naden Athletic Centre shut down in March due to COVID-19, Base Administration called upon Personnel Support Programs (PSP) to host virtual training sessions to meet the need of physical training (PT) for branch military members. Among the staff who showed up virtually every Wednesday with a creative and fun fitness regime was Danielle Yole. She is new to PSP, only a year into her role as Fitness and Sports Instructor. “If you haven’t met me, I love to teach. Going from teaching all day to quarantine hit me hard, so I was thrilled to take on the Wednesday Base Administration PT.” Because her training sessions were online, they reached anyone wanting to stay on the fitness track. “We at PSP are adaptable and can assist with whatever comes our way, such as making all of our classes virtual and creating pre-recorded workshops, workouts, and challenges.”But like all new things, she had to learn how to film, edit, and upload from her home office.In normal times, fitness instructors deliver to the military community FORCE training and testing, and fitness programs to Naval Fleet School (Pacific) students. Beyond the military community, they assist in running the monthly Cock of the Walk sports program, and deliver a variety of morning and noon classes at the Naden and Dockyard gyms. “Between fitness testing, unit physical training, fleet physical training, noon hour classes, and other fitness services, our 12 fitness and sport instructors serve almost 12,000 military members each year. Special events such as the monthly Formation Run see 300 to 600 participants each month,” said Yole. “We keep the military operationally fit. Community integration helps with physical and mental wellness. Through its programs and services, PSP strives to build a strong and healthy military community.”Being a fitness instructor takes...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––Caution and concern is on the mind of parents preparing to send their children back to school in the midst of this continuing global pandemic. A recent survey into the impact of COVID-19 on people’s attitudes by polling company by Leger found that 75 percent of parents in the province are worried about sending their children back to school, while 63 percent of children said they were nervous and anxious about the return. With students expected to return to class Sept. 10 and teachers returning Sept. 8 to prepare for them, anxiety over what to expect is a reality for all. For Cdr Ellen Mariano, Commanding Officer Joint Task Force Pacific Headquarters, back-to-school for her two children is both a relief to return to some normality, and nervousness. “I am worried because we have kept our bubble very small since the pandemic began and I have been very strict about who and how my children are able to interact with other children and families in the neighbourhood,” she said. She says separation anxiety and the act of breaching the bubble and returning to a regular school routine has become an overwhelming concern for the entire family. “They have been by our side for so long now that going back to school is a big concern and will be a huge challenge emotionally.” Added to her concerns is how the province’s back-to-school plan will keep her children safe. If one of her children, or a schoolmate becomes infected and unwittingly brings the virus home, it would mean self-isolation for her and her husband LCdr Jeff Chura, who commands HMCS Whitehorse.Cdr Mariano’s concerns are not uncommon, says Holly Flower, a social worker with the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC). She expects calls to the MFRC intake line will ramp up...

