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Volume 54 Number 2
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January 12, 2021
Skating at the Col J.J. Parr Sports Centre
Janae Wandler
Makayla, Mary, Emery and Elijah were able to enjoy the skate trail on a sunny Friday afternoon at the Col J.J. Parr Sports Centre. JANAE WANDLER, PSP CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER It was the first time this season that I got the skates out on Friday, January 8. It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon and skating facilities at the Col J.J. Parr Sports Centre outside were better than what I expected. The skating trail was absolutely fantastic. I never skated much when I was younger and this was just what I needed to get me used to skating again. The trail starts out by the outdoor rink and goes all the way around the tennis courts and
back. It was smooth and the turns were not too complicated for this beginner skater. Then there is also the outdoor rink, and after the facility staff had just finished flooding and scraping the ice, I was able to play a little hockey with my kids. Once again, there’s nothing like skating on a well-maintained surface of ice. Of course, there are COVID-19 restrictions that must be followed, but it is nice to have a place to go and get a little fresh air and exercise every once in a while.
Janae Wandler
Will, Eliza and Cameron Wandler practice a little hockey at the Outdoor Rink at the Col J.J. Parr Sports Centre.
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Page 2
The Courier News & Publishing
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Surgeon General CAF Vaccine Rollout Message MAJOR-GENERAL MARC BILODEAU, SURGEON GENERAL, CANADIAN ARMED FORCES
February 2021. • The second priority group will be CAF members who are at high risk but could not be As your Surgeon General, I have some good accommodated within the first group. It also includes news to share with you after what has been an first responders and personnel who work with frontline unprecedented year (2020) with the COVID-19 workers who are helping to distribute the vaccine to global pandemic having a profound impact on every communities throughout Canada. Vaccinations for Canadian. I want to assure you that there is light at members of this group are anticipated between April the end of the tunnel. As we welcome the New Year, and June 2021. we are also taking the first steps in the launch of the • The third priority group will be CAF COVID-19 CAF vaccine rollout for members of the members who are engaged in providing essential Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Immunization of CAF support to those supplying critical services and members will begin in this month and will adhere to operations. Vaccinations for members of this group a CAF Vaccine Prioritization Framework which I will are anticipated between April and December 2021. explain below. • The fourth priority group will be CAF The CAF have been working with the Public members working in force generation training and Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) for several months other education activities. Vaccinations for members to prepare a plan to administer the COVID-19 vaccine of this group are anticipated between July and for all CAF members who choose to receive it. The December 2021. first phase of this plan was focused on determining • The fifth priority group will encompass all the order in which CAF members are to be vaccinated remaining CAF members. Vaccinations for members in accordance with the rollout of vaccine supply. Based of this group are anticipated between July and on the National Advisory Committee on Immunization December 2021. (NACI) guidelines and my medical advice to the Chief The CAF have already received and will be of the Defence Staff who has directed the following distributing and administering the Moderna vaccine Vaccine Prioritization Framework. It indicates the for the first 1,200 CAF members starting in early order of priority for COVID-19 immunizations within January 2021. This allotment, based on what we have the CAF, depending on the availability of vaccine been allocated from PHAC as part of this phase, is supply and logistics to delivery to the priority groups. our first in a series of vaccine allocations. Although The priority groups are as follows: we could receive other Health Canada approved • The first priority group to receive a vaccine COVID-19 vaccines from other suppliers as the year will be CAF members who are frontline healthcare progresses, the Moderna vaccine is the only one providers who work in high risk clinical settings currently available to the CAF. As other vaccines and long-term care facilities, or who have health become available and/or our allocation of Moderna conditions that make them vulnerable to severe forms doses increases, we will adjust our phased timelines of COVID-19. Vaccinations for 1,200 CAF members accordingly. in this group are anticipated between January and CAF members currently deployed or posted outside of Canada will not be receiving the vaccine from the current Canadian supply. There is planning underway to determine the most expeditious means of distributing to these CAF members (and their families where appropriate) including working with their host country for access to their vaccines once we have been assured that any such vaccines have been approved by Health Canada. Centennial Building(#67), Department of National Defence’s Public Service PO Box 6190 Stn Forces, and non-Public Service employees and contractors should obtain vaccines through their provincial or Cold Lake, AB T9M 2C5 territorial health care system. Phone: (780) 594-5206 Like other vaccines provided to CAF members, Email: manager@couriernews.ca the COVID-19 vaccine will not be mandatory; this remains a voluntary option for all. Whether or THE COURIER STAFF not a vaccine will be made a requirement for an operation or a position is a decision to be made by MANAGER/ADMIN/SALES Janae Wandler - manager@couriernews.ca operational commanders, in consultation with their medical advisors. However, CAF members may REPORTER require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination in order Joy Smith - editor@couriernews.ca to operate in certain high-risk environments or with PRODUCTION COORDINATOR vulnerable populations. The intent remains to protect Alina Mallais - production@couriernews.ca ourselves, and protect others to maintain operational effectiveness as we serve Canada and Canadians at EDITORIAL ADVISOR home and abroad. 