THE BRIGADE

SUMMER FALL 2015

EXERCISE BISON WARRIOR

RESERVES FIGHT FIRES
WE REMEMBER...

CHANGE OF COMMAND
THE MAGAZINE OF 38 CANADIAN BRIGADE GROUP
THE ARMY RESERVES OF SASKATCHEWAN, MANITOBA AND NORTHWEST ONTARIO

Commanders Message
Reflecting upon my first months as your
Commander, I am reminded that we live in
interesting times. As one of my first functions,
I conducted key leader engagements with the
senior military and civilian leadership across
our Brigade area. With Emergency Measures
officials in Regina, I noted that the Government
of Saskatchewan has not called out the Canadian
Armed Forces for assistance in over 50 years,
but assured them that we would be there if they
needed us.

Colonel Geoff Abthorpe

A week later, the call came to respond to wildfires

in northern Saskatchewan. Operation LENTUS
15-02 was a rapid deployment of our soldiers in
the province followed by reinforcements from
Manitoba totaling 73 all-ranks contributing to
the efforts. For the first time in their careers, our
soldiers helped their own communities the pride
on their faces as they helped contain the fire was
obvious. One of our deepest commitments to our
communities is our domestic response capability.
Standing up the Domestic Response Company
provided our soldiers with a true reality that their
province, their people, needed them. For their
efforts, the Legislative Assembly of the province
thanked them publicly for their service, bestowing
a great honour on them all.
Honour is a key reason we put on our uniforms and
serve our country. With a new Chief of Defence
Staff, we have a new operation to undertake with
the same vigour we conduct combat or domestic
operations Operation HONOUR. There is still
a cancer that festers within our Canadian Armed
Forces the persistence of sexual misconduct

Brigade Sergeant-Major Message

The Brigade had yet another busy summer and fall
of individual and collective training. I congratulate
all those that have taken training over the last few
months and encourage others to continue with your
professional development learn your craft and
lead your units.

Brigade Sergeant-Major Al Boucher

Summer Fall 2015

and inappropriate behaviour. This sickness

degrades operational effectiveness as the soldiers
who fall victim to this disgraceful conduct expend
more effort in combatting it personally rather than
focusing on their job. Resultantly, we will work
together to eradicate this behaviour and support
our soldiers. No soldier fights alone. I know firsthand how effective a Canadian infantry section
can be in battle. I am counting on each of you to
stand shoulder-to-shoulder to confront this enemy
ensuring that those hurt in this insidious conflict
get the help they need and return to active duty in
our unit lines.
Our Brigade started Soldier Care two years ago,
and we are starting to realize the benefits of
those initiatives. Some units are seeing sustained
growth as our retention numbers improve, but we
must continue to recruit and retain to keep our
respective units relevant. Our counterparts in
1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group are
advancing down the road to high readiness; they
are counting on us to augment, support, and help
train them. To do that, we need trained Officers,
Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, and soldiers.
I want to wish you all a joyous holiday season. I
implore you to spend some time on yourself and
with your loved ones. With Ex ARCTIC RAM and
collective training events occurring very quickly
after the holiday break, I need operationallyeffective troops who are rested and ready
physically, mentally, and spiritually.
It is my honour to be your Commander. Every day,
I am proud to share the exploits of 38 Canadian
Brigade Group soldiers as highlighted by the
articles contained in this magazine.
We are also preparing for the deployment of our
Arctic Response Company Group (ARCG) to the
Canadian Armed Forces Arctic Training Centre.
The ARCG is a unique task we have in our Brigade,
and I am very pleased that so many of you have
become subject matter experts. For those of
you who have not yet deployed with the ARCG, I
encourage you to do so.

This summer, we deployed the Disaster Response

Finally, I would like you to reflect on the word
Company Group to assist 1 CMBG in fighting fires
respect. Respect is inextricably linked to the
in Northern Saskatchewan. Colonel Abthorpe and
feeling of camaraderie we experience within our
I heard nothing but praise from the leadership of 1
units and our force. It is the fundamental bond
CMBG and your Division Commander of your hard
that holds units together. Be considerate of each
work and enthusiastic response. From the planning other and mindful of your interactions with peers,
cells at the Brigade HQ to the boots on the ground,
subordinates, and superiors. The Chief of Defence
you continue to demonstrate you are performers Staff has promulgated Operation HONOUR. It is
well done to all of you.
our duty to ensure we execute this mission with
the enthusiasm and drive that is the hallmark of
This past Brigade Council, the leadership was
our
Brigade. Op HONOUR is simply respect a
briefed on the number of troops that attended
manifestation
of the Constitution of Canada and
Remembrance Day services and conducted
the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that define the
presentations to schools and other venues. It is
nation we have all taken an oath to defend. We
right and good that we remember and share our
hold a unique place in Canadian society, and we
experiences with those that have not served. I
are
privileged to serve this great nation. Wear your
encourage you to reach out to our own soldiers
Canadian Flag on your shoulder with pride.
that have left the service, those that were in
Golan, Cyprus, Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia, Afghanistan
and all other places we stood guard. Touch base,
see how they are, and let them know that we
remember them.

We are the Army. We are Strong. We are Proud.

We are Ready.

Features
4

On the Cover:
Members of 38 Canadian Brigade Group participate in the
final attack during Exercise BISON WARRIOR held in CFB
Shilo, Manitoba, on August 21, 2015.
Back Cover: Bombardier Micha Gerber of the 116th
Independent Field Battery conducts fire suppression
operations near La Ronge, Saskatchewan for Op LENTUS
15-02 on July 15, 2015.

This magazine was published under the

authority of Colonel Geoff Abthorpe,
Commander 38 CBG.

Editors

2Lt Stacie Nelles

2Lt Kyle Roman
MCpl Draper Houston

14

Exercise
BISON WARRIOR

21

Minto and Moose Jaw

Open House

23

We Remember

MCpl Alan Haley

MCpl Cameron Skrypnyk
MCpl Louis Brunet
Cpl Jean Archambault

Change of Command

10

Designer/Photographer
Photographers

38 Canadian Brigade Group

Exercise
WESTERN GUNNER

Publisher

Major Mike Lagace, 38 CBG PAO

Operation LENTUS

Graphic Designer

Bernice May Tuano

For more information on 38 Canadian
Brigade Group or to submit articles for future
publications, please contact
michael.lagace@forces.gc.ca or
204-833-2500 ext. 6543.

Summer Fall 2015

Operation
LENTUS 15

Winnipeg Reservist
Takes Up Call
to Fight Sask
Forest Fires
By Martin Zeilig, The Voxair

Photo Credit: MCpl Louis Brunet

When Private Keith Griffith got the call to fight the forest fires raging
through northern Saskatchewan this summer, he didnt hesitate to go.
Pte Griffith knows first-hand how dangerous such infernos can be.
Pte Griffith, 19, a reservist with the Fort Garry Horse at McGregor
Armoury, had to flee his former home in Kelowna, British Columbia
back in 2003 because of the wildfires threatening that community.
We experienced the whole evacuation, said Pte Griffith, who moved
to Winnipeg with his family in 2004.
My younger brother Travis was experiencing lung problems because
of the heavy smoke. So the doctor advised us to move to a cold, windy
environment, which was Manitoba. We also had some family here.
His chance to help came on a Saturday night in July when Pte Griffith
received a call from his Unit Commander, Captain Owen Lewis,
asking him if hed be up to fighting wildfires in La
Ronge, Saskatchewan on the following Monday.
So I called my civilian employer and said that I had this
opportunity, and wasnt too sure how long I would be
gone, said Pvt Griffith. They gave me the okay, and
said to call them as soon as I knew how long
Id be gone. They wished me luck, and said they hoped
I would return okay.
After packing up his gear in his Army backpack on
Sunday night, Pte Griffith drove to Minto Armoury very
early the next morning. Pte Griffiths father, Carl, met
him there to see him off.
The media overheard Carl telling Pte Griffiths story
to the bus driver, and they were captivated.
They swarmed my dad, said Pte Griffith, adding that
there were at least a dozen members of the local
media there.
They started asking me questions about how I felt about the wildfires in
Kelowna, and how I felt about going to Saskatchewan to fight fires. I admitted
I was nervous about it because I didnt know what all the tasks would be right
on the fire line. I wasnt sure about anything. There are a lot of dangers in
wildfires. The media also wanted background information about me. I was busy
doing interviews right up until the bus departed.
Their first night in Saskatchewan was spent at the Prince Albert Armoury,
three hours south of La Ronge.

sure our training was good, so we were sent out in the bush to douse hot spots
most of that first day.
That evening powerful storms conspired to make an already precarious
situation much more dangerous.
A lot of trees were falling over and lightning was starting new fires, Pte
Griffith explained. But we ended up getting fires under control that first day.
Altogether he was gone a total of 12 days.

