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Volume 54 Number 12
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March 23, 2021
A good night sleep what can it do for you?
Metro Creative
JOY SMITH, REPORTER
is the reason why the 4 Wing Balance understanding the sleep needs and survey to identify the sleep habits of Steering Committee has initiated the 4 fatigue risks of CAF members before each participant, attend a 45 minute set According to Johns Hopkins sleep Wing Sleep and Fatigue Project. creating programs for those members. up session with Health Promotion staff researcher Patrick Finan, PhD, sleep In September 2019, Lisa Fisher, The 4 Wing Sleep and Fatigue and sync their sleep collection device deprivation can result in increased risk 4 Wing Health Promotion Specialist Project began in November of daily through a mobile app. Members of: injury, fatigue, elevated cortisol levels, attended the World Sleep Congress. 2020 and was scheduled to take 12 are not to be on leave during their cycle. depression, anxiety, significant impacts The World Sleep Congress provides months. Shutdowns due to COVID-19 All data relating to the Sleeping and on physical development, emotional attendees from around the world with restrictions has extended that schedule Fatigue project and project participants regulation, cognitive performance, and opportunities to exchange scientific but staff began the third cycle of the is strictly confidential. A cumulative quality of life. Finan also mentions ideas and experiences in sleep medicine. project on March 4. report will be provided to the 4 Wing that sleep deprivation can affect your During the Congress trade show Fisher Up to 16 military members can Balance Steering Committee, omitting judgment so that you don’t notice its spoke with representatives of Fatigue participate in each 30-day cycle and any identifying factors. effects. Science. during that time participants will wear Spaces are still available for the One of the performance According to their website, a compatible Fitbit or a ReadiBand, remaining cycles. Project staff are behaviours identified in the recent Fatigue Science builds software that which is a dedicated sleep collection encouraging shift workers, members Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Physical leverages scientifically-validated bio- device made by Fatigue Science. with high Op tempo positions, transport Performance strategy was sleep and rest, mathematical models in order to “We want to ensure a safe drivers, first responders and pilots to which is a new area for the CAF. quantify and predict the cumulative workplace and achieve higher physical join the project but all members are Fatigue from a lack of sleep effects of sleep disruption on human performance and high operational welcome. contributes to more than just poor reaction time and cognitive effectiveness. readiness among our community,” said If you are interested in participating work. Someone experiencing fatigue Fisher presented to the 4 Wing Fisher. in the 4 Wing Sleep and Fatigue Project in their workplace presents a risk to Balance Advisory Committee with To participate in the project contact Lisa Fisher at fisher.lisa@cfmws. themselves and their colleagues. That a proposal that aims to better members complete a pre and post project com.
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Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Building cohesive military teams during the pandemic: Task Force LAKEHEAD assists Canadians as part of Operation LASER and Operation VECTOR JTFC PUBLIC AFFAIRS
with members from the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Army involved from five different units Late last fall, as details of the COVID-19 spread across two cities overseeing an operating area vaccination program were being ironed out, Joint Task greater than 180 thousand square kilometres. The task Force Central (JTFC) reactivated Task Force (TF) was further complicated by our inability to meet faceLAKEHEAD in Northwestern Ontario. Originally to-face given COVID-19. We have had to be creative to stood up in April, 2020, as part of the Canadian Armed build unit cohesion and test our ability to function as a Forces (CAF) efforts to combat COVID-19 under team,” said Lieutenant Commander (LCdr) Nathanael Operation (Op) LASER, TF LAKEHEAD would now Moulson, Commander of TF LAKEHEAD. work in support of Op VECTOR, the CAF response The COVID-19 pandemic has affected Canadians to Federal and Provincial governments’ distribution in many ways. In the farther reaches of Ontario’s of COVID-19 vaccines. north, First Nation communities have remained Under the command of JTFC, TF LAKEHEAD vigilant. Despite these efforts, however, some have is comprised of CAF Reserve Force members from faced outbreaks. As the numbers of positive COVID-19 both the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Navy cases continued their rise, the 3rd Canadian Ranger who are residents of Northwestern Ontario and who Patrol Group (CRPG), a Canadian Army unit within have volunteered to transition from part-time to full- JTFC / 4th Canadian Division, was called to support time service in anticipation of potential requests for various communities as they dealt with the COVID-19 assistance from the government. outbreaks. Throughout Op LASER, local Ranger Although the Army and Naval Reserve units in patrols have been on hand to assist and support Ontario’s north-west (from Thunder Bay to Kenora) their communities by providing logistical and normally belong to 3rd Canadian Division and the general support including delivery of food, supplies, Naval Reserve, they become part of JTFC when transportation, as well as supporting public awareness supporting domestic operations. In fact, CAF entities programs. throughout the entire province of Ontario form JTFC Under Op VECTOR Canadian Rangers are at to include soldiers, sailors, aviators, and Canadian the forefront once again, working in support of TF Rangers, the latter of whom currently depend on Ornge. Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance TF LAKEHEAD to support their efforts in Ontario’s and critical care transport services, is the provincial northern remote First Nation Communities. lead agency responsible for delivering doses of the TF LAKEHEAD is composed of members from COVID-19 vaccine to remote communities of the HMCS Griffon and four units from 38 Canadian Nishnawbe Aski Nation in a mission dubbed Op Brigade Group: 116 Independent Field Battery, REMOTE IMMUNITY. 38 Signal Regiment, The Lake Superior Scottish Canadian Rangers mainly serve the communities Regiment, and 38 Service Battalion. While TF in which they live and maintain situational awareness. LAKEHEAD is currently composed of 33 members, 3 CRPG has also generated several mobile Ranger its size is tailored to operational needs and has been teams, dubbed ‘Ranger-Go-Teams’, which are capable as large as 75 members. of deploying to communities that do not have a “Establishing this Task Force is truly a joint effort dedicated Ranger patrol, in support of vaccination clinics. When not deployed, these Ranger-Go-Teams are positioned in Thunder Bay, where they are isolating to reduce exposure to COVID-19 and where they are supported by TF LAKEHEAD. Logistical support is essential to any operation. Members of TF LAKEHEAD are supporting both the Rangers and Ornge, by providing 24-hour transport Centennial Building(#67), and logistical support within Northwestern Ontario. PO Box 6190 Stn Forces, This includes ensuring the resources to do the Cold Lake, AB T9M 2C5 job are available and military members have what Phone: (780) 594-5206 they need to stay focused on the job at hand. TF Email: manager@couriernews.ca LAKEHEAD takes the pressure off the Canadian Ranger teams while they are staging in Thunder Bay by providing ground transportation and sustainment THE COURIER STAFF support including food, water, laundry, and banking. MANAGER/ADMIN/SALES Having controlled movement and limited person-toJanae Wandler - manager@couriernews.ca person contact outside of the team bubble reduces the REPORTER spread and maintains the integrity of the Force, thus Joy Smith - editor@couriernews.ca ensuring that Canadian Rangers can stay COVID-19PRODUCTION COORDINATOR free before travelling to the communities. Alina Mallais - production@couriernews.ca
Capt Jason Dech, Regional Liaison Officer with 3 CRPG says, “My experience working with Task Force LAKEHEAD has been nothing short of amazing. It is always great to work with a team of dedicated professionals who are operationally focused. Task Force LAKEHEAD has a very unique construct comprised of both Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Army personnel who are working together to meet one goal, which at this time is supporting Op REMOTE IMMUNITY with the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.” On the opportunity to support civilian agencies and assist fellow Canadians, LCdr Moulson says, “Op LASER and now Op VECTOR present opportunities to help those in our home communities. As members of the CAF, we embrace the opportunity to travel to far off places to help, but with TF LAKEHEAD we get to apply our skills in our own backyard; helping our neighbours, friends, family and fellow citizens of Northwestern Ontario.” JTFC’s Task Force LAKEHEAD – a strong and cohesive team drawing from a number of different CAF units – stands ready to respond to further requests for assistance under Op LASER and Op VECTOR, in support of Canadians during these collectively difficult times.
Submitted by HMCS Griffon
Ranger Elaina Mathews, 3 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (CRPG) (Big Trout Lake) and Sailor 1st Class Rachel Mozell, HMCS Griffon, pose for a picture outside of Ornge Thunder Bay Base on February 12, 2021. Members from 3 CRPG and Task Force Lakehead are working together in support of Operation REMOTE IMMUNITY, as part of the Operation VECTOR, the Canadian Armed Forces response to Federal and Provincial governments’ distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
EDITORIAL ADVISOR 4 WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS Capt Rachel Brosseau
DEADLINE Wednesday at 1500 hrs for the following Tuesday
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. 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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Submitted by HMCS Griffon
Members of 3 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (CRPG) from CRPG Headquarters, Big Trout Lake, and Bearskin Lake, pose in their patrol group at the Best Western Nor’Western Hotel in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where they receive support from Task Force Lakehead as part of Operation VECTOR, on February 12, 2021. Op VECTOR is the Canadian Armed Forces response to Federal and Provincial governments’ distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. (Back row left to right) Ranger Elaina Mathews from Big Trout Lake, Sergeant Linda Kamenawatamin and Ranger Conrad Kamenawatamin from Bearskin Lake, and Corporal Harriet Cutfeet from Big Trout Lake. (Front row left to right) Sergeant Eric Scott and Corporal Jaksen Ellen from 3 CRPG HQ.
