New announcement: Mothers of Canadian Soldiers Facebook Group

Mothers of Canadian Soldiers Facebook Group

I am a mother of a Canadian soldier and I am concerned about him and all other soldiers that have been deployed to Afghanistan and other countries around the world. To date 158 Canadian soldiers have lost their lives in Afghanistan. My heart goes out to those mothers and families for their loss. We must ensure that they feel supported and that their sacrifices were not in vain.

My son is in the combat arms and was deployed to Afghanistan in Sep 08. I fully support his career choice but like all mothers I will always worry about his safety. My son was sent home the end of Nov 08 because he was injured when his armoured vehicle hit an IED. Many of his friends were injured or killed during this tour.

So many soldiers have been injured in Afghanistan and there are many of them suffering because they don't have the support that they need. Please don't forget the sacrifices that they have made so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have in Canada. The government has ignored the plight of injured soldiers and many of them have suffered hardships as a result of their operational tours. The suicide rate has increased dramatically over the last few years and many ex soldiers have been found living homeless on the streets. Canadian soldiers are very proud to serve their country and as Canadians we should be very proud to support them through their difficult times. We are all aware of those brave soldiers that gave their lives for their country but many Canadians are not aware of the number of soldiers that have been injured and are fighting the system to receive proper care, treatment and financial support.

I would like to invite all mothers of Canadian soldiers to share their comments with this group.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2413836873/?ref=br_tf

To unsubscribe from these announcements, login to the forum and uncheck "Receive forum announcements and important notifications by email." in your profile.

You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=11162.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

New announcement: Canadian Army Commemorates the 20th Anniversary of the Battle of Medak Pocket

Backgrounder - The Battle of Medak Pocket

BG - 13.042 - September 13, 2013

http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/news/article.page?doc=the-battle-of-medak-pocket/hljg3bso

Created in the aftermath of the First World War following the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Yugoslavia was a multi-ethnic country with several constituent republics (Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro) – each one with a distinct identity. Tensions among the various ethnic and religious groups boiled over in 1991 with declarations of independence by Slovenia and Croatia. As the republics contained substantial minority populations, such as ethnic Serbs in Croatia, the stage was set for years of ethnic and religious conflict.
Canada's Engagement in the Balkans

Beginning in 1991, more than 16,500 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel deployed to the Balkans as part of the United Nations (UN) Protection Force. The UN Protection Force was initially formed to protect civilians and demilitarize several UN protected areas in Croatia, but its mandate and mission extended into the wider region. Virtually every Canadian infantry battalion and armoured regiment rotated through tours of duty in Croatia, Kosovo and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Canada also deployed naval resources in the Adriatic Sea to assist the UN in naval blockades of arms shipments to the region as well as air resources to enforce the UN's no-fly zones and the arms blockade.
Prelude to the Battle of Medak Pocket

In March 1993, the Canadian battle group, structured around the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, departed for its first six-month peacekeeping tour in the former Yugoslavia. Reservists comprised a significant portion of the battle group, which included 875 soldiers. The 2nd Battalion was initially responsible for a UN Protected Area in northwestern Croatia. While operating in this area, the 2nd Battalion developed a reputation of being tough but fair, hindering raiding parties of both the Croatians and the Serbians.

In Sector South of the UN Protection Force's operations area, the heavily Serbian population had come under increasing Croatian military pressure. The Erdut Agreement, which created a ceasefire in Sector South, was very tenuous at best. In September 1993, the UN Protection Force commander French General Jean Cot, recognizing the professionalism of the Canadians and seeing the need to provide support to the ceasefire in Sector South, ordered the 2nd Battalion to deploy to the area in order to bring stability. Within hours of arriving in Sector South, the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel James Calvin, and his force met a major Croatian offensive in the area known as the "Medak Pocket."
The Battle of Medak Pocket

As the soldiers of the Canadian battle group began moving through the Serbian lines to take up their positions at the front, they were pounded with mortar and artillery rounds as they advanced. As a result, they were forced to halt and build defensive positions while waiting for a ceasefire to be reached. International pressure and efforts by the UN and Lieutenant-Colonel Calvin produced a ceasefire agreement on September 13, in which the Croatians agreed to return to the positions they held on September 8.