[caption id="attachment_24402" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Members of HMCS Winnipeg conduct post-firing maintenance on the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) launcher off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands. Photos by Leading Seaman Valerie LeClair, MARPAC Imaging[/caption]Captain Chelsea Dubeau, HMCS Winnipeg Public Affairs Officer ~It’s Monday, Aug. 24; day eight of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2020. The air throughout the ship is tense – anticipatory. The planning for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) shoot has been in the can for a long time, the sequence of events practiced over and over. War bags filled with flash gear are clipped to belt loops, and the ship’s company waits for the Bong Bongs to don gloves, head covering, and ballistic eyewear required for the event. All that planning, all that preparation, all those meetings and changes and coordination and de-conflicting, all comes down to one moment: one flash, one missile moving at unimaginable speed. Except on this day, two missiles will be fired down range. The GoPros have been placed strategically to best capture the footage. This is the second attempt to fire in as many days. The first try was close, but didn’t kick off due to an issue with the aerial target’s flight path in relation to the ship’s position the day prior. It’s now or never. The ship comes to action stations in preparation for the shoot as the target moves closer to the ship, the threat as real to the crew as everything else they’ve been training for during Intermediate Multi-Ship Readiness Training (IMSRT). The target is engaged, and weapons launched. Two missiles are fired, one after another, as speechless sailors viewing on the bridge take in the sight of two ESSMs arc across and against a deep blue sky. It’s a win shared by the entire ship’s company,...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Former National Hockey League forward Jordin Tootoo wants to have a heart-to-heart talk with you about suicide prevention. The former right-winger, turned motivational speaker, enjoyed a 13-year career in the NHL before deciding to call it quits, announcing his retirement in October 2018. Since then, he has been delivering inspiring talks about suicide awareness, drawing on personal experiences while breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. The 37-year-old grew up in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, and is of Inuit and Ukranian descent. He was the first Inuk person to play in the NHL. He suited up for the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Chicago Blackhawks. During that time, he compiled 161 points and 65 goals in 723 games along with a reputation as being a highly successful agitator and thorn-in-the-side of opponents. He cited a desire to give back to his Indigenous community as his reason to retire. Growing up in Canada’s north, TooToo says he witnessed firsthand the devastating impact mental health issues and addiction have on families and communities. On Aug. 28, 2002, his brother Terence took his own life and Tootoo says, “things were never the same.” On his website www.jordintootoo.com and in his public speaking engagements, Tootoo discusses his personal experiences and destigmatzing mental health issues. Those experiences are captured in his best-selling biography All The Way: My Life on ice. Meet Tootoo virtuallyOn Sept. 10 at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time, Tootoo will field an hour-long discussion with interested members of CFB Esquimalt’s defence community via the social media app Zoom in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day. The Zoom event is free, but there only 500 spaces available. The Zoom link is:https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/67421888349?pwd=dlJWMkxZSU9rVGhLekloYVlkUVpFZz09The initiative is part of the Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Health and Wellness Strategy. Maryse Neilson, Health Promotion...

[caption id="attachment_24388" align="aligncenter" width="594"] HMCS Regina fires two Harpoon Surface to Surface missiles in the Pacific Range Facility Barking Sands, off the coast of Hawaii while participating in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2020. Photo by MS Dan Bard, Canadian Forces Combat Camera[/caption]Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Regina and Winnipeg were off the coast of Hawaii last week, participating in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2020, the largest maritime exercise in the world. The purpose of this exercise was to provide an opportunity for sailors to gain experience working with international forces, practicing group and task force tactics, and using important equipment and weaponry.DND ~As part of the finale for RIMPAC, HMCS Regina participated in a sinking exercise, or SINKEX. A SINKEX occurs when an environmentally clean, decommissioned hulk is purposefully sunk to provide a unique opportunity to improve coalition partners’ warfare readiness. It this case it was ex-USS Durham, a decommissioned amphibious cargo ship.“With an ever-changing and complex global environment, inter-operability with partner nations is essential to maintain the rules-based international order,” said Lieutenant (Navy) Mike Vanderveer, Weapons Officer on board Regina. “This engagement not only proved the technical readiness of Regina and the Royal Canadian Navy, but provided an opportunity to focus on the application of force in coordinated kinetic action with partner nations.”The weapons system Regina used for this exercise was the RGM-84 Harpoon Surface-to-Surface Missile (SSM), which is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile used by most NATO member states.The missile  launched from a platform situated on the ship. It has the ability to travel at high subsonic speeds and skims across the surface of the water to lower the chances of interception by air defence systems.“It is a difficult and perishable skill, so any opportunity to plan and execute exercises with combined forces increases our...