The next day a combined force of 200 Reserve and Regular Forces members
got an intense eight hours of level three fire-fighting training.
After dinner, we loaded up the convoy and headed for La Ronge,
Pte Giffith said.

I think we made a difference, said Pte Griffith, who had the chance to take a
ride in Government of Saskatchewan helicopter at one point to obtain a birds
eye view of the vast area burned, and to see the significant difference made by
the military firefighters.

We had the fun of setting up military tents in the dark. Our first fire line was
just north of where we were camped. Our first task the next day was to make

It was the right thing to do, fighting forest fires. My civilian employer put up all
those newspaper articles about me. He was very proud.

Summer Fall 2015

Chief of Staff 38 CBG Appointed to the Order of Military Merit

By Maj Mike Lagace, 38 CBG PAO

Ottawa, Ont Lieut.-Col. Stephen Gallagher was

awarded the prestigious Member of Military Merit
(MMM) last June at the Order of Military Merit
investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall. His Excellency
the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor
General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada,
bestowed the honour on June 8th.
Family has always been a large part of his life so
making the ceremony very special was his life-long
partner and wife, Debbie and his parents, Mike and
Donna Gallagher of North Bay, Ont.

His first- taking his A Battery over to Afghanistan

in 2006 where he engaged into battle against
the Taliban yet experiencing the tragic loss of
26-year-old Captain Nicola Goddard during his tour
a loss he feels to this day.

His third truly proud achievement is found in the

essence of the man his family. Never far from
his heart, his two daughters, Ashley and Lauren
and his son, Blake all still in their teens and
emerging 20s established a base of community
that carried him throughout his postings. Both
Gallagher and his wife, Debbie, established a clear
community presence even during his US posting
from 2008-12 where they were nominated for
the Family of the Year Award. A self-proclaimed
fourth-liner during his RMC days, he clearly had a
coaching ability as he coached his Wichita Falls
minor hockey team to a 23-0 record.
Now entering his 32nd year in his career, he came
back to strengthen and lead the Army Reserves as
the Chief of Staff for 38 Canadian Brigade Group
an appointment he accepted in 2014 with the
intention of taking the experience back to his home
in New Brunswick where he hopes to complete his
career.

ORDER OF MILITARY MERIT FACT SHEET

Created in 1972, The Order of Military Merit
recognizes distinctive merit and exceptional
service displayed by the men and women of
the Canadian Forces, both Regular and Reserve.
Many have demonstrated dedication and
devotion beyond the call of duty, and the Order
honours them for their commitment to Canada,
according to the following three levels:
The level of Commander (post-nominal: C.M.M.)
recognizes outstanding meritorious service
and demonstrated leadership in duties of great
responsibility.
The level of Officer (post-nominal: O.M.M.)
recognizes outstanding meritorious service in
duties of responsibility.
The level of Member (post-nominal: M.M.M.)
recognizes exceptional service or performance
of duty.

Summer Fall 2015

Photo Credit: Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall, OSGG

Lieut.-Col. Gallagher learned of the appointment

as it became official in October, 2014. Then-Major
Gallagher was recognised while in Gagetown by
his superiors after 28 years of dedicated service.
Within the nomination his career in gunnery
was summed up, including his three proudest
achievements.

His second proudest achievement also in 2006

being named as Chief Instructor-in-Gunnery at
the Royal Canadian Artillery School and developed
still current directives based in his operational
experiences.

Photo Credit: MCpl Cam Skrypnyk

38 Canadian Brigade Group Change of Command

By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG PANCM

Winnipeg, Man. On June 13, Colonel Ross Ermel, Commander, 38 Canadian

Brigade Group (38 CBG) passed on command of the organization to Colonel
Geoff Abthorpe at Minto Armouries in Winnipeg.
I came a long way from standing in the junior ranks of the Lake Superior
Scottish Regiment (LSSR) as a Private, said Colonel Abthorpe, the new 38
CBG Commander.
Colonel Abthorpe began his military career in 1988 as a private and, after he
attended the Royal Military College, became a commissioned officer in 1993
with the regular force unit, the Royal Canadian Regiment.
As a regular force Captain, Abthorpe returned to the LSSR in the early 2000s
as Regular Support Staff for the reserve regiment in Thunder Bay, Ont.
At that time, could I have ever thought that Id return as the Commander of the
Lake Superior Scottish Regiment, let alone be standing before you as Brigade
Commander? Abthorpe asked rhetorically. Not on your life.

Summer Fall 2015

Representatives from each of the 13 Army Reserve Units, comprised of over

1400 soldiers that fall under the command of 38 CBG, were on the parade.
You, [Colonel Abthorpe] are so fortunate to be taking the reins of this high
performing formation, said Colonel Ross Ermel. I know that you will continue
to further the aims of the brigade.
Brigadier-General Wayne Eyre, Commander of 3rd Canadian Division, was the
reviewing officer for the parade, an event marked by the official passing of a
sword representing command of the Brigade.
General Eyre, my handover is complete, said Colonel Ross Ermel summing up
his final address to the Brigade. I stand ready to be relieved.
38 Canadian Brigade Group was established on April 1, 1997 after the
amalgamation of the previous two districtsManitoba Lakehead District and
Saskatchewan District. 38 CBG is comprised of a Headquarters, located in
Winnipeg, and 13 Army Reserve units distributed throughout Northwestern
Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The Royal Winnipeg Rifles Appoint

New Honourary Colonel
By 2Lt Stacie Nelles, 38 CBG PAO

Dr. Emke Szathmry was installed to the

esteemed position of Honorary Colonel of Royal
Winnipeg Rifles (RWR) last November.
Born in Hungary and having spent six years in a
German refugee camp, HCol Szathmry came to
Canada in 1951 and became a Canadian citizen
in 1956.
I grew up, always aware of the military ethos that
had ruled my fathers life: to serve his country
faithfully, honorably, courageously,
HCol Szathmry stated at the Installation
Ceremony held at Minto Armoury. I heard those
concepts in a language different than I am using
now, but those precepts remain etched in my
memory.
When the opportunity arose for me to serve my
country as an honorary member of The Royal
Winnipeg Rifles, the route I should choose was
clear. I remembered what I have always known

of soldiers disciplined men and women who live

their lives by principles and act on their obligations
to their country and its citizens.
Presiding Officer, Colonel Geoff Abthorpe, defined
the role of an honorary, The honorary colonel
extends the influence of the commanding officer
and that of the unit. and can be a very vocal
advocate for the rights and benefits of the soldier;
however, one of the best things an honorary can do
is help to promote the Esprit de Corps of their unit.
The appointment is more than an honour, said
HCol Szathmry. The current members of the
regiment decided to serve Canada at a far younger
age than I am now, so in my view, the appointment
is my last chance to do something for my country
by assisting the Commanding Officer and the
Riflemen. I am grateful for that opportunity, and I
will use it well in the interest of The Rifles.
Concluding his address at the Installation
Ceremony, Col Abthorpe said, Honorary Colonel
Dr Emke Szathmry, you are the 8th Honorary
Colonel of these Little Black Devils. Represent
them well, get involved, and have fun!
Welcome to 38 Brigade!

