QW: Attacking Canada

The enemy must be beaten only to the point where he has no more desireand capability to fight, but a foreign nation must believe that attacking Canada, would be like sticking their finger into a buzz saw.

- Major General Chris Vokes, 1986

I am a Soldier

I was that which others did not want to be.

I went where others feared to go,

and did what others failed to do.

I asked nothing from those who gave nothing,

and reluctantly accepted the thought eternal loneliness..should I fail.

I have seen the Face of terror:

Felt the stinging cold of Fear:

and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moments love.

I have cried,

pained,

and hoped...but most of all.

I have lived times others would say were best forgotten.

At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was...

a soldier

Father's Day

Her hair was up in a pony tail,
her favourite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school
eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
a dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called
a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
a man who wasn't there.

'Where's her daddy at?'
She heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,'
another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
she heard a daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day.'

The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.

'My Daddy couldn't be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.

'Cause my daddy's al ways with me,
even though we are apart I know because he told me,
he'll forever be in my heart' With that,
her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest. Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.

'I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
but heaven's just too far.

You see he is a Canadian soldier
And died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy and taught Canadians to fear.
But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away.' A
nd then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day.

And to her mothers amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.

'I know you're with me Daddy,'
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.

- unknown -

Breakfast In Kandahar

(to the tune of breakfast at tiffanys - Matchbox20)

All I want is some damn hot food
And I said, what about, some extra potatoes?

and she said f**k off, there arent any left!
So I said f**k you, I havnt eaten in 3 days!
And she said f**k off, next in line!

I see, Dont get me wrong I like KAF
with its high walls and great kitchen staff
Well,I guess I was wrong
So what the hell? Ive been in a FOB for a weekand its just warm food that I seek
Just give me some f**king turnip bitch!

And I said, what about, a little gravy?
and she said f**k off, there isnt any left!
So I said f**k you, I havnt eaten in 3 days!
And she said f**k off, next in line!

You'll say, I'd love some food that aint plastic
No mustard sauce or ham steak
And we're falling apart,
You'll say the cafeteria has come between us,
Our stavation is heinous!

Still I know you just don't care.
And I said, what about, some more potatoes ?
and she said f**k off, there isnt any left!
So I said f**k you, I havnt eaten in 3 days!!!
And she said f**k off, next in line!

And I said, what about, a little gravy ?
and she said f**k off, there isnt any left!
So I said f**k you, I can see it right there!!
And she said f**k off, next in line!

And I said, what about, a little more macaroni ?
and she said f**k off, there isnt any left!
So I said f**k you, I havnt eaten in 3 days!!!
Just give me some f**king turnip bitch!

Cpl. Michael Starker: Update & Guest Book

This is an excellent article about Sgt.

Michael Starker from one of his close friends.

What he did plus how he felt on that fateful day.

For those who knew him or are just interested in leaving condolences for Mike's family and friends you can leave then at the online guest book at the Calgary Herald.

Afghan mission is changing, new Canadian commander says

The next commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan arrived in Kandahar on Wednesday, saying he believes the mission will take on a different flavour during his nine-month tour.

Brig.-Gen. Dennis Thompson is replacing current commander Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche. The official handover will take place soon, although a date hasn't been specified.

Thompson said evolving conditions in the war-torn region mean there will be a greater emphasis on the civilian side of development and reconstruction.

Still, he said, there will still be a military aspect and he doesn't expect the army will be adopting a defensive posture just because the focus is shifting.

"I think there will be a change in emphasis, but I'm not prepared to say how much that will be [because] there are other players here," Thompson said, referring to the Taliban.

Canada's Conservative government is in the process of refocusing the mission and setting down objectives to be achieved before Canada's military mission ends in 2011.

Thompson will be laying the groundwork for refocusing the mission, and for a civilian administration at the provincial reconstruction base, which Canada operates in the city of Kandahar.

the Canadian Press - Wednesday, May 7, 2008

A FALLEN COMRADE

"Cpl. Michael Starker, a Calgarian, was a reservist with the Edmonton-based 15 Field Ambulance. He was killed in an ambush around 11:45 a.m. local time, 6 May 08, during a foot patrol in the Pashmul region of the Afghanistan's Zhari district"

(for the full story click on the image of Cpl Straker)

Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

To coin a phrase of a patriotic Canadian,

"Heaven has only gotten safer."