[caption id="attachment_24370" align="aligncenter" width="592"] The Honourable Janet Austin visited Base Logistics last week to be fitted for her new Honorary Captain(N) uniform. Photo courtesy Lieutenant Governor’s Office[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Honourable Janet Austin, B.C.’s Lieutenant Governor, said if her father were alive today he would be proud of her recently appointed Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) role, which serves as a continuation of her family’s naval tradition. That’s because the vice-regal representative of Queen Elizabeth II has officially joined Victoria’s naval reserve unit HMCS Malahat as their Honorary Captain. Her father, Lt Grey Howick Merivale Austin served in the Royal Navy during the Battle of Atlantic. Later in his naval career, he was the senior officer in charge of bringing British naval ships to Halifax.“He lived in Barbados, enlisted in the Royal Navy when he was 18 on the same day Pearl Harbor was attacked, and served on a number of ships as a young officer,” said LGov Austin. “He would be absolutely thrilled to see that I have become an honorary member of the Royal Canadian Navy. That’s because he always credited his naval training and career as being a crucial formative moment in his life, and helped develop his ethics and self-discipline needed to be successful in life.” Last Monday, she had her first uniform fitting at Base Logistics clothing stores. She’ll return in a few weeks to try on her uniform to ensure it fits. Honorary members of the Canadian military are distinguished Canadians that act as ambassadors. Their responsibilities include performing public outreach for the organization they represent while also helping foster esprit de corps for the troops. She said she is “extremely delighted and looking forward to supporting the navy.” The appointment of Lieutenant Governors to honorary Captains and Colonels in Canada’s military is a customary...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~You could save a bundle on local products and services courtesy of a new awareness and fundraising initiative launched by Wounded Warriors Canada. The national non-profit that funds veterans and first responder’s support programs has a partnership with Winnipeg-based MediaScene’s Action Pack Complimentary Value campaign. Booklets sell for $25 but have a value of over $300 in redeemable coupons. A portion of the proceeds from sales will be used to provide fully trained service dogs for those overcoming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD].“When people buy our product, they are not only giving to a great charitable initiative, but they are also getting something of value in return,” said Todd Dube, MediaScene Program Coordinator. “It’s just a great deal. Everyone is a winner, the purchaser, Wounded Warriors, and local businesses.”Twelve Victoria businesses are offering freeproducts and services; Montana’s, Good Life Fitness, Bosleys, Salish Sea Aquarium, Iron and Wood Golf Simulator, V2V Blackhops Brewing, Flying Squirrel, Victoria Car Wash, Float House, British Columbia Aviation Museum, Oxygen Yoga and Fitness, and Whiskers Urban Ranch. Dube says the free products and services total $351. MediaScene began its operations in 1994 and used Action Packs as a vehicle to promote local businesses in Manitoba.  Dube says Action Packs then morphed into a vehicle for charitable organizations to boost their awareness and fundraising. MediaScene began its partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada in 2017. Market-specific Action Pack booklets have previously been available in Ottawa, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Vancouver, with Victoria joining the campaign this year. Last year, MediaScene made a $905,000 donation to Wounded Warriors from booklet sales. Executive Director Scott Maxwell was quick to offer his appreciation for the success of the fundraising. “This partnership highlights our strong community-based support that drives our national fundraising and in turn makes our...

[caption id="attachment_24364" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Pte Thomas Wheatley Kilby who was killed in action in France, March 27, 1917.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The City of Parksville, B.C., is on an ambitious hunt to obtain photographs of 60 residents from the area who died during military service in the First and Second World War. The Veteran Remembrance Banner Program was launched by Mayor Ed Mayne and the City of Parksville Council earlier this year. Their goal is to install banners featuring photos of veterans, whose names are listed on the City’s cenotaph, on lamp poles along the Island Highway 19A in time for Remembrance Day.Valda Stefani from the City of Parksville has been scanning museums and archives worldwide and following any lead that will yield her photographic pay dirt. So far, she has found half the photos needed, and says finding the remaining 31 photographs is proving difficult.“Many of the local young men who enlisted, especially in the First World War, had recently arrived from places as far away as the U.K. and Australia, and some were only on Vancouver Island for a short time. They had their lives cut short and many were too young to have started families, adding to the challenge of finding photographs. But their lives mattered and they should be remembered.”Even if all the photographs cannot be found in time for Nov. 11, the search will continue well beyond Remembrance Day, says Stefani. Parksville, a popular beach vacation and tourism destination located on the Salish Sea, has a present-day population of approximately 13,000 permanent residents. During the first half of the 20th century it was a small farming and logging community. It can trace its colonial origins back to the expedition of Royal Navy Captain George Vancouver in 1792 and a subsequent survey of the Alberni Valley by...

