THE BRIGADE

WINTER SPRING 2015

70 YEARS OF SERVICE
MEDAL OF BRAVERY
EXERCISE ARCTIC BISON

THE MAGAZINE OF 38 CANADIAN BRIGADE GROUP

THE ARMY RESERVES OF SASKATCHEWAN, MANITOBA AND NORTHWEST ONTARIO

Commanders Message

Colonel Ross Ermel

It is with sadness that I pen my last introduction

to The Brigade. It is unbelievable that almost two
years have passed since I assumed command in
2013. On 13 June, 38 Canadian Brigade Group
will again celebrate a renewal of leadership as
Colonel Geoff Abthorpe becomes the next Brigade
Commander. Colonel Abthorpe is a great leader,
and I am certain that the brigade will thrive under
his hand.

In terms of core skills achievement, the Brigade

Sergeant Major and I were humbled by the
achievement of the Brigade Canadian Patrol
Concentration Team generated by the Winnipeg
Infantry Tactical Group and led by Sergeant Bernier.
This team was presented the Commander Canadian
Army Pennant as the top Army Reserve Team for
2014! What an incredible testament to soldier
skills and a clear demonstration of readiness.

Additionally, the Brigade Deputy Commander,

Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Young will be leaving
his post and moving to a position of greater
responsibility. I can truly say that Lieutenant
Colonel Young has had great effect as Deputy
Commander over the past two years by furthering
the aims of soldier care and career management
and providing a Regular Force Commander with
pertinent advice on the intricacies of the Army
Reserve.

As I leave command, I see a bright future and a

continued meaningful role for the Army Reserve
and 38 CBG in particular. Reserve unique roles
embodied by the Arctic Response Company
Group, Territorial Battalion Group and Influence
Activities Company will continue to provide a
force generation, training and retention nexus for
the formation. Additionally, the success achieved
with Brigade Revitalization and its continued
institutionalization will assure the vibrancy of the
brigade into the long-term.

Over the past two years, we have seen the

positive effects of Brigade Revitalization such as
the implementation of combined arms collective
training, the inauguration of the Saskatchewan
BMQ Cooperative Programme, a fully manned and
trained Brigade Recruiting Group, a significant
increase in individual training throughput,
increased identity and mess reinvigoration to
name just a few successes.

It has been an honour to have been your Brigade

Commander and to have been able to soldier with
some of the best warriors in the Canadian Army.
Ever Forward Never Back!

Additionally, 38 CBG continues to demonstrate true

readiness with the deployment of the Manitoba
Domestic Response Company for Op LENTUS
14, as well as having set the conditions for the
Arctic Response Company Group final operational
capability by March 2016.

Brigade Sergeant-Major Message

Brigade Sergeant-Major Al Boucher

Winter Spring 2015

We are about to begin the Summer Individual

Training Cycle after a long hard rewarding
Winter/Spring of Collective Training. I commend
all of you who attended the exercises, planned
the exercises and supported the exercises, job
well done. Our collective training events are
now generating a greater number of troops in
the field, all in the same place developing and
honing their professional skills. Remember we
do not deploy overseas, deploy domestically
helping Canadians or to the North in isolation.
We do so as part of a team, collective training
exercises help us to train for that eventuality.
You are part of a unique group of Canadians
who have the honour of responding to your
governments call, you must be ready. Readiness
at all levels takes a great deal of effort.
Each piece of staff work, loading troops on
courses, planning the movement of supplies
and personnel; these actions although may be
seen as day to day activities, are exercising
and training for deployments home and abroad.
Troops that are trained, capable with properly

functioning equipment is readiness... Be Ready.

Understand your role, own your space. Attention
to detail isnt simply a statement tossed out
when someone forgets to button a shirt pocket;
it is a mantra of readiness.
Where ever the Commander and I travel we are
sure to mention the collective efforts of the
Brigade and the remarkable product you produce.
A mission ready Arctic Response Company
Group, our Disaster Response Company Group,
and the fact that members of our Brigade won
the Canadian Patrol Concentration. We are
tremendously proud of all your efforts.
Over the last year and half I have had the
opportunity to serve with Col Ermel. I have
always been impressed with his dedication
and conviction to 38 CBG, he always provided
over watch for us and for that I am grateful. Col
Ermel, thank you for your service to the Brigade!
Progredere Ne Regredere

Features

On the Cover:

See these icons?

Click on it throughout to see related images.

Medal of Bravery

70 Years of Service

Exercise ARCTIC BISON 2015, held February 13-22

along the length of Lake Winnipeg, focused
on challenging training for the Arctic Response
Company Group in austere winter conditions.
Back Cover: Lieutenant Grant Reive-Deamel
conducts a map briefing with platoon commanders
including Sergeant Mike Sinnock (center)
and Master Corporal Andreas Buske (center-right)
on Ex FIRST RUN.

This magazine was published under

the authority of Colonel Ross Ermel,
Commander 38 CBG.
Publisher/ Editor

Major Mike Lagace - 38 CBG PAO

12

Gender Diversity
on the Gunline

14

Exercise ARCTIC BISON

19

T. Eaton Cup

Lead Public Affairs NCM

MCpl Draper Houston

Photographer

MCpl Alan Haley and

MCpl Cameron Skrypnyk
Designer

Bernice May Tuano and

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

25

Christmas

Across The Brigade

Winter Spring 2015

Photo Credit: MCpl Alan Haley

Students Eager to get School Credit for Military Training

By Austin M. Davis, Regina Leader-Post

Regina, Sask. One after another, 10 teenagers

wearing camouflage attire swore an oath, shook
hands with a military officer and became members
of the Canadian Army Primary Reserve.

I think its fair because its through the Canadian

military and youre getting offered great
opportunities and its not just for high school, its a
life possibility, Holowachuk said.

Those students who participated in the ceremony

at the Regina Armoury on Monday are the first
participants in a new co-op program where they
can receive high school credit while completing
basic military training.

In October, the program drew criticism from peace

activists who started a petition in an attempt to
stop offering payment and class credits for high
school students who complete military training.

They have 23 full training days ahead of them

before graduation, but students like 16-year-old
Madison Holowachuk are eager to learn what the
program has to offer and earn two school credits
during the process. She believes this opportunity
could influence the rest of her life.
At this moment, Im considering joining the
army after high school, going through schooling
with them and continuing on that path, said
Holowachuk, a Grade 11 student at
ONeill High School.
Her interest piqued when she heard an
announcement about a meeting where you could
make money and earn a history credit. She said
it sounded like an amazing life experience and
felt comfortable with the option to take military
training through the school system.
Holowachuk is being paid $45 a day to go through
the program and by the time she graduates training
at the end of the semester, shell have made more
than $2,000.

