Posted on 01/19/2008 4:02:05 AM PST by exg
Tearful send-off for Calgary troops
General lauds city's citizen soldiers Sarah McGinnis, Calgary Herald Published: Friday, January 18, 2008 A column of 115 dedicated Calgary soldiers will land in Afghanistan next month in what is being called a reflection of Calgary's "rich military culture."
As the Calgarians mingled with hundreds of other soldiers at an official send-off ceremony at the Edmonton Garrison on Thursday, military officials took note that a quarter of all the reservists volunteering to put their lives on the line for this deployment are from Calgary.
"Our citizen soldiers have stepped up to the plate in a fashion that is unprecedented," said the chief of land staff, Gen. Andrew Leslie.
View Larger Image Cristina Moldodan clings to her husband Jason's shoulder during deployment ceremonies at CFB Edmonton on Thursday. Ted Rhodes, Calgary Herald
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Printer friendly Font:****"The fact that Calgary has sent over 100 reserve soldiers as part of the 400 to 500 deploying in February speaks of the rich military culture and tradition that Calgary has enjoyed for so long.
"I expected nothing less (of Calgary), quite frankly."
Nine Calgary-based regiments are sending representatives to the mission. More than half of the local soldiers preparing to leave are Calgary Highlanders.
The infantry reserve unit -- founded in 1921, but with ties to a previous militia unit dating back to 1910 -- hasn't seen as many as the current 64 members heading out on a single mission at one time since the Second World War, said retired lieutenant Barry Agnew, curator for the Calgary Highlanders Museum and Archives.
Calgary's reservists will play a major role once they arrive in Kandahar, said David Bercuson, with the University of Calgary's centre for military and strategic studies.
At least 20 per cent of every Canadian task force that served in the Afghan mission is made up of reservists who take a hiatus from their civilian jobs and lives to participate, he said.
"Reservists are absolutely required. Nobody is doing this for superficial reasons. There are not enough bodies in the regular army to fill all the positions in this mission," said Bercuson.
The work is dangerous. Many reservists are tasked with defending convoys who travel roads facing threats of landmines and suicide bombers, which have been responsible for most of the 77 Canadian fatalities in Afghanistan.
Given the treacherous conditions, many Calgary reservists have faced questions from loved ones who can't understand why anyone would choose to put themselves in harm's way.
Calgary Highlander Cpl. Brian Gaisford acknowledges his civilian parents aren't keen on his heading to a war zone, but he said it's a chance to really make a difference in the world.
"I didn't join the army to stay in Canada," he said. "This is an opportunity, it's a challenge and it's something where I can get a real sense of accomplishment."
Sgt. Richard Desilets of Okotoks, a fellow Calgary Highlander, has also been fielding questions about why he would volunteer for such a dangerous duty. Every time he answers the question, Desilets pictures his eight-year-old daughter.
"I'm going to help the locals," Desilets said. "I've got a little girl. The kids over there, because of the previous regimes, haven't been given a chance. I'm going to make sure they have the same (opportunities) she has."
1 2 next page To send your words of support to Calgary's deploying soldiers visit www.calgaryherald.com
smcginnis@theherald.canwest.com
Soldiers and Their Regiments
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Printer friendly Font:****Of the 115 Calgary soldiers deploying to Afghanistan:
- 64 are from the Calgary Highlanders
- 19 are from the King's Own Calgary Regiment
- Six are from the 33 Field Engineer Squadron
- Five are from the 746 Communications Squadron
- Five are from the 41 Canadian Brigade Group headquarters
- Five are from the Canadian Civilian Military Co-operation
- Five are from the 15 Field Ambulance
- Four are from the 14 Service Battalion
- Two are from the Area Support Unit
-- Source: Calgary Military
Family Resource Centre
Calgary Herald.com
Send our troops your messages of support and view photos from Edmonton go to calgaryherald.com
© The Calgary Herald 2008 previous page 1 2
***See more pictures here: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/photogalleries/template.html?topic=011708_RESERVISTS&g=0
ping!
A Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (Patricias) battle group going to Kandahar, a Royal 22e Regiment (Van Doos) battle grooup coming home.
Thanks Canada!
Good luck and God Bless!
Yes, Canadians of Scottish descent can still serve their nation in the ancient Scots tradition of Highland Warriorship
These men are very close with each other, closer than brothers. A thing difficult to achieve in most modern army units. Its one reason they fight so well, none can fight better.
God Bless them all, Highlanders and Others, and keep them safe, or carry them swiftly to heaven to the sound of the pipes.
The Kings Own Calgary Highlanders Website 
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Vernon, CD, marches his Regiment past at the Change of Command parade.
(Pipes and Drums of FreeRepublic ping!)
Great picture!!
Yes, I should have mentioned that, thanks Clive.
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