Dr. Szathmry is a Member of the Order of Manitoba

(2009) and the Order of Canada (2003). To view the
impressive and comprehensive list of Szathmarys
accomplishments and affiliations visit
http://www.mintoarmoury.com/honorary-appointments/
honorary-colonel/.

Right: Maj.-Gen. (Ret.) Dennis Tabbernor (left) , the

first commander of 38 Canadian Brigade Group and
Colonel Ross Ermel, Commander of 38 Canadian
Brigade Group, display the custom Support our
Troops licence plate dedicated to all members of the
Canadian Armed Forces during its unveiling at the
Manitoba Legislature, Winnipeg, on June 7th
Left: Colonel Joel Roy, Commander of 17 Wing,
Winnipeg, Lieut. Comd. (ret.) Paul Stiff, former CO
of HMCS Chippewa, Honorable Deanne Crothers,
Military Envoy for the province of Manitoba and
Colonel Ross Ermel, Commander of 38 Canadian
Brigade Group, applaud the unveiling of the display
of the new custom Support our Troops licence
plate by Gord MacIntosh (left), Minister of Justice
and Attorney General.

New CF Scholarships attached

to New Manitoba Licence Plate
Honouring Serving CF
By Maj Mike Lagace, 38 CBG PAO

As eighteen months passes on the initial concept

and artwork for a new licence plate to honour the
Canadian Forces, another concurrent initiative
was sought after by the Commander 38 Canadian
Brigade Group, Colonel Ross Ermel. Manitoba
Public Insurance will now contribute funds toward
the education and development of the members
and families of Regular and Reserve soldiers,
airmen/airwomen and sailors living in Manitoba.
On June 7th at the Manitoba Legislature Building
in Winnipeg, Ministers Gord MacIntosh and
Deanne Crothers proudly introduced the new
Support Our Troops licence plate complete
with the yellow ribbon and a gradient of cadpat
design as the background. As well, during their
announcement they added that approximately 43%

of the sale of the licence plates will go toward

educational scholarships for qualifying military
members, their spouses, partners or children who
wish to study in Manitoba.
A total of ten $1,000 scholarships will be provided
to members and families per year starting in 2016.
We introduced the special licence plate to honour
veterans, and it is fitting that we offer a plate to
honour serving members of the army, navy and air
force, said Minister MacIntosh.
Colonel Ermel thanked the province of Manitoba
and Manitoba Public Insurance and added, the
Province has found a tangible way to thank
our members and their families as they seek
professional development through post-secondary
education. Manitoba is now only the second
province in Canada to establish a scholarship
specifically designed to help support our men and
women and their families.
Along with Col. Ermel, Col. Joel Roy, Commander of
17 Wing and Lt. Cmdr. (ret.) Paul Shiff , former CO
of HMCS Chippewa, were invited to unveil the new

plate to Manitobans with the ministers and senior

officers of Manitoba Public Insurance.
Current serving Regular Force members are
provided with support from the Canadian Forces
for their education; however the scholarships are
designed for their families. Reserve Force members
have partial reimbursement so they would qualify
as well as their families.
The new scholarships are managed and
administered through the Canadian Forces Morale
and Welfare Services (CFMWS). As well, they
would adjudicate the eligible applicants through
a formed CFMWS board. The overall goal is to
help CAF Primary Reserve members and family
members of all CAF to upgrade their education
and provide financial aid to people who need
the help. Check with CFMWS for additional
details and application criteria if you decide
to apply. They invite you to visit their recently
launched scholarship portal on the Support Our
Troops website. To check it out, simply visit www.
supportourtroops.ca, then on the support our troops
tab, select scholarships from the drop down menu.

Summer Fall 2015

Photo Credit: MCpl Alan Haley, Cpl Jean Archambault, Shilo Stag

Maj. Rang Phan

Prairie Region Team Dominates

at CAF National Golf Tourney

By Martin Zeilig, The Voxair

Shilo, Man. Its the same old story when

it comes to playing golf in Manitoba: beware
of the breeze.
The prairie boys know how to play in the wind,
said Danny Hamilton, Sports Coordinator at
CFB Shilo. He was referring to the win by the
Prairie Region team at the CAF National Golf
Championships, held at CFB Shilo from August
24-26. Team member Major Cameron Lowdon,
Space Director at CFSAS, also won the individual
championship with a three round total of 226.

38 CBG HQ Bisons Win

17 Wing Commanders Cup

By MCpl Alan Haley, 38 CBG Public Affairs

Members of 38 Canadian Brigade Groups hockey

team had their work cut out for them the final week
of November as they entered the long running
17 Wing Commanders Hockey Tournament at
the MTS Iceplex in Winnipeg. It has been less
than 2 years since the team was officially formed,
entering the 17 Wing Intersection hockey league
as the only team from the Primary Army Reserve.
Team Captain, Major Dennis Desrochers lead the
rag-tag team of Corporals to Colonels to victory
on 27 November , defeating 17 Wing TEME in the
finals, with a score of 4 to 1. It was a hard couple

The other players on the Prairie Region team were:

Bdr Jared Gossen from Shilo, Capt Manivone
Morrison and WO Dave Boland from Cold Lake,
Sgt Brenda Woods from Wainwright, and
PO2 Steve Melnick from CFB Edmonton.

This year, roughly 50 members, including some

brave guests, kilted up and participated in events
throughout the day such as the caber toss, sheaf
toss, farmers carry, hammer throw, stone put, and
weight for height. Once the winners were awarded
their bragging rights, the afternoon changed temp
slightly, with variants of the traditional games
being played, after the serious were done.

Every day the five lowest scores out of seven

golfers were combined to make a team total.

At the national level, were competing against the

best from across the regions. We approached
the National Championship as a team. No matter
how bad we as individuals played, we have to
remember that our score counts towards the team
score. After each round we encouraged each other
to do even better. At the end, we were exhilarated
by our accomplishment.
8

Summer Fall 2015

Statistics show, that if you score more points than

the other team, you normally win the hockey game
Desrochers said I have been watching YouTube
motivational hockey videos and they inform me
the key to success is make all feel wanted and
good about themselves As such youre all
great, and each of you form an integral part of the
BISON TEAM though your parents may have said
otherwise - youre all special and in Gods eyes
we are all winners - so now lets get on with the
business of winning!

Historically, Highland games are events held in

spring and summer in Scotland and other countries
as a way of celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture
especially that of the Scottish Highlands. Certain
aspects of the games are so well known that they
have become emblematic of Scotland such as:
the bagpipes, the kilt, and the heavy events
especially the caber toss.

17 Wing was also represented by Major Rang Phan

(above) of 38 CBG who shot a 254 over the three
day tournament. His score of 254 was quite the
accomplishment considering he had just come from
the field the day before the tournament had started
- where he had lost fifteen pounds, was unable to
practice and was dealing with a case of poison ivy.

To be a part of any winning team is always exciting,

especially in this tournament, Maj Phan, DCO/CI
38 Canadian Brigade Group Battle School, said in
an email.

of games, playing shorthanded 5 on 4 with Warrant

officer Cam Bourre spending most of the games
in the penalty box, but the team came together to
become the first Army team to win the 17 Wing
Commanders Cup since 2 PPCLI was crowned
tournament champions in 1994.

2015 QOCH Highland Games

By MCpl Alan Haley, 38 CBG Public Affairs

It was the biggest turnout inthe history of the

event, as Queens Own Highlanders of Canada
hosted their 5th annual Highland Games. Members
gathered in the early morning out in St Andrews,
Manitoba on May 23rd, 2015 for a day of heavy
games, and socializing.