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
The Courier News & Publishing
Page 3
NORAD conducts arctic air defence exercise MARCH 17, 2021 – WINNIPEG, MB – DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE / CANADIAN ARMED FORCES From March 20 to 26, 2021, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will be conducting an arctic air defence exercise. Exercise AMALGAM DART will see a variety of military aircraft from the Royal Canadian Air Force and United States Air Force operating out of northern locations including Whitehorse, Y.T., Yellowknife, N.W.T, Edmonton, Alta., Goose Bay, N.L, Iqaluit, Nun, and Thule, Greenland. While exercise flights will be conducted over sparsely populated Arctic areas and at high altitudes, where the public is not likely to hear or see them, there will be increased flight activity at Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Edmonton, 5 Wing, Goose Bay, N.L., and Iqaluit, Nunavut. This exercise is in no way related to the Government of Canada or United States’ response to COVID-19. NORAD routinely conducts exercises using a variety of scenarios including airspace restriction
violations, hijackings, and responses to unknown For more than 60 years, NORAD has identified aircraft. NORAD carefully plans and closely controls and intercepted potential air threats to North all exercises. This air defence exercise provides us the America through the execution of the command’s opportunity to hone our skills as Canadian and U.S. aerospace warning and aerospace control missions. forces operate together with our allies and partners NORAD also keeps watch over Canadian and U.S. in the Arctic. internal waterways and maritime approaches under During the exercise, a layered risk mitigation its maritime warning mission. procedure will be employed which will limit contact with the local population to the greatest extent Accounting & Business Concept Services Inc. possible. Based on best practices recommended by “Let the team of T.A.W. help you keep your money.” Canadian health authorities and the Canadian Forces You work hard for your earned dollars and your Business is your lively hood. DISCOUNT RATES Surgeon General, participating military personnel FOR TAXES! We shop around when it comes to our vehicles, appliances, and furniture. will follow established mitigation protocols, (such as Shouldn’t we owe the same care and caution with business matters? mask wearing, frequent cleaning of surfaces and other Services: PPE use as appropriate). • Accounting • Training • Software set-up Military • Bookkeeping • Registry services • Document creation Participating U.S. military personnel will require RCMP 30% • Taxes • Government support • Project control Firefighter two negative COVID-19 test, separated by a minimum • Payroll • Project management Senior 25% • Business Consulting • Document control of 5 days, with the last test prior to arriving in Canada, Fixed Flat 5510 50th Ave., Cold Lake, AB, T9M 1S9 • Tel 780-594-0481 Income Rate and all exercise participants adhering to local, Territorial/Provincial, Federal and Canadian Armed Forces/Department of National Defence guidelines DR. ERIC HANSEN and regulations regarding public health measures for Hon. B.Sc. D.D.S the duration of the AMALGAM DART. DR. MAY CONLIN Hon. B.Sc., D.M.D.
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Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Together, apart: 4x4x48 provides connection CAMILLE DOUGLAS, TOTEM TIMES In a year that has been defined by being unprecedented, a military move is less than ideal. A service couple being posted to a city in lockdown might take the cake. Capt Rebecca Wheaton-Sparkes and Maj Teesha Wheaton-Sparkes arrived to 1 Canadian Air Division (1 CAD) Headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba during the peak of pandemic lockdown. Teesha joined the team at A4 Log and went to work while physically distanced from her team. The watercooler talk – now non-existent in the physical realm – revolved around COVID-19 and the challenges of maintaining physical fitness routines that are critical to maintaining soldiering abilities. Gyms were restricted or closed, and most of the Defence Team was working from home. “We’ve all had to find new ways to adapt at being soldiers,” explains Maj Michael Duong. “We decided that we wanted to stick it to COVID and show that we still can achieve our physical training (PT) goals, regardless of the restrictions and barriers created by the pandemic.” Maj Duong signed up for the David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge, set to take place on social media on March 5. For 48 hours, participants committed to walking or running 4 miles (6.4kms) every 4 hours. Goggins, a retired Navy SEAL, has a global following. The challenge aimed to provide an opportunity to come together for a common goal with people from all over the world. Michael started recruiting his team, of the coldest cities in Canada, and and soon realized that hit the jackpot the March 5 event date meant training when Teesha joined A4 Log. His new through January and February. For colleague, and her service partner, most of the team, they ran outside and happen to be high level athletes who are alone. keen to embrace physically demanding “Our team wasn’t able to physically challenges. run together because of COVID-19, Better yet, Rebecca