Rest in peace Mike, from the Canadian Soldier & War Zone

FOR YOU MY FRIEND

A SILENT PRAYER

AS COMRADES DO AND SHED A TEAR

I'M HERE THIS DAY TO BID FAREWELL,

YET NOT ALONE A PROMISE HOLD

FOR A GREAT SOLDIER'S STORY BE TOLD

THE MAPLE LEAF FOR SERVE YOU HAVE

THIS POPPY PLACED FOR A YOUNG CHILD'S DAD

A PAL, A SOLDIER YOUR MISSION EARN

TO SHORT, BUT SACRED THE "COMRADE" TERM

GOD HAS CALLED OUR NATIONS BEST

YOUR DEED BE DONE "TORCH PASSED"

NOW REST FOR YOU MY FRIEND,

YOUR COUNTRY WEEPS

YOUR FAITHFUL DUTY COMRADES KEEP

by CPL LORNE GRACIE, 42

Your Family Might Be TOO Army IF:

Your wife’s two favourite shades of lipstick are green and light green

Before you hit the road on vacation you conduct rehearsals, backbriefs, and cover your convoy checklist.

Your kids call the yard their AOR (AREA OF RESPOSIBILITY)

You require your mechanic to replace the sandbags in your floorboard as a part of a tune-up

Your station wagon is equipped with blackout lights

Your kids call their mother “Domestic Niner”

Your kids use the “f” word at least five times in every sentence

Your doorbell sounds off with the current challenge and password

Your house has range cards posted by every window

You give the command “Fix Bayonets” at Thanksgiving Dinner

You make your daughter fill out a leave pass on Prom Night

Your kindergartner call recess “Smoke Break”

Your wife calls foreplay “prepping the objective”

Your wife conducts an AAR (AFTER ACTION REVIEW) after sex

Your wife “takes a knee” in the checkout line at Walmart

Your kids salute their grandparents

Your wife’s “high-n-tight” is more squared away than your CO’s

Your kids recite their ABCs phonetically

You divorced your wife and then you held a “Change of Command” ceremony

All your possessions are military issue

Your daughter’s first hair cut was a flattop

Your kids pull fire piquet

Your older kids call the youngest one “FNG” (F**KING NEW GUY)

Medals Finally Home!

Woman to honour father at ceremony - Florence Layton and her son Bert hold Mrs. Layton’s father’s wartime medals.

Every evening, as the sun sets in Ypres, Belgium, the long drawn-out notes of two bugles signal traffic to come to a stop at the Menin Gate Memorial. The Last Post honours the 55,000 Commonwealth soldiers killed in the First World War whose only grave is that of the Unknown Soldier.

For nearly 80 years, that sombre ceremony was one of the only tributes to Frank Forsdike, a corporal from the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles killed in June 1916 at the Battle of Mount Sorrel in Belgium.

But next Saturday, thanks to the timely connection of long-lost cousins from opposite sides of the Atlantic, a public ceremony will be held in Berwick to present the unclaimed service medals of Cpl. Forsdike to Florence Layton, his recently found 94-year-old daughter.

"This means so much to Mom," Bert Layton, Florence’s son, said from his Berwick home. "She says it’s been a real blessing that she can celebrate him in such a public way."

Florence was only two years old when her father was killed in action and her mother remarried shortly after the war.

She only found out when she was 18 that the man who raised her was not her biological father.
A typographical error in the name Forsdike on Florence’s birth certificate made tracking family history tough — something she and her three children tried unsuccessfully over the years.

Then last fall, while searching online for information about "the mystery name in the family tree," Mr. Layton came across a website dedicated to the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles.

Incredibly, he found a reference to his mother and grandmother as well as a family photograph taken in 1915 — the only one known to exist. "I couldn’t believe my eyes," said Mr. Layton. "It was incredibly exciting."

Three days later, he sent an e-mail to the website manager with the subject line: distant cousin.
When Ian Forsdike, sitting at his computer in Bedford, England, received the e-mail, he almost fell out of his chair.

"When I started reading, I became quite emotional," Mr. Forsdike said. "It was the end of 12 years of searching."

Mr. Forsdike created the website three years ago to learn more about his great-grandfather’s brother, whose military service had intrigued him ever since he read his ancestor’s name engraved on the Menin Gate Memorial.

"It was a personal loss in that moment," said Mr. Forsdike. "I have no explanation as to why that happened."

In his search, he found other Forsdikes in Canada and England, but he was most interested in Frank’s family.