On September 15, the 2nd Battalion, reinforced by two mechanized infantry companies from the French army, began to move forward to implement the ceasefire agreement. However, the Croatian forces did not withdraw. As the Canadians and French moved forward, they were attacked by Croatian forces and forced to return fire to defend themselves. The fighting raged on for 15 hours, into the early morning of September 16. Under conditions of extreme peril and hazard, facing enemy artillery, small arms and heavy machine-gun fire as well as anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, the Canadian and French soldiers dug in, held their ground, and drove the Croatian forces back. During the course of this battle four Canadian soldiers were wounded. The Croatian general requested a meeting with Lieutenant-Colonel Calvin for the evening of September 15, at which it was agreed that the Croatians would move at noon the following day.

On the morning of September 16, smoke could be seen rising from several villages behind Croatian lines while explosions and bursts of automatic rifle fire could be heard as the Canadians and French again moved forward. The soldiers encountered a Croatian roadblock protected by a hastily laid minefield, a T-72 tank and anti-tank missiles. It became clear the Croatians were resisting the Canadian advance.

With an intense standoff ensuing, Lieutenant-Colonel Calvin eventually called forward a group of international reporters who had arrived at the scene, and pointed out to them that the Croatian army commander was not abiding by the terms of the ceasefire agreement and that they were hiding evidence of violence affecting civilians. The appearance of the reporters had the desired effect and Croatian forces backed down, allowing the battalion to enter the zone. The exemplary actions of the 2nd Battalion caused the Croatian Army to cease their ongoing tactics of violence affecting civilians, without question saving many civilian lives.

In the days that followed, the members of the 2nd Battalion gathered evidence of violence affecting civilians. Some of this evidence was used in the international criminal tribunals investigating war crimes and crimes against humanity during the wars in the former Yugoslavia.
Aftermath of a Tragic Victory

For their courage and professional execution of duty at the Battle of Medak Pocket, the 2nd Battalion was awarded the Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation in 2002 by former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. The Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation may be awarded to any unit or sub-unit of the CAF, or to any similar organization of a foreign armed force working with or in conjunction with the CAF, that has performed an extraordinary deed or activity of a rare high standard in extremely hazardous circumstances.

The Battle of Medak Pocket has been described as the most important military operation the UN conducted in the former Yugoslavia. The Canadian battle group had been deployed to the Balkans on a peacekeeping mission. However, a combination of political and military pressure backed by use of force made it possible to put a stop to the escalation of violence in the Medak Pocket. The battle demonstrated that the UN was prepared to use force in peacekeeping operations, as allowed in the Charter of United Nations, Chapter VII. In turn, the actions of Regular and Reserve soldiers resulted in an increased amount of respect for Canadians and the UN's Protection Force from both the Croatians and Serbians.

Since the end of the wars in the former Yugoslavia, Croatia has made a concerted effort to join the democratic family of nations. Croatia cooperates with the UN War Crimes Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), has established a functioning democracy with stable institutions guaranteeing the rule of law and a respect for fundamental rights, and has implemented far-reaching economic reforms. With its sights firmly set on Euro-Atlantic integration, Croatia joined NATO at the Alliance's Summit in April 2009, and became a member of the European Union on July 1, 2013.

Canada is proud to be able to count Croatia as a close friend and Ally, and was among the first of NATO's members to welcome Croatia into the Alliance. Croatia embraced a wide-range of military reforms in order to join the Alliance, and has since made valuable contributions to NATO's international operations, including alongside Canadians in Afghanistan. Croatia has also participated in the Department of National Defence's Military Training and Cooperation Programme since 2005, which comprises language, staff officer and peace support operations training for members of the Croatian Armed Forces.

-30-

For more information on the Medak Pocket, please see the following Canadian Military Journal article about the Application of the Medak Agreement in September 1993.

----------------

September 13, 2013
Canadian Army Commemorates the 20th Anniversary of the Battle of Medak Pocket

SHILO, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - Sept. 13, 2013) - Serving and retired members of the Canadian Army gathered today at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Shilo for a ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Battle of Medak Pocket.

The Battle of Medak Pocket, which occurred in September 1993, is a significant moment in Canadian military history. Canadian and French peacekeepers defended their position against Croatian forces, making it possible to stop the escalation of violence in the region. The Canadian battle group that deployed to Croatia was structured around the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, currently based at CFB Shilo, and included a large number of reservists from other units.

