Canada in Afghanistan - Page 6

Darrell Zinck · #**151** 15-10-06, 20:12

Hi Geoff

Does this qualify for this thread?

Ole Jack Layton ~ Thoughts From A Soldier

Dear Jack Layton,

You sit there in your quiet home, no fear is in your heart,
You sleep soundly certain that it won't be blown apart.

Your children they can go to school and play out in the park,
They've never seen a bomb explode, heard air raids in the dark.

They've never seen dead bodies piled up on the street,
Your wife, she won't be beaten, treated like a piece of meat.

You are free to form opinions, read any news print you can see,
You enjoy your rights and privileges in this country wide and free.

The reason you can live like that is because I fight your wars,
I fight and push the enemy back, I keep them off our shores.

I am here and you are there pretending you know best.
Well Ole Jack now listen close while I get this off my chest.

You have the right to criticize, you have the right to complain
You don't have the right to drag me down in a stupid political game.

The thing about your rights Ole Jack, the part you can't comprehend
Is you work in the very system, the democracy I defend.

I stand on fences around the world protecting those that need it,
It is not for you to determine Jack whether or not it's worth it.

Ask the people in Afghanistan if they want me to stay,
Women and children depend on me - you say just walk away.

I don't need your changing policy, trying hard to not lose face,
What I need is you behind me, helping protect this place.

You know its hard to do this when I think I'm all alone.
I hear stories of young punks pissing on memorial stones.

I read the papers over here and they tell me what is said.
Canadians are losing faith I can't get it through my head.

You say that it is hopeless, it really brings me down
Don't tell my mother we're losing, don't spread that rumour around.

I'm doing good, were winning here but no-one will believe
Because we are way over here where no one there can see.

Women here can work you see, children starting school.
We built a working government, we've broken Taliban rule.

We are so close to winning this, it's not too far away
History will show that we were in the right to stay.

When that brilliant day arrives, victory you'll claim is ours
You'll forget you said to run away - forget you are a coward.

On that day just thank me for my courage and my trouble,
Find another place that needs help, and send me on the double.

written by Josh Forbes Calgary Alberta

regards
Darrell

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #**152** 15-10-06, 20:28

No complaints from this boy, Darrell.

Darrell Zinck · #**153** 18-10-06, 14:48

Quote:

Originally posted by pkitson
...are there any decent photos of the Leopards that are going to Afganistan out there. I have seen one rear photo and it looked as though there has been a sustantial addition of reactive armour to the hull front and turret. Any info?
Perry

Hi Perry

Is this the pic you saw?

regards Darrell

Darrell Zinck · #**154** 18-10-06, 15:20

Hi Geoff

Maybe this can be moved to "Post-WW2 veh" topic? Let's say that I'll shortly be in a position to update this thread.

regards
Darrell

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #**155** 18-10-06, 18:42

An interesting article on the Dragoons in Afghanistan --

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...t11&pr=showAll

Darrell Zinck · #**156** 18-10-06, 19:06

Hi Geoff

Thanks for that. You're right; it is interesting.

My old Sqn.

Oh, and it's "Armoured", Mr Workman, not armored and the RCD were not, repeat not, in the Normandy Campaign.

regards
Darrell

#**157** 18-10-06, 23:00

Hi Darrell,
Not the same photo, but similar angle. I was interested in the add-on armour. Any additional photos would be great. I take it you will be using lots of cannister over there?
Thanks for the photo.
Perry

John McGillivray · #**158** 19-10-06, 00:19

There are six photos of the Taurus and Leopard C2 arriving in Kandahar on Combat Camera.

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

Darrell Zinck · #**159** 19-10-06, 14:13

Hi Perry

Quote:

...I take it you will be using lots of cannister over there?...

Not me personally as I'll not be in a line job for my tour, but where I'll be working will allow me to keep tabs on what's happening with the Armour over there.

For now please see this un-official DND site:
http://www.sfu.ca/casr/bg-leopard-afghan.htm
where they discuss ammo and other Leo/Afghanistan related topics.

regards
Darrell

chris vickery · #**160** 19-10-06, 16:04

Does anyone know where the leopards were shipped out from?
My reason for the question; I was driving south from Northern Ontario approx 2 or 3 weeks ago when I met up with a convoy of float trucks carrying leopards north. This was on Hwy #11 between North Bay ON and Kirkland Lake, ON.
I was suprised as it's not something you see everyday, too bad I didn't have my camera handy...

servicepub (RIP) · #**161** 19-10-06, 16:26

Wonder how much the USAF charge DND to move the Leopards?

