A prayer for a brave Canadian is reprinted on Page 13 ... - Royal ...

P R I D E I N O U R P A S TF A I T H I N O U R F U T U R EVOLUME 22, NO.2 Spring 2010FREENEWSLegion LeadershipTrainingCamp set <strong>for</strong>Truro in July.... Page 5FEATURENewbery looksback on theNunavut landclaim...Page 10A <strong>prayer</strong> <strong>for</strong> a <strong>brave</strong> <strong>Canadian</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>reprinted</strong> on Page 13 ...BRANCHPHOTOSLots to see... Page 15The boys from Lunenburg County: (front l to r) Cpl. Currie, MCpl Ruston, Capt. Silliker and (on the gun) Cpl. Stevens.See our feature story on the 14 Construction Engineering Squadron with Nova Scotia connections inside on Pages 6 and 7.

2 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F N O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D Spring 2010Branch 24 President Sonny Hubley welcomesnew chaplain, Pastor Will<strong>is</strong> Ott into h<strong>is</strong> new roleas Branch 24 chaplain.Branch 24 welcomesnew branch chaplainBy Dan HennesseyBranch 24 PR ChairmanThe words of the Legion Prayer have a haunting effecton those who have served and those who can onlystand in support of those who have served: They shallgrow not old. As we that are left grow old. Age shall not wearythem, Nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, andin the morning, we will remember them.These words have been and will be spoken manytimes by legion chaplains.The role of legion chaplain carries diverse responsibilities.They have sometimes been said to offer notonly spiritual support but also offer guidance to thosethat look to their branch <strong>for</strong> the comradeship that wasthe foundation of the Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> Legion.Branch 24 has had a number of remarkable chaplainsover the years and sadly with the passing of FatherRobert Coote in late 2009 the position of branch chaplainwas left vacant. Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> a demanding role with manylegion functions to participate in along with providingspiritual guidance to those members either restricted tohome or in hospital. The chaplain also plays a significantrole during the Week of Remembrance leading upto November 11 each year.Branch 24 <strong>is</strong> now pleased to welcome Pastor Will<strong>is</strong>Ott to the role of chaplain <strong>for</strong> Bridgewater Branch 24.Pastor Ott <strong>is</strong> well known within Lunenburg County and<strong>is</strong> very active providing spiritual support to a numberof churches in our area. We welcome him and knowthat he will certainly leave h<strong>is</strong> mark in the h<strong>is</strong>tory ofth<strong>is</strong> branch. He encourages members who would like tomeet to contact him through the branch.Murray “Tucker” Fry 1922-2009Memorial to foundingmember of Branch 142Murray “Tucker” FryBy Joan AaldersZone 14 PRMurray “Tucker” Frylived all h<strong>is</strong> life in Halifax,Nova Scotia. He joinedthe Army in 1942 at age20 and, that same year,he departed overseas. Heserved in England be<strong>for</strong>ebeing shipped across toItaly, assigned to the 49thLoyal Edmonton Regimentwhere, <strong>for</strong> a briefperiod, the troops wereon a static front near theSenio River be<strong>for</strong>e crossingover to Marseilles,France.Leaving France, theregiment arrived in recentlyliberated Belgium. Thepeople of Nylan, Belgiumwere ecstatic to have the<strong>Canadian</strong> troops stay withthem over the Easterholidays. The people hadvery little food but sharedwith the troops who alsoshared their rations.Moving on, the regimenttraveled on throughmuddy, war torn territoryfrom Belgium toApledoom, Holland. Thedevastation caused by thefive-year German occupationin Holland was plainto see. The <strong>Canadian</strong>ssoon learned that 235,000Dutch people, includingchildren, died in concentrationcamps in Holland.Those surviving were veryill and had no food or water.The <strong>Canadian</strong>s were awelcome sight and sharedfood and helped in anyway possible. Finally, afterthe enemy retreated andsurrendered, the <strong>Canadian</strong>smade arrangements<strong>for</strong> supplies to be shippedin to save the people asquickly as humanly possible.The camaraderiebetween <strong>Canadian</strong>s andthe Dutch people to th<strong>is</strong>day <strong>is</strong> overwhelming.Murray’s brother,Edward, was also overseasand was killed in actionin Caen. He <strong>is</strong> buriedin Brettville-Sur-Laize,<strong>Canadian</strong> War Cemetery,France.Murray received thefollowing war medals:Italy Star, France andGerman Star, DefenceMedal, <strong>Canadian</strong> VolunteerService Medal withclasp, War Medal – 1939-1945, and the Dutch“thank you” Medal.Murray left England onthe Ile de France. He wastransferred to the WestNova Scotia Regiment <strong>for</strong>the return trip to Halifax.An application to activelyrecruit members <strong>for</strong>the legion branch was initiatedby Angus McMasteron December 11, 1951.Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> LegionBranch 142 was presentedwith its Charter on February17, 1952 with A. D.McMaster recognized asthe founder.In the 58 years thatContinued on Page 8Shirley and Joseph Morr<strong>is</strong>on are showncutting the Anniversary Cake on January 1,2010 at Chester Basin Legion.Branch 88Levee well attendeddespite the weatherBy Mary EldridgeOn January 1, 2010, over 200 people gathered atEverett Branch 88 Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> Legion , ChesterBasin, to join in comradeship and to begin the yearof 250th Anniversary of founding of Chester Basin.Town crier Gary Zwicker welcomed all and readthe official proclamation.Also on hand was Canada Post Area RegionalRepresentative Den<strong>is</strong>e Corra who unveiled an officialcancellation stamp <strong>for</strong> use during the 2010 on allmail leaving the community via the local post office.Local politicians, legion personnel, and 250thAnniversary Committee members addressed thegathering after which time musical entertainment anda delicious luncheon was enjoyed by all.The anniversary cake was officially cut by Shirleyand Joseph Morr<strong>is</strong>on. Joe <strong>is</strong> our oldest commnitymember and a veteran. Shirley <strong>is</strong> past president ofthe ladies auxiliary. They considered th<strong>is</strong> an honourto be a special part of th<strong>is</strong> important event.Many more activities will be hosted over th<strong>is</strong> yearat the legion and at other locations in the area.