"Canada is proud to recognize the devotion of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and reservists from other units for their role in the Battle of Medak Pocket," said the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence. "It is appropriate that we take the time to recognize these soldiers and the contribution they made to bringing stability to the Balkans. It is also important to acknowledge Croatia's hard work since that era to become a valued and trusted member of the Euro-Atlantic community, a NATO ally, and most recently a member of the European Union."

Mr Ted Opitz, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre, attended the ceremony in Shilo to represent the Government of Canada.
"It is an honour to be able to personally show my gratitude for the efforts of our men and women in uniform who serve our country and the cause of peace," said Mr. Opitz. "I am also particularly impressed by the contributions of the reservists, who comprised a significant part of the battle group during the Battle of Medak Pocket. They were citizens with everyday civilian jobs who chose to volunteer to go overseas and serve our country."

The Battle of Medak Pocket marked the first time that a Canadian battalion had mounted an operation of that size against armed resistance since the Korean War. For its courage and professional execution of its duty during the battle, the 2nd Battalion was awarded the Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation in 2002 by then Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.

"The Canadian peacekeepers present at Medak Pocket did not expect to participate in an outright battle, but their courage and training for a wide range of scenarios enabled them to adapt to challenging circumstances," said Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander of the Canadian Army. "Their unwavering commitment and professionalism helped them fulfill their mission."

In addition to the ceremony in Shilo, activities to commemorate the Battle of Medak Pocket also include an exhibit of the Bosnia Memorial Stones at the Military Museums of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta.

For further information, please see the following Backgrounder on The Battle of Medak Pocket. www.forces.gc.ca/en/news/article.page?doc=the-battle-of-medak-pocket/hljg3bso

To unsubscribe from these announcements, login to the forum and uncheck "Receive forum announcements and important notifications by email." in your profile.

You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=11161.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

Citizens' Group Applauds Court Decision, Calls for Settlement of ‘Obscene’ Case

Citizens' Group Applauds Court Decision, Calls for Settlement of 'Obscene' Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE

Le français suit
---
Citizens' Group Applauds Court Decision, Calls for Settlement of 'Obscene' Case

St. John's, NL - On Friday, a BC Supreme Court justice ruled that a group of veterans can sue the federal government. The Attorney General of Canada had argued the suit should be tossed out because it had no chance of success, and that government has no duty to care for those injured or killed in service. Justice Gordon Weatherill denied the government's arguments, ruling, in part, "that the Crown solemnly undertook to act in the best interests of injured veterans upon their return from battle... That makes sense when one considers that it is the Canadian Forces members and veterans who fought and in many cases died and continue to fight and die for the freedom of all Canadians and the fundamental principles that all Canadian citizens treasure."[p67] The court approved the lawsuit by 6 Afghanistan veterans, who say the lump-sum payments they received under the 2006 New Veterans Charter are inadequate.
Our Duty agrees: "One day, you are patrolling in Afghanistan, secure that, if you are injured, you will be looked after for the rest of your life," said Jeff Rose-Martland, President of the citizens' group, "The next, you are patrolling that area, knowing the best compensation you would get wouldn't buy a house in most markets. You weren't even asked if you wanted your benefits changed, weren't given an option to quit the Forces when they were, you just got stuck with what the government handed you and sent off to dodge bullets."

Our Duty notes that the New Veterans Charter was introduced as the fight in Afghanistan was heating up. "The lump-sum award came into effect on 1 April 2006, just as the spring offensive was starting. Six weeks later, the Harper Government announced it was sending more Canadian troops and extending the mission for at least two more years - now seven and counting," said advocate Rose-Martland, "One month, the government is saving money by cutting benefits to injured veterans; the next month it sets out to create more injured veterans." Rose-Martland also notes that, of the 158 Canadian soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan, 147 died after the lump-sum payment plan was implemented.

Our Duty backs the veterans' lawsuit: "We support the Equitas Society, who is fundraising to offset the legal expenses. As citizens, we are tired of watching our government fighting our veterans in court. These people served us, served Canada, and they should be looked after," said the President, "The idea of wounded veterans, and families of those killed, having to go to court to get fair treatment is obscene."

In light of the Friday decision, Our Duty is calling on the government to concede defeat.

"Our government stood in court and declared that Canada doesn't owe veterans for their sacrifices," said Jeff Rose-Martland, "That's not only grotesque, it's also patently false. Canadians know what we owe our troops; we know that we have a duty to provide for those who have sacrificed for us. All citizens know this.