Until that auspicious day last November, his search had proved fruitless. And when Mr. Forsdike discovered Florence was still alive, he said he couldn’t believe it. He travelled to Nova Scotia to meet his new-found family over the holidays and they applied to collect Frank’s medals from Veterans Affairs.

"Medals should not sit in a vault and not see the light of day," he said.
On May 10, almost 92 years after Frank Forsdike was killed on the front lines of Belgium, sunlight will shine on his medals.

The Royal Canadian Legion in Berwick will hold a formal ceremony, where Cpl. Forsdike’s medals will be officially presented to his daughter.

Ian Forsdike, who is speaking at the event, said the most important thing is that Florence gets to honour her father.

"It is so important that Frank’s sacrifice be remembered," said Mr. Forsdike. "And this can bring closure for Florence, who never knew her father."

by Mark Iype

Chronicle Herald

4 May 08

Just call this town Big Red

Bridgewater wants to host giant rally to support troops

David Mitchell, a Bridgewater town councillor, is hoping to be immersed in a sea of red shirts on May 23 when his town hosts a Red Rally in support of Canadian Forces members.

BRIDGEWATER — David Mitchell is hoping that his town will be the talk of the country on May 23, when people don their red shirts to host what could be the biggest Red Rally that Canada has ever seen.

"My goal is for this to be the top news story coast to coast that day," the town councillor said Saturday of the event in support of Canadian Forces members serving in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

"It would be really nice to broadcast some good news here by showing how much support the troops have for what they are doing, instead of just broadcasting funerals."
The inspiration for the event, which Jeff Hutcheson of CTV News will host at the South Shore Exhibition Grounds, came last May, when Mr. Mitchell and Mayor Carroll Publicover heard Rick Hillier speak at a conference.

Mr. Mitchell said they were both so moved by what the outgoing chief of defence staff said that they decided to invite him to Bridgewater.
"It elevated this event so much to have him come because his message is something you don’t forget, and I’m so glad to be able to share that," he said. "We want this to be the biggest rally in support of the troops, but we are also hoping that it will be different from the others that have been held, too."

Mr. Mitchell said planning is underway but they already have 1,000 people confirmed for the parade, which will include a colour party of 120. The local Royal Canadian Legion is involved as well.

Members decided this weekend they would break tradition for that one day and step aside to allow uniformed soldiers to lead them in the parade.
Prime Minister Steven Harper is not able to attend, due to a prior commitment, but Mr. Mitchell said Defence Minister Peter MacKay will be there, along with MPs from across the country.
The organizing committee has also received numerous letters of support, including one from Wayne Gretzky and another from Prince Harry’s office.

By RENEE STEVENS

The Chronicle Herald, NS

Tue. Apr 29 - 5:38 AM

Rick Hillier: the Man, the Myth, the Legend

In light of recent news about CDS, Gen. Rick (the Big Cod) Hillier stepping down we thought that re-posting this humourous list of his "charateristics" was in order.

For Canadian soldiers to be effective and feared by their enemies, they must follow the example set by Chief of Defence Staff General Rick Hillier. The following is a list of some key points about Gen Hillier, which should be considered if others want to follow in his footsteps:

Rick Hillier does not sleep. He waits.

When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Rick Hillier.

Jawbreakers were originally in the shape of Rick Hillier's fist.

Rick Hillier's tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.

(the standard throat-punch-look, notice the partial mouth open, an obvious indication of what will transpire next)

Rick Hillier does not hunt because the word hunting implies the possibility of failure. Rick Hillier goes killing!

(Gen Hillier demonstrating the 'over-the-shoulder-throat-punch look' with the standard pause of '2-3')

Ghosts are actually caused by Rick Hillier killing people faster than Death can process them.

Rick Hillier frequently donates blood to the Red Cross. Just never his own.

Rick Hillier puts the "laughter" back into "manslaughter".

(Rick having a few laughs demonstrating his pattened finishing move)

The chief export of Rick Hillier is pain.

Rick Hillier can slam revolving doors.

If you can see Rick Hillier, he can see you. If you can't see Rick Hillier, you may be only seconds away from death.

"Your next f**ker"

Rick Hillier counted to infinity - twice!

When Rick Hillier exercises, the machine gets stronger.

When Rick Hillier sends in his taxes, he sends blank forms and includes only a picture of himself, crouched and ready to attack. Rick Hillier has not had to pay taxes ever.