Spring 2009 2010T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D3Editor’s NotebookThe official publication ofNova Scotia/Nunavut CommandThe Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> LegionThe Torch <strong>is</strong> printed quarterly and <strong>is</strong> d<strong>is</strong>tributed tothe Legion Branches and its membership.The Torch EditorGlen ParkerPrinting & Publ<strong>is</strong>hing Company (2006) LTD.88 College Street, Antigon<strong>is</strong>h, NS, B2G 2L7Publ<strong>is</strong>her & General ManagerKen SimsAdvert<strong>is</strong>ing Manager,Mike Hancoxmikehancox@thecasket.ca902-863-4370 ext. 241Sales RepresentativesChr<strong>is</strong>tine MacGillivraychr<strong>is</strong>tinemac@thecasket.ca902-863-4370 ext. 221Dave Robertscsr@thecasket.ca902-863-4370 Ext. 222The Torch <strong>is</strong> the official publication of Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command, The Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> Legion and <strong>is</strong>d<strong>is</strong>tributed across Nova Scotia and to Rankin Inlet andIqaluit and <strong>is</strong> printed quarterly. The Editor reserves the rightto edit, condense or reject copy, photographs or advert<strong>is</strong>ingto achieve the aims of The Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> Legion. Materialshould be typed, double spaced and must be accompaniedby the contributor’s name, address and phone number. Electronicsubm<strong>is</strong>sions arepreferred and should be sent to info@ns.legion.ca. Opinionsand advert<strong>is</strong>ements printed in the Torch are those of theindividual contributor or advert<strong>is</strong>er and do not necessarilyreflect the opinions or endorsements of The Royal <strong>Canadian</strong>Legion, the editor or the publ<strong>is</strong>her.Notice to all Legion BranchesRe: Articles and pictures <strong>for</strong>upcoming <strong>is</strong>sues of The Torch.As usual, all copy (including pictures) are to be sent directlyto Legion Command Headquarters:61 Gloria McCluskey Drive, Dartmouth, NS B3B 2Z3Please try to have your material in on time.Publication dateDeadlineFebruary 15, 2010 January 15, 2010May 3, 2010 April 9, 2010July 26, 2010 July 2, 2010October 25, 2010 October 1, 2010Return undelivered <strong>Canadian</strong> addresses to:Legion Command Headquarters:61 Gloria McCluskey Drive, Dartmouth, NS B3B 2Z3Publication Mail Agreement No. 40024609Glen ParkerIt’s always a little hardto believe how quicklya year goes by. Case inpoint, the Command’sCall to Remembrancecompetition <strong>is</strong> happeningagain.Th<strong>is</strong> popular annualcompetition will takeplace at Cala<strong>is</strong> Branch162, Lower Sackville onMay 7. If th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong>sue <strong>is</strong> inyour hands be<strong>for</strong>e May 7,you are invited to attend.Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> always a great opportunityto observe ouryouth at work and to rein<strong>for</strong>ceour appreciation <strong>for</strong>what our veterans wentthrough so we can go onenjoying the lifestyles wehave today.The Call to Remembrancecompetitionconnects and challengesour youth around theprovince through a seriesof regional playoffs andfinally to the provincialcompetition th<strong>is</strong> month.The students answer questionsrelating to Canada’srole in the two worldwars, the Korean conflict,modern day wars as wellas peace keeping assignmentsaround the world.It’s a worthwhile exerc<strong>is</strong>e<strong>for</strong> all involved.Comrades, it’s hardto believe that a year hasalmost past since beingelected as president. Thetime has gone by so fast.The restructure hasfallen into place in mostareas. There are still twod<strong>is</strong>tricts that are having afew problems; however Iam sure th<strong>is</strong> will be solvedin the near future.I would like to take th<strong>is</strong>opportunity to thank themany Branches that haveinvited me to their variousfunctions and ceremonies.My wife Ruth and I haveAt the Call to Remembrance Awards Banquet held February 26 at theBridgetown Branch 33, presentations were made to the Zone 8 winnerswith teams from Windsor’s King’s-Edgehill School winning Gold andBronze. (Top photo) King’s-Edgehill accepts the first place trophy: (l tor) Bridgetown Branch 33 President Stuart Ascott, Andrew Mayo, MichaelJachimowicz, KES coach David Drahos, Chairman of Call to Remembrance<strong>for</strong> Zone 8 Joe Murphy. (Bottom photo l to r) Representing the third placeKing’s-Edgehill team <strong>is</strong> Tom Charpentier along with Hants County Branch 9Veteran Herb Phillips and King’s-Edgehill coach David Drahos.Message from the Presidentbeen treated extremelywell by all.Un<strong>for</strong>tunately, in somecases due to prior commitments,I have been unableto attend all Branchfunctions that I have beeninvited to, but I assure youmy thoughts were there.Fortunately too, I haveother Command Officersthat represented me, and Ithank them <strong>for</strong> doing so.I had the privilegeof attending the RoundTable d<strong>is</strong>cussions at theMic-Maq Reserve inMillbrook, regarding thestructure of the First Nation’sMilitary Museum.I was honored to be partof th<strong>is</strong> and found it veryin<strong>for</strong>mative.Comrades, the summermonths are coming fastand things will slow downa bit, but I am looking<strong>for</strong>ward to seeing manyof you at the DominionConvention in June.I w<strong>is</strong>h each and everyonea safe and great summer,but as always, pleaseremember our troops whoare serving in our armed<strong>for</strong>ces.Command PresidentLes Nash

4 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F N O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D Spring 2010Branch 19 holds LA rallyThe 4th Annual LadiesAuxiliary Rally was held inNorth Sydney. The eventwas hosted by the ladiesauxiliary of ArmstrongMemorial Branch 19.Auxiliary membersfrom branches in Antigon<strong>is</strong>h,Port Hawkesbury,Florence, Sydney Minesand Westmount were inattendance.Branch 19 LiasonOfficer Evelyn Andreaoversaw the roast beefsupper which was servedby Air Cadets from 562Cabot Squadron (whichthe branch sponsors).The meeting wasopened by PresidentClaudia Ivey. Reportswere given by all branchesin attendance. BranchPresident Carl Wall welcomedthe ladies and gavepra<strong>is</strong>e <strong>for</strong> the work of theauxiliaries.Guest speaker <strong>for</strong> theoccasion was ComradeDor<strong>is</strong> MacDonald, presidentof New Water<strong>for</strong>dbranch. Dor<strong>is</strong> spoke onbeing in England duringthe war and her comingto Canada as a war bride.Treasurer Alaine Taylorthanked her and made apresentation to CormradeDor<strong>is</strong> in appreciation ofher presentation.A dance followed.Westside Branch willhost the rally in 2010.Red Friday Seniors TeaArmstrong MemorialBranch 19 takes theopportunity to host aSeniors Tea during NorthSydney’s annual Bar 90Days.In 2009, with thecooperation of Bar 90Coordinator Bonita Gouthro,the legion declaredthe event as “Red Friday”which was held on Fridayafternoon. All participantswere asked to wear redand all seniors attendingthe event were presentedwith a red carnation bymembers of the Bar 90Committee. The hall wasa sea of red.Seniors were welcomedby Ladies Auxiliary PresidentClaudia Ivey whothanked all in attendance.Legion Magazine report - photosBy Jean Marie DeveauxOn March 1 I attended the LegionMagazine Correspondents meeting inOttawa.It was very in<strong>for</strong>mative. Legion Magazinegets better and better every year.The staff <strong>is</strong> very friendly and willing tohelp with any problems we encounter.Every digital image <strong>is</strong> made up ofpixels. Legion magazine requires 1350pixels, 4.5” in size with a resolution of300dpi. Sound alien? It does to me too.I am not of the technical age. However,the magazine staff makes it easy .If youcannot set your camera to that resolution,take it to you camera store andthey will do it <strong>for</strong> you. The staff will doany changes that are necessary such asred-eye reduction, cropping, etc. Whenyou take a photo of long service medals,such as 55, 60 years please make surethat it <strong>is</strong> a head and shoulders shot ofthe recipient.That’s all <strong>for</strong> th<strong>is</strong> time. Keep up thegood work and keep shooting thosephotos.Above, Comrade David Parsons (left) secretary of Lucknow Branch109, Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> Legion, Hantsport, receives h<strong>is</strong> Life Membership Pinfrom branch Vice President Gerald Wilcox. (Annie Bird Photo)Life Membership bestowedThe dec<strong>is</strong>ion wasunanimous when membersof Lucknow Branch109 Royal <strong>Canadian</strong>Legion, Hantsport, bestoweda Life Membershipon their secretary,91-year-old ComradeDavid Parsons.Executive membersmet on the morning ofFeb. 5 and First VicePresident Gerald Wilcoxplaced the pin on theproud recipient’s lapel.Comrade Parsons hada long and varied militarycareer. A native of BayRoberts, Newfoundland,Mr. Parsons volunteeredto serve in the Royal <strong>Canadian</strong>Air Force in 1940.A navigator with CoastalCommand and SpecialServices Squadrons, h<strong>is</strong>fields of service includedCanada, England, NorthAfrica, the AtlanticOcean, France andGermany. D<strong>is</strong>chargedwith the rank of Flight-Lieutenant, h<strong>is</strong> medalsinclude: OperationalWings, the 1939-45 Star,the Atlantic Star, NorthAfrican Star, France andGermany Star, the <strong>Canadian</strong>Volunteer ServiceMedal, the Defense ofBriton Medal and theWar Medal.Comrade Parsonsremained active in thelegion, town and communityaffairs.