Winter Spring 2015

Col. Ross Ermel, commander of 38 Canadian

Brigade Group, said the boys and girls who
enrol are being exposed to the army without an
obligation to continue and payment is an important
part.
One advantage of receiving pay while theyre
undertaking studies is, these same young people
dont now have to go and get a job after hours
while they should be studying, Ermel said.

He said Reginas program is unique in Canada

because its the first of its kind to offer both
a core high school Canadian Studies credit and
the basic training qualification. If the program is
successful here, it could spread from Regina Public
Schools and Regina Catholic Schools divisions into
Saskatoon and elsewhere.
Well gauge success by the graduates. Theyll
vote with their feet, Ermel said.
Damian Claveau-Haasen, a Grade 11 student at
Thom Collegiate, said he has always admired
people in uniform and aspires to become one of
them. For him, money and school credits were
secondary considerations.
Serving your country is the most honourable thing
one can do, he said

Governor General David Johnston presented 40 Medals of Bravery at a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on March 6, 2015. "None of you would call yourself a hero," said His Excellency.
"You were simply going about your daily routine when you were suddenly faced with an extreme situation. You did what you knew had to be done. You did the extraordinary.
I am so inspired by your courage, by your willingness to risk your own safety to help someone in desperate need." Created in 1972, Decorations for Bravery recognize people who risked
their lives to try to save or protect the lives of others. The Medal of Bravery (M.B.) recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.

Reservist Attributes Military Training for His Actions in

Earning the Medal Of Bravery

By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG PANCM

Saskatoon, Sask. On March 6, Corporal Christopher Clark of the North

Saskatchewan regiment was awarded the Medal of Bravery by His Excellency
the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor Genral of Canada, for his
actions in saving the life of a patient at the hospital he worked as a security
guard in his civilian career.

approximately 75 meters. There were three rooms with the doors open at the
end and that told me that they had not been cleared by staff yet.

I was scared to death that we would not be able to find the person, said
Corporal Clark. We had a job to do, and it needed to be done.

At the last room I heard coughing and realized that a patient was trapped in
the room with the fire. About 45 seconds had passed so far, and I couldno
longer see the end of the hall because of smoke.

Corporal Clark attributes his actions on the day to the training and experience
with the North Saskatchewan Regiment.
I can look back on my time in the Army and my training and say with
confidence that it was that experience and nothing else, Clark said. There
was a job to do, and I did it.
Here is his account of the event:
We got the fire alarm for the Dube Mental Health Center on March 15, 2013
at 19:30. The previous day, we had another fire in that building and as a result
the smoke detectors were still contaminated and not functioning, so the only
reason for the alarm to go off was a sprinkler head had been activated by the
heat of the fire. When the alarm went off, the Saskatoon Fire Department
was called and dispatched immediately. The fire control center for Royal
University Hospital is located in another building in the basement, and it
received confusing reports from the fire system. It reported that a steam line
had ruptured not a sprinkler head, so the person operating it cancelled the fire
department thinking it was a steam line.
Meanwhile, several other Security Officers and I were on scene and knew it
was a fire. The fire doors had closed to that wing and contained a good deal
of the smoke. When I first got there, I could see down to the end of the hall

I entered the hall and began to clear the rooms and close the doors. While
doing that, I was telling the fire system operator that it was a real fire and to
call the fire trucks back.

I knew the fire department was about five minutes away at this point because
they were cancelled, and with the smoke and heat in that room the patient
would not last five minutes.
I radioed my partners that I was entering the room to try and recover the
patient. I attempted to find the patient three times by crawling in the room and
sweeping the area to feel for the patient. The smoke was so thick you could
not see your hand in front of your face. On the last attempt, I had run out of
air and was forced to breathe while still in the room and immediately suffered
from the effects of the smoke inhalation and had to retreat into the hall.
One of my partners Tyler Campbell was there and took over the search for the
patient, as I retreated past the fire doors to clean air, my partner was able to
find the patient on the first search and brought her out of the room into the hall,
by then he was overcome with smoke and could go no further. Two more of
my partners Stacy Anweiler and Roel Benedicto entered the smoke filled hall
and recovered the patient and our partner Tyler and brought them both back to
safety.
From there the patient, Tyler, and I were treated for smoke inhalation in
emergency. I dont see myself as doing anything special, I saw a need and did
what needed to be done.

Winter Spring 2015

Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Young

Revitalization Message
In June of this year, I will finish my appointment
as Brigade Deputy Commander culminating
almost 30 years of service within
38 Canadian Brigade Group.
I have had the good fortune to serve with hundreds
of members of the Units that make up 38 CBG
during that time period and consider that a true
privilege.
Each of the Units in the Brigade is an institution
within our communities. As institutions, Units
are made up of the contributions of thousands of
soldiers throughout their respective histories. As
present serving members, we are each responsible
for the legacy of the generations of service our
Units represent.
I recently participated in an Army Reserve Working
Group in Ottawa focusing on retention. It was clear
to me that of all the CBGs, our Brigade, while we
may be smaller, is the most operationally focused.
The annual deployment of the Artic Response
Company Group during the winter phase vice the
summer phase sets us apart from other CBGs.
Year over year, 38 CBG soldiers have deployed on
Domestic Response tasks, which no other CBG in
Canada does.
Our previous contributions to overseas operations
and our higher turn out on annual larger
scale training events shows a higher level of
professionalism, commitment to being a warrior
and a full appreciation to the meaning of service to
country.
Much of my previous comments focused on our
Brigade Revitalization efforts. Revitalization is
renewal, revival, regeneration. If you consider
the root of this word Vital, I believe that this is
the essence of 38 CBG dynamic, energetic,
spirited.

Winter Spring 2015

Our job is not easy. Our country is faced with

ongoing challenges both at home and abroad, and
we all have a role to play in achieving missions
given to us. I am proud to have worn the Buffalo
Patch on my left shoulder and all that it stands for.
I am proud to have served with and lead soldiers
of this Brigade over the past 30 years. Having
watched our successes, I know that the current
and future generations of soldiers will not forget
their heritage. They will not let the sacrifice that is
represented by their Regimental Colours and their
Cap Badge die.
In years to come when I wander into a mess of any
Unit in this Brigade, I will look forward to learning
how you have sustained your Units, served your
Brigade and worn the flag of our Country on your
shoulder.
You chose this profession, the next tactical bound
belongs to you, and my challenge to you is how will
each of us keep our Units and the Brigade vital?
How will you contribute to the future, based upon
the legacy and sacrifice of those thousands who
have come before each of us?
Remember the Brigade motto Progredere Ne
Regredere Ever forward never back

Provincial awards ceremony recognizes employers

who support Canadian Armed Forces Reservists

Ronin Safety and Rescue Inc.

By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG PANCM

The following organizations received awards:

Winnipeg, Man. Five organizations received awards

for their support to Canadas Reserve Force on
March 4 at an event hosted by The Winnipeg Chamber
of Commerce.

Ronin Safety and Rescue Inc.