Darrell Zinck · #**162** 19-10-06, 18:23

Quote:

Originally posted by chris vickery
Does anyone know where the leopards were shipped out from?
My reason for the question; I was driving south from Northern Ontario approx 2 or 3 weeks ago when I met up with a convoy of float trucks carrying leopards north. This was on Hwy #11 between North Bay ON and Kirkland Lake, ON.
I was suprised as it's not something you see everyday, too bad I didn't have my camera handy...

Hi Chris

Possibly Leos moving from Gagetown to Edmonton??

I dunno.

regards
Darrell

Bill Mulholland · #**163** 19-10-06, 20:51

Darrell; Actually from Ottawa to Edmonton.
Bill

Alex Blair (RIP) · #**164** 19-10-06, 20:57

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Mulholland
Darrell; Actually from Ottawa to Edmonton.
Bill

Hi Bill..
Good to see you back on board..
Any trips coming up??
The girls at Gracies keep asking about you..
It must be time for a visit to straighten them up here..
I know the ROTTERS must all be getting ready for a gather up..
We need some East Coast input for next years activities..

Darrell Zinck · #**165** 19-10-06, 21:10

Hi Bill

Thanks for the clarification.

Will this link work?
http://www.armee.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/6_1.asp
There's a video of the Leos being loaded onto Antonov 124s in Edmonton.

regards
Darrell

chris vickery · #**166** 20-10-06, 15:38

It would make sense going from Ottawa. I'm sure the convoy I saw came up Hwy 60 or 17 across through Petawawa.

Pauline St Denis · #**167** 21-10-06, 01:25

feelings on war
Hi, Ever since I found this web page I have been thinking about war a lot. I'm sure they had wars in the pre-historic times and they are still at it. I can sense the next one already brewing, North Korea? What I have been thinking about the most is I am wondering how the vets from previous wars are taking this one [is it a war].
I agree with the way they are treating the dead, sending each home to be buried. We have had three local men from Thunder Bay killed. I just can't help but think about the carnage of the world wars and the way the dead were treated. I realize that the sheer number of the dead would have made the present day treatment of the dead impossible.
Does anyone reading this have the same feelings? Does anyone think that wars will ever end? Is it my imagination or do the governments of countries start thinking of starting a war before the one that is in progress ends?
I hope my thoughts make sense to whoever might read this. There are many things that I don't understand and war is one of them but I do understand that when there is aggression it is up to all who can to fight that aggression. Thank God we have brave men and Women that are not afraid to stand up against evil in all its' forms.
God bless the veterans of all the wars!
Pauline

Darrell Zinck · #**168** 27-10-06, 19:15

Hi

Things are looking up in Afghanistan!!!

regards
Darrell

Darrell Zinck · #**169** 27-10-06, 19:17

One more

Alex Blair (RIP) · #**170** 28-10-06, 00:52

As I read this article ,the story of Sergeant Michael Thomas Victor Denine, M.M.V., C.D.,reminded me of the similiarity of the act of bravery of Audie Murphy,during WW2 for which he was awarded the Medal Of Honor......
Theis is a tremendous story and makes me glad I am wearing red this Friday...

Governor General announces the first-ever awarding of Military Valour Decorations
OTTAWA, Oct. 27 /CNW Telbec/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable
Michaelle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, announced
today the awarding of the first four Military Valour Decorations to members of
the Canadian Forces who have displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in
combat.
The recipients will be invited to receive their decoration from the
Governor General at a presentation ceremony to be held at a later date.
Military Valour Decorations are national honours awarded to recognize
acts of valour, self-sacrifice or devotion to duty in the presence of the
enemy. They consist of the Victoria Cross, the Star of Military Valour and the
Medal of Military Valour. This marks the first time that these decorations,
which were created in 1993, have been awarded.

Note that the rank used in this document reflects the substantive rank
held by the member at the time of the incident.

<<
Star of Military Valour
-----------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name Current posting and hometown
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sergeant Patrick Tower, S.M.V, C.D. Edmonton, Alta., and Victoria, B.C.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Medal of Military Valour
------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name Current posting and hometown
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sergeant Michael Thomas Victor Edmonton, Alta.
Denine, M.M.V., C.D.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Master Corporal Collin Ryan Shilo, Man., and Morrisburg, Ont.
Fitzgerald, M.M.V.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Private Jason Lamont, M.M.V. Edmonton, Alta., and Greenwood, N.S.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The citations for the recipients (Annex A), as well as additional
information on the Military Valour Decorations (Annex B) are attached.