Spring 2010T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D5Leadership Training Camp set <strong>for</strong> July 26Ronald T. TrowsdaleChairman, LTCPreparations <strong>for</strong> the2010 Leadership TrainingCamp, to be held in Truroare well under way.All Schools andBranches, all D<strong>is</strong>trictCommanders and ZoneCommanders werecontacted directly within<strong>for</strong>mation kits.We are still experiencingdifficulty with anumber of D<strong>is</strong>tricts notparticipating or supportingthe Leadership Camp.Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> a mystery beyondmy comprehension.Some schools, in thesezones, emailed CommandOffice expressing interestand still no LegionMember contacted theseschools.Annual camp held at N.S.Agricultural College, TruroEf<strong>for</strong>ts will continueto combat th<strong>is</strong> strangeattitude.Consequently, the majorityof the D<strong>is</strong>tricts aredoing a great job supportingthe Camp and I w<strong>is</strong>hto express the committee’sappreciation <strong>for</strong> th<strong>is</strong>support.The dates <strong>for</strong> theCamp have caused problems<strong>for</strong> some zones withsome schools in sessionlonger in June. Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> nota provincial policy of theDepartment of Educationand on reviewing th<strong>is</strong>situation, the Camp Staff,who are teachers, stressthat the dates are the onlyones that the Camp canbe held on.I ask all D<strong>is</strong>tricts totry to work around th<strong>is</strong>problem.I ask all Branches to<strong>for</strong>m a Leadership CampCommittee to solicit studentsat their local schoolsto attend the Camp. Th<strong>is</strong>will be done in conjunctionwith the D<strong>is</strong>trict andZone Commanders.I w<strong>is</strong>h to thankColchester Branch 26,Truro, <strong>for</strong> supplying theirflags and Sgt-at-Arms, aswell as Debert Branch 106<strong>for</strong> hosting the karaoke.Comrades, the futuresurvival of your LeadershipCamp <strong>is</strong> in yourhands. I know I can relyon you to make the 2010Camp the biggest ever.I w<strong>is</strong>h to thank MarjLepage, Dianna Blackburn,Cornelia Hatcher,Jack Hatcher, Ron Boyce,Herp Peppard, AlanFahey, the teachers andcouncil members <strong>for</strong>making the Nova Scotia/NunavutCommandLeadership TrainingCamp, which <strong>is</strong> the onlyone of its kind in Canadaa success.The aims of the leadership programThe Legion LeadershipTraining Program ex<strong>is</strong>ts<strong>for</strong> two primary purposes:1. To provide opportunitiesthrough teaching,planning, and conductingprograms whereby thestudents personal leadershippotential may befurther developed.2. To ass<strong>is</strong>t in developingsome of the skillswhich will help themfulfill various leadershiproles in their own schoolor community.EligibilityTo be considered eligibleto attend the LeadershipTraining Camp, theapplicant must be 15, 16or 17 years of age duringthe year of the camp. Beunder the age of 18 as ofSeptember 30 in the programyear. Have completedeither Grade 10 or 11and plan to attend schoolthe following year.“It changed my life completelyand it will <strong>for</strong>ever affectme.” - student.Th<strong>is</strong> year the Campwill be held from Saturday,June 26 to Monday,July 5, 2010.New Service OfficerThe new Command Service Officer <strong>is</strong> BrianRichardson. Comrade Richardson <strong>is</strong> a memberof Windsor Branch 9 and joined the Commandstaff on March 29, 2010. Comrade Richardsonserved 30 years with the <strong>Canadian</strong> Forces andbrings with him experience in management,admin<strong>is</strong>tration, personnel relations, superv<strong>is</strong>ion,training, instruction and operation offacilities and programs. Command PresidentLes Nash would like all members to join him inwelcoming Comrade Richardson to the staff ofNova Scotia /Nunavut Command.29064 5-3

6 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F N O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D Spring 2010An Afghan worker shows up on the jobsite in style14 Construction Engineering Squadronin a post 9/11 environmentBy Captain Gary Silliker14 CES/143 CEFThe attacks of 11 September 2001 by Al-Qaedaupon the USA, one of Canada’s NATO allies, wouldchange the world as most people knew it at that time.The attacks would quickly change the focus andoperational tempo of the <strong>Canadian</strong> Forces (CF) andconcomitantly that of 14 Construction EngineeringSquadron (14 CES). The squadron cons<strong>is</strong>ts of approximately10% regular <strong>for</strong>ce and 90 per cent reserve <strong>for</strong>cemembers and has three sub-units known as ConstructionEngineering Flights (CEF), one each being located in Lunenburg and Pictoucounties in NS and one other located in Gander NL. The squadron headquarters <strong>is</strong>located in Pinegrove, NS, just outside Bridgewater.Prior to the 9/11attacks the squadron had been sending small groups of individuals,usually one to eight members, to international operations or taskings in supportof government of Canada initiatives. 14 CES would soon be tested in supportingcounterinsurgency operations and would see some of their numbers taking part in aWhole of Government (WoG) ef<strong>for</strong>t while employed in stability operations in Afghan<strong>is</strong>tan.Th<strong>is</strong> would create a high operational tempo <strong>for</strong> 14 CES, yet the requirementto recruit train and remain connected with the host communities also neededto be nurtured and maintained. The squadron would r<strong>is</strong>e to the challenge.Prior to the 9/11 event the squadron participated in m<strong>is</strong>sions such as the UN m<strong>is</strong>sionon the Golan Heights, the Multi-<strong>for</strong>ce Observed m<strong>is</strong>sion in the Sinai, and thevarious NATO m<strong>is</strong>sions in the Balkans. They also took on numerous domestic taskingsacross the country and into the high Arctic. Squadron personnel were deployedin early 2008, as part of Op Pontoon, to ass<strong>is</strong>t the citizens of BC in the event of anymajor flooding.The initial request <strong>for</strong> squadron support to the m<strong>is</strong>sion in Southwest Asia came inthe early spring of 2002, when 1 <strong>Canadian</strong> Air Div<strong>is</strong>ion requested that 14 CES <strong>for</strong>mthe nucleus of a deployed camp construction/maintenance unit as part of the newly<strong>for</strong>med National Support Element (NSE) located at the newly constructed “CampMirage”. In July the squadron sent 13 members <strong>for</strong> a 6-month m<strong>is</strong>sion to CampMirage, where as part of the NSE, they would support <strong>Canadian</strong> naval, land, and airoperations in the region. In so doing the squadron found a place in the h<strong>is</strong>tory ofThe second request <strong>for</strong> support to the<strong>Canadian</strong> m<strong>is</strong>sion came in the latespring of 2002 as the battle groupin Afghan<strong>is</strong>tan prepared to re-deployhome to Canada via a Pacific route.MCpl Joe Wynands in ditch securing wire to prevent the Taliban from settingup another IED on our work site in Dand D<strong>is</strong>trict.the <strong>Canadian</strong> air reserve, in that it was the first air reserveunit since WW II to be deployed in support of an internationaloperation.The NSE duties at that time, as they are now, wereprimarily in support of air <strong>for</strong>ce operations, with some ofthe 14 CES personnel providing helpful technical advice tothe Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand AirForce, and the Royal Netherlands Air Force. 14 CES personnel,on th<strong>is</strong> tasking, also flew into Afghan<strong>is</strong>tan <strong>for</strong> shortperiods of time to conduct engineer specific tasks. Thesecond request <strong>for</strong> support to the <strong>Canadian</strong> m<strong>is</strong>sion camein the late spring of 2002 as the battle group in Afghan<strong>is</strong>tan prepared to re-deployhome to Canada via a Pacific route. Two members of the squadron quickly deployedto the tiny <strong>is</strong>land of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to support that ef<strong>for</strong>t. The2002 contribution accounted <strong>for</strong> 11 per cent of the squadron’s personnel strength.One member of 14 CES was deployed to Camp Mirage in 2003 and another in2004 – in both cases they were employed in NSE engineering and maintenance duties.Seven members of 14 CES deployed to the NSE in 2005 and were employedin engineering and log<strong>is</strong>tics functions. That same year a squadron master warrantofficer deployed to the Kabul Multi-National Brigade and was employed at CampJulien in Kabul. While there he was heavily involved in the engineer planning andconsequent construction of facilities <strong>for</strong> the relocation of the <strong>Canadian</strong> contingentto the Kandahar Airfield (KAF). In 2006 the support unit at Camp Mirage, whichhad been re-designated from NSE to the Theatre Support Element (TSE), includedeight personnel from 14 CES who were employed in engineering, log<strong>is</strong>tical andadmin<strong>is</strong>trative duties.In response to a request from 1 <strong>Canadian</strong> Air Div<strong>is</strong>ion in the summer of 2006,the squadron <strong>for</strong>med a Technical Ass<strong>is</strong>tance V<strong>is</strong>it (TAV) team <strong>for</strong> service on theKAF. Normally a TAV deploys <strong>for</strong> a specific purpose and <strong>for</strong> a period of less than60 days – th<strong>is</strong> particular TAV would run <strong>for</strong> over 160 days and be multi-tasked. Theydeployed in October 2006 and returned in February-March 2007. In effect, they werea “surge element” of construction engineers. That TAV cons<strong>is</strong>ted of 17 members of14 CES and was pulled together, trained, equipped and deployed in 56 days.The work of the first TAV was considered “outstanding” by the <strong>Canadian</strong> airContinued on Page 7