is a consummate but we established a connection, planner who was searching for and maintained it throughout, via connection in a lock-down. She agreed WhatsApp,” explains Rebecca. to leading the team through their social More than anything, this challenge media journey – a critical element of was about bringing people together the 4x4x48 Challenge. even though COVID was keeping With three other members, MWO people apart, and for Rebecca, it was Ken Reynolds, Lt Stephane Rodrigue, about using her powers for good. Capt Shelly Simms, team COVID-off “If I can get others to just start and Soldier On was born. moving, or set a goal they never thought COVID-off and Soldier On possible, or demonstrate what your The team of six, aged 36 to 61, has mind and body is truly capable of, then over 114 years of combined service to it’s all money in the bank!” the CAF. Their charity of choice, Soldier The Challenge On, was a simple decision. Supporting Along came Friday, March 5 and ill and injured military members and people from all over the world would veterans to overcome their injury be starting 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 through sport and activity was a natural hours at 8pm PST. fit. With three children under five at “All donations will directly help our home, Shelley had to delay her start ill and injured members that really to 10pm because she needed to get her need it,” adds Maj Duong. “We were kids to bed. Her partner works 24 hour taking back our freedom of movement shifts. through PT, and needed the help of The team was in constant contact donors to appreciate that the human via WhatsApp throughout the entire spirit is greater than we all may think.” challenge, continuously chatting Teesha and Rebecca called upon with each other to provide words their friends from a Comox posting – a of encouragement, or on day two, a pair of ultra-athletes- to develop a six- listening ear to vent. week training program for the team. Rebecca and Teesha used social “Capt Mallory Pullman and MCpl media to promote the event over the Chris Pullman provided valuable 48 hours, going live on Facebook at the information on nutrition, training start of each leg. ideas and suggestions, and their shared “The support we got was astonishing,” their knowledge and advice on how to says Teesha. “We raised an additional succeed at ultra events,” says Rebecca. $1,400 during the actual 48 hours of Winnipeg is widely accepted as one the challenge.”
Supermom Shelley carried her Due to physical distancing – and child while walking on her treadmill – being physically distant – Rebecca still with no other options available in the hasn’t met her team mates, and Teesha early mornings. didn’t realize her cubicle was only a few Ken and Steph shared disgusting apart from Steph’s desk. pictures of their feet as the distance “Even though we all work together, took a toll, and Mike shared an ad from it wasn’t until Monday - the day after the local buy and sell for a walker that the 48 hour virtual challenge – when I he was seriously considering putting an realized who he was,” laughed Teesha. offer in on. Due to the protection measures “This was a way for us all to stay in place due to COVID, newly posted connected despite being apart,” says members have missed the usual Rebecca. “It also kept us all accountable. opportunities to meet their colleague We knew we had to report in after each and socialize. leg, so not finishing was not an option. “Although I haven’t met half of my The team was counting on you!” team, we are all battle buddies now,” They all agreed that the most says Rebecca. “The six of us each had disappointing part of the challenge was our own journey, but we were there for not being able to eat what they wanted each other through it all.” to after. Gratitude “We all had a delicious meal Representing the entire team, planned, but only one of us was able to Rebecca shared the experience with eat everything we wanted. I think our the David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge bodies were too stressed out!” organizers. Teesha and Rebecca planned on “Thank-you for giving me, my having burgers and fries with a side team, and everyone who supported us, of banana split, but they couldn’t even something to look forward to and work finish their fries. Shelley and Steph had towards over these past few months. We poutine, and Mike had pizza. made a lot of people smile and raised a Ken strategically planned his last lot of money doing it!” leg so he would finish at a local pub, Since the event was about creating and he was the only one able to put a community and bringing people back a victory dinner before taking a together, Rebecca’s final thoughts seem taxi home. to validate the common goal set out by Aside from the victory lap the 4x4x48 Challenge: coming together disappointments, the challenge was a with people from all over the world. huge success. “It really goes to show how much of For Teesha and Rebecca, solid a family and community the military is, planning for the 48 hour event paid off. no matter where you are across this vast “Our bodies, minds and spirits all country.” remained in excellent health,” says Currently, the fundraising tally sits Teesha. “It just goes to show - train like at $3,710 for Solider On, donated by 70 you fight is legit,” adds Rebecca. people. COVID-effect Soldier on!