Annex A
-------

Sergeant Patrick Tower, S.M.V., C.D.
Edmonton, Alberta, and Victoria, British Columbia
Star of Military Valour

Sergeant Tower is recognized for valiant actions taken on August 3, 2006,
in the Pashmul region of Afghanistan. Following an enemy strike against an
outlying friendly position that resulted in numerous casualties, Sergeant
Tower assembled the platoon medic and a third soldier and led them across 150
metres of open terrain, under heavy enemy fire, to render assistance. On
learning that the acting platoon commander had perished, Sergeant Tower
assumed command and led the successful extraction of the force under
continuous small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Sergeant Tower's
courage and selfless devotion to duty contributed directly to the survival of
the remaining platoon members.

Sergeant Michael Thomas Victor Denine, M.M.V., C.D.
Edmonton, Alberta
Medal of Military Valour

Sergeant Denine deployed with 8 Platoon, C Company, 1 PPCLI during
Operation ARCHER in Afghanistan. On May 17, 2006, while sustaining
concentrated rocket-propelled grenade, machine gun and small arms fire, the
main cannon and the machine gun on his light armoured vehicle malfunctioned.
Under intense enemy fire, he recognized the immediate need to suppress the
enemy fire and exited the air sentry hatch to man the pintle-mounted machine
gun. Completely exposed to enemy fire, he laid down a high volume of
suppressive fire, forcing the enemy to withdraw. Sergeant Denine's valiant
action ensured mission success and likely saved the lives of his crew.

Master Corporal Collin Ryan Fitzgerald, M.M.V.
Shilo, Manitoba, and Morrisburg, Ontario
Medal of Military Valour

Master Corporal Fitzgerald deployed with 5 Platoon, B Company, 1 PPCLI
Battle Group in Afghanistan. He is recognized for outstanding selfless and
valiant actions carried out on May 24, 2006, during an ongoing enemy ambush
involving intense, accurate enemy fire. Master Corporal Fitzgerald repeatedly
exposed himself to enemy fire by entering and re-entering a burning platoon
vehicle and successfully driving it off the roadway, permitting the remaining
vehicles trapped in the enemy zone to break free. Master Corporal Fitzgerald's
courageous and completely selfless actions were instrumental to his platoon's
successful egress and undoubtedly contributed to saving the lives of his
fellow platoon members.

Private Jason Lamont, M.M.V.
Edmonton, Alberta, and Greenwood, Nova Scotia
Medal of Military Valour

Private Lamont deployed with the Health Support Services Company, 1 PPCLI
Battle Group during Operation ARCHER. On July 13, 2006, an element of the
reconnaissance platoon came under heavy enemy fire from a compound located in
Helmand Province, Afghanistan, and was isolated from the rest of the platoon.
During the firefight, another soldier was shot while attempting to withdraw
back to the firing line and was unable to continue. Without regard for his
personal safety, Private Lamont, under concentrated enemy fire and with no
organized suppression by friendly forces, sprinted through open terrain to
administer first aid. Private Lamont's actions demonstrated tremendous
courage, selflessness and devotion to duty.
>>

Annex B
-------

The three Military Valour Decorations, namely the Victoria Cross, the
Star of Military Valour and the Medal of Military Valour, were created by Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, on January 1, 1993. The
Decorations may be awarded posthumously.

The Victoria Cross is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery, a daring
or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to
duty, in the presence of the enemy.

The Star of Military Valour is awarded for distinguished and valiant
service in the presence of the enemy.

The Medal of Military Valour is awarded for an act of valour or devotion
to duty in the presence of the enemy.

Anyone can propose a nomination for the Military Valour Decorations. If a
member of our Canadian Forces meets the criteria, submission will be made
through the member's chain of command for consideration by the Military Valour
Decorations Advisory Committee, and the Governor General. For all three
Military Valour Decorations, recipients must be a member of the Canadian
Forces or a member of an allied armed force that is serving with, or in
conjunction with, the Canadian Forces, on or after January 1, 1993.
Shortly after the beginning of Canadian involvement in Afghanistan, it
was established that the basic conditions for the awarding of the Decorations
were met. The gallant actions of Canadian Forces members in the face of
increased hostilities in recent months have provided the occasion to award
them.