Spring 2010T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D7The squadron will be called upon again in the futureContinued from Page 6<strong>for</strong>ce and the <strong>Canadian</strong> Military Engineers branch ofthe CF. To that end the squadron was presented withthe 2007 “Patton-Cunnington Airfield Engineer Trophy”<strong>for</strong> “the successful completion of a project of significantmagnitude”. A captain, from the squadron, alsodeployed to Kandahar that year as part of the EngineerSupport Unit (ESU). The ESU controls all aspects ofconstruction, maintenance, and associated contracting<strong>for</strong> all CF facilities in Kandahar Province, including the<strong>for</strong>ward operating bases. Six percent of the squadron’spersonnel strength was deployed to Southwest Asia in2005 and 19 percent in 2006.Flying from Canada to Iceland to Azerbaijan toAfghan<strong>is</strong>tan, providing close security <strong>for</strong> a plane loadof ammunition which included high explosive artilleryshells, was a duty accepted by two members ofthe squadron in early 2007. That same year saw thedeployment of four squadron members to the KAF onengineering and log<strong>is</strong>tics duties.In 2008 the squadron deployed sixteen personnel, 11per cent of the unit’s personnel strength, to SouthwestAsia.At the KAF, a squadron master warrant officerwas assigned to the ESU, two other members wereemployed in admin<strong>is</strong>trative and transport roles whileone other member was employed in the RegionalCommand South (RC South) HQ intelligence section(RC South <strong>is</strong> the higher NATO HQ <strong>for</strong> southernAfghan<strong>is</strong>tan). Three vehicle technicians from 14 CESwere part of a combat service support unit, primarilyworking “outside the wire” with the battle group whileanother vehicle technician was assigned to the “TacticalUnmanned Aerial Vehicle” (TUAV) unit. Anothersquadron member was deployed to Kabul was partof the <strong>for</strong>ce protection unit which provide security<strong>for</strong> Camp Sutter and close protection <strong>for</strong> the log<strong>is</strong>ticsconvoys moving, via road, throughout the city and area.Six members of 14 CES deployed to the KAF as partof a TAV that was led by 192 CEF (Aldergrove, BC),another reserve construction engineer unit, <strong>for</strong> the periodof 1 November to 15 December 2008. That TAVwas employed erecting transportable aircraft shelters insupport of the <strong>Canadian</strong> air <strong>for</strong>ce operations there. Thesquadron deployed 30 personnel to Jamaica, during themonths of August to October 2008, to support and/or take part in Exerc<strong>is</strong>e Tropical Hammer II. It shouldbe noted that 33 per cent of the squadron’s personnelstrength was deployed on international operations in2008 (SW Asia, France, and Jamaica).In early December 2007 an unofficial staff-checkrequest came from 1 <strong>Canadian</strong> Air Div<strong>is</strong>ion to see if 14CES could pull together team of 15-20 personnel <strong>for</strong> adeployment to Afghan<strong>is</strong>tan in early 2009. The squadronresponded positively and the official tasking arrived atthe headquarters the following spring. 14 CES wouldbe the nucleus of the Construction Management Organization(CMO) <strong>for</strong> troop rotation #7 (Roto-7). Predeploymenttraining was conducted between August2008 and March 2009 at CFBs Kingston, Valcartier,Gagetown, and Wainwright, as well as in Jamaica andFort Bl<strong>is</strong>s Texas. Exerc<strong>is</strong>e Tropical Hammer II, as mentionedabove, trained the squadron members in working<strong>is</strong> austere areas (read “jungle”), working with largenumbers semi-skilled and un-skilled local employees onlabour intensive projects, infantry tactics and drills, andspecial weapons-handling skills That exerc<strong>is</strong>e broughtthe CMO designated personnel to the high readinessposture they required <strong>for</strong> the m<strong>is</strong>sion in Kandahar.The squadron members who were selected andtrained to be part of the CMO deployed to Afghan<strong>is</strong>tanin early April 2009. The majority the CMO personneloperated cons<strong>is</strong>tently “outside the wire” during the periodof April to November. They were embedded withinfantry and armoured units and conducted counter-insurgencyoperations in the Panjwa’i and Dand D<strong>is</strong>trictsof Kandahar Province by planning, implementing andguiding community based “cash-<strong>for</strong>-work” projects thatTea time.improved water supplies, agriculture, flood control andsanitation. The work of the CMO brought hope andtangible improvements to the villages, provided a muchneeded short-term boost in the village economy, andultimately marginalized the influence and the operabilityof the insurgent elements in the region.While the 15 squadron members of the CMO wereconducting somewhat “non-traditional” roles <strong>for</strong> constructionengineers, other members of 14 CES werealso working in their trades in Afghan<strong>is</strong>tan. A squadronmaster warrant officer was located at the <strong>for</strong>ward operatingbase known as Camp Nathan Smith, where hewas employed both as the camp engineer and the campSergeant-Major.Another TAV, led by 14 CES, deployed with 15squadron members to the KAF in mid-May 2009 <strong>for</strong> a72-day period in support of <strong>Canadian</strong> air <strong>for</strong>ce operationsthere. While there, the squadron members erectedstructures known as Expeditionary Forces AircraftShelter System (EFASS). Each EFASS hanger <strong>is</strong> capableof sheltering one CF-47 Chinook helicopter or twoHeron NOCTUA UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).Be<strong>for</strong>e leaving Kandahar <strong>for</strong> Canada, one memberof the TAV volunteered to stay on to work with theengineer unit located at Camp Nathan Smith. Anotherunit member was deployed as part of the admin<strong>is</strong>trativestaff at the task<strong>for</strong>ce headquarters at KAF, whilefive other members of the squadron were deployed toCamp Mirage on engineering duties.The percentage of 14 CES personnel deployedto Southwest Asia, since 2002, clearly demonstratesthe value of the Construction Engineering reserve tothe air <strong>for</strong>ce and the CF. Eleven percent in 2002, sixpercent in 2005, eighteen percent in 2006, fourteen percentin 2007, and eleven percent in 2008. In 2009, the14 CES contribution of personnel to that part of theworld, in support of CF operations, saw a unit “highwatermark” of 27 per cent of the squadron deployed.In late January 2010 the squadron deployed 13 membersto the KAF as part of another TAV in support ofair <strong>for</strong>ce operations. That TAV, much like the last twounit TAVs to the Kandahar Airfield, exemplified why14 CES ex<strong>is</strong>ts – primarily to support <strong>Canadian</strong> air <strong>for</strong>ceoperations on a global scale. The TAV erected moreEFASS shelters and improved/repaired infrastructure<strong>for</strong> the Joint Task Force Afghan<strong>is</strong>tan (JTF-Afg) Wing.An additional four personnel will deployed to SouthwestAsia in the fall of 2010 – a master warrant officerto take on the camp engineer duties at Camp Mirage,another master warrant officer was to the ESU and awarrant officer to the log<strong>is</strong>tics staff at the Task ForceKandahar HQ, and a Sergeant will be assigned to an intelligencesection with Regional Command South HQ.The squadron deployed 10 personnel to Op Podiumin support of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Seven ofthe ten were employed on engineering tasks while theother three were employed in security roles. A lieutenantfrom 14 CES was tasked with establ<strong>is</strong>hing a campto house 250 personnel, with a contingency plan toexpand to 500 if required, and securing the perimeterof the camp with concertina fencing. To support flyingoperations the lieutenant also had to establ<strong>is</strong>h two <strong>for</strong>wardoperating bases <strong>for</strong> a tactical helicopter squadron;set-up a full Quick Reaction Alert area to enable CF-18operations, which included the set-up of three ModularShelter Systems to house the fighter aircraft; and set upand operate a Mobile Expandable Container Configuration(MECC) power plant.One should never <strong>for</strong>get that while 14 CES hasbeen heavily engaged in deploying trained reserv<strong>is</strong>t andregular <strong>for</strong>ce members to the various CF operationsin support of the government of Canada’s ef<strong>for</strong>ts inSouthwest Asia, the squadron’s three flights continueto meet all the demands placed upon them within theirFlight communities at home.The flights continued to recruit, train, and employnew squadron members. They also conducted numerouscommunity support activities by providing theirconstruction skills to enable not-<strong>for</strong>-profit organizationsbuild or renovate structures as well as volunteeringto help charitable organizations like “Chr<strong>is</strong>tmasDaddies” and the <strong>Canadian</strong> Cancer Society.The new “norm” of functioning in a post 9/11environment shall continue to challenge 14 CES in theyears to come – in what <strong>for</strong>um has yet to be determined.Undoubtedly the squadron will be called uponto support other air <strong>for</strong>ce and CF operations in thefuture, be they in response to a threat to domestic security,national sovereignty, natural d<strong>is</strong>asters or whateverthe government of Canada deems necessary.Checking out the livestock.