"But the government argued otherwise, and used us to defend their position, saying that it can't put the needs of veterans before taxpayers. Why not? We ask the Forces and RCMP to put Canada before themselves. We put them between us and harm. When they are harmed, it is only just that we put their needs before our own. Fortunately, Justice Weatherill agrees with the rest of Canada and dismissed government's argument."

Rose-Martland added: "The federal government has now seen that they will lose this case, so why drag it out for another decade? The lump-sum payment is unfair, everyone knows veterans deserve better, and Canadians would be better served if government would give in now. The federal government should work towards fixing this mess, instead of wasting taxpayers' money on a legal battle. Canadians honour our veterans; we don't fight them in court."

ADDITIONAL

Our Duty has launched an online campaign confirming the social contract with the Forces and RCMP, confirming the obligation to care for those who are injured or killed in service to Canada, and demanding government cease court battles with veterans.

Link:
https://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/government-of-canada-the-social-contract-with-veterans-exists-and-we-must-keep-our-bargain

Background:

The decision rendered by the BC Supreme Court, along with transcripts and other documents, can be found at:

http://equitassociety.ca/media

Le Groupe de Citoyens se réjouit de la décision de la Cour, les appels pour le règlement de l'affaire «obscène»

Saint-Jean, T.-N.-L. - Le vendredi, un juge de la Cour suprême de la C.-B. a jugé qu'un groupe d'anciens combattants peut poursuivre le gouvernement fédéral. Le Procureur Général du Canada avait fait valoir le costume doit être jeté dehors parce qu'il n'avait aucune chance de succès, et que le gouvernement n'a pas l'obligation de prendre soin de ceux blessés ou tués en service. Justice Gordon Weatherill a refusé arguments, la décision du gouvernement, en partie, «que la Couronne solennellement engagé à agir dans le meilleur intérêt des anciens combattants blessés à leur retour de la bataille ... C'est logique si l'on considère que ce sont les membres des Forces canadiennes et les anciens combattants qui ont combattu et dans de nombreux cas sont morts et continuent à se battre et à mourir pour la liberté de tous les Canadiens et les principes fondamentaux que tout trésor Canadien des citoyens. » [P67] La cour approuvé le procès de 6 vétérans d'Afghanistan, qui disent que les paiements forfaitaires reçus en vertu de la Nouvelle Charte des anciens combattants 2006 sont insuffisantes.

Notre Devoir est d'accord: «Un jour, vous êtes patrouiller en Afghanistan, sûr que, si vous êtes blessé, vous serez pris en charge pour le reste de votre vie», a déclaré Jeff Rose-Martland, président du groupe de citoyens, «La prochaine , vous êtes patrouiller cette zone, connaissant la meilleure compensation que vous obtiendriez serait pas acheter une maison dans la plupart des marchés. Vous étiez même pas demandé si vous vouliez changer vos prestations, n'ont pas eu la possibilité de quitter les Forces quand ils étaient, il vous suffit coincé avec ce que le gouvernement vous a remis et envoyé à esquiver les balles. »

Notre Devoir notes que la nouvelle Charte des anciens combattants a été présenté comme le combat en Afghanistan se réchauffait. «Le prix forfaitaire est entré en vigueur le 1er Avril 2006, un peu comme l'offensive de printemps commençait. Six semaines plus tard, le gouvernement Harper a annoncé qu'il envoyait des troupes canadiennes et plus l'extension de la mission pendant au moins deux ans de plus - maintenant sept ans et compter» a déclaré défenseur Rose-Martland « un mois, le gouvernement économise de l'argent en réduisant les avantages sociaux à anciens combattants blessés;. le mois prochain, il vise à créer des anciens combattants blessés plus» Rose-Martland note également que, sur les 158 soldats canadiens qui ont été tués en Afghanistan, 147 morts après le plan de paiement forfaitaire a été mis en place.