For further information: Media information: Lucie Brosseau, Rideau Hall
Press Office, (613) 998-0287; Media Liaison Office: Department of National,
Defence, (613) 996-2353 or (613) 996-2354; Public information: Chancellery of
Honours, 1-800-465-6890

Alex Blair (RIP) · #**171** 28-10-06, 00:57

Governor General announces 24 Mentions in Dispatches and 27 Meritorious Service Decorations
OTTAWA, Oct. 27 /CNW Telbec/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable
Michaelle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, announced
today the awarding of 24 Mentions in Dispatches and 27 Meritorious Service
Decorations (military division) to individuals whose specific achievements
have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.
The recipients will be invited to receive their decoration or insignia at
presentation ceremonies to be held at a later date. The citations for these
awards will be published at a later date.
Note that the rank used in this document reflects the substantive rank
held by the member at the time of the incident.

<<
To receive Mentions in Dispatches:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mentions in Dispatches Current Posting Home Town
---------------------- --------------- ---------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Master-Corporal Niall B. Anthony Edmonton, AB Edmonton, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sergeant Jaime Richard Bradley Edmonton, AB Cornerbrook, NL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Private RyanAndrew Carter Shilo, MB Onion Lake,SK
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lieutenant-Commander Peter John
Clifford Victoria, BC Ottawa, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporal Clark Alexander Cummings Shilo, MB Ottawa, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Master-Corporal Jason John Cuppage Shilo, MB Barrie, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Private Kevin Yves Royal Dallaire
(posthumous) Edmonton, AB Calgary, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporal Jeffrey Allan Fehr Shilo, MB Winnipeg, MB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Master-Corporal Jason Neil Froude Shilo, MB Brown's Arm, NL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporal Jason Joe Edmonton, AB Winnipeg, MB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporal Michael Cameron MacDonald Edmonton, AB Clinton, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sergeant Scott Machan, C.D. Edmonton, AB Blythe, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warrant Officer Justin Christopher
Mackay Edmonton, AB Edmonton, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Master-Corporal Tony Wade Perry Edmonton, AB Hawkes Bay, NL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Master-Corporal Daryl Edward
Presley Edmonton, AB Halifax, NS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Master-Corporal Keith Howard
Prodonick Edmonton, AB Edmonton, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporal Paul Daniel Rachynski Edmonton, AB Bonnyville, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Private Joseph Jonathan Rustenburg Edmonton, AB Surrey, BC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporal Kyle Austin Scott Edmonton, AB Whitecourt, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sergeant Prescott Shipway Edmonton, AB Edmonton, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sergeant Christopher Todd Thombs,
C.D. Edmonton, AB Edmonton, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lieutenant Douglas Michael
Thorlakson Edmonton, AB Edmonton, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sergeant Chester William Tingley,
C.D. Petawawa, ON Moncton, NB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporal Gord Matthew Hazeltyne
Whitton Edmonton, AB Prince George, BC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Annex A contains more information on the Mention in Dispatches.

To receive Meritorious Service Decorations (Military Division):