8 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N DSpring 2010Branch 24 supports mostimproved cadet corpsDan HennesseyBranch 24 PRThe Lieutenant (Navy)June Usher Most ImprovedSea Cadet Corpsin the Maritime Provincestrophy was recentlypresented to 62 NiobeRoyal <strong>Canadian</strong> Sea CadetCorps.Th<strong>is</strong> prestigious award<strong>is</strong> given to the Sea CadetCorps which has demonstratedthey have excelledin improving their standardsin Corps trainingand activities throughoutthe Maritime Provinces.Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> the third time 62Dan HennesseyBranch 24 PRThe love affair thatLunenburg County haswith our veterans <strong>is</strong> aliveand well and was very apparenton February 21 atEmpire Theatres.The Time to Remembervideo project waslaunched on November2, 2009. Throughout thatweek over 2000 schoolchildren enjoyed theincredible stories that 18WWII veterans sharedand were captured onvideo. The one piece thatNiobe RCSCC has wonth<strong>is</strong> most coveted awardsince 1996.During a recent Inter-Corps Drill and SportsCompetition at CFBGreenwood, they earneda spot on the Silent DrillCompetition.Over the March Break,62 Niobe RCSCC spentthe day at the <strong>Canadian</strong>Armed Forces DamageControl School. Everyoneparticipated in firefighting techniques andshoring up a flooded ship.62 Niobe Royal <strong>Canadian</strong>Sea Cadet Corpswas m<strong>is</strong>sing was a publicscreening and that finallytook place mid February.The event had muchof the same pomp andceremony that the officiallaunch had includingmembers of our local Seaand Army Cadets actingas escorts and honourguard. The crowd of over70 enjoyed the pre-showevent and then sat backto enjoy the compilationvideo.The one portion thatwas added <strong>for</strong> th<strong>is</strong> eventwas a question and answerContinued from Page 2Murray remained a Charter Member of Branch 142,he has volunteered on numerous projects and committeesincluding: executive committee, house committee,membership chairman, honours and awards chairman,colour party, turkey shoot committee, poppy sales,sports chairman, fundra<strong>is</strong>ing tickets sales, roast cooking<strong>for</strong> catering auxiliary , etc.meets on a regular bas<strong>is</strong> atthe Bridgewater MemorialArena on Tuesday eveningsfrom 6:30 till 9 p.m.and <strong>is</strong> open <strong>for</strong> recruitmentuntil the end of thetraining year. Girls andboys aged 12 – 18 yearsof age from Bridgewaterand surrounding areas areinvited to join.There are no joiningcosts and all uni<strong>for</strong>ms areprovided by the Corps.Come join the fun andlearn the skills of sailing,air rifle shooting, drill,sports, citizenship, leadershipand good fellowship.session with seven of the18 veterans that took partin the project. Th<strong>is</strong> wasamazing to see the interactionwith the audienceand the vets as well as theinteraction among the veterans,each rememberingthe many stories that weretold and giving their nodof approval to memoriesfrom so long ago.The audience rangedfrom the very young, toMurray’s legion medals: Life Member (Charter)Award, Past Officers Medal, bars <strong>for</strong> Executive-at-Large, Membership, Meritorious Service Medal, PalmLeaf to MSM, 50-Year Member Medal, Legion AnniversaryMedals 50, 60, 75th.On June 14, 2009, Murray passed away. The funeralservice was well attended with uni<strong>for</strong>med comradesof the Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> Legion, Auxiliary members andShown above <strong>is</strong> PO2 Todd Billard, ACA, from the Area Cadet Office atCFB Shearwater, presenting the Lt (N) June Usher Most Improved Sea CadetCorps in the Maritime Provinces trophy to Lt (N) Tina M. Rafuse, CommandingOfficer of 62 Niobe Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> Sea Cadet Corps, Bridgewater,Nova Scotia. Looking on are cadets AB Michael Lapointe and MS DavidRechnitzer.Lunenburg County invited to special video screeningOver 2000 school children enjoyed thestories that WWII veterans shared...members of our own AirfieldEngineering Squadron,to what we will referto as the very mature. Allseemed to enjoy the afternoonimmensely. Prior tothe question and answerportion of the eventRodney Wasicuna, GeneralManager of EmpireTheatres in Bridgewaterwas presented with a Certificateof Appreciationfrom Branch 24 PresdientSonny Hubley, <strong>for</strong> h<strong>is</strong>outstanding contributionto the success of theentire Time to Rememberproject. Those in attendanceleft the theatrethanking the veterans asthey walked by. The otherbig winner <strong>for</strong> the daywas our local food bank.The adm<strong>is</strong>sion fee <strong>for</strong> thescreening was a non per<strong>is</strong>hablefood donation andBranch 24 received over125 lbs. of food alongwith several cash donationswhich were gladlyaccepted by Food Bankpersonnel.If you are interestedin obtaining the completevideo collection, they canbe purchased at Branch24 or they can be orderedonline at www.southshorenow.ca/timetoremember.Our hope at Branch 24<strong>is</strong> to keep these memoriesalive and preserve thetremendous sacrifice thatthese men and womenmade on our behalf somany long years ago.Please take time and thanka veteran.Memorial to Branch 142 founding member Murray FryMasons paying their respects.On November 11, 2009, at the Remembrance Daybanquet and dance, a scrolled plaque commemoratingMurray “Tucker” Fry was presented to Murray’s wifeBetty.The presentation was made by MLA Graham Steeleand Zone Commander Mona Saulnier.