Notre Devoir soutient la poursuite des anciens combattants: «Nous soutenons la Société d'Equitas, qui recueille des fonds pour compenser les frais de justice. En tant que citoyens, nous sommes fatigués de voir notre gouvernement lutte de nos anciens combattants en cour. Ces personnes nous ont servi, servi le Canada, et ils devraient être pris en charge » a déclaré le Président « L'idée de vétérans blessés et les familles des personnes tuées, ayant pour aller au tribunal pour obtenir un traitement équitable est obscène » À la lumière de la décision de vendredi est de notre devoir appelle le gouvernement à reconnaître sa défaite. «Notre gouvernement se tenait dans la cour et a déclaré que le Canada ne devait pas les anciens combattants pour leurs sacrifices» a déclaré Jeff Rose-Martland «Ce n'est pas seulement grotesque, c'est aussi manifestement fausse. Les Canadiens savent que nous devons à nos troupes, nous savons que nous avons le devoir de fournir à ceux qui se sont sacrifiés pour nous. Tous les citoyens le savent »

«Mais le gouvernement a fait valoir autrement, et utilisé nous pour défendre leur position, en disant qu'il ne peut pas mettre les besoins des anciens combattants avant contribuables. Pourquoi pas? Nous demandons aux Forces Canadiennes et de la GRC de mettre Canada avant eux-mêmes. Nous les mettons entre nous et le mal. Quand ils sont lésés, il est juste que nous mettons à leurs besoins avant les nôtres. Heureusement, le juge Weatherill est d'accord avec le reste du Canada et a rejeté l'argument du gouvernement »

Rose-Martland a ajouté: «Le gouvernement fédéral a maintenant vu qu'ils perdront ce cas, pourquoi faites-le glisser pour une autre décennie? Le paiement forfaitaire est injuste, tout le monde sait anciens combattants méritent mieux, et les Canadiens seraient mieux servis si le gouvernement donnerait maintenant. Le gouvernement fédéral devrait travailler à la fixation de ce gâchis, au lieu de gaspiller l'argent des contribuables sur une bataille juridique. Canadiens honorer nos anciens combattants, nous ne nous battons pas en cour »

COMPLÉMENTAIRES

Notre devoir a lancé une campagne en ligne confirmant le contrat social avec les Forces et de la GRC, ce qui confirme l'obligation de prendre soin de ceux qui sont blessés ou tués en service au Canada, et exigeant gouvernement cesse batailles judiciaires avec les anciens combattants.

link:
https://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/gouvernement-du-canada-le-contrat-social-avec-les-anciens-combattants-existe-et-nous-devons-garder-notre-affaire

Contexte:

La décision rendue par la Cour suprême de la C.-B., ainsi que les transcriptions et autres documents, peuvent être consultés à l'adresse: http://equitassociety.ca/media


MEDIA CONTACT / PERSONNE-RESSOURCE
Jeff Rose-Martland (anglais seulement)
President, Our Duty Inc
exec@ourduty.org

-----
Our Duty is a citizens' organization dedicated to ensuring Canada's veterans receive proper pension and benefits. For more info, contact exec@ourduty.org

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php

Highway of Heroes mural vandalized

Highway of Heroes mural vandalized

By: Paul Clarke Staff Reporter, Published on Sun Sep 08 2013

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/09/08/highway_of_heroes_mural_vandalized.html

Vandals have destroyed a downtown mural commemorating fallen Canadian soldiers.

The Highway of Heroes mural painted in a back alley behind the coroner's office near Yonge and College streets marks the final stop for hearses carrying the remains of fallen soldiers from Canadian Forces Base Trenton. More than 150 families who lost loved ones in Afghanistan have made that journey, ending at the coroner's office.

The mural was completed in 2010 as part of the Graffiti Transformation Project, an annual community program that hires marginalized youth who face barriers to employment.

Toronto Police constable and legal graffiti art coordinator, Scott Mills, was the driving force behind the mural.

It is believed the vandalism took place sometime Friday night.

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php

Ex-soldier denied permission to walk for mentally injured vets is on the road again

Ex-soldier denied permission to walk for mentally injured vets is on the road again

By CHRIS COBB, OTTAWA CITIZEN September 7, 2013

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/soldier+denied+permission+walk+mentally+injured+vets+road/8883235/story.html

Kate MacEachern, the retired army corporal who hit headlines in July after CFB Gagetown brass blocked her from launching a second charity walk for mentally injured soldiers, has started her second charity walk for mentally injured soldiers, a 1,864-kilometre fundraising trek to Ottawa. File photo by Brian Atkinson, Ottawa Citizen.
Photograph by: Brian Atkinson , Brian Atkinson

OTTAWA — Kate MacEachern, the army corporal who hit headlines in July after CFB Gagetown brass blocked her from launching a second charity walk for mentally-injured soldiers, has started her 1,864-kilometre fundraising trek to Ottawa.