CFLC Award of Excellence for Best Practices in Employer Support: Emergency Services
nominated by Lieutenant-Colonel Sean Moran of the Winnipeg Infantry Tactical Group.

The support of employers and educational institutions

for the Reserves remains of paramount importance,
said Lieutenant-Colonel Barb McManus, Liaison Officer
for the Canadian Forces Liaison Council. This event
is our opportunity to recognize and celebrate the
outstanding commitment and sacrifice organizations
have made not only to Canadas Reserve personnel,
but to the Canadian Armed Forces as a whole.
The biannual awards are designed to recognize civilian
employers and academic institutions that have shown
support toward employees or students who are also
Reservists in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

CFLC Award of Excellence for Best Practices in Employer Support:
Private Sector nominated by Sergeant Irene Sas of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Band.

Joe Johnson Equipment

CFLC Award of Excellence for Support to Canadian Forces Operations:
Domestic (Private Sector) nominated by Corporal Jeffrey Sheppard of The Fort Garry Horse.

Audio Visual and Classroom Technology Support, University of Manitoba

CFLC Award of Excellence for Support to Canadian Forces Operations:
Domestic nominated by Corporal Adrian Zahara of The Fort Garry Horse.

Canad Inns Windsor Park

Stereo Nightclub - CFLC Award of Excellence for Best Practices in Employer Support:
Provision of Military Leave nominated by Private Karlee Burke of 38 Signals Regiment.

Photo Credit: MCpl Cam Skrypnyk

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Audio Visual and Classroom Technology

Support, University of Manitoba

Winter Spring 2015

The top-scoring Primary Reserve team came from

38 Canadian Brigade Group, an Army Reserve Formation
of 3rd Canadian Division, headquartered in Winnipeg,
Manitoba. The team was comprised of members from
the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and the Queens Own Cameron
Highlanders of Canada.

WITG Team Earns Top Reserve Pennant: Canadian Patrol Concentration

By Sgt Justin Bernier, WITG

Wainwright, Alta. On November 19, we touched down at our landing zone

which started the clock on the next 26 hours. Lying on the ground as the Griffin
helicopters departed, we were blasted with ice particles to the face.
Our first leg had us travelling under the cover of darkness, with a highly present
enemy force patrolling in vehicles. Using the natural terrain and selecting
particular routes, we managed to remain undetected on our way to the first
objective a Partisan link up.
After a brief conversation with the local population, we were escorted from
their camp and thrown into another scenario a mass casualty. The actors
received varying injuries ranging from mild confusion to collapsed lungs
from an explosion the source unconfirmed whether from a mortar attack or
from landmines around the area. We did our best to treat and evacuate the
casualties before carrying on and moving to our primary mission, the point
Recce.
The next leg had us travelling over more challenging terrain and having to
link up with competition staff, which proved quite difficult. One of our patrol
members sustained a real injury during the mass-casualty scenario and
continued to walk with us at a reduced pace. Our timings were slightly off, but
we managed to safely pass off our injured member and make our way to the
objective.
We managed to observe the enemys activity for 90 minutes. With the effects
of fatigue becoming exceedingly present after having travelled approximately
20Km and then stopping, energy re-supplement became extremely important
to counter the urge to fall asleep.
At that point, we had only travelled approximately half the total distance. From
our prior briefings, it is where most teams had decided to quit. Fortunately, we
were welcomed with the rising of the sun, which rejuvenated us to carry on
with the remainder of the patrol.
The third leg had us patrolling through rolling hills, which is where we spotted
more enemy. Even after altering our route, the enemy still managed to
engage us briefly before we decided to break contact. The patrol speed also
8

Winter Spring 2015

significantly reduced as we were dealing with another injured member who

stuck with us until the end of the leg.
At that point, the teams resolve to finish the competition was stronger than
ever. Upon completing the barbed wire obstacle crossing, we were on to the
final stretch.
Fatigue played a major role in the final 15 kilometers. Every break we took
became more and more difficult to recover from. Forcing ourselves to carry
on, and after some slight confusion, we made our way to the primary landing
zone. There, we were guided through a scenario similar to that of a range,
which represented enemies at the location, making it unsuitable for helicopter
extraction.
With the sun setting, we made our way to the alternate landing zone. Taking
the area by force, we established a suitable landing site and sent up an
extraction request.
We were picked up by helicopters within the span of an hour. While flying
towards the airfield, all the built up anxiety that had accumulated was lifted,
knowing that we had given it our all and that we had finished the event.
After quickly unloading our ammo and getting some hot food, we were
brought to a building to present our patrol debrief. With a renewed vigour, we
generated a brief and presented it to the Task Force Commander with good
success.
It is difficult to put into words the motivational speeches that were spoken
to the teams during the awards ceremony, but they were powerful enough to
help us quickly forget the hardships that we each endured and even inspired
us to come back for another attempt. Unfortunately, the team did not come
home with a medal placement; however, we were informed later that we were
the top placing Reserve team earning us the Canadian Patrol Concentration
Pennant.
The esprits-de-corps and comradery generated from the experience gave our
whole team an increased appreciation of each other, as well as ourselves.

Reservist Honoured for

70 YEARS

OF SERVICE
By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG PANCM

Winnipeg, Man. On February 10th, Master

Warrant Officer (Retired) Jack Walton of the Royal
Winnipeg Rifles Band was honoured for 70 years
of service to the regiment by a formal dinner,
presentations and a farewell parade.
I enlisted in 1945, February 10 th. I guess I can tell
you nowthey wont kick me outI was 13 years
old, Walton chuckled. I got on as a boy soldier.
The pay back in those days was 25 cents and two
streetcar tickets.
Walton was encouraged to join by his father who
was also a member of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles
Band a pride that Jack also passed down to his
son. His son, Corporal Steve Walton, is currently a
soldier in the Rifles.

Although Walton officially retired from the

Canadian Armed Forces in 1987, he continued to
serve. In fact, he started volunteering the very next
parade night after his retirement.

the country, guarding the road during the Royal

Wedding of Charles and Diana, and being called
from school by his father to come and play with the
Rifles Band when World War II ended.

What can I say? Nobody told me to go home,

grinned Walton when asked why he continued to
volunteer with the band.

That was something to see confetti falling

down, paper falling down, people hugging and
kissing one another and singing, Hurray! The Boys
will soon be home. It was so crowded that the
trombones had to play up in the air so they could
follow the band where they go up and down Main
Street.

Walton even has an award named after him that

is awarded yearly to the person that exemplifies
dedication to the band.
Each year, the band senior leadership get together
to decide who should receive the award, said
Sergeant Claude Ouellette. Every year, we run
it by Jack and he always has the same person in
mind.

MWO (Retd) Walton was the reviewing officer

at his dismissal parade when the Royal Winnipeg
Rifles honoured his dedication to the regiment at
Minto Armouries on February 10 th.

