Roll Up of CAF/Veteran/Invictus News - 9 May 2024
Heroes Among Us: Canadian sniper used his body to save wounded soldier | North Bay Nugget
Master Cpl. Jeremy Pinchin, a sniper with the Royal Canadian Regiment from Pembroke, Ont., was deployed with his small detachment of marksmen to an isolated in rooftop west of Kandahar in southern Afghanistan. They were watching over a joint patrol of Canadian and Afghan soldiers, protecting their southern flank as they advanced toward a base of Taliban operations.
INVICTUS GAMES ANNIVERSARY
Prince Harry Makes First Appearance of UK Visit for Invictus Games Anniversary (people.com)
Prince Harry is taking the mic to support the Invictus Games. On May 7, the Duke of Sussex, 39, joined a panel during his trip to the U.K. for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. The discussion, "The IGF Conversation: Realizing a Global Community," is set to reflect on the global community of service personnel and their families that the Invictus Games has fostered since its inception a decade ago through the power of adaptive sport, from Prince Harry’s initial inspiration at the Warrior Games to Invictus' impact in the years since.
Invictus is compassion, respect and the power of the human spirit, says Harry (forces.net)
Prince Harry has returned to the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games - which he said represent the "unyielding belief in the power of the human spirit". The international sporting event, founded by the Duke of Sussex in 2014, is set to have a special service of thanksgiving in St Paul's Cathedral in London on Wednesday. Harry paid tribute to the Invictus Games family's "commitment, enthusiasm and belief" during a one-day summit called the Invictus Games Foundation Conversation, which was held at the headquarters of the Honourable Artillery Company.
What are the Invictus Games? (forces.net)
The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event launched in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex after taking inspiration from the 2013 Warrior Games. The adaptive event is aimed at wounded, injured or sick Armed Forces personnel and veterans, and it takes its name from the Latin word 'Invictus', meaning 'unconquered' or 'undefeated'. Next year, Vancouver and Whistler will host the seventh instalment of the games, which includes new winter sports for the first time.
PRINCESS ANNE’S VISIT
Canada’s first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel will officially be brought into the Pacific fleet today and Princess Anne, the sister of King Charles, is scheduled to take part in its commissioning ceremony. A news release says Anne will be attending the ceremony in her role as commodore-in-chief for the Canadian Fleet Pacific.
HMCS Max Bernays Commissioned in Vancouver during Fleet Week | Canadian Defence Review
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) formally commissioned His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays into service at a ceremony held at Burrard Drydock Pier in North Vancouver. A ship’s commissioning ceremony is both a long-standing naval tradition, and a special event for the ship’s company and Canadian Fleet Pacific. HMCS Max Bernays, the RCN’s third Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, has the honour of being the first ship of its class to be attached to Canada’s Pacific Fleet in Esquimalt, British Columbia. During this milestone occasion, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, attended in her role as Commodore-in-Chief, Canadian Fleet Pacific to present the commissioning pennant to the ship.
A royal visit: Princess Anne arrives in Victoria (cheknews.ca)
The Princess Royal, also known as Princess Anne, arrived in Victoria on Saturday morning as part of her three-day visit to Canada. She first arrived in Vancouver on May 3 to help with the commissioning ceremony of HMCS Max Bernays, the Royal Canadian Navy’s first Arctic patrol vessel to be added to Canada’s Pacific Fleet.
Princess Anne visits Greater Victoria - Victoria Times Colonist
The Princess Royal — the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip — continued her visit in Victoria with a stop at God’s Acre Veterans Cemetery in Esquimalt to learn about some of those laid to rest in the cemetery and placed a wreath at the Cross of Sacrifice. Wearing a naval uniform, Princess Anne toured the cemetery asking questions about the different styles of grave markers and the history of the cemetery.
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony in Victoria | Montreal Gazette
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members and honoured her late mother during separate ceremonies Sunday in Victoria as she wrapped up a three-day British Columbia West Coast royal visit. The princess, King Charles’s sister, laid a wreath during a ceremony at the B.C. legislature cenotaph to commemorate the Battle of the Atlantic, the largest and longest battle of the Second World War, during which Canada lost 24 warships and more than 4,300 Canadian forces and merchant marine members.