Late arrivals to the games included several

members of the 38 Canadian Brigade Group
Nijmegen March Team, who hiked from Minto
Armouries to St Andrews, almost 30km, as workup
for their upcoming trip to The Netherlands. Every
year, the event planning is stick-handled by the
Junior Ranks of the unit, with a Senior NCO hosting,
and supervising the planning. The event
is funded in part by the Minto Jr Ranks Association.
This year, unlike other years, the event was open
to members of all units and guests.

Exercise BOLD QUEST:

RRRs Participate in Live and Virtual Environment Training

By Lt Dyllan Miller, Royal Regina Rifles

Fort Bliss, Texas From September 23 to October

9, select soldiers of The Royal Regina Rifles (RRR)
were tasked to participate on Exercise BOLD
QUEST (EX BQ) at Fort Bliss, Texas.
EX BQ provided a live and virtual environment
including force-on-force scenarios using simulated
and virtual technologies with soldiers from Canada,
Denmark and the US.
The Canadians, US, and Danish sections were
combined into a multinational platoon to see if
the different countries could come together as a
platoon and execute missions with little time to
properly integrate and get to know each others
tactics.
The combined multinational platoon conducted
numerous attacks, centralized around dismounted
infantry tactics and urban operations with the
advantage of the new friendly force tracking
system or FFT.

This exercise began with morning rehearsals in

the dismounted soldier training system, which is
a virtual reality combat simulator something
new for the RRRs. Soldiers strap on a backpack of
sensors, a helmet with a device similar to that of
night vision goggles (the visual interface), and pick
up a rifle with more sensors and a joystick to be in
the system. This cool yet complicated system wore
out its use quickly, as you cannot do platoon sized
rehearsals, but it was something new for the Rifles.
Despite being from different countries, it became
very apparent that our armies are not so different.
In fact, all the soldiers had the same interests,
discipline, organizational structure, and problems.
This aided immensely in the comradery of this new
platoon.
Other technical and personnel additions to add to
the complexity of the experiment included various
drones and reconnaissance vehicles, French and
German forward observers attached to the platoon,

and real aircraft and reconnaissance including an

Apache helicopter for close air support.
While the experimentation equipment was
heavy, cumbersome, and still in development, this
exercise was a great new opportunity for the RRR.
It was great to see and compare coalition partner
tactics, techniques and procedures. Additionally,
many new friends were made with our coalition
partners.
EX BQ is a US Joint Staff J6 sponsored
experiment/demonstration led by the Deputy
Director for Cyber and C4 Integration and Joint
Fires Division. EX BQ is interoperability focused
with both fielded and emergent capabilities. The
exercise focused on core competencies such as:
combat identification; friendly force tracking;
Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS) and
Joint Fires; integrated air and missile defense;
and coalition intelligence surveillance and
reconnaissance.

Photo Credit: Christian Gagnan

Summer Fall 2015

Ex WESTERN GUNNER 2015

Photo Credit: MCpl Louis Brunet, MBdr Lynne Danielson

By MBdr Lynne Danielson, UPAR, 116 Ind Fd Bty

Shilo, Manitoba How in the hell are we gonna pull this one off I mutter
to my fellow gunners from 38 Canadian Brigade Group (CBG). Members of
10 th Field Regiment (Saskatchewan), 26th Field Regiment (Manitoba) and 116th
Independent Field Battery (Kenora, Ontario) stood amidst row, upon row, upon
row of empty cots awaiting the arrival of 39 and 41 CBG all the way from
the British Columbia coast to the Alberta / Saskatchewan border. We are in
Gunner Arena at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Shilo, preparing to head out to
the field the next day to participate in Exercise WESTERN GUNNER the
3rd Canadian Division Reserve artillery concentration from August 8-15.
Also running this week are five artillery courses which have tasked many of
our fellow troops as instructors, course staff or course candidates. How are we
to man four guns, command post, recce, observation post, and headquarters?
Who is left? We dont know. Watch and shoot.
No time is wasted, however, as guns are bore sighted, stores are checked,
communications are established, drills are rehearsed, vehicles are prepped
By sundown, like the effervescence of Alka-Seltzer, my needless worry
dissipates as 70+ artillery soldiers from Lethbridge, Edmonton and points west
to Vancouver and Victoria boisterously clear in. Almost immediately,
the briefings begin, positions are assigned, and we are wired.
No empty cots now.

10

Summer Fall 2015

As a gunner myself, I am normally a member of

a C3 Howitzer Gun Detachment. The MSVS
pulls hard and fast into position and with great
expediency you get that gun unhooked, recorded,
and firing post haste. It is hot, heavy, tiring work,
but the ultimate reward comes sweetly with two
sounds FIRE! and BOOM!
Tasked as driver for the operations officer on this
exercise, however, I had the unique opportunity
to observe all aspects and moving parts that must
come together in an artillery exercise so we can
hear that FIRE-BOOM.
I saw soldiers, non-commissioned and officers alike,
fuse as one cohesive unit on the gunline, in the

command post (CP), at the observation post, and at

headquarters.

volunteered their time from the Recce Tech course

to come and command it.

I saw the Battery Sergeant Major, MWO Garrett

(15 Fd Regt, Vancouver), sweaty and dirty loading
salvage alongside gunners.

I saw four very strong gun detachments roar and

move and load and fire at the end of the exercise
during the detachment commanders open action
competition.

I saw the Regimental Quartermaster, Sgt Quiring,

26 Field Regiment, Brandon, after running rations
and water from sun-up to sun-down, turn around
and head right back out with the recovery crew to
replace the CP that went down.
I saw a fourth gun come into action because
Sgt Colyn 5 Field Regiment, Victoria, and Master
Bombardier Hilbich, 15 Field Regiment, Vancouver

I was humbled and in awe as I saw Army Reserve

artillery soldiers of Western Canada, having little
or no previous training together, bond in high
morale and triumph in extreme heat (plus 38
degrees Celsius) to get rounds downrange, on time,
and on target.
UBIQUE!

MAY 22, 2015

From The Chronical Journal:

A Humanitarian
visits the ER

Photo Credit: Capt George Romick, LSSR

d like to commend a young soldier my daughter and I

saw at the Regional Health Sciences Centre emergency
room Saturday evening.

He was dressed in green and black army fatigues with a

bold Canadian flag badge on his left arm. I watched him sit
and give his full attention to an elderly aboriginal man who
was wearing a hospital gown and sat directly across from
him in the waiting room. The elderly man appeared to have
the gift of the gab, while the young soldier sat calmly
and intently, listening to him speak.

I mentioned to my daughter that the soldier appeared

to be a true humanitarian. She replied, What does that
mean? I informed her that a humanitarian is someone who

promotes human welfare, a Good Samaritan and someone

who genuinely cares about people.
Just then, a mother of a young child had her stroller fall
over as she lifted her child out of it. The young soldier got
up immediately and picked up the stroller for her. Upon
returning to his seat, he said sorry to the man for leaving
his conversation unannounced.
He did not look around to see who saw him do this random
act of kindness. He did not take the opportunity to sit in a
different seat. He respectfully redirected his attention back
to the talkative man.
Young man, your parents should be proud, Thunder Bay
should be proud, and your entire country should be proud.
May God bless your journey.
Kimberly Logie
Thunder Bay

Commanders Coins Says Thank You and Well Done

By 2Lt Stacie Nelles, 38 CBG PAO

Thunder Bay, Ont Corporal Kurtis Pelletier

of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment (LSSR) was
acknowledged for his compassion and deportment
by community and commander alike.
As Cpl Pelletier sat in the emergency room in the
Regional Health Sciences Centre in Thunder Bay
last spring, he set aside his own concerns and
directed his attention to others. In this May 2015
Letter to the Editor, Kimberly Logie commends him
for his considerate and compassionate demeanor.
When I first read the article I was surprised in a
positive way because to me it was any other day,
said Cpl Pelletier. I felt grateful that someone
had taken the time to recognize and write about
12

Summer Fall 2015

someone in uniform doing something positive and

showing people that men and women in uniform
are good people.
As a member of the LSSRs, the appreciation that
this article garnered for Cpl Pelletier also earned
him recognition from his chain of command.
On May 30, Colonel Ross Ermel, in Thunder Bay to
preside over the LSSR change of command parade,
presented Cpl Pelletier with a Commanders Coin.
Cpl Pelletier clearly demonstrated, through his
actions and engagement, a professional example
which is a guide to us all, said Colonel Ermel.
He exemplifies the Canadian Armed Forces values
of Duty, Loyalty, Integrity and Courage.