Some of Waltons most memorable moments

include playing trumpet in countless parades across

Members of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Band pose with MWO (Retired) Jack Walton
Photo Credit: MCpl Cam Skrypnyk, Brett Purdy -CBC News

Winter Spring 2015

Photo Credit: MCpl Cam Skypnyk, Cpl Justin Ancelin, Capt George Romik

38 Service Batallion Change of Command

On January 17, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Moran handed over command of
38 Service Battalion to Lieutenant Colonel Guinevere Borque in a parade
at Minto Armouries.

A special parade was held at the OKelly Armoury on the October 28, 2014 to introduce
the Lake Superior Scottish Regiments two Honorary Colonels to the members
of the Regiment.

Honorary Colonels Appointed for the

Lake Superior Scottish Regiment

By Capt George Romik, UPAR

Mr. Fred Bickford has been appointed as the Honorary Colonel of the Lake
Superior Scottish Regiment. Mr. Bickford presently practices law at Weiler,
Maloney, Nelson Barristers & Solicitors in Thunder Bay.
Mr. Bickford was a member of the Regular Army while attending university
under the Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP). After graduation, was posted
as a Commissioned Officer to Camp Valcartier, Quebec. While serving with the
Brigade Signal Squadron, he completed parachute training in Manitoba and
then served with the First (Parachute) Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment
(the Van Doos).
Mr. Cliff Friesen has been appointed as the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of
the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment. Mr. Friesen is presently the Co-owner
of Thunder Airlines and the President of Best Western Nor'Wester Resort and
Conference Centre in Thunder Bay.
Honorary Colonel Bickford and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Friesen inspected
the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment Battalion Group and talked to the soldiers
on the parade.

Winnipeg Infantry Tactical Group Change of Command

On February 8, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Moran assumed command of the
Winnipeg Infantry Tactical Group (WITG) from Lieutenant Colonel Peter Wut.
The WITG consists of The Royal Winnipeg Rifles, The Royal Winnipeg Rifles
Band, The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada and the The Queens
Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums.

Honorary Colonel Bickford mentioned, I was particularly impressed with

how well the parade was organized and how smoothly and professionally it
went from start to finish. I was also impressed by the number of soldiers who
participated in the parade, their impeccable dress/deportment, friendliness
during our inspection and discernible high calibre. All of that of course reflects
well on the LSSR's NCOs and Officers.
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Friesen mentioned I would like to say it was
a real honor for me to be inducted and introduced as an Honorary Colonel
and most important to do the inspection and to meet all of the outstanding
Reserves that were present last night. It truly is a night for me to remember.
Honorary Colonels may be appointed for each unit that is commanded by a
Lieutenant-Colonel. Honorary Lieutenant-Colonels may be appointed for each
unit that is commanded by a Lieutenant-Colonel or a Major.

10

Winter Spring 2015

38 CER Integral in 17
Wing Rink Construction

Sapper Kyle Baricz-Ives

By Martin Zeilig, Voxair Photojournalist

MCpl Ryan called the projects intense work.

Winnipeg, Man. After a formal ribbon cutting ceremony, 17 Wing

Commander Colonel Joel Roy, along with a few others, decided to go for
a skate around the new community outdoor skating rink off Doncaster Street.

Basically, we started with a field, and we had to solve major draining issues
for the people there, and with that we created a nice area for a community
garden, and a really nice fitness trail, he said, noting that a total of nine
members from 38 CER worked on the project.

Almost two dozen military and civilian employees from 17 Wing were
in attendance at the event to mark the rinks official opening took place
on January 15.Among them were several personnel from the 38 Combat
Engineering Regiment (CER), who prepared the base for the rink under the
direction of Wing Housing Liaison Major Phil Dawes and Vic Lee of Defence
Construction Canada.
I want to thank CER for their efforts, said Col Roy as he laced up his skates
in the nearby community centre just prior to testing out the new rink.
The rink is part of a larger eight to ten year development vision for the entire
community. Its one of the first elements to be upgraded as part of the South
Side Residential Area Master Plan.
The size of the rink, which is 60 percent the size of a regulation NHL rink,
is well suited to needs of the local military community.
The location of the rink will allow for the eventual development of a new
community centre between the existing Youth Centre, said Maj Dawes. This
will be an important anchor to developing a community core for the RHA.
The construction of the rink is consistent with the standard constructions for
City of Winnipeg outdoor rinks.

Over the summer we had qualified equipment operators, like back and dump
trucks, so it was an opportunity for these guys to get more time operating the
equipment. It was an excellent training opportunity to push these guys along
and have them gain confidence and new skills. Were part of the larger CAF
community, and we got to showcase to 17 Wing what our capabilities are.
The rink, grading, fitness trail and community gardens are just a few of the
investments 17 Wing is making to help improve life at CFB Winnipeg said
Col Roy.
This year (2014), when we sat down on how we were going to plan the
budget, one of the objectives was how we were going to invest in our military
community, he said.
Earlier, we had a town hall meeting with many ideas. These things take
a while. This year we were extremely successful in putting money where our
families will benefit. Im extremely proud of whats been accomplished. There
are many people with a lot of talent.

Besides the rink, members of 38 CER also levelled the ground around some
of the PMQs to help prevent flooding.
Master Corporal Ryan Perry of 38 CER was the project manager for the
initiative. He says that the construction project provided important on-the-job
training for his crew.
We were approached by Major Dawes to take on a couple of community
improvement projects, he says. What that entailed was to change the grade
on some of the areas in the PMQs to prevent flooding, and tied in with that,
to construct a community garden and a fitness trail. Then we moved on to the
construction of a small hockey rink for the kids and the people who live in the
PMQs.
The rink work involved levelling out the ground, bringing in gravel, and creating
an excellent surface so that it could be flooded. The boards enclosing the rink
were built and installed by a private contractor.

Members of 38 CER look on as 17 Wing Commander Colonel Joel Roy cuts the ribbon

Winter Spring 2015

11

GENDER DIVERSITY

Photo Credit: MCpl Lynn Danielson

ON THE GUNLINE

By MCpl Lynn Danielson, 116 IND FD BTY UPAR

We were preparing to engage targets as part of

the local defence of the gun position on the Sunday
morning of Ex FROZEN GUNNER (14-15 Mar 15 at
CFB Shilo, MB). Bombardier Jason Hertz is running
Private Tiffany Watson through her C6 drills. I am
hoping I can get a good photo while she is firing.

Pte Watson after firing a C6

Bombardier Skye Kingston-Collins fires the gun

2Lt David Small was on his first gun exercise and

spent time with Sgt Imamovic in the CP.