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meritorious Service Cross Current Posting Home Town
------------------------- --------------- ---------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colonel Stephen Joseph P. Bowes,
M.S.C., C.D. Gagetown, NB Halifax, NS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colonel David Allison Fraser,
O.M.M., M.S.C., M.S.M., C.D.
This is a second Meritorious
Service Decoration awarded to
Colonel Fraser Edmonton, AB Halifax, NS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lieutenant-Colonel Ian Clarence
Hope, M.S.C., C.D. Edmonton, AB Edmonton, MB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chief Warrant Officer Michael
Lawrence McDonald, M.S.C., C.D. Edmonton, AB Edmonton, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colonel Steven Patrick Noonan,
M.S.C., C.D. Ottawa, ON Ottawa, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chief Warrant Officer Randy Allan
Northrup, M.S.C., C.D. Edmonton, AB St. Albert, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meritorious Service Medal Current Posting Home Town
------------------------- --------------- ---------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lieutenant-Colonel David James
Anderson, M.S.M., C.D. Toronto, ON Dundas South, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Timothy James Bishop, M.S.M.,
C.D. Edmonton, AB Woodstock, NB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chief Warrant Officer Ward Desmond
Brown, M.M.M., M.S.M., C.D. Shilo, MB Toronto, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colonel Michael Derek Capstick,
O.M.M., M.S.M., C.D. Ottawa, ON Montreal, QC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Kirk Allister Gallinger,
M.S.M., C.D. Edmonton, AB Edmonton, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Master-Corporal Steven Gregory
Gartside, M.S.M., C.D. Ottawa, ON Moncton, NB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Captain Nichola Kathleen Sarah
Goddard, M.S.M. (posthumous) Shilo, MB Calgary, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Nicholas James Elliot
Grimshaw, M.S.M., C.D. Shilo, MB Kingston, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporal Christopher Eugene Kopp,
M.S.M., C.D. Winnipeg, MB Westbourne, MB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Oswald
Maurice Paul Leblanc, M.M.M.,
M.S.M., C.D. Ottawa, ON Québec, QC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporal Shaun Lindsey, M.S.M. Edmonton, AB Brighton, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major James Duncan McKillip, M.S.M.,
C.D. Ottawa, ON Ottawa, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colonel Kevin Charles Owens, M.S.M. Vicenza, Italy North Carolina,
(US Army) USA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Petty Officer 2nd Class Carla May
Penney, M.S.M., C.D. Edmonton, AB St. Albert, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lieutenant-Colonel George James
Petrolekas, M.S.M., C.D. Selfkant, Germany St.Mathias, QC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Ernest
Putt, M.S.M., C.D. Edmonton, AB Edmonton, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lieutenant-Colonel Shane Bruce
Schreiber, M.S.M., C.D. Edmonton, AB St. Albert, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sergeant Chadwick (Chad) Jack Shaw,
M.S.M., C.D. St-Jean, QC London, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Captain Mason James Stalker, M.S.M.,
C.D. Edmonton, AB Revelstoke, BC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Master Warrant Officer Shawn Douglas
Stevens, M.S.M., C.D. Edmonton, AB Edmonton, AB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Glen Talis Zilkalns, M.S.M.,
C.D. Edmonton, AB Dryden, ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Annex B contains more information on these decorations.
>>

Annex A
-------

Mention in Dispatches

The Mention in Dispatches was created to recognize members of the
Canadian Forces on active service and other individuals working with or in
conjunction with the Canadian Forces for valiant conduct, devotion to duty or
other distinguished service. Recipients are entitled to wear a bronze oak leaf
on the appropriate campaign or service medal ribbon.

Annex B
-------

Meritorious Service Decorations

The Meritorious Service Decorations include a Military Division and a
Civil Division, with two levels each: a medal and a cross. The Military
Division recognizes individuals for their outstanding professionalism and for
bringing honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. The Civil Division
recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or an activity
that brought honour to the community or to Canada.
These decorations are an important part of the Canadian Honours System,
which recognizes excellence. Meritorious Service Decorations honour either a
single achievement or an activity over a specified period. The Meritorious
Service Decorations are open to both Canadians and non-Canadians.
Anyone may nominate an individual for the civil division of the
Meritorious Service Decorations, while military candidates are recommended by
the Chief of the Defence Staff. Nominations and awards may be made
posthumously, but nominations for activities that occurred prior to June 1984,
the year in which the honour was first created, are not accepted.

For further information: Media information: Lucie Brosseau, Rideau Hall
Press Office, (613) 998-0287; For further information on the recipients:
Department of National Defence, Media Liaison Office, (613) 996-2353 or (613)
996-2354; Public information: Chancellery of Honours, 1-800-465-6890

Barry Churcher · #**172** 28-10-06, 01:14

Alex, thanks for posting that. It's nice to see these soldiers getting some recognition for a job being well done.
Barry

Alex Blair (RIP) · #**173** 28-10-06, 01:55

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry Churcher
Alex, thanks for posting that. It's nice to see these soldiers getting some recognition for a job being well done.
Barry

Barry..
I'm glad to see that the deserving got the awards and not the usual endless ,useless lists of golden braided prima donna from Ottawa....that usually appear,probably self or mutually nominated..
And was really interested to see if I could recognize any MLU brothers or sisters..

sapper740 · #**174** 28-10-06, 11:48

Quote:

Originally posted by Darrell Zinck
Hi

Things are looking up in Afghanistan!!!

regards
Darrell

Hopefully (Insh'Allah) we can start sending Taliban terrorists to Paradise by the gross!

CHIMO!