According to Colonel Abthorpe, (then outgoing

Commanding Officer of the LLSR)
The presentation of the Commanders Coin allows
for a quick recognition of noteworthy deeds
without having to go through honour and awards
committees. It is a personal token between the
Commander and the recipient that says Thank You
and Well done on behalf of the Canadian Armed
Forces.
When Col. Ermel gave me the Commanders coin
I felt honored and proud to be receiving it, said Cpl
Pelletier. It was a great feeling to be recognized
by the military for doing simple, kind things in
public.

Janzen Sisters Stand Guard in Ottawa

By MCpl Alan Haley, 38 CBG Public Affairs

Ottawa, Ont Corporals Anna and Madeline Janzen, members of the North
Saskatchewan Regiment based out of Saskatoon stood guard at the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The two sisters
from Rosthern, Saskatchewan were the first siblings to ever stand sentry
together over the National War Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in
Confederation Square in Ottawa. The sisters were part of the national sentry
program this summer, which has members of the navy, army and air force
standing guard from April to November.
Originally built to commemmorate the Candians who died in World War I, the
National War Memorial is a tall, granite arch with bronze sculptures dedicated
by King George VI in 1939. In 1982, it was rededicated to also include those
killed in the World War II and the Korean War, and again in 2014 to add the
dead from Second Boer war, the war in Afghanistan, as well as all Canadians
killed in all conflicts past and future. In 2000, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
was placed in front of the memorial and symbolizes the sacrifices made by all
Canadians who have died or may yet die for their country.
The tomb holds the remains of an unidentified project begun by the Royal
Canadian Legion, the tomb was added to the war memorial in 2000 and holds

the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier who died in France during

World War I. The soldier was selected from a cemetery in the vicinity of Vimy
Ridge. The solemn ground also marks the same spot where Cpl. Nathan Cirillo
was shot and killed in October of 2014.
The war memorial in itself represents so much bloodshed for the country itself,
said Madeline. Now that theres been bloodshed there, in that very location,
its changed the war memorial in a way that I dont think you even can put
words on. Its a humbling experience to stand up there, said Anna.
While on duty, the sisters would stand at ease, sometimes performing drills or
giving salute to officers who visited the National War Memorial. They were not
allowed to speak to the public while on guard, but they did have fellow soldiers
on the same shift that were able to interact with the public and answer their
questions.
The two sisters applied for the special posting, and said they are alike as
soldiers. They appreciate that they get to serve together. Theres no one Id
rather actually be out there with, said Madeline. Shes always got my back.

Summer Fall 2015

13

EXERCISE

BISON WARRIOR 2015

Final Attack
By Maj Mike Lagace, 38 CBG PAO

Shilo, Man. Driving through the early morning mists of CFB Shilo with
the sun starting to crest through the east, a convoy of visitors, including the
Brigade and Divisional Commanders rambled through the back gates of the
ranges. It was time to observe the final assault against the enemy forces
wreaking havoc against the good citizens.
Enjoying the 45-minute ride with plenty of time to watch the coordinated and
tactical soldier skills, the low-lying fog spread across the ranges, providing
an eerie sense of peace. The sun broke the horizon, brightened the clouds and
showed the prairie ranges in its glory. Coming closer, a strange cloud formation
suddenly appeared along the horizon.
Damn. It wasnt clouds. It was smoke from a major attack!
Fridays final assault on 30 rogue dissidents was well underway as the convoy
of observers came across the formation well engaged into battle. It looked
great- the good guys finished off the bad guys and it happened early thanks
to an errant night contact by enemy force. Combat arms took the initiative and
carried on.
Over 100 proud but tired soldiers from 38 Canadian Brigade Group made their
final assault early Friday morning (August 21) after slugging the week through
swamp, bugs and poison ivy [em dash] avoiding all the wire, mine defenses,
machine gun nests, and roving patrols.

Sadly the 38 Combat Engineer Regiment sappers came in with unexploded

Bangalore.
The engineers looked a bit disappointed carrying it in- kind of even sad,
quipped Colonel Geoff Abthorpe, Commander 38 CBG.
However, they were not to be disappointed as every exercise needs certain
activities to take place. Yes, the officer commanding the attack, Major Rang
Phan, had right to be proud as he and his team circumvented every obstacle
ensuring his men survived the assault. He could only comment on his after
action brief from a perfect attack, Kill them harder next time! sending his
team into hard laughing.
Okay, great work! proclaimed BGen Wayne Eyre, a former RSS officer many
years ago with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and now the Commander of 3rd
Division.
Dressed in MILES gear, still with lots of time ahead, it was decided to exercise
breaching the defences. Command staff just made our Engineers a very happy
bunch the infantry didnt mind at all because thats why they came to
close with and destroy the enemy.
Take 2! Bangalore away!

Photo Credit: MCpl Louis Brunet

Photo Credit: MCpl Louis Brunet

American Reservists Train with Canadian Counterparts

By 2Lt Kyle Roman, 38 CBG PAO

Shilo, Man. After months of phone calls, emails

and actual letters sent by mail, the United States
Army arrived to be co-joined, and even enemy force,
for 38 Canadian Brigade Groups major warfighting
exercise - BISON WARRIOR 15- in Shilo, Manitoba
15-23 August.
The two United States Army Reserve units that
accepted 38 CBGs invitation to the exercise were:
the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion, based out of Tulsa
Oklahoma. They were deployed for a year to Iraq
in 2008.
The 13th Psychological Operations Battalion out
of Arden Hills, Minnesota. They deployed 60 of
its members for a full year to Langhar Province of
Afghanistan in 2011.
Both units come with a great deal of practical
experience, as deployments are routine for them.
It is also worthy to note that American Reserve
units deploy quite differently than their Canadian
counterparts, as they usually deploy their reservist
as a unit - not as augmentees to a regular force
unit like the Canadian Army Reserve.
486th Civil Affairs Battalions relationship with 38
CBG extends back to August 2014 and February
2015 when it sent soldiers to the summer and
winter iterations of the 38 CBGs annual Arctic
Response Company Group domestic operations
exercises in northern Manitoba. Exercise BISON

WARRIOR 15 marks the first time that elements

of US Psychological Operations have been
incorporated into 38 CBG training.
When the opportunity appeared, 13th
Psychological Operations Battalion was eager to
participate according to First Sergeant Fuchs: It
only makes sense to form a relationship between
the two units because of our proximity.
When asked about the difficulties that they needed
to overcome when working with an allied force,
Captain Brian Goree from 13th Psychological
Operations Battalion said, was the basic things
like acronyms and ranks, but when it came to the
job itself, the processes may have different names,
but the techniques that we use are very similar.
Captain Jon Baker, who currently serves as G9 for
38 CBG and Second in Command of 38 Influence
Activities Company, also took his training into
operations in Afghanistan in 2008, shared the
same sentiment. Despite never working together
before and despite being a composite group of
Canadian Reservists from different units within 38
CBG and American soldiers, they gelled right away
- producing Influence Activities products at a level
and quality that even surprised themselves.
Even on a personal level, the soldiers from both
sides of the 49th Parallel seemed to be in sync
within five minutes of meeting one another. They

may have a different perspective and experiences

when it comes to their jobs and lives in general but
there are plenty of similarities between them that
they were able to build upon that brought the two
groups together to work as a team, said Captain
Goree.
Unlike their United States Army counterparts who
have Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs
as occupations within the military, the Canadian
Armed Forces has institutionalized Civil Military
Cooperation and Psychological Operations as
occupational specialty qualifications sourced
it out to most trades within the Army reserves.
Due to the part-time nature of the reserve force
in Canada, and the fact that Canadian Influence
Activities personnel must hone their skillsets
on top of carrying out their respective military
occupations, the participation of 486th Civil Affairs
Battalion and 13th Psychological Operations
Battalion represents a great opportunity for our
new personnel to work with and learn from their
US brethren, who bring with them a deeper and
broader level of experience in many respects,
said Captain Baker.
Iraq veteran, Captain Jeffrey Nantze, who
deployed to Iraq with the 486th, expanded on the
benefits of this partnership highlighting that he
would like this to be something that will continue
in the years to come.