Then I glance to my far left and see Lieutenant

Joyelle Norris peering through vector binos,
observing the centre of arc. We have not seen her
all weekend, but have heard her voice constantly on
the means as both the Recce Officer and Command
Post Officer. It appears she is now the Gun Position
Officer as well.
Just beyond where Lt Norris is standing, Bdr Skye
Kingston-Collins is manning the #2 position on
Gun #2. That too would be a nice photo. I already
have a photo of Sgt Lejla Imamovic supervising
technicians in the Command Post (CP). She is a
mainstay on 38 Artillery Tactical Group (ATG)
exercises who fills any number of key positions on
the gunline
Then it occurs to me, in just a matter of minutes
I have seen four women busy on the gunline
women in the combat arms. Up until 26 years
ago, the positions held by women in the Canadian
Armed Forces were in administrative or support
roles; women were unable to hold positions in the
combat arms. It is encouraging to see how far we
have come. The theme of this years International
Womens Day on March 8th was Strong Women
Strong World and I am seeing that right before
my eyes.
When describing the influencers who have helped
her as a young reserve officer, Lt Norris credits
both junior leadership in supporting my transition
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Winter Spring 2015

[from NCM to Officer] and learning development,

and senior leadership that allows me to make
mistakes and learn from them. In some cases,
it is women filling these leadership positions and
serving as a positive influence to others.

She is very switched on and a good teacher.

I learned a lot, he said.
On a personal note, I would not be taking photos
and writing this article if not for the mentorship of
the previous 38 CBG Public Affairs Officer, Captain
Donna Riguidel.
The other members of my gun detachment from
116th Independent Field Battery fostered an
environment based on positive teamwork that
produces optimum results and high confidence
levels.
Lieutenant Joyelle Norris

I dont see a member of my gun det as a man or

a woman. They are a member of my gun and they
have a job to do just like everyone else, states
Sgt Ryan Scott.
That sentiment is echoed by Sgt Imamovic: I am a
gunner first, a soldier second, and a woman third.
We are a TEAM, says WO Fred Pratt,
summarizing the discussion most succinctly.
After much research and enquiry, unequivocally
regardless of gender, it is the people we work
with, side by side, that influence our paths and
performance as women and men in the
Canadian Armed Forces.

Ex Bison Warrior
Aug 15-23

EXERCISE

ARCTIC BISON 2015

Exercise ARCTIC BISON 2015, held February 13-22

along the length of Lake Winnipeg, focused
on challenging training for the Arctic Response
Company Group in austere winter conditions.

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Winter Spring 2015

Photo Credit: MCpl Cam Skrypnyk

EXTREME CONDITIONS

PUT SOLDIERS TO THE TEST

Winter Spring 2015

15

16

Winter Spring 2015

Photo Credit: MCpl Alan Haley, MCpl Cam Skrypnyk

THE ARCTIC RESPONSE COMPANY GROUP CONDUCTS

EXERCISE ON LAKE WINNIPEG

By MCpl Cam Skrypnyk, 38 CBG

Lake Winnipeg, Man. On February 13, 150

soldiers of the Arctic Response Company Group
(ARCG) embarked on what proved to be a true test
of both character and equipment on the ice of Lake
Winnipeg, Manitoba. Exercise ARCTIC BISON 2015
(Ex AB15) focused on the ability of the ARCG to
sustain itself 300 kilometers from its support base.
Northwestern Ontario, Manitoba, and
Saskatchewan form a large region that is varied in
terms of geography, climate, ecology, population
and industry, said Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Davies,
Commanding Officer 38 Territorial Battalion Group.
There is considerable scope
for a domestic emergency to occur in a location of
challenging terrain.
During Ex AB15, soldiers responded to a simulated
major air disaster at a location inaccessible by road
due to weather conditions. Soldiers practiced tasks
such as preparation of an austere landing strip,
support to ground search and rescue, and public
relations activities in some communities along the
shore of Lake Winnipeg.
My role on Ex ARCTIC BISON was section
commander, said Master Corporal Brendon Gogo.
I had a great exercise. I love snowmobiling and
everything that goes along with it. I learned a
lot about recovering sleds, and towing loads
efficiently, as we had to do a fair bit of both of
these things.
Much like an actual emergency response, Ex AB15
had the ARCG coordinating with multiple other
military units and Other Government Departments,
including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,

the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion of the United

States Army, the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricias
Canadian Light Infantry, as well as 440 Squadron of
the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
Personnel were transported to the forward
elements on the lake by a CC-138 Twin Otter that
made repeated landings on the ice on austere air
strips. The Twin Otters robust design and short
takeoff and landing capabilities left a lasting
impression on the soldiers of the ARCG they
could count on support from the RCAF in even the
most extreme situations. In all, the Twin Otter flew
nearly 50 hours in support of Ex AB15.
We learned more this year than we ever have,
said Master Corporal Alan Haley. Lessons
learned from problems beyond our control proved
invaluable.
The main enemy in winter climates is always the
environment itself. Throughout the ARCGs trek
north, soldiers and equipment regularly endured
temperatures well below -35 C with wind chills
to -48 C. They took extreme care to keep the sleds
running, and the tails of sled could regularly be
seen extending from ten man arctic tents in efforts
to thaw frozen engines.
After travelling past Berens River, a lot of
[snowmobiles] broke down, said MCpl Haley.
We maintained company integrity as a whole and
self-recovered every man and piece of kit from the
middle of the lake. Standard Operating Procedures
for this had never been written, however, the guys
didnt give up and it led to the overall success of
the mission.

Other major obstacles were large cracks in the ice

and broken terrain along the ice sheet. Moving day
and night in near white-out conditions on the lake
was a task skilfully navigated by the platoons of
the ARCG and the support element that provided
crucial supplies to the ARCG.
The ARCG moved far into the body of Lake
Winnipeg during the exercise. They withdrew from
the northern town of Jackhead, Manitoba.
Although the ARCG did not reach its objective of
Grand Rapids, the exercise was a success with
the outstanding experience and skills gained from
facing such adversity. The ARCG will regroup and
prepare to head back to the north on Exercise
ARCTIC RAM next year with the knowledge and
lessons learned from the tough training this year
continuously ensuring readiness for a variety of
domestic threats including environmental hazards
and man-made incidents.
We are only able to truly test our skills and
training through challenging exercises such as
this, said Colonel Ross Ermel, Commander
38 Canadian Brigade Group.
Facing the austere environment and cold
temperatures of Lake Winnipeg allowed our
soldiers to hone their skills and remain prepared to
operate in arctic conditions for whenever theyre
called upon to provide support.