(Gen Hillier demonstrating the style of choke hold he would us IF he had to pay taxes)

Rick Hillier owns the greatest poker face of all-time. It helped him win the 1983 World Series of Poker despite his holding just a joker, a get-out-of-jail-free Monopoly card, a 2 of clubs, 7 of spades, and a green #4 card from the game Uno. (seen below)

If you see Rick Hillier crying he will grant you a wish. If your wish is dying.

Rick Hillier was once on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and was the first to spin. The next 29 minutes of the show consisted of everyone standing around awkwardly, waiting for the wheel to stop.

Rick Hillier crossed the road. Nobody has ever dared question his motives.

(Rick discribes how he can immobilize a man with just a key)

They say that lightning never strikes twice. Neither does Rick Hillier. He doesn't have to.

Rick Hillier is allowed to speak of Fight Club.

Rick Hillier sleeps with a night light. Not because Rick Hillier is afraid of the dark, but because the dark is afraid of Rick Hillier.

Rick Hillier died ten years ago, but the Grim Reaper can't get up the courage to tell him.

Rick Hillier has only one hand: the upper hand. (see above)

Water boils faster when Rick Hillier watches it.

The reason newborn babies cry is because they know they have just entered a world with Rick Hillier.

Rick Hillier doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants. (seen below)

Leading hand sanitizers claim they can kill 99.9 percent of germs. Rick Hillier can kill 100 percent of whatever the hell he wants.

If Rick Hillier is late, time better slow down.

Rick Hillier can divide by zero.

Rick Hillier can speak Braille.

Rick Hillier refers to himself in the fourth person.

One time in an airport a guy accidentally called Rick Hillier "Dick
Hillier." He explained it was an honest mistake an apologized profusely.
Rick accepted his apology and politely signed an autograph. Nine months
later, the guy's wife gave birth to a baby wearing combat fatigues. The
guy knew exactly what had happened, and blames nobody but himself.

A blind man once stepped on Rick Hillier's shoe. Rick Hillier replied,
"Don't you know who I am? I'm Rick Hillier!" The mere mention of his
name cured the man's blindness. Sadly, the first, last, and only thing
this man ever saw, was a fatal roundhouse delivered by Rick Hillier.

Similar to a Russian Nesting Doll, if you were to break Rick Hillier open,
you would find another Rick Hillier inside, only smaller and angrier.

Rick Hillier's calendar goes straight from March 31st to April 2nd.
Nobody fools Rick Hillier.

At birth, Rick Hillier came out feet first so he could roundhouse kick the
doctor in the face. Nobody delivers Rick Hillier but Rick Hillier.

Superman owns a pair of Rick Hillier pajamas.

(make no mistake the microphone isn't powered by the 'Energizer Bunny' or the 'Copper Top', it isn't even plugged in, ifs powered by 'Rick-Power' which, by the way had the Energiezer Bunny for lunch!)

Soldier at the Gates

The soldier stood and faced his God

Which must always come to pass

He hoped his shoes were shining

Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now you soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek,

And to my church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

"No Lord, I guess I ain't,

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be saints."

"I've had to work most Sundays

And at times my talk was tough,

And sometimes I've been violent

Because the streets were awfully rough"

"But I never took a penny,That wasn’t mine to keep

Though I worked a lot of overtime

When the bills just got to steep"

"And I never passed a cry for help

Although, at times I shook with fear

And sometimes, God forgive

I've wept unmanly tears"

"I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here

That never wanted me around

Except to calm there fears

If you have a place for me here O' Lord

It needn't be so grand

I've never expected, or had so much

But if you don't I'll understand"

There was a silence all around the throne

Where the Saints had often trod

As this soldier waited quietly

For the judgment from his God

"Step forward now you soldier,

You've borne your burdens well

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell"

To all that have served;

SSG. P. T. Pack

The Soldier, God & the College Professor

A young Canadian soldier was attending some college courses between assignments. He had also just completed a mission in Afghanistan.

One of the courses had a professor who was a vowed atheist. One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, 'God, if you are real, then I want you to knockme off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes.'

The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop.

Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, 'Here I am God. I'm still waiting.'

It got down to the last couple of minutes when the young soldier got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him; knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold. The young man went back to his seat and sat there, silently. The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence.

The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the soldier and asked, 'What the hell is the matter with! YOU? Why did you do that?'