Summer Fall 2015

17

Major Activities Calendar

January to June 2016

18

Friday

Saturday Sunday

Monday Friday

Friday

Saturday Sunday

10

Saturday Sunday

12

13

Friday

Saturday Sunday

14

15

16

Friday

Saturday Sunday

15

17

16-18

Monday

22

23

Friday

Saturday Sunday

24

19

20

Friday

Saturday Sunday

21

29

30

Friday

Saturday Sunday

31

26

27

Friday

Saturday Sunday

28

11

12

13

18

19

20

25

26

27

28

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Summer Fall 2015

Saskatchewan Dragoons Help 3 Div Team

Win Worthington Cup Challenge

By MCpl Mike Cook and MCpl Steve Arens, Saskatchewan Dragoons

Gagetown, N.B. In May, the Saskatchewan Dragoons were selected

to represent 3 Division as the Reserve Reconnaissance team in the 2015
Worthington Cup Challenge in CFB Gagetown. The unit provided a Light Utility
Vehicle Wheeled (LUVW) patrol consisting of eight soldiers. Training began
in August and included the qualifying on all of our weapon systems. We also
conducted training on armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) recognition, medical first
aid and physical fitness.
We arrived for the competition in CFB Gagetown on September 24. We
were able to train and discuss strategy with our 3 Division teammates. The
3 Division team consisted of crews of Leopard 2 and Coyote from the Lord
Strathcona Horse, a Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) crew from 1 Princes Patricia
Canadian Light Infantry along with our LUVW patrol.
Our first challenge was the obstacle course followed by the march and shoot
both of these stands were physically challenging as well as fun. Next was
the range. The armoured fighting vehicle range consisted of a C6 shoot from
the LUVW turret at targets and falling plates. After completing the range we
were able to watch the other teams compete, it was impressive to see the
firepower of the Coyote, LAV 3 and the Leopard 2. The next event was the
Night Navigation Course. The first team set off at midnight, and our team was
the sixth team to launch that night. We had three hours to get to all 12 Nav

points which were difficult to find with only a map and compass.
The next day of competition was AFV recognition, calling in indirect fire in
the SAT range, followed by the range estimation stand. The last day of the
completion consisted of driver maintenance, first aid and driving course
stands. We raced off to the first stand where we conducted a tire change on
the LUVW followed by removing a casualty from a TLAV, performing first aid
and calling in appropriate reports on the radio. Our team was the first team to
complete all three stands, and we watched as the other teams finished.
We were keeping track of our progress and that of the other Divisions as well,
but we really didnt know until the last team was done where we stood in
the standings. At the awards ceremony, 3 Divisions Leopard 2 team placed
first overall, the LAV and LUVW teams placed second overall meaning that 3
Division had won the Worthington Cup Challenge.
The Worthington Cup Challenge was a great experience. The Saskatchewan
Dragoon team was given the opportunity to complete with both Regular
Force and other Reserve soldiers in an excellent physical and challenging
competition. We were able to meet new soldiers from all over the country as
well as a Leopard 2 team from Denmark. We look forward to representing 38
CBG and 3 Division again in the future.

Over the Edge

for Easter Seals

Photo Credit: submitted by Major Darla Oja

Last August, Honorary Colonel Dean Botcher

of 38 Signal Regiment, rappelled down
the 14 stories of the Maplecrest Towers
in Thunder Bay for Easter Seals. It also
happened to be the same building that he
lives in.
Easter Seals Drop Zone is a unique
and exhilarating fundraising event that
encourages ordinary individuals to become
superheroes for a day.
Honorary Colonel Botcher was one of several
brave individuals that raised over $3800.00.

Summer Fall 2015

19

EX ARCTIC RAM
12 - 21 FEB 16
RESOLUTE BAY, NU

Minto Celebrates 100 Years of Army Reserve Heritage with Open House
By Mike Sherby, The Voxair

Over 300 people stopped by Minto Armouries on

October 10th as the units of 38 Canadian Brigade
Group opened their doors to the public with an
open house.
The event featured many displays, including ones
from the Fort Garry Horse, the Queens Own
Cameron Highlanders of Canada, a Teddy Bear
triage area for children, and several vintage jeeps
from the Ghost Squadron.
The weekend was also a high point for 38 Service
Battalion, a combat service support unit within 38
CBG. The battalion celebrated the 50th anniversary
of its formation that weekend with a grand
re-opening of the expanded Combat Service
Support Museum as well as the launch of a book
on CSS history entitled United in Effort.
Dale Watts, Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel for 38
Service Battalion, says that the day was a great

opportunity for the general public to learn about

what the Army Reserve does.
I think that having the community become more
familiar with the military is always a good thing,
he said.
Watts joined the Army in 1968 and was a former
CO of the Service Support Unit in Winnipeg before
retiring. He came back to the battalion in 2009
when he was asked to be its Honorary LCol.
The museum was founded in the late 1990s by
Watts predecessor, and he inherited it when he
became Honorary LCol of the Battalion.
Originally that wasnt my interest in becoming
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel, HLCol Watts said.
But its gotten into my blood now and I spend
a fair amount of time there, trying to improve the
collection.

Sergeant Kevin McRae, a combat engineer with 38

CBG, was happily displaying the tools of his trade
for curious onlookers inside of Minto. On the table
in front of him were replicas of several different
types of land mines, axes, a halligan bar, and even
a replica of a claymore mine.
Sgt McRae, who has been in the army for eight
years, says that his favourite part of the job is
building obstacles and employing demolitions on
training exercises.
The enemy force will construct obstacles to try
and stop the flow on the battlefield, and well do
reconnaissance on the obstacles and attempt to
remove the obstacle, he said. Its a lot of fun.
The day was capped off with a meet and greet
for current and former members of 38 Service
Battalion and their predecessor units.

community, including many schools and the media from Regina, to find out
about the historic unit within the LCol D.V. Currie VC Armoury.
Recruiting in the Army Reserves is such a priority now as we have lost
numbers, remarked Sgt Humphreys. The Open House provides a venue for
many local schools to really learn about their army in Moose Jaw.
New to the Open House was CTV Regina picking up the story and telling
southern Saskatchewan all about the Army Reserves. Normally profiling local
Regina events, CTV Morning Live reporter, Alex Brown, was ready and eager
to get into the military gear, jump on the G-Wagons and take out an enemy
position with the Carl Gustav. She said, its definitely something I have never
done before, and then yelled out the orders for a fire mission.