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17

Photo Credit: MCpl Alan Haley

WITG Hones Skills with New Recruits On Ex DEVIL'S THUNDER

By MCpl Leif Olafson, 1 Pl A/Coy WITG

It was a typical start to an exercise Friday night

as any other training weekend, with roll call and a
brief on the timings and training for the weekend.
Training that progressed throughout the weekend
was a welcomed change of pace for members of
the Winnipeg Infantry Tactical Group.
Immediately following roll call, troops began
refresher training on the Browning High Power
9mm pistol. All troops in attendance, some as
low as basic trained troops, were given several
weapons handling classes to prepare them for the
range the following morning.
Concurrently to the weapons handling,
Seargant Christopher Toews, a newly trained
Helicopter Insertion Instructor(HII), along with some
of the the WITGs best rappellers, Sgt Macaoidh,
MCpl Olafson, as well as Cpls Longstaffe, Scott
and Freeman. Throughout the weekend they
conducted multiple helicopter insertions off of the

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Winter Spring 2015

Minto Garrison mock helicopter skid and low wall.

They conducted descents with various levels of
kit and weaponry to firmly establish unit standard
operating procedures for rappelling a once dying
art within the Winnipeg Infantry.
The following morning troops immediately boarded
the bus to St. Charles range to use the Browning
High Power. First shots went down range around
0910, and the less confident soldiers were given
time and instruction to practice and become
proficient at their individual drills with the 9mm
pistol. The range was highly organised and well
ran. All soldiers had successfully passed their
personal weapons tests by noon and after a quick
range tear down and ammo declaration, box
lunches were distributed to be eaten on the bus
ride back to the Armouries.
Upon return, round robin style training was
conducted. A third of the troops progressed
through rappel training up to skid rappels and the
other two thirds lead by Sgt Sinnock, the regiments

only Urban Operations Instructor, were brought to

the WITGs kill house to learn and practice urban
operations.
Soldiers were elated to be conducting this new
and exciting training as some were completely
unfamiliar with many of these skills and many more
have had little time to hone their urban operations
and rappelling skills.
The following day, soldiers were put to the test
as a confirmation of the weekends training. A
platoon assault was planned on the newly erected
kill house, encompassing the newly honed skills
of helicopter insertion of the assault elements.
For the final attack the men demonstrated all they
had learned in a short period of time performing
well, due to the high level of attention given during
instruction. Afterwards in the mess, the talk of the
town was how much people learned and enjoyed
uncommon training this weekend.

Royal Winnipeg Rifles

Take the T. Eaton Cup
By MCpl Cam Skrypnyk, 38 CBG Photojournalist

St.Charles Range, Man. They came from all corners

38 Canadian Brigade group and met on the snow swept fields
of St. Charles Range. In the early hours of the February 28,
Colonel Ross Ermel addressed the soldiers about the importance
of putting the mission above all else. Spurred on by their
commander, they embarked on a grueling 12 hour patrol putting
all their skills and team cohesion to the test.
A team from the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment (LSSR)
emerged from a wood line and donned Mission Oriented
Protective Posture (MOPP) suits and gasmasks and immediately
took to stripping and assembling a complete suite of
infantry weapons. Under the pressure of the clock and the
encouragement of their team they are on their way in minutes
with another team hot on their heels.
Stands placed throughout the training area tested first aid and
mass causality drills, weapons handling, target shooting from
100m, small party tasks and concluded with a tournament style
urban fight using the Shocknife training aid.
This high passed and aggressive battle left one team on top. The
Royal Winnipeg Rifles team comprised of Sergeant Joe Dyck,
Master Corporal Sean Pocik, Corporal Du-Kuan Scott, Corporal
Justyn Freeman, and Corporal John Kilmartin in an electrified
final strike took the day and the trophy.

The T. Eaton Trophy, donated by the department store magnate,

was awarded annually beginning in 1907. The military skills
contest, primarily drill and marksmanship, continued through the
decades with the exception of the First and Second World Wars
until 1983. The competition was revived in 2012 with teams
representing units across 38 CBG from Saskatchewan
to Thunder Bay.

Winter Spring 2015

19

Photo Credit: MCpl Cam Skrypnyk

It was challenging physically as well as mentally said Corporal

Justin Freeman. According to Freeman, the key to victory was
knowing each persons strength on the team and trying to
optimize their strengths in each event.

Photo Credit: Sgt Thomas Hughes

Ex VAUBAN'S REVENGE
By Sgt Thomas Hughes, 38 CER

Royal Regina Rifles Rappel Team

From the 14-21 October 2014, members of 38

Combat Engineer Regiment (CER) participated
in 1 CERs EXERCISE VAUBANS REVENGE in
Wainwright, Alberta. 38 CER formed a field
section which comprised members of 31 Engineer
Squadron (ES) from Winnipeg, as well as 46 ES
from Saskatoon, which was force generated into
12 Field Squadron (FS) of 1 CER. They were also
accompanied by a troop-sized element of the 864th
US Engineer Battalion from
Fort Lewis, Washington.
This exercise was conducted in order to generate
troop and squadron level Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) for the newly stood-up 1 CER
field squadron.

On Friday, 23 January 2015, members of the Royal

Regina Rifles rappelled from the rafters of the
Brandt Center as part of the unveiling ceremony for
the new state of the art NHL caliber digital score
clock. The game was sold out with 6000 people in
attendance and televised on Access TV.
The Regina Pats have a historical connection with
the PPCLI, both being named after Princess Patricia
of Connaught. Two PPCLI Soldiers were part of the
rappel team along with 5 RRR soldiers who stole
the show as the hometown unit.
Events such as these help strengthen the
relationship between the Royal Regina Rifles
and the City Of Regina.
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Winter Spring 2015

38 CER's field section was intended originally to act

as an independent section within 4 Troop, but due
to the reduced mobility of their vehicle (a Special
Engineer Variant (SEV) of a Medium Support
Vehicle System (MSVS) in comparison to the rest
of 4 Troop's vehicles, Engineer Light Armoured
Vehicles (ELAVs), the section members were split
up amongst the troop. The SEV did get a chance
to show its capabilities due to some ELAV break
downs and the 1 CER members who climbed on
board enjoyed the relative comfort!
During the exercise, 4 Troop conducted a large
variety of engineer tasks, such as Medium Girder
Bridge (MGB) design and construction, minefield
laying, wire obstacle emplacement, engineer
reconnaissance, as well as several tactical tasks
such as camouflage, construction, and occupation
of defensive positions.
The section members from 38 CER participated in
all of these tasks and a few of the senior members
had the opportunity to act in more advanced roles.
These included, center party commander for the

MGB builds, a reconnaissance section member, and

the Quarter Master driver.
The US Army Engineers had previous training in
the tasks conducted, but bridging was completely
new to them, therefore members from 1 CER and
38 CER helped instruct the US Engineers on the
fundamentals.
The learning curve for the US Engineers was a
steep one as the first build was conducted in the
middle of the night! The US Army does use the
MGB, but it is a completely separate occupation
within their Engineer corps.
The tempo of the training was kept very high
throughout the week with tasks being conducted
all day and night with minimal breaks. All exercise
participants experienced sleep deprivation. The US
Army Engineers were impressed and somewhat
overwhelmed by how long and hard Canadian
Engineers worked in the field.
Overall, the training value for the members of 38
CER cannot be understated, with both junior and
senior members participating in a great deal of
different tasks in a context which many of them
had never experienced before.
Working with the regular force greatly benefited
the members of 38 CER as it provided them with
a betterunderstanding of their jobs within a more
operationally-focused environment. This also
allowed them the opportunity to train on equipment
not available to reservists on a regular basis, such
as the ELAVs.
38 CER appreciates 1 CERs generosity and
hospitality in inviting us to EXERCISE VAUBANS
REVENGE, and we hope to be able to continually
support and augment 1 CER in future training
events and operations.