Spring 2010T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D9Memories of war - the lost paybookBy Charles CornwellSubmitted by PatriciaStoneBranch 31 PROIn the spring of 1944,I was serving on boardH.M.S. ULVA, a minesweepingtrawler. Ourflotilla entered Dartmouth(England) harbour <strong>for</strong>some shore leave. My twoshipmates and I caughta ride on the D. S. boat.Once ashore we took abus to Torquay. To cuta long story short, wem<strong>is</strong>sed the last bus backso we started to walk.After a couple of miles,we saw a couple of bikesoutside a pub so we borrowedthem. We arrivedback in Dartmouth wellpast midnight and headed<strong>for</strong> our ship.After an hour we sawa tug alongside a dock.Seeing no one around,we took the dinghy but itcame with just one oar soI had to skull it.Our flotilla wasmoored midstream andwhen we arrived we werechallenged by a quartermasteron a Royal Navydestroyer, who was nothappy with our reply tohim which was “Hardships.”After boarding ourship we let the dinghy gowith the tide.Our flotilla left the harbourat dawn <strong>for</strong> anotherday of sweeping. As wewere coal burners, thatnight, our flotilla enteredPortland Harbour to takeon coal. On our return toDartmouth, we waited tomoor up in midstream. Anaval D. S. boat lay off ofour port side. As soon aswe were secured, a captainrequested to board. Aftera few words with ourskipper, the third officerCharles F. Cornwellsummoned me to reportto our captain’s cabinon the double with mypaybook.After searching mylocker I could not find thepaybook. I reported th<strong>is</strong>to the captain explainingthat I had lost it.The captain started toquestion me about the lasttime I had used it. I saidit must have been the daywhen we went to Torquay.The captain thenopened h<strong>is</strong> briefcase andtook out a paybook. Heasked what the contentswere of my paybook.I told him there was aten shilling note and acondom. He flipped thepaybook open and I sawit was my paybook andeverything was inside.The captain then askedme to explain how mypaybook was found in anabandoned dinghy in theEngl<strong>is</strong>h Channel. I thenhad to tell him how wegot back to Dartmouthand had no way to contactour ship so we borrowedthe dinghy. After he gaveme a lecture on my carelessness,he said he wouldleave my pun<strong>is</strong>hment tomy captain. He d<strong>is</strong>m<strong>is</strong>sedme while the two captainsconferred.I went below to ourmess deck. As a cockyteenager, I wondered whyall the fuss over a dinghy.A few weeks laterI found out why. Ourflotilla hooked up anti-aircraftballoons and left theharbour at action station.Our position was near thesection of barges holdingthe Mullberry Harbour.When the dawn came upit was the most beautifulsight of ships of all sizesfrom the battleships downto the smallest M.T.Bs.After the Air Force andbattleships had fin<strong>is</strong>hedtheir bombardment ofthe beach and landing, wewere to move in. Our shipdropped anchor south ofthe landing area.Shortly after a civilianlaunch manned byAmericans requested totie up and no sooner afterthey had tied up they werepicked up by small landingcraft.Sometime later ourcaptain told us our orderswere to return to convoyduties and to weighanchor. That <strong>is</strong> whenwe d<strong>is</strong>covered there wasnobody on the launch. Wehad to rig up an anchor<strong>for</strong> the launch.For 60 years I wonderedwho those Americanswere but after seeingthe movie “Saving PrivateRyan” could those Americansfrom the launch havebeen that special unit?Com<strong>for</strong>t Bags <strong>for</strong> Camp HillNunavut D<strong>is</strong>trict “G”branches have donated$1000 to the Camp HillCom<strong>for</strong>t Fund to supply30 Veterans Com<strong>for</strong>tBags <strong>for</strong> the Camp Hillveteran’s spouses.The Com<strong>for</strong>t Bags areavailable on each unit <strong>for</strong>the veteran’s spouse use ifhe or she has to stay overnightwhen the veteran <strong>is</strong>gravely ill. Each kit has ablanket, towel, facecloth,tooth brush and toothpaste, soap and container,hairbrush and comb,.kleenex.Each kit can be replen<strong>is</strong>hedafter use. The com<strong>for</strong>tfund also suppliedcots available to be used<strong>for</strong> overnight stays.The veterans thank thebranches from Nunavut,D<strong>is</strong>trict “G”, Iqaluit andRankin Inlet.D<strong>is</strong>trict G Commander John Graham (right)and D<strong>is</strong>trict F Commander Tom Waters, CampHill Legion Representative are showing NovaScotia/Nunavut Executive Council what eachCom<strong>for</strong>t Bag looks like.Poster and essay winnersWinners of the 2009 NS/NU Command Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> Legion RemembranceDay Literacy Poster and Essay Contest included: (l to r) OliviaMay Armsworthy, Brooke Ronna Robinson, NS/NU Zone Commander AlanFahey, Jamie Leigh Webb and Marla McNutt. M<strong>is</strong>sing <strong>is</strong> Haley Ann Julien.Winners advance to the provincial competition through the Dominion Commandin Ottawa.

Spring 2010T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D11Zone 15 hosts Call to Remembrance competitionThe Royal <strong>Canadian</strong>Legion Zone 15 Call toRemembrance Competitionwas held at DieppeBranch 90 in Waverly onApril 1.The Call to Remembrance<strong>is</strong> a programsponsored by the Royal<strong>Canadian</strong> Legion atbranch, zone and provinciallevels. The “Call” wascreated to help ensurethat ancestors of veterans,and <strong>Canadian</strong>s as a whole,understand and value thesacrifices made on theirbehalf in the wars of th<strong>is</strong>century.There were six teamscompeting in the competition:Eastern PassageEducational Centre,Astral Drive Junior High,Georges P. Vanier JuniorHigh, Leslie ThomasJunior High, SackvilleHeights Junior High and,<strong>for</strong> the first time, a cadetteam from 117 Westphal/Preston Army Cadets.The teams compete byanswering questionsabout our <strong>Canadian</strong> Militaryh<strong>is</strong>tory.Teams advanced accordingto the number ofgames they won.Eastern Passage andLeslie Thomas JuniorHigh had two wins andplayed in the championshipround with EPIECwinning the Gold and$300 first prize. LeslieThomas took the Silverand $200. Georges P.Vanier and Astral Drivehad one win each andplayed in the Bronzegame with GeorgesP. Vanier winning theBronze and $100 prize.All participants andadv<strong>is</strong>ors were presentedwith certificates.First place team alsoreceived plaque to be d<strong>is</strong>playedin their school.Zone 15 thanks moderatorHoward D’Arcy,floor manager JohnMacKinnon, host branchDieppe Branch 90 andPresident Jim McLeod,the Ladies Auxiliary,students, adv<strong>is</strong>ors andvolunteers.Eastern Passage Educational Centre took firstplace in the Zone 15 Call To Remembrance competitionheld April 1. The team included studentsRobert Brown, All<strong>is</strong>on Merrick, Shelby Rondeau,Kevin Waite, Alex Wilson, Jason Youn; adv<strong>is</strong>orsJulie Wilson and Jennifer Garnier.Leslie Thomas Jr. High placed second in theZone 15 Call To Remembrance Competition. Theteam included students Jordan Berringer, ColtenCameron, Rachelle Hill, Andre Dav<strong>is</strong>, LeightonCroft and Joseph Green. Team adv<strong>is</strong>or was ColinSteward.Thanks to the dedication of the adv<strong>is</strong>ors, Zone 15 had six teams competein the zone’s Call to Remembrance 2010 competition. The adv<strong>is</strong>ors werepresented with certificates of appreciation: (l to r) Zone 15 Deputy CommanderBob Evans, Astral Drive Jr. High adv<strong>is</strong>or Damian Lukenda, SackvilleHeights Jr. High adv<strong>is</strong>or Paulette Foley, Leslie Thomas Jr. High adv<strong>is</strong>or ColinStewart, Eastern Passage Education Centre adv<strong>is</strong>ors Jennifer Garnier andJulie Wilson, Georges P. Vanier adv<strong>is</strong>or Tim Taylor, RCACC 117 Preston/Westphal adv<strong>is</strong>or Lacy Lescaudron, Zone 15 Commander Val Hawley.

12 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D Spring 2010Around The Island ......with Jean Marie Deveaux( l ro r) Service Officer Marc Gautier accepts a parting gift fromCommand President Les Nash.Joe MacNeil, managerof Veterans AffairsSydney office was honouredby the Cape BretonD<strong>is</strong>trict on March 21.Comrade MacNeil hasbeen a steadfast supporterof all veterans. He andh<strong>is</strong> staff go above and beyondto keep the D<strong>is</strong>trictand veterans in<strong>for</strong>med ofchanges in programs andnew programs affectingarea veterans.Our lia<strong>is</strong>on officers,comrades Simpson andSampson meet with Joeevery six weeks to go overnew developments in veteransprograms. He holdsin<strong>for</strong>mation sessions witharea Service Officers tokeep them in<strong>for</strong>med andup to date. The D<strong>is</strong>trictpresented Joe with a NovaScotia Crystal clock inthe shape of a maple leafas a token of thanks andrespect <strong>for</strong> a great friendof the veteran. It <strong>is</strong> ourhonour and privilegeto be associated with aperson such as comradeMacNeil.The D<strong>is</strong>trict meetsevery third Sunday of themonth. The short in<strong>for</strong>mationsessions givenby D<strong>is</strong>trict CommanderMartens are being wellreceived by the delegates.It’s nice to see the DominionPresident, ComradeWilf Edmond attendas a delegate from h<strong>is</strong>little branch in Donkin.President Edmond <strong>is</strong> avery busy man and weappreciate him taking thetime to attend wheneverhe <strong>is</strong> in the area.D<strong>is</strong>trict CommanderTed Martens and Firstvice of NS/NU CommandJean Marie Deveauxgave presentations at aLeadership & DevelopmentSession held atJohn Bernard Croak VCBranch # 003, Glace Bayon April 9 and a sessionat Branch # 012 Sydneyon April 10. A wide rangeof topics were d<strong>is</strong>cussed.There were 70 branchmembers in attendancerepresenting 16 branches.Comrade Nils Adamssonof L’Ardo<strong>is</strong>e Branch #110 was the winner ofthe even-split. Our thanksgo to all who participatedand to both branches <strong>for</strong>their wonderful hospitality.( l to r) D<strong>is</strong>trict Commander Ted Martens talks around Secretary/TreasurerShamus O’Karrel and Zone 4 Commander George Nash as they prepare<strong>for</strong> the Cape Breton A D<strong>is</strong>trict meeting in March.After the session onFriday, I took the opportunityto attend the weeklyFriday night supper atBranch # 008, SydneyMines. What a great mealand great service. Thesuppers are very popular,so if you are in the area,it’s worth it to stop atthe branch between 3-6on Friday <strong>for</strong> a delicioushome cooked meal. Complimentsto the excellentcooks and their wait staff.I want to w<strong>is</strong>h everyonesafe travels and havea great convention as weall head to Winnipeg <strong>for</strong>the 43rd Dominion Convention.Don’t <strong>for</strong>get toattend Nova Scotia/NunavutNight and get thosegive aways ready to go.( l to r) DVA Sydney manager Joe MacNeil acceptsa thank you gift from D<strong>is</strong>trict CommanderTed Martens.