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #**175** 28-10-06, 15:25

Some really illuminating AAR chronology from someone who was in the thick of it...

http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.p...ic=51144.0;all

There are supporting videos through the blog maintained by the cameraman mentioned in the above. His blog is at:

http://www.beloblog.com/KGW_Blogs/afghanistan/

The applicable bits referred to in the Army.ca link is here:

http://www.beloblog.com/KGW_Blogs/afghanistan/2006/07/

...and his video page here:

http://www.beloblog.com/KGW_Blogs/af...05/videos.html

Lots to read and look at! It kind of brings home the fact that our guys are up to their eyeballs in it at a level not seen since Korea (incidents like the Medak Pocket notwithstanding). Very sobering, in fact, in spite of the fact that it distances those of us who once served from this new generation. I'm damned proud of these lads!

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #**176** 28-10-06, 15:46

Please note - in the interests of maintaining some sort of subject fluidity, I have elected to keep all the A-stan related stuff in one thread. To that extent, I have merged the Leo thread as well as Alex's decorations thread in with CANADA IN AFGHANISTAN. Let's see if we can keep it this way for the time being, with the following exception:

... if anyone there already or on their way over wishes to maintain a log of their experience, I will encourage a separate thread accordingly. Contact me via email or PM if you have any questions regards this, and note that if there are any potential OPSEC concerns regarding identities etc, I can (1), arrange a new ID for you or (2), make appropriate judgements as to what may be too sensitive. Regards the latter, I'll mostly leave it to you to know what's ok or not.

Questions as above.

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #**177** 28-10-06, 15:51

Alex, I've merged your thread as per my NOTE post. Regards the decorations, I echo Barry in saying this is nice to see... but the olde farte in me wonders why they couldn't be DCMs & MMs! Ah well, just goes to show you how the world is evolving around us...

Good to see the MiDs though! These guys have lots to be proud of...

Alex Blair (RIP) · #**178** 28-10-06, 17:48

Quote:

Originally posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball
Alex, I've merged your thread as per my NOTE post. Regards the decorations, I echo Barry in saying this is nice to see... but the olde farte in me wonders why they couldn't be DCMs & MMs! Ah well, just goes to show you how the world is evolving around us...

Good to see the MiDs though! These guys have lots to be proud of...

Thanks for that Jif..
Regarding this part of the posting,about the Victoria Cross...
Canadians won the Victoria Cross over the years which originally was the highest British Gallantry award...
This version is peculiar to Canada and was established in 1993 as the article states...
The Canadian VC is based on the British version. The obverse is the same, except for the scroll. The British version has the words For Valour in English only while the Canadian version uses the Latin translation in order that it might be equally appropriate for anglophones and francophones.

See The whole story here...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Cross_(Canada)

The three Military Valour Decorations, namely the Victoria Cross, the
Star of Military Valour and the Medal of Military Valour, were created by Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, on January 1, 1993. The
Decorations may be awarded posthumously.

The Victoria Cross is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery, a daring
or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to
duty, in the presence of the enemy.

Darrell Zinck · #**179** 28-10-06, 21:39

Hi Alex

Can you post the link for the MiD, MSC, and MSM lists, please.

I can't find it on the GG sit but am also rather a Dull boy!!

Thanks.

regards
Darrell

Darrell Zinck · #**180** 28-10-06, 21:51

Quote:

Rallies and marches were being held in cities across Canada on Saturday to press for the withdrawal of Canadian troops from Afghanistan.

The Canadian Peace Alliance, Canadian Labour Congress and Canadian Islamic Congress called for the demonstrations. The theme of the events is "Canadian Troops out of Afghanistan."

In online literature, the groups say Canada should not be part of an American war and that the intensifying battles with Taliban insurgents are making the country more dangerous for civilians.

Francisco Juarez, a demonstrator in Toronto, was fined by the Canadian army reserves and released earlier this year after he refused to train for the Afghan campaign.

"Today I'm here at the protest because I feel that in whatever way I can, I need to assist in engaging Canadians in a broader debate, the issues of why we're in Afghanistan and what the priorities are in Afghanistan for our Canadian forces."

At rallies in Toronto and Hamilton, Ont., participants carried placards that read, "War resisters are welcome.".......

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/...n-rallies.html

Ain't it great to live in a free country. (that's NOT a question)

And ain't it great to completely not care how it came to remain a free country.

My Bolds by the way. Funny I was under the impresssion one cannot be forced to go. This man is either lying about what happened to him or ..............I dunno. Can someone offer another possible explanation?

regards
Darrell