[caption id="attachment_24353" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Sidel has earned many accolades over his careers, and wears many hats.[/caption]2Lt Justin Leong, Base Administration ~Whether you are a Junior Naval Officer arriving for training, a member attending a conference, or a family member visiting the base, you would have met Commissionaire Sergeant Jim Sidel, Barrack Warden and Booking Clerk at Work Point Barracks. He is famous for his quip, “What do I know, I’m just a Commissionaire!” But Sidel knows a lot, stemming from 17 years’ service in the military as a Medical Assistant, retiring at the rank of Master Corporal, coupled with 23 years and counting with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires.During his military career, he was posted to the CFB Esquimalt Base Hospital in 1968, followed by a posting to the Calgary Field Ambulance in 1969. “I was deployed with United Nations Emergency Force 2 to Germany in 1970 followed by Egypt in November 1973,” Sidel recounts. He was then posted to Camp Borden in 1978 and various army units across Canada until he retired from the military in 1983. As a commissionaire, he took up his current post at Work Point following a coffee chat with his supervisor at the time who offered him the job of custodian of the barracks. He trained a week with the outgoing Warden, and a few weeks later he left his gate duty for Work Point. “I have had the fortune of working with many Base Accommodation Officers and Base Accommodation Chief Petty Officers and Petty Officers, all molding my professionalism to suit the position here and the needs of those we accommodate.”What he has learned over the years is the importance of being empathetic, social, affable, and conversant, almost like a bartender to those living in barracks. He’s also the guy who ensures the four accommodation buildings...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A new Personnel Support Programs recreation program is set to roll out with the aim to provide unparalleled fun on eight wheels for youth of Defence Team members.A roller-skating class is set to start mid-September at the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre for youth eight to 14 years old. Skate Instructor Association certified instructors will teach the class.“This is our first involvement at CFB Esquimalt and we are excited to be offering a brand-new program for military families,” said Martin Newham, co-owner of Roller Skate Victoria Dance Academy. “The sport of roller skating is one that challenges your balance and coordination, strengthens the stomach, legs, and back muscles, and is one that after proper instruction people can do in isolation.”Newham is well versed to teach the course. He had 30-year career in figure skating, has his Skate Canada gold certification level in ice dance, and has competed internationally in synchronized skating competitions.In 2011, and again in 2013, he and his business partner Andrea Boyes teamed up on the ice for second place finishes in the Pairs Free Skate and Ice Dance categories at the Skate Canada Adult Nationals. Boyes is a former professional figure skater turned roller dancer, who has performed with Disney on Ice and Holiday on Ice.“She sees roller skating as an art form and shares that with her students at Roller Skate Victoria where she teaches roller dance,” said Newham.They both began their transition from blades to wheels approximately five years ago. That’s when Boyes tried the sport in Vancouver and then encouraged Newham to start a group with her in Victoria.To get the ball rolling on their dream and build interest in a potential roller skating club, they threw a roller disco at the Archie Browning Sports Centre. The event, complete with shiny disco...

[caption id="attachment_24344" align="aligncenter" width="593"] HMCS Winnipeg fires a missile at a practice target off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). Photo by Leading Seaman Valerie LeClair, Royal Canadian Navy[/caption]Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet ~As part of RIMPAC, HMCS Winnipeg had the opportunity to practice the tactics and procedures involved in firing Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSMs) on Aug. 23 to 24 off the coast of Hawaii.ESSMs are medium-range missiles used to protect ships from attacking missiles and aircraft. They provide self-defence battle space and firepower against high-speed, highly maneuverable anti-ship missiles in the naval environment.A live-firing event is the culmination of months of training and preparation. It provides invaluable data about the ship’s combat management system and demonstrates the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) ability to conduct and support force generation overseas.“Preparing for a missile shoot begins many months before the shoot itself, and is integrated with a demanding readiness programme that tests the skills and endurance of the entire operations team,” said Lt(N) Iain Richardson, Weapons Officer on board Winnipeg. “We are required to train not only for the shoot, but also for any and all possible system issues or emergencies. While the process is long, the privilege of participating in such an important exercise makes it entirely worthwhile.”The biennial exercise contributes to the increased lethality, resiliency, and agility needed by the Joint and Combined Force to deter and defeat aggression by major powers across all domains and levels of conflict. The exercise provides a unique training opportunity that strengthens international maritime partnerships, enhances interoperability, and improves the readiness of the RCN for a wide range of potential operations.––––