Spring 2010T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D13Prayer <strong>for</strong> a<strong>brave</strong> <strong>Canadian</strong>Submitted by Sam KarrelF/0 RCAFDuring the Italian campaign, WWII, 1943-1945, the <strong>Canadian</strong> Armed Forces had a weeklynewspaper called the “Maple Leaf.”We eagerly looked <strong>for</strong>ward to reading thenews of other units, news from home and thecartoon “Herbie.” To say the least, it was amorale booster.In one <strong>is</strong>sue, there was a <strong>prayer</strong> written by thelate Major Alex Campbell OC “A” Company,Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment.I think it says what we all felt, officers andNCO’s alike.Major Campbell was killed in actionChr<strong>is</strong>tmas Day, Dec. 25, 1943, at the Battle ofOrtona.I am <strong>for</strong>warding th<strong>is</strong> <strong>prayer</strong> to you with hopesit will be publ<strong>is</strong>hed in “The Torch” in honour ofa <strong>brave</strong> <strong>Canadian</strong> soldier who gave the supremesacrifice.Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>prayer</strong> was written by Major AlexCampbell, during a lull in battle. MajorCampbell was O.C. of “A” Company, Hastingsand Prince Edward Regiment. He was killed inaction on December 25, 1943 at The Battle ofOrtona in Italy.Prayer Be<strong>for</strong>e BattleBy Major Alex CampbellWhen ‘neath the rumble of the guns,I lead my men against the Huns,‘T<strong>is</strong> then I fell so all alone and weak andscared,And oft I wonder how I dared,Accept the task of leading men.I wonder, worry, fret and then I pray,Oh God! Who prom<strong>is</strong>e oftTo humble men a l<strong>is</strong>tening ear,Now in my spirit’s troubled state,Draw near, dear God, draw near, draw near.Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> Legion Branch 38, Liverpool, Nova Scotia recently hosted the Sgt. Betty MacAdamsMemorial Darts Tournament. Over 70 people made up 18 mixed teams (two men and two women).(top photo) 1st place honors went to Delly Wentzell, Ronnie Williams, Donna Wamboldt and KyleHimmelman ; (second from top) second place winners were Billy, Debbie and Jamie Hanson andTara Williams; (third from top) third place winners were Charlotte Parks, Mike Hupman, ClarenceWalthers and Pam Roy; (bottom photo) Taking Woman’s high category was Susan Chouinard andWoman’s take out was Rose Mansfield. Men’s high winner was Aaron Rogers and Men’s take outwent to Jamie Hanson. Eileen Cantelo <strong>is</strong> shown presenting the cash prizes and the trophy to all thewinners.Make me more willing to obey,Help me to merit my command,And if th<strong>is</strong> be my fatal day,Reach out, Oh God, Thy Guiding Hand,And lead me down that deep, dark vale.These men of mine must never knowHow much afraid I really am,Help me to lead them in the fightSo they will say, “He was a man.”

14 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F N O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D Spring 2010Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command Dart Championship Open Doubles champs: (l to r) Sheldon Fudgeand Kevin Boylan (Runners-up from New Ross Branch 79), David Andrews (President of Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command Darts), Jerry Myles and Chr<strong>is</strong> Steiger (winners from Centennial Branch 160).Open Team Winners from Cala<strong>is</strong> Branch 162 (l to r) Lew Franc<strong>is</strong>, Dave Cameron, Mark MacIsaac,Willie MacIsaac and David Andrews (President of Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command Darts)Open Singles(l to r) John Degrouchy(Runner-up from PortHawkesbury Branch43), Nova Scotia/NunavutCommand PresidentLes Nash, ChesterMacKenzie (winnerfrom MacDonald MemorialBranch 156)2010 CommandDart ResultsDavid AndrewsThe NS/NU Command Open Darts Championshipswere held at Branch 151, East Bay on March 13and 14.It was great to see 12 Zones from our Commandrepresented th<strong>is</strong> year.The quality of play th<strong>is</strong> year was of the same qualitythat we have come to expect every year with a numberof players reporting high starts, fin<strong>is</strong>hes, and scoresthroughout the weekend. Perfect scores of 180 werequite common also with one player reg<strong>is</strong>tering six inone afternoon, nice darts Dave Cameron.As far as comradeship was concerned, it was a pleasureto be a part of th<strong>is</strong> weekend tournament. It wasgreat to work with everyone and the players involved.On behalf of the players I w<strong>is</strong>h to congratulate ourhosts on a very well organized event. A special thanksto Warren and Diane Boudreau, <strong>for</strong> all of their hardwork, early mornings and late evenings. To the LadiesAuxiliary, the breakfasts and lunches were wonderful,thank you.To the staff of Branch 151, you were very quick toserve and ass<strong>is</strong>t when needed. I would like to especiallyacknowledge the head bartender, Sherry, you wentabove and beyond, working all day and evening Saturdayand back again early Sunday morning. Thank you.All in all I can’t do any more than say thanks to everyonethat was there. The players, spouses, volunteersand staff, it took all of you to make th<strong>is</strong> tournament thesuccess it was.L<strong>is</strong>ted below are the players who will be representingus at the Dominion Championships in Chester in May.Also l<strong>is</strong>ted are the individual award winners and ourCommand runners-up.NS/Nu Command DartsTournament ResultsSingles results – Winner – Chester MacKenzie –MacDonald Memorial Br 156Runner – up – John Degrouchy – Springhill Br 17High Score – Kevin Boylan 140 (4 others tied)High Start - John Morgan 160High Fin<strong>is</strong>h – Chester MacKenzie 170180’s - Chester MacKenzie, John Morgan, KevinBoylanDoubles results – Winners -- Cenntenial Br 160Jerry Myles, Chr<strong>is</strong> SteigerRunners – up – New Ross Br 79 - Kevin Boylan,Sheldon FudgeHigh Score – Jim MacDonald 177High Start - Tom Lloyd 160High Fin<strong>is</strong>h – Daniel Munroe 120180’s - Jim MacDonald (2), Daniel Munroe, TerryRose, Allen Bent, Tom LloydTeam Results – Winners – Cala<strong>is</strong> Br 162 -Willie MacIsaac, Mark MacIsaac, David Cameron,Lew<strong>is</strong> Franc<strong>is</strong>Runners-up - Port Hawkesbury Br. 43 - Cory Symes,Eric Embree, Robert L Harr<strong>is</strong>on, Jason ReidHigh Start – David Cameron - 160 (4)High Score – Darrell MacLeod – 177High Fin<strong>is</strong>h – Dave Smith – 108180’s – Donald MacKenzie, John Degrouchy,David Cameron (6), Sheldon Fudge, Don Calder,Derrick Taylor, Gary Robichaud, Corey Symes,Willie MacIsaac, Jim MacDonald