Moose Jaw Recruiter Leads Way in Open Houses

As fall training sessions came to a close, larger armoury open houses in
celebration of historic milestones prevailed across 38 Brigade to include Minto
and Regina. Whether in memory of 50 years of service, such as the 17 Service
Battalion, or celebration of a regiments presence in a city, such as the Royal
Regina Regiment, sometimes a community just needs
to know the Army Reserves are there. Sergeant Chad Humphreys, the South
Saskatchewan recruiting officer was determined to have his say in Moose Jaw.
Last October the Saskatchewan Dragoons, led by Sgt Humphreys, invited the

Summer Fall 2015

21

Photo Credit: The Voxair, Maj Mike Lagace

By Maj Mike Lagace, 38 CBG PAO

The Canadian Forces, and specifically the Army Reserves of 38 Canadian

Brigade Group, are engaged in a battle of attrition since the close of the
Afghanistan mission. Recruiting has slowed down. Still needing to prepare for
any eventuality, Brigade recruiters rely upon the support of their units, such as
the Saskatchewan Dragoons and opportunities such as their open house.

Photo Credit: Maj Mike Lagace, MCpl Louis Brunet

Regina Freedom of the City

By Michael Bell, Regina Leader-Post

A long-standing tradition was revived on Saturday at Regina City Hall as local

military units were granted freedom of the city. The custom dates back to
the 15th century, explained Col. Malcolm Young with the Canadian Forces
Liaison Council. An army would approach a city and... the city would have
two choices: They could either be sieged and destroyed or they could grant
freedom of the city to the invading army, but with terms and conditions,
he said.
(For example), they would be able to come into the city and they would not...
pillage it.
Members of the Royal Regina Rifles, 10th Field Artillery, 38th Signals
Regiment, HMCS Queen, 38th Service Battalion, 16th Field Ambulance and
15th Wing Moose Jaw marched down Victoria Avenue to McIntyre Street.
The members waited as representatives from each unit approached city hall
and met deputy mayor Wade Murray to request or exercise their freedom of
the city. It connects the units with their city. And, that is a critical thing as
well because it is an opportunity for the unit, which is part of the community,

22

Summer Fall 2015

to be on display at a significant moment in time, for all the citizens of that city.
Only the Royal Regina Rifles (1967) and HMCS Queen (1978) were previously
granted freedom of the city. Cpl. Jayson Derow participated in the parade on
behalf of the Royal Regina Rifles. Derow, 24, of Emerald Park, joined the unit
eight years ago. I was young. I just always had this sense of duty to kind of
give back to the country and just do something out of the ordinary, he said.
Derow added that there is a history of military members in his family, and he
wanted to carry on that tradition.
Saturdays parade was part of Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Day.
Col. Geoff Abthorpe, commander of 38th Canadian Brigade Group, said that
appreciation day provides an opportunity for the military and the public to
connect. Sometimes the public ... feels that there is this mysteriousness
about us. Well, this is a chance for us to open our doors (and) show them there
is nothing really that secretive or mysterious about us, he said at a Canadian
Armed Forces open house at the Regina Armoury. We are an organization of
the people for the people to support the people of Canada.

Summer Fall 2015

23

A Long Life Well Lived

Colonel Jack Young: 1923 - 2015

By 2Lt Stacie Nelles, 38 CBG PAO

Former 18 Service Battalion Honorary Colonel John (Jack) Joseph Young

passed away accidentally in Thunder Bay Ontario on July 31, 2015.
HCol Young was a Royal Canadian Air Force veteran of World War II.
Throughout his lifetime of military service he worked and studied in various
levels of social work. More recently he was known as a beloved member of
the Reserve Force in Thunder Bay, Ontario who left behind him a legacy of
accomplishments that will be remembered and appreciated for generations
to come.
Colonel Geoff Abthorpe, Commander of 38 Canadian Brigade Group, describes
HCol Jack Young as a pillar in the military community in the Lakehead
for many decades.
His unwavering support for the soldiers was reflected in the yeomans work
he performed in the Military Museum, the Royal Canadian Legion, and as
a member of the Service Battalion Senate, said Col Abthorpe. We are
fortunate to have had such a dedicated individual like Jack in our ranks for as
long as we had.
In September 1942, after high school graduation in North Battleford,
Saskatchewan, HCol Young enlisted in the RCAF serving as an Aircraft
Instrument Technician in England and Scotland. He earned the Defence
of Britain Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, as well as
24

Summer Fall 2015

The War Medal 1939 1945 for his war service.

After earning a post-graduate diploma at the University of London, England,
HCol Young was commissioned as a Social Work Officer in the Air Force
in 1954. He served with dedication to his trade in Canada and Europe until
1971 when he moved to Thunder Bay where he was Chief Social Worker
at Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital. He served in the Army Reserves from 1971
to 1983, with the Service Battalion, Medical Company and District
Headquarters becoming a member of the Service Battalion Senate in 1983.
He was appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of 18 Service Battalion in 1994
and Honorary Colonel in 2008.
HCol Youngs time in Thunder Bay marks an extensive series of involvements
and commitments including: RCAF Benevolent Fund; co-founder of the Social
Work Branch of the RCAF; Society of Military Social Workers and founder
and curator of the Thunder Bay Military Museum.
Museum volunteer Kevin Roy says of his experience in working with
HCol Young, I remember the joy in his voice when he would take people on
tours and the stories that he would tell when showing [them] the exhibits.
It was a joy to volunteer for someone that had such a love of history and a
desire to share it with others.
HCol Young leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Anne. He was 91.

38 Brigade Commander Featured in New Documentary:

War Story Afghanistan

By Jon Thompson, tbnewswatch.com

The exploits of a Thunder Bay-born Canadian Armed Forces

colonel are featured in an Afghanistan War documentary series.
Two of War Story Afghanistans six episodes will focus on
Colonel Geoffrey Abthorpe, who commanded Canadian troops
to victory through Operation MEDUSA in September 2006.
Four hundred Taliban fighters were repelling the NATO-led force
at the foot of a mountain outside of Kandahar. Abthorpe was the
third leader to take command of the 165-member team. The use
of force had been restricted and coalition troops were suffering
heavy casualties.
Under new leadership, Operation MEDUSAs tide was about
to turn. I was given greater rules of engagement and freedom
of action to take the objective, Abthorpe explained.
The Colonel had developed a reputation for leading from the
front, often on foot. He ordered his team to circumvent the
explosive-laden roads and cut through fields toward the town
in a bid to change the battles focal point.

The strategy brought what Abthorpe described as the coalitions

overwhelming firepower and superior abilities into close range and the battle
was won.

He said, the British left, the Russians left, the Taliban will leave, the Coalition
will leave and Ill still be here in my village and Ill still be tending my crops,
Abthorpe recalled.

Thirty-eight Canadian soldiers were wounded and one soldier was lost
during that command Private Josh Klukie from Thunder Bay. Abthorpe
commemorates the local mans life every year on Remembrance Day.

The full tbaynewswatch.com story can be found at http://www.tbnewswatch.

com/News/377111/Thunder_Bay_soldier_featured_in_History_Channel_
documentary_

The second episode featuring Abthorpe, entitled Hearts and Minds, is a critical
look at the outreach effort to legitimize the elected Afghan government.
The Canadians focused on promising to refurbish wells in Afghan communities
to gain their support by providing water.

War Story Afghanistan aired on the History Channel during Remembrance

Week and can be viewed at http://www.history.ca/video/#video.

It didnt go so well. We had an inability to get the right kind of resources from
Canada, he said.
The Taliban had better resources at its command to convince rural communities
to offer its soldiers food, shelter, safe passage.
There were some successes, including giving firewood to Afghanis
in November and providing 90 patients with medical care.
Abhtorpe described the point of view of a man who lived near the mountain
that claimed to be 104 years old.