Came the reply, 'God was too busy today protecting our soldiers who are protecting your right to talk stupid and act like an idiot. So......He sent me.'

Soldier, It's Time to Talk

With the looming resignation of the media-aware Gen. Rick Hillier, one wonders if his successor will stand up to politicians with his verve. Not since the Second World War have so many journalists been attached toour military in the field. Embedded in Kandahar, media types eagerlyrelay contradictory assessments to the oft-confused Canadian public. (Inmy view, the most reliable is former Sun writer Matthew Fisher, now withthe National Post).

Media over-coverage has become something of a problem. The support our military gets today is remarkable. The government would like to harness the unexpected popularity of soldiers, but at the sametime cut any risk for embarrassment.

So it micro-manages -- fatal, when done to the military. Prime Minister Stephen Harper realizes that public support for soldiers doesn't necessarily mean approval of the war in Afghanistan. Increasingly, the PMO sticks its bureaucratic nose into how the army should deal with the media. Anything the least controversial seems to have to be okayed before being released.

Journalists with the army have to sign a bunch of documents vowing they'll conform to regulations and not break security rules that may endanger operations.

Fair enough. This is pretty standard. But in the quest for effective public relations, DND (and the PMO)doesn't seem to realize that the most effective public relations instruments are the regiments, and soldiers themselves.

By trying to screen the positive from the negative, and publicizing the heroic while curtailing the embarrassing, all that's achieved is mistrust and suspicion among the media.

Not all embedded journalists are equally trust worthy or competent. Just as rank and file soldiers are quick to size up officers and NCOs, so they size up reporters. Phonies and blowhards are hard to disguise. In accrediting journalists, DND Public Affairs errs if it treats all requests equally. Pick and choose, based on an individual's or media outlet's past record. For example, if it were me, I'd give a jaundicedhello to any CBC-TV applicant -- judging from the CBC's long and sorry record of covering Canadian troops on foreign missions.

Coverage of Canada's role in Afghanistan has been extensive -- and of so-so quality. Compared to coverage of casualties incurred during UNpeacekeeping, coverage of casualties in Afghanistan has been massive. We hear lots about the 82 Canadians killed, but little about casualties inflicted on the enemy. There's weak first-hand reporting of our tanks, in action for the first time since Korea. Afghanistan is littered with hulks of Soviet tanks, which were vulnerable -- do our tanks farebetter? Why?

We don't get much news on reconstruction work -- especially anything involving CIDA, which the Manley report indicated was inadequate tolousy. This view is echoed by soldiers with appropriate expletives deleted.

In one of his reports, Fisher notes our secret commandos, JTF-2, are never publicized -- except once, when U.S. Gen. Dan McNeil praised them for "some mighty fine work against insurgent bombers last year."

JFT-2 BLACKOUT

The general was puzzled at the media blackout of JTF-2. Me too. Butthat's a condition of being embedded. Having a secret army within the army is neither democratic nor traditional in our military. But the government gets away with it.

We don't know what JTF-2 is up to, and we should, since it (like oursnipers) seems especially effective -- at least according to our allies, if not to our journalists on the ground.

Harper has committed Canada to stay in Afghanistan until 2011. If the story is worth telling, let it be told in all its versions. Government should trust its soldiers, the same way Canadians trust our soldiers more than they trust our politicians.

PUBLICATION: The Ottawa Sun

DATE: 2008.04.21

SOURCE: BY PETER WORTHINGTON

Canadian Military Suicied Rate Doubled in a Year

Canada's military suicide rate doubled in a year, documents show

Last Updated: Saturday, April 19, 2008 5:54 PM ET

CommentsRecommend CBC News



BY AMBER HILDEBRANDT — The suicide rate among Canada's soldiers doubled from 2006 to 2007, rising to a rate triple that of the general population, according to data obtained through access to information requests.
Last year, the number of suicides among regular and reserve members of the Canadian Forces rose to 36, the highest in more than a decade, military police records obtained by Maj. Michel Sartori show.


Sartori, a Laval University doctoral student, has been gathering information about military suicides for years. It's the subject of his thesis and a topic close to his heart, since five of his colleagues killed themselves after a tour of duty in Yugoslavia in 1994.


He believes the rise is linked to the intensification of Canada's mission in Afghanistan when soldiers moved into the volatile southern region in 2006.


Sartori has been gathering information about military suicides since 1994. Based on the military police reports, he found that the average suicide rate among Canadian Forces military members, both regular and reserve, between 1994 and 2007 was 16 per year.