[caption id="attachment_24341" align="aligncenter" width="593"] SLt Jillian Surette[/caption]SLt Jillian Surette, HMCS Ville De Québec ~In late January, I set sail for Africa with HMCS Shawinigan in consort with HMCS Glace Bay for Operation Projection 2020. During this sail I learned seamanship and how to run the bridge of a minor war vessel, earning my bridge watch keeping ticket. Unfortunately, the deployment was cut short due to COVID-19, which was starting to grow significantly worldwide.We returned mid-April. After a few months working from home, I was posted to the frigate HMCS Ville De Québec, where I took the next step in my career as a Naval Warfare Officer. I joined the ship for Mission State Readiness Training in preparation for Operation Nanook-Tuugaalik. It quickly became a crash course on everything to do with life on major warship, starting with where do I sleep, eat, or do laundry, and how do I even get there? Then there is what happens when there’s an emergency or a drill?I was finally able to see all the evolutions I learned about while I was training in Esquimalt first-hand, and learn even more than when I was on course. Everything I had forgotten rushed backed into memory in a hurry, on top of all the new things to which I was being exposed. For Op Nanook-Tuugaalik, Ville De Québec took position as the Flag Ship, embarking Captain(N) Martin Fluet and his staff from Canadian Fleet Atlantic. We set sail with our consorts, Canadian ships Glace Bay, MV Asterix, United States Ship (USS) Thomas Hudner, United States Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma, His Danish Majesty’s Ship Triton, and French Ship Fulmar. The purpose of this sail was to show NATO military presence in the Arctic, and work with our alliance counterparts to conduct exercises together as we proceeded North to...

[caption id="attachment_24338" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Ordinary Seaman Kilian Soch signals to USS Henry J. Kaiser during a replenishment-at-sea off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands.[/caption]Capt Chelsea Dubeau, HMCS Winnipeg Public Affairs Officer ~The Replenishment-at-Sea evolution, or RAS, is probably one of the more complex ship’s evolutions that occurs. During a RAS, fuel and stores are passed from one ship to another while underway and requires that both ships get very close to one another. Uncomfortably close, by normal standards. Ordinarily ships like to keep a certain distance between them to avoid collision, but a RAS is up-close-and-personal, out of necessity. The lines connecting the ships have thousands of pounds of tension on them. One miscommunication, one malfunction, one mistake, and the consequences could be dire. A RAS requires tricky manoeuvering, absolute focus, and impeccable seamanship; it’s a whole-of-ship evolution, from the bridge team to the sailors running the lines. So, when the crew of HMCS Winnipeg learned they’d be doing a RAS as part of Intermediate Multi-Ship Readiness Training (IMSRT) and RIMPAC, the feeling could only be described as “trepidation”. While a RAS is a regular part of readiness training, RIMPAC presented a higher-stakes platform on which to conduct it. Imagine the pressure. RIMPAC is the world’s largest maritime exercise, and the eyes of the world are on the partner nations participating. If something goes wrong, the consequences run the gamut. “I was a little bit worried, because for me the last time I [conducted a RAS] was on Winnipeg in 2009,” says Chief Petty Officer Second Class Stephan Melançon, Chief Boatswain Mate. “And most of my people are junior, so they’ve never [conducted a RAS] before. So, it was a first for most.”But just because it was a first for most, and just because it was the first RAS for the...