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
The Courier News & Publishing
Maj Michael Duong, Logistics Officer,1 CAD
This event was very important to me, it was an answer to the frustration and challenges most of us are facing with COVID-19. The military is my life; I am proud and honoured to put on the uniform every day. I love the CAF and what it represents. Part of being a soldier is the importance of PT and the benefits it provides - physical and mental health. I felt that during this pandemic, a lot of this wellbeing was being taken away due to gyms closing and working from home. I had to adapt and compromise on PT, in addition to disruptions to my daily routines. This 4x4x48 Challenge was my way to say, “You don’t get to do this to me, I’m taking it back and I own it. My mental and physical well-being is mine to manage and express, so here is the middle finger, COVID-19!” In some ways this was reclaiming my freedom, by doing something incredibly difficult. I am not a runner. In fact, I hate running. Eventually my inner voice spoke up and said, “If you don’t do this, you’ll regret it for an entire year.” More or less, it’s believing that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
MWO Ken Reynolds, Traffic Technician, 1 CAD
It is simple for me! I’m just an old guy trying to stay youngish. I enjoy challenging myself and being active, proving to myself that I can accomplish physical and mentally demanding tasks. I was drawn towards the 4x4x48 Challenge as this is what David Goggins embodies. Staying hard and not quitting against adversary. When the brain and body is saying enough, there’s still more in the tank. Forty percent more, he states. He attempted his navy SEAL course three times before being successful. Never give up. I have adopted two of his quotes as good rules to live by: “mental toughness is a lifestyle” and “I don’t stop when I’m tired, I stop when I’m done”. It was also the opportunity to support a great cause, the Soldier On program, which I’ve supported in the past through the Army Run and by organizing mud run teams. It was also a chance to get to know my co-workers better. “It’s easier to accept the fact that you’re not good enough. We all have a lot more than we think we have.” -David Goggins
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Soldier On benefits from 4x4x48 Challenge CAMILLE DOUGLAS, TOTEM TIMES Soldier On is a program of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) that contributes to the recovery of ill and injured members and veterans by providing opportunities and resources through sport, recreational, and creative activities. The mission is to empower recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Funds are generated by generous Canadians, members of the CAF, small businesses, corporations and organizations who support the program through donations and fundraising. The fund is managed by Support Our Troops and Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services. In January six members serving at 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters signed up for the David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge and unanimously decided to select Soldier On as the beneficiary. They had an inside connection to the organization. Krista Séguin, the Soldier On regional coordinator in the National Capital Region, goes way back with two of the six team members. “I have known Rebecca and Teesha for several years and have always known them to accept a challenge, especially if it involves challenging the body and mind,” Krista shares. “They are both so strong and I credit both of them for re-introducing me to sport - volleyball specifically. They helped me gain back my confidence when it comes to sport after my injury that I sustained in the CAF. When Krista heard that they were completing the David
Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge, it was not surprising that their team was wanting to raise funds for Soldier On. “It was really heartwarming. This program means a great deal to me as I have seen the difference it can make in one’s life.” In addition to hosting events, Soldier On can provide short-term financial support remove barriers to reclaiming an active lifestyle. Soldier On has distributed more than $8 million to directly support members and help them be active for life. “Our program can provide support by helping members acquire sporting or recreational equipment though our grant,” Krista explains. “We can also facilitate participation in local or national sporting, recreational or creative activities, or connect members to our social media sport and recreation communities.” Throughout the pandemic, Soldier On has expressed that although members may be apart, recovery and support doesn’t have to happen alone. The 4x4x48 Challenge exemplified this. “I think that the amount of support received for the team’s endeavours displays this mantra perfectly,” Krista observes. “The challenge was remarkable for a few reasons, but it was so encouraging and special to see how many of the team’s friends and supporters opened their wallets in addition to committing their time to connect virtually.” To learn more about Soldier On, or to be in touch with the regional coordinator closest to them, visit soldieron.ca/GetSupport/Contact-Your-RegionalCoordinator.
Lt Stephane Rodrigue, RCEME Officer, 1 CAD
Maj Duong approached me one day and asked what I thought of the 4x4x48 Challenge. I had no idea what he was talking about. He explained that it was four miles every four hours for 48 hours; I told him that I thought it was a nice challenge. Then he told me that we would raise funds for Soldier On. In 2014 I was diagnosed with PTSD after a tour in Afghanistan, so in an instant, I told him I would participate with him and do the challenge. I know it’s difficult to live with a mental illness since I live with one every day. The support needed is constant, and I was lucky enough to be able to get through. Some of our sisters and brothers do not. It was a difficult challenge, but thinking about the Soldier On program and the money we were raising has a team really pulled me through it. Even in the last 6.4 km leg where my feet were completely destroyed, I still ran the fastest I could with the support of the entire team and my loving wife I was able to cross the finish line as strong as I started.