4 WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS You will be provided regular updates with Lt Rachel Brosseau important details about vaccine availability and priorities in the weeks and months ahead. The vaccine DEADLINE rollout, not unlike the pandemic itself, happens in a Wednesday at 1500 hrs for the following Tuesday constantly changing environment with frequent new developments; leadership teams and CAF members
photo credit
Major-General Marc Bilodeau, Surgeon General of the Canadian Armed Forces. will need to stay informed of the situation as it develops so that they can be aware of how this will impact individuals and respective organizations. Keeping yourself well-informed with accurate information, and getting the vaccine when it is available to you, are important weapons that will assure preparedness of the Force and ensure mission success. Please check the Defence Team COVID-19 webpage for updates and information: https:// w w w.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/ campaigns/covid-19.html Additional information regarding COVID-19 vaccines in Canada can be found at the following links: COVID-19 Vaccine Overview: https://www.canada. ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirusdisease-covid-19/vaccines.html Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Information: https:// w w w.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugshealth-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccinestreatments/vaccines/moderna.html The beginning of the COVID-19 immunization program in the CAF gives us hope that 2021 will be a better year than 2020, but remember that the pandemic is not yet over. We are getting there, but we need to continue to protect the force in order to maintain the CAF’s operational readiness. By protecting yourself you are saving lives. Don’t let your guard down, continue to follow local public health guidelines, preventive health measures, and get the vaccine when it is available to you. Let’s keep working together to fight COVID-19, the end is in sight, and we can all do our part to make 2021 a healthier and happier New Year.
The Courier is published weekly with the permission of the 4 Wing Cold Lake Wing Commander Col Moar. The opinions expressed are those of the contributor and do not reflect those of the Editor, Canadian Armed Forces, or DND. The Editor reserves the right to reject, edit, or condense any editorial or advertising material.
ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
Publié hebdomadairement avec la permission du Commandant de l’escadre, le col Moar. Les opinions personnelles exprimées dans ce journal sont celles des collaborateurs et ne représentent pas les opinions de la rédaction, des Forces armées canadiennes ou du Ministrère de la Défense nationale. La rédaction se réserve le droit de refuser, d’éditer ou de condenser tout article et matériel de réclame soumis.
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Military Spouse Employment Initiative: Nadine Kelley DEFENCE STORIES My family and I have moved around a lot. From Moncton, New Brunswick, to Borden, Ontario, to Greenwood, Nova Scotia. My husband works as a firefighter, and when he got posted to Victoria, British Columbia, my family had to move across Canada from Greenwood, Nova Scotia. I wasn’t able to get a job transfer, so I decided to be a stay at home mom and run my own daycare. When we got posted to Kingston, Ontario, I had a hard time finding a job. I heard of the Military Spouse Employment Initiative (MSEI) and applied. I ended up getting hired through the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre Headquarters in March 2019. The process was easy and straight-forward. In February 2020, I was hired by the 33 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre as a CD1 clerk in an indeterminate position. I love working at 33 Health
Services. It has been a huge learning experience and I love working in a hospital setting! This job gives me and my family peace of mind. Thanks to the MSEI, I will feel less stressed when we get posted again and I’ll be able to transfer my job, put it on hold, or have a better chance of finding a new job in the new location. If I could give any advice to my fellow military spouses, it would be to not give up. It can be discouraging, and sometimes you feel helpless. But if you keep trying and updating your resume, you’ll eventually find an opportunity that is the right fit for you. Thank you to the MSEI for providing my family this opportunity! For more information on how to apply for a job or on how to access the inventory, visit the Military Spouse Employment Initiative website or contact the National Staffing Programs team.
Page 3
GET CONNECTED GET CONNECTED with our website CAFconnection OR
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Visit us at www.CAFconnection.ca DR. ERIC HANSEN Hon. B.Sc. D.D.S or www.facebook.com/ 4WINGCONNECTION/ DR. MAY CONLIN
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A CF-188 Hornet sits ready for flight during Operation REASSURANCE - Air Task Force Romania taken on October 27th, 2020 at Mihail Kogӑlniceanu Air Base, Romania.