Year Suicides Regular force & reserves Rate per 100,000 2003 14 86,937 16.1 2004 17 90,772 18.7 2005 17 91,285 18.6 2006 20 96,318 20.7 2007 36 87,000 41.4



But the number of suicides among members of the military rose to 20 in 2006 and then jumped even higher to 36 in 2007, or a rate of 41.4 suicides per 100,000 soldiers. That's double the rate in the previous year.


Sartori says he was alarmed when he received the latest numbers. "It was a shock, total shock," said Sartori. "I almost fell out my chair." Starting in 2006, Sartori also noticed an abrupt change in the terms the military reports used to describe suicide in documents. The 36 suicides in 2007 were listed as sudden deaths, with 12 clearly marked suicide and 21 cases listed as "investigated." National Defence officials did not dispute that the document is a suicide list, but did not respond to requests from CBC to explain the new categories.


The 2007 numbers put the military suicide rate at triple that of the general Canadian public. Over the past two decades Canada's overall rate has ranged from 11.6 to 14 suicides per 100,000, though recent numbers are not available.


Dr. Greg Passey, a former military psychiatrist and head of a post-traumatic stress disorder clinic in Vancouver, says the spike in military suicides is "disturbing" but not surprising. He says he believes it's related to what he calls the "increased tempo" of the Afghanistan mission, which began in 2002.


"We're now a number of years into that mission and the frontline, the combat soldiers, and even the support staff are having to do multiple tours," he said.


The psychological stress of those missions is cumulative, he said, and Sartori's discovery may be the wake-up call the military needs to deal with the issue.


Veterans Affairs says that the number of vets experiencing some kind of operational stress injury, such as PTSD, has tripled in the past five years, and they expect it to continue rising with



Canada's mission in Afghanistan likely to last until 2011.
Roughly 2,500 Canadian soldiers are serving in and around Afghanistan's Kandahar region, where they are battling Taliban insurgents.


With files from Amanda Pfeffer http://origin.www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/04/18/suicide-rates.html

April 17, 1945: Canadian army repels desperate Germans - CBC Digital Archives

April 17: Canadian army repels desperate Germans

Broadcast Date: April 17, 1945April 17, 1945: OTTERLO, Netherlands — "Victory is in the air," says CBC war correspondent Matthew Halton. The war is winding down. But even as Canadian forces continue their sweep through enemy-occupied Holland, the Germans aren't giving up without a fight. In a bid to get back into western Holland, 1,000 German soldiers launch an attack at Otterlo, tossing grenades and firing on the Canadians. Reuters war reporter Charles Lynch tells the story for CBC.

Canadian gunners fire back at the Germans before digging slit trenches and using Sten submachine-guns, rifles and pistols to repel the attackers. But once the Germans get past the gun lines there's only one way to stop them. The Canadians roll four flamethrowers into position, sending flames into advancing columns of Germans. When it's all over Canadian casualties are light, but 400 Germans have been killed and 250 taken prisoner.

To hear these news reports at the digital archives of the CBC look here

Keep Your Head Down, Your in Kandahar!

Matt Minglewood's Kandahar

a classic already By David Frank For the Daily Gleaner

On a late afternoon at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton last weekend, the veteran Cape Breton blues and rock musician Matt Minglewood brought the crowd to its feet more than once. He did it predictably enough with a soulful rendition of Rita MacNeil's well-known Workingman, which he introduced as the blues for the Cape Breton coal miner.

But before that, he also brought people to their feet with a searing new song that has the makings of an equally powerful anthem for the working Canadian soldier on the ground in Kandahar .The 60-year-old Minglewood, with more than a dozen albums behind him and a load of honours to boot, introduced the new song cautiously, as a tribute he wrote as a result of his experience playing for Canadian troops in a similar big tent in Afghanistan .

As he tore through the song in trademark style, tough and wild but never out of control, there were shouts of recognition from the audience. In the song there was respect and there was humour, and in the refrain there was also an undercurrent of ambivalence that acknowledged the dirt and dust and danger of the soldiers' mission: "Keep your head down, You're in Kandahar ."

He did not have to spell out much more in a community where hundreds of families have been directly affected by the deployment and a region that has absorbed more than a fair share of the death and injury.Yet, this was not a song for or against the Afghanistan mission. In the context of his performance, as was the case for Rita MacNeil's classic, it was a song of solidarity for the work force in a hazardous occupation where workers have little or no say over the purposes or conditions of their work.


