Message for all retired Canadian Forces linemen

To all retired Canadian Forces linemen,

Arnie Murray has rejoined the National Executive Committee of the CAFL in Ottawa. His role on the committee is to be the main point of contact for The Retired Lineman Community on behalf of the CAFL. The CAFL has in the past and is continuing to do great things in support of active and retired Linemen and their families. Over the past several years there has been a reduction in the flow of general information that has for the most part... impacted the Retired Lineman Community.
What I am trying to do is to gather all of the contact info I can get. I then will transmit all email addresses to him so that he can send an email to all retired Lineman to bring them up to date on the status of the CAFL. The Retired Lineman Community forms a very large and important part of the CAFL.
We often learn about health problems or the passing of an buddy months or even years after it happens.
With Arnie's new responsabilities, we should receive news, bad or good, in a short period of time.
If you wish to be part of this, send me your email address to my personal address : lorraineetjean@videotron.ca and it will be forward to Arnie asap.

Thanks
John Leduc
Lmn 052 Ret.

Obituary announcement for old comrade Gerald Edward Patriquin C.D

Gerald Edward Patriquin C.D. May 16, 1921 - February 6, 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald (“Pat” to some), at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building, Halifax. Gerald was born in Lower Greenville, Nova Scotia, grew up in the surrounding areas, and eventually enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army (RC Signals) in 1942 at the age of 21. Along with some 14,000 other Canadian soldiers, he landed on Juno Beach on June 6, 1944. For his participation on D-Day and the liberation of France, Gerald was recently awarded the Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour. He retired from the Canadian Forces in 1971 and retired from the civilian workforce in the 1980s. In 1968, Gerald and Doris moved to Debert where for the next 30 years they were active members of the community, including his active involvement with the Masonic Lodge and the Royal Canadian Legion. In 2000, when Doris passed away, Gerald moved to Parkland Estates in Truro, and in the last two years made his home at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial. Gerald is predeceased by infant daughter Sharon (1950) and his wife of 53 years, Doris Emma (McInnes) of Fox Harbour, NS (2000). Gerald is also predeceased by 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Gerald is survived by sister Elizabeth (Stuart) Semple, his son John (Joyce), daughters Pegi (Colin) Wilson, and Janice (Malcolm d. 2005) Eaton , and granddaughters Krista and Tara Patriquin, Jordan Eaton, and step grandson Michael Wilson (Kelly, children Haley and Joshua). He is also survived by 4 nephews and 2 nieces. The family wishes to express their most sincere thanks to all the staff and volunteers on 4th Floor East of the Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building for their care and compassion not only to Gerald but also to the family. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 from 6-8pm (preceded by a Legion tribute at 5:45pm.) Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 2pm (to include a Masonic tribute at 1:45pm) all in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro. Interment at a later date. Reception will follow the service in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the War Amps, or the Canadian Arthritis Society. Online messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.ColchesterCommunity.com

Obituary announcement for old comrade MAJ GERALD (GERRY) RALPH LATHROPE (CELE 42B RET'D)

LATHROPE, Gerry (Gerald) Ralph
Maj (ret'd)
Peacefully at home on Friday, January 29, 2016 in his 74th year.  Beloved husband of Lorraine.  Loving father of Diane and Cheryl and incredibly proud papa of Taylar and Bailey.  Born in Saskatoon, predeceased by his father Charles, mother Doris and brother Lee.  Gerry was dearly loved, and will be missed by a large extended family including brother and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.  Gerry was a loyal member of the Canadian Armed Forces before finishing his career with the Public Service.  He had many passions and never turned down a round of golf or a game of bridge.  Friends may attend a visitation at the
Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes 3440 Richmond Rd., Nepean on February 5 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service in the chapel at 1:00 p.m.  An informal reception will be held immediately after the service.  For those who wish, remembrances in memory of Gerry may be made to the charity of their choice.  Condolences, donations or tributes may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com.