Summer Fall 2015

25

Photo Credit: MCpl Jeremy Slot

Op DISTINCTION:
By MCpl Jeremy Slot, Fort Garry Horse

I arrived at CFB Trenton late one evening in April

to a briefing along with dozens of regimental
representatives. Each representatives units played
a role in the liberation of Holland in 1945, close to
the end of the European campaign of World War
II. After three days of drill practice and rehearsing
drills in French, we boarded the CF Polaris aircraft
destined for Eindhoven, Holland.
The next day, we boarded buses from Orange
Kazerene (a Dutch army Barracks located just
outside the city of Arnhem) bound for the town of
Wageningen where the documents that liberated
the country were signed May 5, 1945. Later, we
arrived at one of the Canadian War Cemeteries.
Seeing the final resting places of so many soldiers
who fought was a very sobering experience. It
caused most of us to pause and reflect in a way we
probably havent before. We were scheduled to see
only one more cemetery after this for the rest of
the trip, but instead saw two the Canadian War
Cemetery in Holten, and the cemetery in Bergen
op Zoom. Provided with a map of the locations of
each fallen Fort Garry Horse soldiers at these three
cemeteries, I was able to pay my respects to them
individually.
A parade at the Canadian war cemetery in
Groesbeek marked the third day and was attended
by former Canadian Prime Ministers wife, Laureen
Harper, many veterans from the various battles
that took place throughout the country, and family
of fallen members who now rest in Groesbeek. The
parade spanned almost three hours in the rain.
Prior to leaving, the guard lined up to shake the
hands of each veteran before boarding busses back
to Oranje Kazerene.
All we could see the next day was blue skies as we
set out for the parade in Holten. Over 1000 people
honoured the fallen and the veterans including
Prime Minister Steven Harper who expressed the
countrys appreciation for the men who served,
past and present.
The parade was enormous unlike anything
I have ever experienced. Helicopters flew by
showering poppies over the event and a World
26

Summer Fall 2015

War II Spitfire airplane conducted flybys. After

the parade, we were shuttled into the city of
Holten decorated by local citizens with Dutch and
Canadian flags and a lunch prepared especially for
us the food was outstanding!
Personally touring Arnhem that evening, I was
fortunate enough to accidentally find my way to
the largest cathedral in Arnhem (one block from
the famous John Frost Bridge). Here, on May 4 at
20:00 hours, the Dutch take a moment of silence
to honour their dead. Thousands walked through
the street in silence arriving at the doors of the
cathedral where the march halted for somber
music and prayer.
Liberation Day May 5, 2015. We met Canadian
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Tom Lawson, who
thanked the guard for our participation in such an
important event. A question I posed to the CDS, in
fact, earned me the only CDS coin that was handed
out that day an outstanding honor (among the
many this trip has granted me thus far.)
The parade route commemorating Liberation day
was six kilometers through Wageningen, slated to
conclude shortly after performing eyes right past
the king and queen of the Netherlands. Almost
immediately, the parade was halted as dozens
of Dutch children immediately rushed us to high
five us, hug us, or simply just say hello. The guard
was prepared with keepsakes from home to hand
out to all the kids. I personally handed out 200
Canada pins throughout the course of the parade,
as well as one name tag, which one child was seen
wearing proudly on his chest throughout the rest
of the day.

70th Anniversary of
the Liberation of Holland
for the event. Canadians, Americans, Germans,
Belgians, and more were all present and more than
willing to swap stories and souvenirs with us. It
was on this day that I made a good friend from the
Dutch 11th Air Mobile Brigade (11 Luchtmobiele
Brigade, part of the German Special Operations
Division), Corporal Wensley Monk. Cpl Monk
ensured the rest of my stay was as educational
as possible and provided me with all kinds of
souvenirs for myself and the members of FGH.
The rest of the tasking was spent exploring
battlefields, monuments, and architecture. My
personal adventures concluded with a visit to the
city of Dotechiem where the Fort Garry Horse
invested time after World War II building homes,
roads and even toys for the children during the
holidays.
At Canada Park a neighborhood named and
dedicated to the Fort Garry Horse for our post war
efforts in rebuilding the community sits an
FGH Sherman gifted to the people of Dotechiem
along with a commemorative plaque and sign
explaining the important role the regiment played
in rebuilding the city. Adjacent to the Sherman was
a building that was used by the community as a
daycare and recreation center, aptly named Club
haus Fort Garry Horse. I stopped in and left our
units customs and traditions handbook, along
with a letter of appreciation.
Before this tasking, I knew and understood the
history and the sacrifices; however, I dont believe
anyone can truly understand until they set foot on
the ground where the stories took place. Until they
see the spots where history was made. Until they
experience the sobering feeling of being where the
men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice
now rest so people they never even met, can live
unoppressed and free.

The appreciation and energy we received from the

locals throughout the parade was unlike anything
I could have imagined. Flower petals blew through
the air all around us. Signs thanking our efforts
during the war and post war were held by children
and war veterans alike. Tears of joy were shed
when the Canadian contingent proudly marched by.
I have never seen or felt anything like it; it was like
something out of a movie an unreal experience.

The time I spent in the Netherlands, the people I

met, and the friends I made will not be forgotten,
nor will the sacrifices and tragedies which paint
the vivid picture of war in this place a picture
the country holds with pride.

The city swelled from 40,000 to 130,000 people

FACTA NON VERBA.

The 38 CBG public affairs team holding the Command Team commendation. (L-R) 2Lt Kyle Roman, 2Lt Stacie Nelles, MCpl Draper Houston, Bernice May Tuano, 2Lt Derek Gagnon, Maj
Mike Lagace, MCpl Cam Skrypnyk, MCpl Louis Brunet, Cpl Jean Archambault, MCpl Alan Haley

Command Team Commendation

for 38 CBG Public Affairs

Last May, the 38 Canadian Brigade Group (CBG) Public Affairs team, headed
by Major Mike Lagace, received a Commander Commendation from the 38 CBG
Command Team.
The certificate, signed by outgoing Commander Colonel Ross Ermel and
Brigade Sergeant-Major Al Boucher reads, For notable and results driven
support to the Commanders effort to raise the profile of 38 (CBG) the Public
Affairs Branch distinguished itself. Through Exercise BISON WARRIOR 2014,
the Afghanistan Day of Remembrance, the Afghanistan Memorial Vigil,

Exercise ARCTIC BISON 2015, the Minnesota Twins Military Recognition

Day and a multitude of other well-coordinated media events throughout
the Brigade, the Public Affairs Branch is commended for their dedication,
professionalism and successes in telling the Brigades story. Their skill and
ability to operate independently brought credit to the Brigade and the (CAF)
through internal correspondence, social media and local and national news
coverage.
The Brigade Public Affairs team formed up with the Army Reserve model of
employment part-time availability. Throughout the year, it was comprised of
officer and NCM PA practitioners Major Mike Lagace, 2Lt Kyle Roman and
MCpl Draper Houston. Photojournalists, both from the Regular and Reserve
forces were MCpls Cam Skrypnyk, Louis Brunet and Alan Haley. Brigade
Graphic Designer Bernice May Tuano, rounded out the team with her brilliant
design of the Brigade Magazine and other posters.

Cartoon by LCol Jarymowycz, former CO Royal Canadian Hussars and comic contributor
to the old CF Sentinel magazine under the name Roman. This cartoon is from the cover of the
Rendezvous (RV) 83 Comic Book.
Born in Vienna, Austria with a Ukrainian heritage,
Lieutenant Colonel Jarymowycz is a naturalized
Canadian citizen and an accomplished senior
officer. He holds a PhD in military history and has
taught at the Canadian Land Force Command
and Staff College and the Royal Military College
of Canada. To quote one former student, I was
privileged to have been in his syndicate during the
Tutorial III in Kingston, 1997.

As indicated by the cartoon, LCol Jarymowycz is

also known for his artistic abilities. His cartoons
were enjoyed by many and he even carried his
imaginative talents over into his classroom,
Each of his students received one of his personal
drawings of the syndicate with each student
detailed in how he saw us.
The same post on Milnet.ca concludes with what
seems to be a common opinion, A wonderful man.
I could listen to him speak for hours.

Summer Fall 2015

27

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