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Volume 54 Number 10
www.couriernews.ca
March 9, 2021
Aviation, STEM, and Women!
Submitted
Captain Amanda Kok (left) after a backseat ride in the CF-18 in Key West, US in 2017. Pictured (right) is friend Sergeant Jenn Mate. CAPTAIN AMANDA KOK
with people my unfathomable love for Science, Technology, Engineering, and March is one of my favourite Mathematics (STEM), aviation, and months of the year. The days are how that has been the focal point of my getting longer, the temperature is career. getting warmer, spring is officially here, I am, a CF-188 Aerospace it is National Engineering Month, and Engineering Officer (AERE) and a it is the home of International Women’s Project Officer in-training at the Fighter Day and the Women of Aviation Operational Test and Evaluation Flight Worldwide Week. The only thing that (FOTEF) of 434 Squadron. This truly I love more than doing what I am is a dream come true for an aerospace passionate about every day, is sharing nerd, such as myself. When I was a
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young child, my eyes were always turned towards the sky – much to my own peril. I am a very clumsy person on the best of days. As such, inattention to where I was walking - just so I could catch a glimpse of the stars or an aircraft flying overhead - often resulted in injury. In any case, it was worth it! I was one of few children who knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up - a rocket scientist, or an astronaut – OR BOTH! I was
also one of even fewer, who was a girl and grew up in a household where my parents supported my dreams and endeavours to follow this career path. My father shared my affinity for the cosmos and aerospace industry, and he and my mother raised me to believe that if I worked hard and set my mind to it – the possibilities were endless! Continued on page 2...
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The Courier News & Publishing
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Military can offer opportunities to learn and grow ...continued from front page
exercises. Once I successfully completed the baseline training requirements to be an AERE, the real fun To become an AERE, I first needed to graduate could finally begin. from university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science or Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) AERE’s have Engineering. Through the Regular Officer Training five main branches of work that they participate in Plan (ROTP), the military paid me to attend university and they have the opportunity to work across all of and completely covered the cost of my tuition and the aircraft fleets that the RCAF employs. These textbooks. I graduated from Ryerson University with five branches include Maintenance Support and a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering in June Management, Technical Accreditation and Weapons’ 2014, and was then posted to Cold Lake, AB. Initially System Management, Project Management Office, upon enrollment, I had been streamed to become an Test and Evaluation, and Space. So far, I have worked Aerospace Controller. While still a very exciting career, in Maintenance Support and Management, out-ofit was not the best use of my talents - considering I trade at the Cold Lake Transition Centre, and now had just spent the last five years studying advanced I am working within Test and Evaluation. Generally aerospace engineering and structural design theory. speaking, AERE’s are responsible for all aspects of Within a month of arriving in Cold Lake, I received the engineering, maintenance and management of an occupational transfer in the AERE trade. I then military aircraft, in addition to the support equipment commenced the AERE Preparatory Phase (APP), and facilities during military operations. These which consisted of on-the-job training with Aircraft responsibilities are further broken down to include: Maintenance Technicians, Aircraft Maintenance • Managing and supervising the personnel and Superintendents, and experienced AERE’s at 4 resources required for the servicing, inspection and Wing Cold Lake. Once this phase of training was repair of aircraft; completed, I then attended the AERE Officer Basic • Oversee designing, developing and testing Course at CFB Borden. This course provided me new systems and modifying existing ones or the knowledge and basic experience required to conducting the life cycle management of aircraft and commence my duties using theoretical and practical air weapon systems; • Participating in the formulation of plans, policies, standards and specifications for present and Accounting & Business Concept Services Inc. future military aircraft and their support equipment “Let the team of T.A.W. help you keep your money.” and facilities; and You work hard for your earned dollars and your Business is your lively hood. DISCOUNT RATES • Providing technical advice on aircraft FOR TAXES! We shop around when it comes to our vehicles, appliances, and furniture. operation. Shouldn’t we owe