Submitted
Krista Séguin, the Soldier On regional coordinator in the National Capital Region, and service couple Teesha and Rebecca WheatonSparkes.
Page 6
The Courier News & Publishing
Capt Rebecca Wheaton-Sparkes, Intelligence Officer, 1 CAD
I rarely lack motivation to achieve my own fitness goals - I get my drive by motivating and inspiring others. If I am the example for others to follow, failing is not an option! When my wife told me about the 4x4x48 Challenge, it was an immediate yes. The global challenge landed on my birthday - the perfect present for my 36th year. I asked family and friends to “sign-up” to join me for a leg, either in person or virtually. The response was AMAZING! I connected with people from all across Canada via Facetime or phone calls. I didn’t run a single kilometer without being on the phone, catching up with someone special. By the end of the weekend, I had 26 people running, walking, or getting physical in some way with me – in addition to my team mates! Winter in Winnipeg is a tough climate to train in. We have a treadmill, but because our ceiling is so low, I couldn’t use it because my head hits the ceiling! So every run was outside, including at -42 degrees. On those extra cold days, I would often think “what would Goggins do” and use that as the inspiration I needed to get out the door into the freezing cold.
Maj Teesha Wheaton-Sparkes, Logistics Officer, 1 CAD
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Capt Shelley Simms, Logistics Officer, 1 CAD
This challenge spoke to me for many reasons. First, a colleague and friend really wanted to do it, but was having doubts. He didn’t know where to start, or how to get support to make it happen. I immediately knew how. I told him he could do it, and I would get him support. My wife and I are David Goggins fans, so this was a no brainer for her. If there is a challenge out there, she will 100% commit, especially if it involves empowering people and supporting their goals. We wanted to make this goal come true for our friend. The second key piece was the fund-raising plan. Soldier On has been something dear to my heart, and that I have supported many times in the past. I have personal connections with a friend who proudly works for Soldier On. And finally, this event took place over my wife’s birthday, and as a gift to her, I committed to running this challenge with her. We have overcome many challenges together, and with our competitive nature and never ever quit mentality, this was something I would support her in until the end, even if I had to crawl my way through it.
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When I heard about the 4x4x48 Challenge, I immediately offered to be part of the team. Fitness has always been an important part of my life and under current circumstances, road races and other social fitness events have been postponed. This challenge was not just a way for us to push ourselves mentally and physically. It also allowed us to socialize through WhatsApp and help others by raising funds for Soldier On. Knowing this challenge would help others was a strong motivator and a key reason why I was able to push through physical pain and mental blocks during the 48 hours of running. It is not always easy to find time to exercise with a full-time job and three young children, but the support from this team was nothing short of extraordinary. We encouraged each other through rough patches and made sure to check in with each other after completing each leg of the challenge. The challenge helped me realize that I am capable of more than I ever thought possible and that I am mentally and physically stronger than I give myself credit for. My teammates are inspirational and I am so proud to say I was part of this team!
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Tuesday, March 23, 2021
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Finding joy
A
ll over the country and around the word, many Christians have settled into the somber season of Lent. In fact, we are over halfway through this time of preparation and repentance which will last six and a half weeks. Beginning on Ash Wednesday and taking us through to sundown on Holy Thursday, Lent is observed for forty days. For Christians, it is a time to prepare ourselves before the celebration of Easter. It is a somber season of reflection, prayer, almsgiving and fasting. Luckily, in this long, solemn Lenten season; our early church mothers and fathers knew that we would need a little bit of a break. Just a little breather; a reminder of the joy and hope we look forward to at Easter. So, on the fourth Sunday of Lent, known as Laetare Sunday, we break with the austerity of Lent and turn our attention and energy to celebration. Laetare is Latin and means, “to rejoice”! This fourth Sunday is set aside to be a day of relaxation from the rigors of Lent. Flowers (which are usually not present during Lent) decorate churches. Priests wear rose-colored vestments and special cakes and treats are served. Just before we head into the sorrow and heaviness of Passiontide we are reminded of the hope and joy we find in Easter and the resurrection of Christ.
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Padre Megan Jones
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Last year, Lent arrived with lockdowns and selfisolation. For many, the new hardships imposed by COVID-19 were well suited to the austerity of the season. A popular meme bore the caption: “This Is the Lentiest Lent I’ve Ever Lented.” In this second Lent with COVID, we are still enduring, as many people have termed it, a “long Lent” and, thanks to the pandemic, it just seems to keep going. This has been a year of making significant sacrifices. For the good of our neighbors, we have avoided social events, worn our masks and abstained from travel and vacations. We have missed graduations, re-scheduled weddings and postponed funerals and celebrations of life. It’s been a long year and the pandemic has taken a toll on each one of us in many ways. As we wait out this “Lentiest Lent We’ve Ever Lented,” I encourage you to do so with hope and find something to rejoice in. It may be your own faith practices and spirituality. It may be the changing of the seasons and the arrival of the warm weather. It may be traveling out of the 50 km bubble for the first time in a long time. It may be bringing joy to someone you care about. If we take up this posture of rejoicing, we may begin to see why there are reasons for us to rejoice right now, even as we wait for the end of this pandemic.