Major Activities Calendar

June to November 2015

Ex BISON WARRIOR
Ex BISON WARRIOR 15 (15-23 Aug 15):
Task Force / Battle Group exercising the all-arms team in general purpose
offensive operations at Company Level at CFB SHILO in order to validate
collective fundamental core soldier and leader skills.

CT Weekend #1

CT Weekend #2

CT Weekend #1 (2-4 Oct 15):

Intent is to complete PWT 3 for personal
weapons C7 and C9 for all Combat Arms, PWT 2
for all CS and CSS pers. Lead Units to maximize
IBTS background activities in support of CT
Weekend #2 (i.e. map / compass refresher,
CBRN Refresher) and other IBTS tasks.
Lead Units are WITG and N Sask R.

CT Weekend #2 (23-25 Oct 15):

Focussed training on IBTS (Land
Navigation and Battlecraft training)
as well as Section Level Corps Battle
Task Standards. Each Unit to conduct
their own training to meet trade BTS.

CT Weekend #3
CT Weekend #3 (13-15 Nov 15):
Intent remains for CS and CSS Units
to conduct Level 2 Static Live Fire
Range, Combat Arms (less ATG)
to conduct Level 2 Live Fire Ranges.
Lead Units are WITG and R Regina Rif.
ATG to conduct Gun Drills / Corps
BTS during this training weekend.

Ex KOMITIK for ARCTIC RAM 16

Ex KOMITEK (27-29 Nov 15): ARCG personnel conduct
preparatory training at Minto Armory including
Winter Warfare Refresher training and individual,
section, platoon and company stores preparation,
testing and inspections. Training includes live fire
familiarization range for Predator Control
(shotgun, .303) at St Charles Range.

Winter Spring 2015

21

OUTCAN Professional Development for Reserve Officers

Capt Baker (far left) and other international members of the CIOR Young Reserve Officer committee convened at NATO HQ in Brussels, Belgium for their annual mid-winter meeting
(February 2015).

As a result, I found the YRO workshop to be an

excellent professional development experience
that can foster improved inter-operability when
deploying on multi-national operations.

By Capt Jon Baker, G9 38 CBG

From 19-21 February 2015, I attended the annual

mid-winter meeting of the Interallied Confederation
of Reserve Officers (known by its French acronym
CIOR) at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
Founded in 1948, CIOR is a NATO-affiliated,
non-political and non-profit umbrella organization
of member nations national reserve officer
associations. CIOR is composed primarily (but not
exclusively) of NATO members and has two main
roles: (1) provide advice on reserve issues and
support to the NATO Alliance; and (2) foster the
professional development of reserve officers.
CIORs agenda is carried out by its various
committees, including the Young Reserve Officers
(YRO) committee, on which I am presently serving
a three year term as the Canadian coordinator.
The YRO Committee is tasked with conducting a
variety of professional development activities for
junior reserve officers, most notably the annual
YRO workshop that is attended by approximately
60 delegates from more than a dozen member
nations. The workshop includes sessions on Law
of Armed Conflict, cross-cultural communication,
negotiation strategy, and a Model NATO simulation.
Each year the CIOR Summer Congress (and with it,
the YRO workshop) rotates among CIOR member
nations. This summer the workshop is scheduled
for 03-08 August in Sofia, Bulgaria, with a two day
pre-training session for all Canadian participants to
take place from 31 July-01 August at CFB Halifax.
I first participated in the workshop as a delegate in
2011 in Warsaw, Poland. Through interacting with
fellow officers from across NATO and other partner
nations, I learned how the reserves functions
differently amongst our allies and witnessed how
the unique cultures of other national militaries
influence their approach to problem-solving.

22

Winter Spring 2015

The call for nominations for this summers YRO

workshop has already been distributed to all
Primary Reserve units across Canada. Eligible
applicants must be: (1) an officer within the Primary
Reserve, with priority going to those on Class A
service; (2) no more than 30 years old; and (3) rank
of Capt/Lt(N) and below. Nominations must be
submitted through the chain of command no later
than 01 June 2015, at which time five Canadian
delegates will be selected based upon merit.
I have learned a lot from my participation in
CIOR and highly encourage my peers to also avail
themselves of the opportunity. The meeting I
attended at NATO HQ focussed on coordinating
arrangements for the YRO workshop this summer in
Bulgaria, which promises to be one of the best yet.
Good luck to all who apply!

CIOR emblem

Capt Baker (fourth from the left) and other international members of the CIOR Young Reserve Officer committee talking
with Danish General Knud Bartels, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, at NATO HQ in Brussels, Belgium
(January 2012).

Psychological Operations: A Growing Capability in 38 CBG

By MCpl Corey Struss, 38 CER

From 13-24 April 2015, 38 Canadian Brigade G Battle School

conducted a Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) Analyst Course
at CFB Winnipeg. This marked the first time in five years that an
influence activities (IA) course had been exported by the Peace
Support Training Centre (PSTC) at CFB Kingston, and the first
time ever that the PSYOPS Analyst Course had been exported
by PSTC. Although only two weeks long, the course was densely
packed with material and provided an intellectual challenge to all
candidates.

Graduates of the PSYOPS Analyst Course will continue to refine their skills
by attending regular training events with 38 CBGs IA Company and by filling
IA roles on major exercises such as Ex MAPLE RESOLVE in spring 2016. In the
longer term, the success of this cohort of PSYOPS analysts will significantly
strengthen the IA capability of 38 CBG and contribute to the growth of this
occupational speciality nationally within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
For more information about IA training opportunities, contact your
Unit IA representative.

The candidates came from all trades and possessed varying

levels of IA experience. Some candidates arrived with PSYOPS
Tactical Operator or Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Operator
qualifications, while others had prior knowledge of IA from
deployments with the Provincial Reconstruction Team in
Afghanistan. For most candidates, however, the PSYOPS Analyst
Course was their first exposure to IA and the types of skills it
entails.
The role of the analyst is integral to the greater PSYOPS
objective of influencing the perceptions, attitudes, and
behaviours of approved audiences in support of the military
mission. PSYOPS analysts support the commanders objectives
by recommending methods of persuading our friends to
support us more, enticing the fence sitters to join our side, and
persuading the enemy to surrender or deceiving them into doing
something we want them to do. This support also comes in the
form of Counter-PSYOPS by providing analysis of hostile PSYOPS
messaging.
The primary skill that candidates learned during the course was
to conduct an analysis of a specific target audience in order
to create a message that will cause a desired behavioural or
attitudinal change. To be successful, candidates had to be adept
at examining intelligence for all relevant information and be able
to approach an audience with empathy, cultural awareness, and
an open mind. Further, candidates developed an appreciation for
the importance of working in conjunction with other elements
of the PSYOPS team in order to produce a persuasive message
which would meet the commanders objectives.