Published in The Ottawa Citizen on Feb. 3, 2016

   Gerry’s obituary and accompanying online 'Guest Book' can be viewed at:

     http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ottawacitizen/obituary.aspx?n=gerry-ralph-lathrope&pid=177577798&fhid=5748

Globe and Mail Article on PTSD

Below is a link to a Globe and Mail article by Anthony Feinstein discussing PTSD and its impact on veterans and their families.

Globe and Mail Article on PTSD

Call for Veterans – Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal

Call for Veterans – Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal by Jim Holsworth Ambassador for Peace Medal Application Form (Jan'16)Ambassador for Peace Medal Application Form (Jan'16) This is a call for the subject medal, an initiative of the Korean Government expressing appreciation to Canadian women and men who were in the Korean War. Eligible veterans must have served in Korea from 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953, or participated in UN peacekeeping operations until 1955.  Note that next of kin may apply for the medal posthumously on behalf of a deceased veteran. Please disseminate through our C&E networks. Collectively, please seek eligible veterans, or their families, and if needed assist with their application; forms are attached and instructions are at: http://can-ottawa.mofa.go.kr/english/am/can-ottawa/mission/notice/index.jsp?sp=/webmodule/htsboard/template/read/new_legengreadboard.jsp%3FtypeID=16%26boardid=8192%26seqno=730708%26tableName=TYPE_ENGLEGATIO Applications Applications are not being vetted by Veterans’ Affairs, so there is no intent to coordinate C&E submissions. However, for awareness and archiving, please copy and applications to: Annette Gillis, Curator C&E Museum, Annette.Gillis@forces.gc.ca ; C&E Branch CWO, CWO Michel Boislard, michel.boislard@forces.gc.ca ; or Col (Ret’d) Jim Holsworth, C&E Heritage Committee,  jaholsworth@cogeco.ca . Proof of service in Korea can be found in a veteran’s service file, held by Library and Archives Canada. Use the following links: http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/Pages/obtain-copies-military-service-files.aspx (instructions); and http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-ritage/Documents/pru-2015.pdf (form). What better way to start to the 2016 C&E Heritage Theme of “UN Operations” than by commemorating those who served in the Korean campaign.

Passing / Avis de Décés – MCpl Mitchell K. Keller, Communicator Research Operator (1984 – 2016)

Master Corporal Mitchell K. Keller, Communicator Research Operator (1984 – 2016)

It is we regret that we inform you on the sudden passing of Master Corporal Mitchell K. Keller on Monday 25 January 2016 at the age of 31. He leaves behind his wife Alison and his son Alexander 4 1⁄2 years old. MCpl Keller was a member of the Canadian Forces Operations Group Outcan Detachment Maryland, Fort Meade, Maryland, USA.

Master Corporal Mitchell Keller was born in Williams Lake, British Columbia. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in November of 2007 as a Communicator Research Operator. Upon completion of his basic training, then Private Keller was posted to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt to work in the Port Security Section. While at CFB Esquimalt, he was involved in several high profile events to include the Canadian Naval Centennial International Fleet Review and the MV Sun Sea Incident. More importantly, it was here that he met his beautiful wife Alison Bennett.

In 2010 he completed his occupation training in Kingston, Ontario and was subsequently posted to Canadian Forces Station Leitrim in Ottawa, Ontario. While employed there, he was recognized for his exemplary service, receiving the Assistant Deputy Minister (Information Management) Coin from the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer and being awarded the Derek Boogaard Award for outstanding service to his country. On 14 May 2011 Mitchell and Alison were graced with the birth of their beautiful son, Alexander.

Before they were posted to Ft Meade, Maryland, Alison made an honest man out of Mitchell and they were married 02 Aug 2014 in North Saanich British Columbia with family and friends.

While posted at Fort Meade he flourished not only as a professional tradesman, but also as an Ambassador for his Country and was promoted to Master Corporal on 01 Dec 2015. A consummate professional at all times, he was an outstanding representative of Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces and the Communicator Research occupation

A Celebration of Life ceremony was held on Friday 29 January 2016 at the Ft Meade, Main Post chapel.