Princess Anne wraps up three-day royal visit to B.C. - Victoria Times Colonist
Even though he was about to set off on an 18-month sailing trip, Bill Norrie dressed up in a suit on Sunday. He was standing with his wife, Cathy, in their sailboat, which was moored at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, where Princess Anne was set to present prizes at the Spring Dinghies Regatta. He hoped the princess would give him the honour of a royal send-off. He got his wish. After touring the Canadian Navy’s Osprey sail training vessel, Princess Anne and her entourage stopped for a brief chat with the couple. Upon learning of Norrie’s plans to head off to New Zealand, the princess joked: “You’re looking too tidy for that.” Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Anne’s husband, untied the boat from the dock, and the princess gave the 28-foot-long Pixie a push before strolling back toward land to hand out the regatta prizes.
VETERANS
CTE study could be lifesaver for thousands | CTV News
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death. … The disorder has increasingly been found in the brains of deceased athletes like football and hockey players, and more recently it has been discovered in military veterans.
CAF | DND
The Government of Canada has agreed to a proposed settlement of a class action for current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who experienced racial discrimination or racial harassment in connection with their military service. If approved, the settlement may provide payment to all current or former CAF members who have been enrolled between April 17, 1985, and today and who have experienced racial discrimination or harassment in connection with their service.
Military raked by critics online after unveiling new army logo | CBC News
The Canadian Army learned some valuable lessons Friday: art is in the eye of the beholder and it pays to be precise, even on social media. The military faced a huge backlash online after unveiling a new logo for the army on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. The post led many to believe that the service's official emblem was being changed. … The new logo, launched with a slick video, shows the camera rolling through a mesh of camouflage netting, where brown and beige pixels reform under a tan maple leaf into a jagged puzzle on one side with a drooping, oblong extension on the other.
Canada's mullets catch attention at military competition | CTV News
Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets were business in the front and party in the back at an annual military skills competition held in the U.S. … Two Canadian teams participated in the 57th annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition held at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., representing the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ont., and the Royal Military College Saint-Jean in Quebec. Placing an impressive second and fifth respectively, they competed against 46 teams from 14 other countries on April 26 and 27
Canadian military should turn to private sector for space surveillance tech, MPs told | CBC News
The Canadian military could have modern satellite coverage in the Arctic a decade earlier than envisioned if the federal government is willing to follow the example of other countries and embrace commercial options in space, a House of Commons committee heard Monday. Mike Greenley, chief executive officer of MDA Canada, told committee members Canada has fallen behind the rest of the globe from "a military space capability perspective" and is not effectively working with companies in the aerospace sector.
Internal budget cuts at the Department of National Defence have driven the Canadian Armed Forces to make radical changes to training for fighter pilots and for soldiers destined for Latvia — an overhaul that experts warn could undermine military readiness. The army is no longer requiring that troops headed for deployment in Eastern Europe take part in a major qualifying exercise at the base in Wainwright, Alta., the department said in a media statement issued after CBC News asked questions. Instead, the department said, the combined arms training will take place in the Baltic nation, alongside allies, after the troops arrive there.
The office of the top military police officer is eroding civilian oversight and refusing to release information so that law enforcement can be held accountable, according to a new report. The latest report from the Military Police Complaints Commission raises serious concerns about a lack of accountability and actions of military police and their leaders.
Watchdog agency accuses chief of military police of blocking investigations | CBC News
The country's military police watchdog has accused the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal (CFPM) of obstructing its independent reviews of complaints. In the agency's annual report, tabled in Parliament this week, chair of the Military Police Complaints Commission Tammy Tremblay unloaded a series of complaints. She said the panel had to go to Federal Court in some cases to force disclosure of information it needed to complete its investigations and reviews. Tremblay described the situation as unacceptable and called it "an erosion of the MPCC's ability to exercise civilian oversight of the military police."