Winter Spring 2015

23

38 CBG HQ Team attends

Hockey Day Minnesota

By MCpl Draper Houston, 38 CBG PANCM

St.Cloud, Minn. On January 16, the 38 Canadian Brigade Group

Headquarters hockey team loaded up their gear and headed to St. Cloud,
Minnesota to play against the Minnesota National Guard hockey team as a
part of Hockey Day Minnesota 15.
Photos Courtesy of Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs

We were very honoured to be invited, said Captain Russ Donkersley. We

had no idea how big the event actually was, and the venue for the event was
quite the spectacle.
The event took place on an outdoor ice rink set up on the fully active Holman
Airfield complete with UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters,
C-130 Hercules, and of course plenty of bleachers for the fans.
Upon arriving, Consul General Jamshed Merchant, the Canadian Consulate for
Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota greeted the team
and wished them luck for the game.
The 38 CBG HQ team came out of the gates vigorously with some substantial
chances; however, fell short in a 5-0 loss to the Guard.
The player of note, goalie Warrant Officer Kurt Macdonald, was considered by
many to be the star of the game with easily 50+ saves throughout the game
despite the loss.
Following the game, the teams attended a meet and greet to get to know each
other in the massive tent adjacent to the outdoor rink.
The next day, the team was invited to watch the remainder of Hockey Day
Minnesota high school hockey teams competing from across the state. United
States Senator Amy Klobuchar was also in attendance to drop the puck for one
of the games and to meet team leader Major Dennis Desrochers.
Senator Klobuchar was glad to see our allies from the north participating in
the event.
Capping off the weekend, the team took in a Minnesota Wild game courtesy
of the National Guard who even managed to provide box seats for the
38 CBG HQ team.
It was a great way to wrap up a great weekend, said Major Dennis
Desrochers, 38 CBG HQ. The hospitality that we received from the [Minnesota
National] Guard was very well received and very much appreciated.

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Winter Spring 2015

Christmas Across
The Brigade

2Lt Paul Weedon (right) from the 116th Independent Field Battery and Ron Neufeld (left) from the CAV unload ice candles from an
army vehicle that will be placed at the graves of Great War veterans at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery.

Photo Courtesy of 116th Independent Field Battery

Reservists, vets help with ice candles

By Mike Aiken, Kenora Online

Members of the 116th Independent Field Battery Kenora Army Reserve soldiers and Canadian Army Veterans
Motorcycle Club assisted with collection and distribution of ice candles on Saturday, Dec. 20th , as they
transported and delivered candles bought by people in Kenora for placement on the graves of loved ones at the
Lake of the Woods Cemetery, in preparation for the Ice Candle Lighting ceremony on Christmas Eve.

Winter Spring 2015

25

Photo Credit: MCpl Alan Haley

OP Radio Santa: Students

get chance to speak to Santa

By Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com

Thunder Bay A year ago Andi Dowdell was too shy to talk to Santa Claus.
Twelve months later the seven-year-old has found her confidence and spent
several minutes on Wednesday morning speaking to Jolly Old Saint Nick from
her Edgewater Park Public School classroom.
It was really cool, Andi said.
I love talking to Santa now because it was fun and you get to tell him what
you really want for Christmas, if he doesnt know.
Andi said she asked for art supplies, including pencil crayons, crayons, pencils
and an easel.
Classmate Sasha Lowry wasnt shy at all about talking to Santa.
I asked him if he knew what I wanted for Christmas and he didnt know, so I
told him. I said Merry Christmas almost a hundred times, the seven-year-old
said.
I asked him for a laptop.
Students at 19 schools in Thunder Bay will each get a chance to say hello to
Santa Claus, thanks to the Canadian military, who used a special two-way
radio to connect with the North Pole, something the 3 Squadron of the 38th
Signal Regiment have been doing for more than 20 years.
The kids send emails and letters to Santa. We provide the service of letting
the kids talk to Santa using military equipment thats able to reach the North
Pole, Cpl. Kyle Swaggert said.
Its a busy time of year for Santa and his elves, but he always takes time out of
his holiday preparations to speak to children in Thunder Bay.
Thats pretty special, said Swaggert, proud to be on a first-name basis with the
jolliest elf of them all.

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Winter Spring 2015

Christmas Delivered by Reservists

By MCpl Houston, 38 CBG PANCM

Winnipeg, Man. On December 13, soldiers from the Fort Garry Horse and 31
Engineer Squadron conducted Ex PARCEL PUSH for the 30th consecutive year
delivering Christmas hampers for the Christmas Cheer Board to disadvantaged
families in Winnipegs North End.
We like to give back to the community, said Lieutenant Eric Watters of the
Fort Garry Horse. We are soldiers, but we are also from the community too. A
lot of us live in the North End, so it always good to give back when you can and
not be a stranger to the community.
A lot of the time people see the military as being a scary organization, but we
are here to protect Canadians, so we like to help them out whenever possible,
whether it is flood-fighting or hamper delivery.
This year, with the help of 31 Engineer Squadron (31 ES), however, soldiers on
the exercise were able to nearly triple the amount of hampers that they were
able to deliver.
The MSVS cargo truck provided by 31 ES was able to pick up a massive amount
of hampers from the Christmas Cheer Board. This allowed them to create a
distribution point at the Mcgregor Armoury rather than the soldiers going all
the way back to the Cheer Board to replenish.

In total, over 300 packages were delivered throughout the day.

Its a pleasure receiving the parcel, said resident Shonna Prysiazniuk.
I appreciate everything (the Canadian Forces) do for us, (including) keeping us
safe.
Its the next best thing to being the real Santa Claus, said Corporal Arthur
Dalman after delivering hampers throughout the day.
Exercise PARCEL PUSH first began in 1984 in recognition of the historical tie
between the military the Christmas Cheer Board. The Christmas Cheer Board
was started in 1919 by a number of Winnipeg Churches. The original intent
was to provide Christmas hampers and toys for the widows and orphans of the
soldiers lost during World War One.
Each year, Soldiers of the Fort Garry Horse provide assistance organizing
the warehouse with other volunteers (including civilian and Fort Garry Horse
Cadets) and delivering hampers using military vehicles.

Winter Spring 2015

27

facebook.com/38CBG
38 Canadian Brigade Group 2015