Remember joy, even in this time of waiting. Blessings on you all. megan.jones@forces.gc.ca
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Tuesday, March 23, 2021
HOROSCOPES
Crossword ACROSS 1. Volcanic crater 5. Long times 10. Swedish rock group 14. Having the means to do something 15. Rods or spindles 16. La __ Tar Pits, Hollywood 17. Missing soldiers 18. Measuring instrument 19. All of the components considered individually 20. Play ‘__ Irish Rose’ 22. Gene 23. Barrels 24. London-based soccer team 27. Feline 30. Breed of sheep 31. Body part 32. Doctors’ group 35. One who follows the rules 37. Cigarette residue 38. Ancient Greek sophist 39. Polish yeast cakes 40. Promotional materials 41. Pancakes made from buckwheat flour 42. Completed perfectly 43. Photo 44. A peninsula in SW Asia 45. The common gibbon 46. Disfigure 47. Ribonucleic acid 48. Japanese honorific 49. Pieces of music
52. Expressed pleasure 55. Having ten 56. Type of sword 60. Humble request for help 61. Eating houses 63. Italian Seaport 64. Cain and __ 65. Measure the depth 66. U. of Miami’s mascot 67. Political outsiders 68. Greek sorceress 69. Body part DOWN 1. Mother 2. Jewish calendar month 3. Jai __, sport 4. Establish again 5. Swiss river 6. Racetrack wager 7. __ but goodie 8. Closeness 9. Soviet Socialist Republic 10. At right angles to a ship’s length 11. Women’s undergarments 12. Mountain stream 13. Expresses pleasure 21. Painful places on the body 23. Automobile 25. Scandinavian god of battle 26. Expresses surprise 27. Secret political clique 28. Yields manila hemp 29. River in central Italy
32. Brain injury science acronym 33. Mental illness 34. A person from Asia 36. Father 37. General’s assistant (abbr.) 38. Cooked or prepared in a specified style 40. Large terrier 41. Hillsides 43. Golf score 44. Not or 46. Type of student
47. Flower cluster 49. Closes tightly 50. Saudi Arabian desert 51. Famed vaccine developer 52. Multi-function radar (abbr.) 53. Actress Jessica 54. Pay attention to 57. Beloved big screen pig 58. __ Clapton, musician 59. Take a chance 61. Cost per mille 62. Helps little firms
CAPRICORN - December 22 - January 19 Listen to people around you to get a fresh perspective on various components of life that you share. People may have good ideas and be willing to share their advice. AQUARIUS - January 20 - February 18 Aquarius, if you have been trying to become better acquainted with someone in your personal life or even at the office, pay attention to their body language. It can say a lot. PISCES - February 19 - March 20 Pisces, trust your heart this week and be honest with how you feel about situations. Not every decision has to be based on analysis. Trust your gut. ARIES - March 21 - April 19 Don’t shy away from the issues that keep cropping up this week, Aries. They may cause a few headaches, but they also are making the days much more exciting. TAURUS - April 20 - May 20 Taurus, many people like to live by the mantra ‘don’t judge a book by its cover,’ but many times appearances matter. Don’t regret picking out a nice outfit or a trendy restaurant. GEMINI - May 21 - June 21 Change may take you in unexpected directions this week, Gemini. The good news is that things are finally turning around for you. Enjoy this exciting time. CANCER - June 22 - July 22 Cancer, you may be drawn to people who appeal to your analytical side this week. You could be interested in some intellectual debate and need a worthy sparring partner. LEO - July 23 - August 22 Leo, if you see a chance to get ahead this week, jump on it. No matter what is involved or how inconvenient, you do not want to let this opportunity pass you by. VIRGO - August 23 - September 22 There is much more clarity in your life this week, Virgo. It’s almost as if a veil has been lifted or if your eyeglasses prescription has been fine-tuned. LIBRA - September 23 - October 22 Libra, there might be a lot of activity going around you over the course of the week. Whether it’s good or bad, you won’t be directly involved in any of it. SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21 Exercise caution when sharing your secrets, Scorpio. Make sure others can be tight-lipped, as some people cannot resist passing on a little gossip here and there. SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 21 There is great harmony in your life right now and it’s due mostly to the fact that you are working together with people both at home and at work. Keep up the collaborations.