"It's going great," she told the Citizen while on her way to New Glasgow, N.S.

"It started quiet but people are stopping and donating and giving their support."

This year she is raising money for the online-help organization Military Minds.

The former tank driver MacEachern, who raised $20,000 for the military charity Soldier On during a much-shorter walk last summer, quit the military in August shortly after base bosses rejected her request to repeat the effort.

Instead of the enthusiastic support she was expecting from Gagetown brass this year, the 34-year-old single mother got the ultimatum: 'Do the walk if you like but not as a serving soldier.'

MacEachern, a member of the Armour School at Gagetown, had been confident of getting her boss's backing because in 2012, then-Defence minister Peter MacKay walked part of the way with her and afterwards was effusive in praise of her efforts.

"Your family, friends, your neighbours here, all Nova Scotians, all Canadians are so proud of your accomplishment, your compassion — your passion for your friends, your colleagues, your comrades — to undertake this enormous journey on their behalf is such a living tribute to those who wore the uniform (and) who continue to wear the uniform." said MacKay. "As the minister of National Defence and your local MP, I am so thankful for what you have done for your community and your country. Thank you, Kate."

MacKay also told her she "epitomized leadership" and personally gave her two weeks off.

Despite this ringing endorsement from the defence minister, her chain of command remained unimpressed and said they couldn't afford to give her the time and had insurance and cost concerns over the walk.

But a shocked MacEachern, who has three sponsors this year, insists there would have been no cost to her base and on her official permission form made no mention of money or any other form of assistance from the military.

With her army career now in the rear-view mirror, MacEachern says she is getting promises of support from paramedics, firefighters and police as she wends her way toward a planned final stop at the War Museum in Ottawa on Oct. 18.

"This is how I hoped it would go," she said, "because now I'm no longer in the military I wanted to involve more people — anyone who has any contact with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

"I was military, and Military Minds is obviously about the military, but PTSD affects many others," she added. "It doesn't stand for Post Traumatic Afghanistan Disorder."

MacEachern is also getting moral support for all stages of her walk from Canadian Army Veteran Motor Cycle Units — a national network of bikers.

Military Minds members are driving her support RV that was donated for the walk by a Gananoque RV dealer.

By the end of her walk last year, MacEachern said her army pack was crammed with mementoes gathered from passersby.

"Along the way, people I met were beyond heartfelt," she said. "They would give me a hat or a pin or a name tag or something from their son or daughter to carry with me. I never knew what to do with them but this year what I have done is fix Velcro on the front of my bag and as I get them I am putting them right on the outside of my ruck.

"To me that's a huge part of this," she added, "because it becomes a walking memorial to their struggle."

Although she's heard nothing official from her base, MacEachern says former colleagues have sent messages of support and just 40 kilometres into her walk, a guy stopped and handed her an envelope with the word 'CHIMO' on the outside — the nickname and cheer for Canadian Military Engineers.

Inside was a cheque for $1,000.

More information at MacEachern's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Thelongwayhomemm.

ccobb@ottawacitizen.com

twitter.com/chrisicobb

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php

EQUITAS - Class Action - The Very Best of News for Disabled Veterans

EQUITAS - Class Action - The Very Best of News for Disabled Veterans

The Justice upheld that most of the key claims of the case, contained in the pleadings set out before the Court on behalf of the six representative plaintiffs, can be pursued further in Court. Consequently, the Class Action lawsuit can now proceed.
Of special note is that this judicial ruling also appears to be very supportive of Canada's veterans having rights in relation to the 'Honour of the Crown' as well as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
WE HAVE A CASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.

http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php

New announcement: CF STUDY CAF mbrs who have service illness/injury Understanding the Resilience

The Study Understanding the Resilience of Children of a Parent Coping with a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Service-Related Illness or Injury
The purpose of this research is to gain a better understanding of children's strategies and coping mechanisms during times of stress. Specifically, we want to hear about children's experiences when they have a parent coping with a CAF service-related illness or injury.

http://www.familyforce.ca/sites/ColdLake/EN/Volunteering/Documents/Resilience%20Advertisement%202013%20BIL.pdf

To unsubscribe from these announcements, login to the forum and uncheck "Receive forum announcements and important notifications by email." in your profile.

You can view the full announcement by following this link:
http://canadianveteransadvocacy.com/Board2/index.php?topic=11058.0

Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.