Spring 2010T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D15Zone and Branch newssComrade Glen Alexander, of Branch 34, <strong>is</strong>shown presenting the legion’s annual $1000donation to the 219 Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> Army CadetCorps of New Glasgow: (l to r) MCPL Joel Goodwin,LCM Savannah MacDonald, Glen Alexander,Capt. Ross Bland.Branch 142 President Neil Landry presents the65-Year-Service Award to Comrade James Hallof Branch 13.Winners of the Zone 14 Cribbage Tournamentheld at the Fairview Legion were FrankWoodworth (above right) and Peter Dillman(above left) who represented Elmsdale LegionBranch 48. They, along with nine other teamsfrom the Zone, earned the right to go on toWestville Legion in April to compete with otherprovincial teams <strong>for</strong> the Maritime championship.Above, they receive their trophy from Zone 14Sports Officer Mike McLean.Elroy Geddes and Flo Morr<strong>is</strong>on were awardedthe MSM and the MSA at Colchester Branch 26awards meeting in January.(l to r) Comrade Roddie MacDonald M.M. <strong>is</strong>presented with h<strong>is</strong> 65-Year Long Service Pin byArras Branch 59 President Tom Hanway.Congratulations to Phyll<strong>is</strong> Bennett (aboveright) on reaching 100 years of age. Phyll<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong>the mother of Zone 14 Commander Mona Saulnierand Past President of Atlantic Branch.In March, Fairview Legion was pleased to host theVeterans from Camp Hill and the local nursing homesin their area.During th<strong>is</strong> v<strong>is</strong>it, a presentation was made to ComradeJames Hall. He was presented with a 65th yearservice award. Comrade Hall <strong>is</strong> a member of Cornwall<strong>is</strong>Branch 13.Comrade Hall <strong>is</strong> a veteran of WWII having servedin the navy from 1940-1942. During a conversationAt the Zone 14 board meeting, ComradeBetty Neville <strong>is</strong> shown being sworn in as thenew secretary by acting Zone 14 Sgt. at ArmsComrade Art Gilbert.Zone 14 newshe stated that, at one time, he was involved in a coll<strong>is</strong>ionbetween two ships in which three lives were lost.Comrade Hall first joined the Dr. Collins Branchin East St. John, NB, and then transferred to Cornwall<strong>is</strong>Branch and he has held the position of branchpresident. He also became very active in the PoppyCampaign during the years.Comrade Hall now resides at Parkstone NursingHome.Above, Zone 13 D<strong>is</strong>trict E Commander FrankWells presents Comrade Bert Wallace with a Certificateof Merit during h<strong>is</strong> 90th birthday celebration.

16 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F N O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D Spring 2010Zone and Branch newssWWII veteran Harold Martell was presentedwith a plaque by Branch 150 President Paul Samsonin appreciation of h<strong>is</strong> dedicated support ofBranch 150 activities and <strong>for</strong> h<strong>is</strong> long and fruitfulservice as chairman of the branch’s Sick & V<strong>is</strong>itingCommittee, a group that regularly v<strong>is</strong>its veteranswho are in hospital and/or unable to leavetheir homes due to illness or d<strong>is</strong>abilities. Also inphoto <strong>is</strong> Branch 150 Treasurer Joan Clannon.Branch 22, Bear River recently presented theGladys and Marshall Wheelhouse memorial Bursariesto Kyle Trimper, and Erin Cress. (above l tor) Branch 22 President Ernie Ryan, Kyle Trimper,and Erin Cress.On February 1, a special church service andfundra<strong>is</strong>er <strong>for</strong> the d<strong>is</strong>aster-stricken peopleof Haiti was held at Our Lady of AssumptionChurch in Arichat. Branch 150 participated inth<strong>is</strong> event with its Colour Party, many branchmembers as well as Ladies Auxiliary membersparticipating in full Legion dress. Th<strong>is</strong> wasfollowed up with $500 donation from Branch150 ($250 from the branch and $250 from theLadies Auxiliary) to the <strong>Canadian</strong> Red CrossHaitian Earthquake Relief Fund. (top photo lto r) Isle Madame Branch 150 President PaulSamson, Red Cross representative DoreenBoudreau and Branch Treasurer Joan Clannon;(bottom l to r) Isle Madame Branch150 LadiesAuxiliary President Winnie Bungay, Red CrossRepresentative Doreen Boudreau, and LadiesAuxiliary Treasurer Dianne Samson.The Colour Party from Branch 20 looks on asElder Agnes Potter brings greetings from BearRiver First Nation during Annual Flag Day servicesat Digby Regional High School in February.Zone Commander Cmd. Carol Sabean recentlypresented a certificate and a cheque to KaylaBalser of Freeport. Kayla’s essay placed second inthe Intermediate Group in NS/NU Command’sRemembrance Day Literary Contest. Kayla <strong>is</strong> agrade 9 student at Islands Consolidated School,Freeport. (above l to r) Cmd. Eric Albright PresidentCarpiquet Branch 92, Freeport, Kayla Balser,Zone 11 Commander Carol Sabean.Vernon Shay and Auxiliary President LindaSlack are shown with the slicer which the DebertBranch 106 Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> Legion Ladies Auxiliarypurchased <strong>for</strong> the branch kitchen in memoryof Judy Shay who was an Honourary Member ofthe Auxiliary. The citation under her photo readsin part: “Many a roast and turkey did she slicein th<strong>is</strong> kitchen. She <strong>is</strong> m<strong>is</strong>sed very much by all ofus.”2009 was a very good year <strong>for</strong> Isle MadameBranch 150 Ladies Auxiliary with their bingo,community breakfasts and wedding receptionsadding to their bottom line. As a result the LadiesAuxiliary presented the parent Branch with acheque <strong>for</strong> $15,000, a gesture that was muchappreciated and needed as Branch 150 has beendealing with declining revenues while having tocarry out repairs to its facility. Above, Branch 150President Paul Samson and Treasurer Joan Clannonare shown accepting the cheque from LadiesAuxiliary Past President Aurine Richard and TreasurerDianne Samson.Cmd Bea Cauet was presented with a watch<strong>for</strong> bringing in new members to Branch 20, Digby,af the Zone 11 Rally recently held at Branch22, Bear River. (l to r) Zone 11 Commander CarolSabean. Cmd. Bea Cauet, and Commander D<strong>is</strong>trictD, NS/NU Command Dave Geddes,

18 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F N O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D Spring 2010Zone and Branch newssCala<strong>is</strong> Branch 162 welcomed new members at their January meeting:(back l to r) Bernard Boudreau, Tom LeBlanc, Calvin Pearce, AlphonseBenoit, Guy Provencal; (front l to r) Paul Boudreau, Heather Boudreau, BettyTh<strong>is</strong>tle, Linda Pearce, Richard Pellerine.The Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> Legion Arras Branch 59 Ladies Auxiliary <strong>is</strong> the onlyactive auxiliary in Zone 5. Auxiliary President Ida Borden (left) and LegionPresident Tom Hanway (right) honoured the longest serving Ladies Auxiliarymembers Veronica Bowie (1956), Merle Taylor (Legion member since1983)and Margaret Briand (1985).Cala<strong>is</strong> Branch 162 welcomed new members at their December, 2009meeting: (l to r) Florence Tokic, Linda Bourbonna<strong>is</strong>, Ginette Seguin andNancy MacNeil.Cala<strong>is</strong> Branch 162 welcomed new members at their October, 2009 meeting:(l to r) Wilhelmina Buffett, Linda Duffy, Sharon Fleet and Shirley Gale.Merchant Navy Veteran Comrade Norman Crewe of Branch 142 andJack Hatcher, treasurer of NS/NU Command, are shown laying a wreath atthe Grand Parade cenotaph to mark the passing of an era - WW1.Cala<strong>is</strong> Branch 162 welcomed new members at their December meeting:(l to r) Chr<strong>is</strong>tine Whitehead, Colleen Richard and Thomas Colbourne.On March 26, The Ladies Auxiliary of Royal <strong>Canadian</strong> Legion Branch38, Liverpool, NS hosted a TGIF turkey supper. It <strong>is</strong> well known in the areawhat a great bunch of cooks these ladies are, and the supper was sold outwithin 45 minutes. As you can tell by the line-up of hungry people the supperwas well received in the community. The people were lined up acrossthe room and down the hall, even after the tables were filled up. Legionmember, Sayward Carver <strong>is</strong> shown taking h<strong>is</strong> meal to a table to enjoy.

20 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FN O V A S C O T I A / N U N A V U T C O M M A N D Spring 2010The team from Bed<strong>for</strong>d Branch 95 took first place in the annual NS/NUCommand Cribbage tournament held recently at the Truro Legion: (l to r)Hardee Lawrence, Daphne Nauss, Barb Walton and Doug Dahr.At the Volunteerthank you supper atRoyal <strong>Canadian</strong> LegionBranch 16 Pictou,Ladies Auxiliary TreasurerMarie Pettipaspresented a $2000cheque, toward a newrefridgerator, to PresidentWilliam Dawson.(Top photo) Comrades of Cape Breton D<strong>is</strong>trict “A” attend the presentationsgiven by D<strong>is</strong>trict Commander Ted Martens and First Vice NS/NUCommand Jean Marie Deveaux at the Leadership and Development Sessionat Branch 12 in Sydney on April 10. (Bottom) Comrades at the Leadershipand Development Session held at Branch 3 Glace Bay on April 9.29067 5-329262 5-3