[caption id="attachment_24333" align="aligncenter" width="594"] WO (Retired) Sherry Rumbolt[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A Base Information Services civilian employee has received national recognition for her outstanding work in cyber security. WO (Retired) Sherry Rumbolt, a senior information security officer, was recently honoured as one of Canada’s Top Women in Cyber Security. Rumbolt was among 20 recipients selected in the inaugural award category by the magazine IT World Canada from a list of 170 nominations. She was notified of her nomination in April. Then on June 6, anticipation transformed into excitement when she learned she would be part of the first-ever honour roll. “I was so honoured and thrilled to get the news. I have been in this industry for 30 years. To be recognized for contributions made not only to enhance cyber security in the industry and public sector, but for all the efforts to highlight young professionals, women, and diverse groups in this field was so rewarding.” Due to COVID-19 physical distancing measures, this year’s award ceremony was held virtually. Winners were featured in the latest edition of IT World Canada and received a certificate as part of the award. Major Lauren Banks, Deputy Commanding Officer of the Canadian Forces Network Operations Centre, was also recognized.“Until recently women were often excluded from prominent roles in the cyber security industry,” said Rumbolt. “But this is changing. In the past few years, through the work of many exceptionally knowledgeable and talented women, women are finally being recognized for their efforts.”Returning to the ForcesRumbolt, 49, is originally from Mary’s Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador. She spent 21 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Land Communications Information Systems Technician. She entered the world of cyber security in 2004 when she joined the Canadian Forces Network Operations Centre. She retired from the military in 2011. She then worked for the Government of British Columbia for six years in a variety of cyber security positions before returning to CFB Esquimalt as a civilian employee in 2017. Since...

Poll Results & Rank Designation Change DecisionShipmates, Thank you for participating so enthusiastically in our poll seeking your advice with regards to more gender inclusive rank designations for the English rank titles of our most junior sailors. Having launched the initiative, it was incredibly important to me, as your Admiral, to hear from you – currently serving as well as retired members – and interested Canadians from across the country before I direct adoption of a way forward. Your participation via almost 18,000 responses, of which some 30 per cent included write-in/commentary, delivered exactly what was needed. I was especially appreciative of the overwhelming participation by the junior ranks who will be most impacted by the change. I appreciate as well that the initiative prompted us to have a frank and passionate discussion about not only the choices, but also the reasons behind this undertaking. Beyond the polling there has been an impressive deck-plate conversation in cubicles, offices, shops, flats and messes – everywhere, including virtually! What we have been discussing is our culture. We’ve been discussing who we are. Obviously, I encourage this reflection to continue – the introspection and dialogue being foundational to a vibrant, appropriate and ever-evolving naval/force culture... to getting it right! Meanwhile, in closing this chapter of the discussion, I’m so proud to share with you that we have confirmed by a wide majority that we are broadly likeminded (>75 per cent) that this rank change initiative is long overdue, necessary, and welcomed. Why Evolve? As the dialogue has established, while ours is proudly a service steeped in tradition – a service which was historically dominated by straight, cis, white males – it’s equally, necessarily, and proudly a modern service that prides itself on striving to continuously evolve in-step with the nation, and which merits our recent recognition as one of Canada’s top employers – the service you would encourage your family and friends to join, knowing it to be striving to be diverse, inclusive...

DND ~A pilot project to train transitioning Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans for civilian information technology (IT) jobs is underway. Entitled the Cyber Workforce Enablement Program, or CWEP for short, the project provides high-demand, cyber-career training to hundreds of transitioning members and Veterans, leveraging their existing military skills and preparing them to work in the IT sector with both the Federal Government and businesses across Canada.The pilot project started in May and is the result of a partnership between the CAF Transition Group, the social impact company WithYouWithMe, and the multinational professional services firm Ernst & Young.IT training being offered can be taken individually at one’s own pace, with training usually taking about six to 12 weeks depending on the course, or via scheduled virtual “boot camps” during which the training is completed over the course of an intensive week, including live sessions with an online instructor. In either case, all courses and training are offered free of cost, with the partners’ goal being simply to assist military personnel in their transition back to civilian life.For more information on the training available or to express an interest in joining the Cyber Workforce Enablement Program, visit https://rallypoint.withyouwithme.com/cwep-stp1/––––

