Asking for assistance

[Perry Kitson]

Hi Jordan,

I hope things are getting better for you and your family. It really is shameful our government does not fund the military the way it should be. Canada is hosting an international SAR EX in Hamilton shortly. Of the four types of aircraft that the Canadians fly for SAR, Hercules, Buffalo(fixed wing), Cormorant and Griffon(rotary wing), we could only send a Herc and a Griffon. The other two had no available aircraft because of maintanence and low airframe hours before maintenance(also know as no money in the budget!). Not a very good showing. It took the 1 CAD commander to step in and remove aircraft from operational units to send to the EX, probably taking those aircraft from SAR duties, and leaving those units nuetered, to avoid the embarassment of having the invited countries asking why we did not send a full compliment of aircraft that have very different duties and capabilities. We have some of the best trained and dedicated people serving in our military. They deserve much better. Welcome to Canada.

Perry