In his own way, Minglewood has, over the years, been a kind of folk performer for his far-flung generation of Maritimers and their children, who have been as likely to be found in the Canadian Forces as in the oil sands of Alberta . As in the old folk tradition, his appeal has always drawn on his ability to share identity and experience between performer and audience.


For a few minutes in that tent in a parking lot behind city hall, Minglewood's performance was one of the unexpected highlights of the annual music festival in downtown Fredericton . In front of an audience that was moved to tears as well as cheers, Minglewood was keeping the tradition alive.


The song is unreleased, but the first verses of Kandahar (Keep Your Head Down) can be heard at the Minglewood website, http://www.mattminglewood.com/

Canadian Forces Tours - Matt & band in December along with country artist Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Ginette Genereux, Jennifer Roland, and comedian Pete Zedlacher had the pleasure of performing for our military on another Canadian Forces Tour, this time of Goose Bay and Alert. Then Matt in March, along with George Canyon, fiddler Alexis MacIsaac, Ginette Genereux and comedian Pete Zedlacher entertained the crew of HMCS Charlottetown in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.

(http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/charlottetown/gallery/ship_gallery_e.asp?category=442)

In May he embarks on another jaunt this time of the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan. Performing for the troops is one of the most rewarding gigs he has done. Matt, Grant & Moon want to say thanks to all, especially the soldiers, and feel honored to have the opportunity to perform & help bring a slice of home to them.

For more information contact MattMinglewood.com.

or e-mail at minglenews@mattminglewood.com

The Captain & Horse Riding

An Armour Corps Captain narrowly escaped serious injury recently when he decided to try horseback riding, even though he had no lessons or prior experience. He mounted the horse, and the horse immediately sprang into action.

As it galloped along at a steady and rhythmic pace, the Captain began to slip from the saddle. He grabbed for the horse's mane, but could not get a firm grip. He tried to throw his arms around the horse's neck, but he began to slide down the side of the horse anyway! The horse galloped along, seemingly impervious to its slipping rider.

Finally, losing his frail grip, the Captain attempted to leap away from the horse and throw himself to safety. Unfortunately, his foot became entangled in the stirrup, and he was now at the mercy of the horse as his head struck against the ground over and over and over.

As his head was being battered against the ground and he was mere moments away from unconsciousness, to his great fortune, a Sergeant from an Infantry Battalion, who was shopping at Wal-Mart, saw him and quickly unplugged the horse.

Sex vs Work and the Sergeant Major

At a command picnic, a bunch of officers were standing around talking. A Lieutenant said, "I think that making love is 80% fun and 20% work."

A Major responded by saying, "No, I think that making love is more work than that. I would say that it is 60% fun and 40% work."

Then a Colonel said, "No, making love is definitely way more work than that. I would say that it's more like 20% fun and 80% work."

They continued to discuss the matter for several minutes until a Sergeant-Major walked by. The officers called him over to ask his opinion.

The Colonel said, "Sgt-Maj, we're having a discussion, and we'd like your input. The Lieutenant says that making love is 80% fun and 20% work. The Major thinks that making love is 60% fun and 40% work. I say that making love is 20% fun and 80% work. What's your opinion?"

The Sgt-Maj scratched his chin and said, "Sir, I think you're all wrong. Making love must be 100% fun, because if there was any work involved, you'd have one of the troops doing it for you!"

Military Rules of Conduct for Civilians

You've heard about the many MILITARY RULES of conduct;

Now we have some EASY TO FOLLOW CIVILIAN RULES as well:

We know that the current state of affairs in Canada have many civilians up in arms politically and rightfully concerned about our troops. For those of you who can't join the military at this time, you can still lend a hand here at home. The following are a few of the areas where your assistance would be appreciated:

(1) The next time you see an adult talking, (or wearing a hat), during the playing of the National Anthem - - - kick their ass.

(2) When you witness, firsthand, someone burning the flag or bad-mouthing our troops in protest - - - kick their ass.

(3) Regardless of the rank they held while they served, pay the highest amount of respect to all veterans. If you see anyone doing otherwise, quietly pull them aside and explain how these veterans fought for the very freedom they bask in every day. Enlighten them on the many sacrifices these veterans made to make Canada great. Then hold them down while a disabled veteran kicks their ass.