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A CF-18 Hornet parked on the ramp on the first snowfall in Mihail Kogӑlniceanu during Operation REASSURANCE–Air Task Force Romania taken on December 1st, 2020 at Mihail Kogӑlniceanu Air Base, Romania.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2021
CDS Message: Upcoming appointment of the new Chief of the Defence Staff DECEMBER 29, 2020 – DEFENCE STORIES I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Vice-Admiral Art McDonald on his upcoming appointment to succeed me as your Chief of the Defence Staff. Vice-Admiral McDonald is an excellent leader who will continue to lead the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces with distinction. I know he will enjoy the support of all Defence Team members across the organization. Over the next several days, we will set the timeline and process of transferring the responsibilities of my office to Vice-Admiral McDonald. Though we remain in a COVID environment, details for a change of
command ceremony will be communicated in due course. It has been my great honour to serve Canada and Canadians, the men and women in uniform and your families. I am proud of what we have accomplished together over the
last five years. I will proudly continue to serve until I have transferred my duties to Vice-Admiral McDonald. General J.H. Vance Chief of the Defence Staff
4 Wing participates in Flypast RCAF Two Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornets from 410 Squadron at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta conducted a flypast of the memorial service for Calgary Police Service officer, Sergeant Andrew Harnett, in Calgary, on January 9, 2021. The flypast took place over the Calgary Police Service
Headquarters, located at 5111 47th Street NE, at approximately 3 p.m. MST. The flypast continued over the community of Strathmore and its branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, in which Sgt. Harnett was very active. Through this flypast, the Royal Canadian Air Force paid respects to Sgt. Harnett, and honoured his service and sacrifice in protecting Canadians and the
citizens of Calgary, both as a member of the Calgary Police Service and as a former member of the military police in the Canadian Armed Forces. Flypasts conducted by Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft are carefully planned and closely controlled for public safety, and are dependent upon weather and flying conditions. The flypast was conducted in conjunction with scheduled training.
RCAF
Lessons from 2020
A
s we celebrate the New Year and say goodbye to 2020 (many of us breathing a sigh of relief), it may be tempting to rush right into 2021 and put this past year behind us. 2020 has been a challenging and tumultuous year, not just for ourselves, our family, our Wing, our country, but for the entire world. But the New Year can offer us a time of reflection, a time to look back and learn what we can from this unprecedented year. So what can we take with us? What lessons learned can help us as we move into 2021? Here are some things I’ll be taking with me into this New Year: Never take things for granted –We have all heard these words before, but their meaning has been driven home this past year. COVID has disrupted so much of our lives; weddings, funerals, family gatherings and celebrations have been postponed. Along with our traditional unit gatherings and ceremonies; our sticky floors, mess dinners, acts of remembrance and hockey rivalries. With the roll-out of the vaccine and the potential for a new normal, may we never take these things for granted again. Each time we are able to gather with family, friends and colleagues and share a
Padre Megan Jones
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
meal, a hug or even a handshake, may we remember to give thanks, knowing they can never be taken for granted again. Resilience and adaptability are tools that can be strengthened during difficult times – COVID has pushed many of us to the limit, leaving us feeling exhausted and isolated. Our ability to be resilient and adapt has been crucial over this past year. And that resiliency can be strengthened like a muscle. By changing our perspective, so we focus on what we can control instead of what we can’t and looking for the good amid the anxiety, can help us weather the storms of this pandemic. Also, our ability to adapt is only limited by our creativity and we have seen a lot of that this past year. We found new ways to stay connected, like watch parties and regular video chats. The MFRCS went above and beyond, providing numerous morale boosters to lift our spirits. Units quickly adjusted their focus to manufacture masks. We have shown that we can creatively adapt to the uncertain circumstances of 2020. Self-Care is essential – Taking care of ourselves during this past year was more important than ever.