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Tuesday, March 23, 2021
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Calling all CAF athletes!
JOY SMITH, REPORTER The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Sports Program plays a prominent role in promoting fitness and good health within the military community. Sports inspire CAF members to improve their physical fitness and build their leadership and self-discipline skills. Sports also promote teamwork, esprit de corps, loyalty and commitment. In recognition of all military athletes, the CAF Sports program is calling for nominations for the 2021 CAF Sports Awards Ceremony. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Sports Award recognizes serving and former members of the CAF for their outstanding athletic performances and remarkable contributions to sport. Nominations will be accepted in the categories of CAF Sports Hall of Fame; CAF Sports Honour
Roll Dedication to CAF Sports; and Outstanding Contribution Award. Nomination forms are to be submitted to Christine Charron no later than 3 May 2021. Nominations for the Unconquered Award will be considered for serving or retired CAF members who have confronted a life-altering situation and used perseverance and determination through sport or physical recreation to overcome challenges and, most importantly, serve as a role model to give hope and inspiration to others in similar situations. Unconquered Award nominations are to be forwarded directly to Regional Soldier On Coordinators no later than Monday, 3 May 2021. These do not go through the Command Sports Representatives for their selection process. Nominations must be done using the proper nomination form. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant
impact on the 2020 CAF Sports season. Due to local, provincial and national public restrictions, very few military or civilian sporting events were held. CAF members did not have equal access to sport across the country as many events and competitions were cancelled. Therefore, the CAF Sports Program will not be proceeding with the Sports Achievement Awards (female athlete, male athlete, coach, official and team of the year) for the 2020 sporting year. Detailed information and blank nomination forms as well as example nominations are available at www.cafsportsawardsceremony.ca, or contact 4 Wing Sports Coordinator, Jerry Ingham at jerry.ingham@ forces.gc.ca or at 780-840-8000 local 8195. The date and format (virtual or in-person) of the 2021 CAF Sports Awards Ceremony will be communicated in the coming months.
RV Compound renewals DINAH COLES It’s that time again! Annual 4 Wing RV Compound members are required to renew their memberships as per your assigned priority level.
Online renewals will be available for your vehicle(s) stored at the If you are a current RV site holder, from April 5 to May 21, 2021. You 4 Wing RV Compound. Use the please watch for an email with more will be asked to update your address, following link to access our website information. phone number, and email address. https://w w w.cafconnection.ca /ColdFor any questions or concerns, You will also be required to upload Lake/Facilities/4-Wing-RV-Storage- please email DaRosa.Laura@cfmws. proof of insurance and registration Compou nd / RV- Site-Rene wa l.aspx. com.
Renouvellement des stationnements de véhicules récréatifs DINAH COLES C’est de nouveau le moment! Les membres qui louent un emplacement dans le parc de VR de la 4e Escadre doivent renouveler leur contrat selon leur niveau de priorité. Le renouvellement des contrats en ligne sera offert du 5 avril au 21 mai 2021. Vous devez mettre à jour votre adresse, votre numéro de téléphone et votre adresse de courriel. Vous devrez également télécharger une preuve
d’assurance et d’immatriculation pour le véhicule que vous entreposez au parc des VR de la 4e Escadre. Utilisez le lien suivant pour accéder à notre site Web https://www.connexionfac. ca/Cold-Lake/Installations/Parc-destationnement-de-VR/RV-Site-Renewal. aspx. Si vous louez déjà un emplacement dans le parc de VR, surveillez votre boîte de courriel pour plus d’information. Pour toute question ou préoccupation, veuillez envoyer un courriel à DaRosa.Laura@cfmws.com.
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FACILITY CLERK - CFMWS Under the supervision of the Community Recreation Supervisor, the Facility Clerk greets visitors, establishes nature of business and directs visitors to appropriate area or person. They ensure access to the facility, equipment and services is by authorized clients only. The Facility Clerk also receives and processes payments for recreation programs or facility use and provides administrative support related to activities at the facility. QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED: • High school diploma AND some years experience in a related field. • An acceptable combination of education, training, and experience will also be considered. • Current CPR and basic First Aid qualifications. • Experience in providing customer service. • Experience in general office administration. • Experience in using software for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, e-mail and Internet browsing. • Client focus, organizational knowledge, communication, innovation, teamwork and leadership (our shared competencies). LOCATION: 4 WING COLD LAKE STATUS: CASUAL, HOURS OF WORK: EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS, 0-13.25 HRS PER WEEK APPLY: WWW.CFMWS.COM/CAREERS, #CLK-21-005