(4) (GUYS) If you were never in the military, DO NOT pretend that you were. Wearing camouflage combats and telling others that you used to be "Special Forces," and collecting GI Joe memorabilia, might have been okay when you were seven years old. Now, it will only make you look stupid and get your ass kicked.

(5) Next time you come across an Air Force member, do not ask them, "Do you fly a jet?" Not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot. Such ignorance deserves an ass-kicking (children are exempt).

(6) If you witness someone calling the Canadian Coast Guard 'non-military,' inform them of their mistake - - - and kick their ass.

(7) Next time the Canadian flag goes by during a parade, get on your damn feet and pay homage. Quietly thank the military member or veteran lucky enough to be carrying her. Of course, failure to do either of those could earn you a severe ass-kicking.

(8) Don't try to discuss politics with a military member or a veteran. We are all Canadian, (well, hopefully most), and we all bleed the same, regardless of our party affiliation. Our Chain of Command is to include our Commander. The Prime Minister, (for those who didn't know), is our Commander regardless of political party. We have no inside track on what happens inside those big important buildings where all those MPs meet. All we know is that when those civilian> representatives screw up the situation, they call upon the military to go straighten it out and some of them die. If you keep asking the same stupid questions repeatedly, you should get your ass kicked.

(9) 'Your mama wears army boots' never made sense to me, so stop saying it. If she did, she would most likely be a vet and therefore could kick YOUR ass!!!

(10) Bin Laden and the Taliban are not Communists, so stop saying, 'Let's go kill those Commies'. And stop asking returning soldiers where HE is!!! Crystal balls are not standard issue in the military. That reminds me - - if you see anyone calling those damn psychic phone numbers, let me know, so I can go kick their ass.

(11) 'flyboy' (Air Force), 'grunt' (Army), 'harry bag' (Navy) etc., are terms of endearment we use describing each other. Unless you are a service member or vet, you have not earned the right to use them. That could get your ass kicked.

(12) Last, but not least, whether or not you become a member of the military, support our troops and their families. Every Thanksgiving and religious holiday that you enjoy with family and friends, please remember that there are literally thousands of troops far from home wishing they could be with their families. Thank God for our military and the sacrifices they make every day. Without them, our country would get its ass kicked.

It is the soldier, not the reporter,

who has given us the freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,

who has given us the freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,

who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier who salutes the flag,

who serves beneath the flag,

and whose coffin is draped by the flag,

who has given the protester the right to burn the flag.

A CHANGE IN APPROACH

It has taken some time to get this blog up an running due to other various commitments and achieveing a proper schedule may take some time still. Especially, in comparison to the stiff competition that is already present in the bogging community such as the Torch (#1 Military Blog of 2007), and the Military Mom at Home (#2) both very excellent and informative sites with two great perspectives. A revision of this site's approach is in order.

After reviewing these other sites we believe that if we follow suit it would only be echoing what they have already said so eloquently and worked so hard to achieve. Therefore, here we intend to pursue a some what different approach. Certain items will still be posted that are believed important enough to be posted again but the majority of the focus here will be on stories and other various literary pieces, experiences, and even a joke or two from time to time.

Any suggestions will be greatly welcome

Daniel Adams Butterfield - Composer of Taps

I had previously recieved a story about the bugle call "Taps", which I posted and have now discovered to be incorrect. I have recently removed it on the advice of a reader. The real story - according to Wikipedia - is quoted below. For more of the story go to - ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Butterfield

"While the Union Army recuperated at Harrison's Landing, Virginia, from its Seven Days of retreating, Butterfield experimented with bugle calls and is credited with the composition of Taps, probably the most famous bugle call ever written. He wrote Taps to replace the customary firing of three rifle volleys at the end of burials during battle. Taps also replaced Tattoo, the French bugle call to signal "lights out". Butterfield's bugler, Oliver W. Norton of the 83rd Pennsylvania Volunteers was the first to sound the new call. Within months, Taps was sounded by buglers in both the Union and Confederate armies."

Thanks from War Zone to the reader who discovered the true story behind the bugle call.

QW: Space & Time

"Strategy is the art of making use of time and space. I am less concerned about the later than the former. Space we can recover, lost time never."

-Napoleon Boneparte

QW: An Army Cannot Fight Unless...

"An Army cannot preserve good order unless its soldiers have meat in their bellies, coats on their backs and shoes on their feet."

- The Duke of Marlborough, 1703