When we are faced with stress and anxiety, it’s easy for our self-care to move to the back burner. But in order to deal with the unpredictability and isolation, it was important to focus on eating right, exercising and taking care of our own mental health. The importance of staying connected – While our connections with our family, friends and colleagues has become more difficult to maintain due to social distancing, they have been all the more important during this past year. Our social connections help keep us grounded and mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic. As humans, we are hardwired for connection. And while we have had to work harder and be more creative in order to maintain these connections, they help to lift the burdens we may be feeling and strengthen the effectiveness of our resiliency. This past year has been full of difficulties, stressors and frustrations. But it has also offered us blessings, lessons and the potential for growth. Wishing you all health and happiness in the New Year.
megan.jones@forces.gc.ca
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
ENTERTAINMENT The Courier News & Publishing
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HOROSCOPES
Crossword ACROSS 1. Adequate yearly progress (abbr.) 4. Silicon Valley’s specialty 8. Gather a harvest 10. Famed mathematician 11. No (slang) 12. Students use one 13. Type of molecule 15. Play make-believe 16. Large barrel-like containers 17. Touching 18. Treats allergies 21. Calendar month 22. Single 23. Cease to live 24. Brew 25. What ghosts say 26. Geological time 27. Focus 34. Discomfort 35. A citizen of Iran 36. Trip 37. Imitate 38. Makes happy
39. Double-reed instrument 40. Body parts 41. Transgressions 42. One-time emperor of Russia 43. Time zone DOWN 1. Used in treating bruises 2. One who cultivates a small estate 3. One who supports the Pope 4. Annuity 5. Geological period 6. Grab onto tightly 7. Kept 9. Chinese city 10. The most direct route 12. Type of tooth 14. __ kosh, near Lake Winnebago 15. Popular veggie 17. Supervises interstate commerce
19. Foolish behaviors 20. Witness 23. Gives 24. Expression of creative skill 25. A way to prop up 26. Midway between northeast and east 27. Winter melon 28. Supernatural power
29. Target 30. Threes 31. A type of poetic verse 32. They make some people cry 33. Kindest 34. Forman and Ventimiglia are two 36. A way to liquefy
CAPRICORN - December 22 - January 19 Emotions may cloud your judgment, Capricorn. Try to look at a situation clearly so you can weigh-in in an impartial manner so you have no regrets. AQUARIUS - January 20 - February 18 Sometimes the best things that happen to you can occur in the most unlikely of places, Aquarius. Always keep your eyes open and ready for surprises. PISCES - February 19 - March 20 Don’t fret if you don’t think the same way as another group of people, Pisces. This week you will more fully develop your perspective. ARIES - March 21 - April 19 Be aware of the impact words can have, Aries. You may think what you’re saying is innocuous, but it really can do harm without intent. Be conscious of what you’re saying. TAURUS - April 20 - May 20 You don’t want to disappoint people who rely on you, Taurus. But remain conscious of what you can and cannot offer other people. Find the right balance. GEMINI - May 21 - June 21 Spend some time alone this week to sort things out in your head before you react to a situation that has been on your mind, Gemini. Don’t let others affect your state of mind. CANCER - June 22 - July 22 Cancer, someone draws a proverbial line in the sand and challenges you to take action. This can be a conflict for you, especially if you’re not yet ready to make a move. LEO - July 23 - August 22 Leo, a steep climb is before you,but with patience and perseverance, you will eventually reach the summit. Once you do, you will enjoy an extreme sense of accomplishment. VIRGO - August 23 - September 22 Try not to nitpick your actions, Virgo. Once you make a decision, stand by your choice and defend it. Typically your gut and your mind do not steer you in the wrong direction. LIBRA - September 23 - October 22 You may need to put rational on the side and be a little reckless in the days ahead, Libra. This may cause some temporary disarray, but take a chance. SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21 You may think you have the perfect plan laid out, Scorpio. However, double- or even triple-check all of your data. Doing so will provide reassurance. SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 21 Sagittarius, what you expect to happen this week may turn out to be the opposite of what actually happens. Be prepared for any scenario to come your way.