Are you a fan of CANEX, Canada’s Military Store? Are you passionate, authentic, creative and outgoing? Are you connected within the CAF community and have a passion to share your story? If you answered yes to any of these, then you could be part of the CANEX Ambassador Program.As a CANEX Ambassador, you will play a key role in helping us keep our finger on the pulse of our CAF communities and provide members with authentic stories and feedback so that we can improve and continue to grow together.CANEX Ambassador Program Requirements:Must be part of the CAF community (active member, retired veteran, military spouse, military child etc.) and hold a valid CFOne card.Active on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.Have 2,000 followers (at least) on one or more social media platform(s).Willing to create high quality and unique content by posting, sharing, and tagging @CANEX.ca and #CANEX content monthly.A minimum of one post per month. All posts must tag @CANEX.ca.Am I eligible? Find out here: https://www.cafconnection.ca/National/Programs-Services/CFOne/Register-Now!/Eligibility.aspxHow it works:CANEX Ambassadors get a firsthand look at upcoming products.Have an opportunity to photograph CANEX product(s) and share your photos within your social community and with CANEX.Ambassadors will create content around CANEX product(s) and seasonal merchandise.Share CANEX messaging and content on your social channels.Ambassadors get the opportunity to test and try new CANEX product(s) and provide product reviews, which will be shared on your social channels and with CANEX.What is in it for me?You will get a firsthand look at upcoming products and existing products. These  will be yours to keep, in exchange for the post.Promo codes (discounts) to shop at CANEX, which you can exclusively share with your fans and followers.Early access to sales, events and launch dates.Increase your exposure to your social profile(s), as your posts will be shared in our CANEX’s social feed.For more information...

SLt K.B McHale-Hall, MARPAC Public Affairs Office ~They are the rarely seen faces behind the camera taking photos of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployments, events and people at work on base.However, the imagery technicians from Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Imaging Section do far more than just digitally capture the faces of the forces. Manifested in the recently released CAF Unclassified Imagery Instructions, imagery technicians are at the forefront of most operations, logging in countless hours behind the scenes, serving in ways you may not expect. The new set of guidelinesLast year, the Unclassified Imagery Instructions were revised and signed, providing guidance to the CAF, public affairs and imagery technician trade.The latest release addresses the services that can be offered, the speed at which imagery can be required, and the ever-evolving technology available, all established in standard operating procedures. Services include, but are not limited to, imagery in support of operations; intelligence gathering on operations; fire and flood investigations; photographing through still and video events such as departures and homecomings of ships; helping in the assessment of weapons systems performance; creating visual training aids; documenting change of command ceremonies; and producing physical media from imagery files. Meeting the missionImagery Technicians are trained to execute all imagery needs identified, but requests may outweigh resources available. That’s where the National Imagery Service Priority plays a vital role. It breaks down nine categories in order of priority: operations and exercises, investigations, intelligence, public affairs, engineering, support to training, historical, production and research, and general. Local units and Commanders can then use the National Imagery Service Priority as guidance to prioritize or limit services based on the existing operational tempo or manning limitations. “Our main priority remains operations and exercises and intelligence gathering, all while supporting Public Affairs,” said MWO Brian Leonard, the NO2PA Imaging Services Officer,...

[caption id="attachment_24295" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Lt(N) Gill Herringer puts the finishing touches on a carving created in her new workspace.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Lt(N) Gill Herringer united her love of pubs with her creative craft tinkering to create O’Malley’s Irish Pub, Carpentry Shop, and upcoming Bakery.Don’t let the name deceive you though, there’s no alcohol involved. Her fledgling small business creates “fun, funky and useful wood art, with some sewing, some baking, and the best damn pickles you have ever tasted,” she says. “I’m slowly working on building up a decent inventory, but I also can do custom carving and other woodworking projects. The bakery part is what I envision adding later, you know, when I'm retired and can spend my weekends sitting behind a table at various farmers' markets.”The Naval Warfare Officer and instructor at Naval Fleet School (Pacific) Venture Division launched her uniquely branded workshop during the pandemic lock down, which afforded her lots of after-work free time. She cleared out her and her daughter’s hockey equipment and other items, and transformed the 600-square-foot unfinished basement space into a workshop. The set-up includes a work bench, woodworking tools, a label maker, organized piles of screws, and wood.“I spent four days sorting and setting things up,” she said. “The new set up meant that instead of scrambling to pull out tools only when things needed fixing, I could actually make things, and I did.”She has carved and built home décor items, selling them through word of mouth and her Facebook page at “very affordable prices.” The aim being to make a very modest profit, while paying for materials and giving people the opportunity to own affordable quality items. “The business grew out of a hobby because I eventually ran out of things to make for myself,” she says. “Now I make things...