Military convoys to roll through Edmonton area Friday - St. Albert News (stalbertgazette.com)
Some big green military machines will be driving through St. Albert and Sturgeon County this Friday as Canadian troops roll out for a training exercise. About 100 troops from 1 Service Battalion (based out of the Edmonton Garrison) will be driving around 40 vehicles in convoys throughout St. Albert and Sturgeon County this May 3 between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. as part of a training exercise.
Hundreds of Canadian Armed Forces members and first responders train in Wasaga Beach | CTV News
With fire season just around the corner, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) teamed up with local first responders in Wasaga Beach on Saturday to enhance their readiness in the event of a domestic emergency. Together, they took part in a joined training exercise to practice their response to a simulated wildfire. “We need to make sure our people are trained and understand how to work with, communicate with and help to augment civilian governments,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Jason Moriche.
Top soldier says military looking for 'clarity' on Ottawa's budget plans | CBC News
Just over a month into the new fiscal year and two weeks after the federal budget, the Department of National Defence is struggling to reconcile the Liberal government's approach to military funding — giving with one hand while taking with the other. Gen. Wayne Eyre, the country's top military commander, told the rank-and-file in a remote town hall event last week that he doesn't have answers to crucial questions about how internal budget cuts and funding reallocation square with promises of additional money in the recently released defence policy. "We're being asked to suck and blow at the same time," Eyre, the chief of the defence staff, told about 1,300 members of the Armed Forces who tuned in for the presentation. A video copy of his presentation was obtained by CBC News.
Canadian, U.S. and other navy chiefs visit China as militaries try to rebuild relations (msn.com)
The head of Canada’s navy quietly visited China late last month as western militaries restart the process of building relations with that country amid continuing tensions. Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee was at the 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium held April 22 in the port city of Qingdao, reported Xinhua, the Chinese government media outlet.
Jet gets unique paint job to commemorate 100 years of RCAF - St. Albert News (stalbertgazette.com)
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is celebrating its centennial year, which included the unveiling of the 2024 CF-18 Hornet Demonstration Team aircraft at 4 Wing Cold Lake on May 3. The event showcased a uniquely painted jet, designed to commemorate 100 years of RCAF service. The 2024 CF-18 Hornet Demonstration Team, led by Captain Caleb Robert was awarded the Canadian Air Division Commanders' Commendation for their work.
Naval Reserve diving exercise makes a splash in St. Philip's | CBC.ca
VIDEO: The CBC's William Ping visited a Canadian Forces Naval Reserve diving exercise at the St. Philip's marina on Saturday. Commander David Botting and Petty Officer Adam Biggs describe the operation, which included a trip to a World War II shipwreck.
MEMORIALS | REMEMBRANCE
Battle-scarred heirloom from Vimy Ridge finds home at CFB Borden - Barrie News (barrietoday.com)
A Barrie resident has donated a First World War family heirloom with a significant history attached to it — one which clearly illustrates the horrors of a defining moment in the history of Canada as a young and independent nation more than a century ago. The battle of Vimy Ridge in France happened over just four hellish days in April 1917. Now, 107 years later, that same bullet-damaged First World War helmet has just completed what is likely its final journey to the [Base Borden] museum near Angus. “Oh, they were really pleased,” Erica beamed. “We have pictures of him in his uniform, which we sent, and they are going to put them with them. It has to be preserved for the future generations, especially when they have a story and a name attached to them."
Remembering those lost in WWII Battle of the Atlantic | CTV News
Canadian sailors who bravely fought in north Atlantic waters during the Second World War have been honoured in a commemorative ceremony by HMCS Hunter and Maritime Forces Pacific. The annual ceremony takes place on the first Sunday in May every year around Navy Monument Plaza along Windsor’s riverfront.
On Sunday a small group met in Bradford to celebrate a Dutch flag raising to commemorate the Dutch Liberation Day on May 5, 1945. Per Dutch custom, Bevrijdingsdag is a joyful gathering in orange colours. The Dutch always start the festivities on May 4 with a two-minute total silence throughout the land at exactly 8 p.m. At that time, their thoughts turn to the many (about 7,600) Canadians who died restoring freedom from the five-year-long Nazi yoke.