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The Courier News & Publishing
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Move over Maverick! Canadian Pilot graduates TOPGUN program EMILY LINDAHL
are on exchange with the Royal Australian Air Force. The purpose of these exchanges is to get experience With so much skill and talent all throughout the with advanced fighter aircraft to help facilitate the Canadian Armed Forces, we often take for granted just introduction of a new fleet in Canada, and is part of how good our people really are. RCAF pilots operate a larger exchange program where the RCAF looks to at a world class level, and we have the TOPGUN patch draw experience from our Allies across the range of to prove it. military capabilities. On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, Captain Chris During his time in the USA, Capt Swartz made ‘LIME’ Swartz graduated from the United States an impression with his US chain of command who Navy (USN) Fighter Weapons School - Strike Fighter nominated him for the TOPGUN program. This Tactics Instructor program, more commonly known speaks to his calibre as a fighter pilot. The aircraft as TOPGUN. used in the TOPGUN program include a mix of As part of the virtual graduation ceremony, RCAF F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets, and the F35C Lightning Major General Michel Lalumiere was invited to say II (carrier variant), and throughout his TOPGUN a few words. He expressed his sentiments that are training, Capt Swartz flew the single-seat F/A-18E shared by RCAF leadership – the pride and excitement Super Hornet. His operational exchange with a USN of Captain Swartz’s success. Thanking the US Navy for strike fighter Squadron means he can put his training their leadership, MGen Lalumiere congratulated the to the test immediately. graduates of TOPGUN class 01-21, and commended While he acknowledges that the support of his all participants for their hard work and dedication. He classmates made the day-to-day challenges of being also spoke of the deep relationship shared by Canada away from family a bit easier, Capt Swartz credits the and the United States at every level. staff and instructors of TOPGUN for his success. Capt Swartz has been in the USA as part of an “The instructors brief, fly, and debrief with us. exchange program with the United States Navy, along Not only are they some of the best fighter pilots in with an Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO). Two the world, but they are also some of the best teachers additional aircrew – another pilot and an ACSO – and instructors I have had the privilege to learn from.
Their professionalism and dedication to the training and development of Navy and Marine Corps aviators are second to none, and I was deeply honoured to have had the opportunity to fly and learn from such an amazing group. The instructors there are the reason the TOPGUN brand carries such a strong reputation throughout the US military, and among allied partners.” The RCAF is incredibly proud of his efforts and the dedication he has shown to strive for excellence in his work. Alongside his three other colleagues also on exchange, this demonstrates that RCAF personnel operate on a world-class level, on par with our Allies. In terms of the RCAF’s future fighter capabilities, which includes the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) and the Hornet Extension Project (HEP), the RCAF is leaning forward to field not only the largest acquisition in 30 years, but also the most complex. The RCAF plans to leverage the knowledge in advanced jet operations gained by all four Canadians to facilitate our preparations and planning for the introduction of future advanced capabilities. These types of opportunities allow Canadian fighter pilots to acquire advanced Fighter experience/ exposure so they can assist with the implementation of the Future Fighter, whichever one eventually gets selected. When asked about what he takes from his experience, Capt Swartz says that learning from “USN subject matter experts regarding various tactical aviation subjects,” was invaluable. He notes that the opportunity to see “how they develop, evaluate and publish tactical execution standards, and continuously revise and update these publications to ensure Navy and Marine Corps aviators remain the best in the world, shows just how much work these guys do.” Capt Swartz joined the RCAF in 2006, earning his pilot wings in 2012. He completed fighter lead in training in 2014, after which he was posted to 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron in Bagotville Quebec, in 2015. He then deployed on Operation REASSURANCE, out of Germany and Operation IMPACT, from Kuwait. In 2017, he completed F/A-18E Super Hornet conversion training at NAS Oceana, Virginia, and was subsequently posted to US Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 143 (VFA-143), based at NAS Oceana. As part of Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW 7), the squadron completed a 10-month operational deployment aboard the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group from April 2019 to January 2020, the longest carrier deployment since the Vietnam War. Adapting to landing and taking off from a carrier Courtesy of the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Captain Chris “LIME” Swartz receives his TOPGUN graduation certificate from Rear Admiral added a new set of challenges for the RCAF pilot who was used to typical runway operations. Comparing it Richard Brophy, Commander, Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center. to drag racing, Capt Swartz explained that “launching off a carrier is like nothing else, it’s a crazy ride. I am very thankful to the Landing Signal Officers (LSOs), whose support and training were instrumental in getting me up to speed on carrier operations, and in recovering the aircraft back aboard the boat safely.” Capt Swartz will now consolidate his training with the US Navy by returning to his Squadron (VFA-143) in Virginia. While training frequently kept him away from home throughout his deployment, coming back to his wife between missions made all the difference. “She is my rock, my absolute hero,” he states. This Active Posting Season (summer 2021), the couple will be returning to Canada, where Capt Swartz is scheduled to work in the Fighter Capability Office. This is an example of how we are actively seeking partnerships with Allies, such as the US Navy, and within aviation industries to help retain, attract, and grow experience within the RCAF. As a partner in NORAD and member of NATO, it is crucial that our members have the skills required to operate seamlessly with our Allies. In addition, it ensures that the RCAF remains an effective provider of air and space power for the Canadian Armed Forces and the Government of Canada. Provided by Captain Chris Swartz Emily Lindahl is part of the Royal Canadian Air Force Captain Chris “LIME” Swartz taking off in a F/A-18E Super Hornet from the flight deck of the Public Affairs team. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).