the same care and caution with business matters? This job has afforded me several opportunities Services: to learn about the entire CF-188 Hornet aircraft and • Accounting • Training • Software set-up Military • Bookkeeping • Registry services • Document creation the multi-faceted roles that it plays in domestic and RCMP 30% • Taxes • Government support • Project control Firefighter international operations. I have also experienced • Payroll • Project management Senior 25% • Business Consulting • Document control so many opportunities to diversify my skillsets and Fixed Flat develop professionally and personally. I have run 5510 50th Ave., Cold Lake, AB, T9M 1S9 • Tel 780-594-0481 Income Rate maintenance and aircraft scheduling for two Cold Lake Air Shows, gone on exercise with 410 Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron in the USA, and my job has taken me all over Canada to support, train, and advise RCAF leaders regarding aspects of aircraft maintenance and technical training. My job has even taken me to Germany to train with other aircraft maintainers and engineers from NATO-allied Centennial Building(#67), countries on evaluation techniques and best practices PO Box 6190 Stn Forces, to ensure that we all can function together as a team. Cold Lake, AB T9M 2C5 Last year I had the opportunity to work out of trade as Phone: (780) 594-5206 the Officer Commanding of the Cold Lake Transition Email: manager@couriernews.ca Centre. There, I provided administrative assistance to military members who were ill and/or injured to enable them to heal and either return to their duties THE COURIER STAFF on Base or transition out of the military. I am now MANAGER/ADMIN/SALES working towards my Project Officer qualification at Janae Wandler - manager@couriernews.ca FOTEF. All of my previous experience has allowed me REPORTER to learn about the CF-188 Hornet fleet, human factors, Joy Smith - editor@couriernews.ca and now I can apply that learning in an operational PRODUCTION COORDINATOR test and evaluation setting. What this means is that Alina Mallais - production@couriernews.ca as new equipment and software are developed for the CF-188 Hornet fleet, engineers develop test plans with EDITORIAL ADVISOR pilots so that we can assess the operational suitability 4 WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS and effectiveness for this equipment. This ensures Capt Rachel Brosseau that end-user technicians and pilots are receiving the best equipment to meet their operational needs. Every DEADLINE day I am challenged to think outside of the box and Wednesday at 1500 hrs for the following Tuesday learn something new. Outside of the workplace, I have many hobbies and activities that I like to partake in. I adore learning The Courier is published weekly with the permission of new things and exploring the world around me. What the 4 Wing Cold Lake Wing Commander Col Moar. I am most passionate about, though, is sharing my The opinions expressed are those of the contributor and love of STEM and the aerospace industry with others. do not reflect those of the Editor, Canadian Armed Forces, or DND. The Editor reserves the right to reject, edit, or As the Lakeland District Commissioner and Guider condense any editorial or advertising material. for the 5th Medley Girl Guides in Cold Lake, I am able to teach girls and young women about camping, Publié hebdomadairement avec la permission du trekking, and STEM! These positions challenge me to Commandant de l’escadre, le col Moar. Les opinions personnelles exprimées dans ce journal sont celles des see the world with fresh eyes, and to tackle everyday collaborateurs et ne représentent pas les opinions de la challenges with the curiosity of a child. Working with rédaction, des Forces armées canadiennes ou du Ministrère these youth inspire me to be a better person, and de la Défense nationale. La rédaction se réserve le droit de it brings me great joy to see the makings of future refuser, d’éditer ou de condenser tout article et matériel de réclame soumis. astronomers, doctors, videogame programmers, and more! MEMBER OF: To anyone who is thinking of joining the military or a career in aviation, it can be a rollercoaster of your wildest dreams! Not every day is going to be glamourous and exciting, but you will encounter so many opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to
the industry. To the women and girls out there, stay true to yourself, be brave, be outspoken, and trust your instincts. There’s a place for you in this exciting, innovative, and rewarding industry!
Avr Brock Curtis, 4 Wing Imaging
Captain Amanda Kok
Submitted
Captain Amanda Kok standing in front of an engine on a test stand that she helped build while doing on the job training in 2014 at 4 Wing Cold Lake.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
The Courier News & Publishing
Page 3
Photo of the Week From Your 4 Wing Imagery Team
Avr Brock Curtis, 4 Wing Imaging
Royal Canadian Air Force CF-188 Hornets from 4 Wing Cold lake lined up for spool up during exercise WINTER BLITZ on the tarmac of Hangar 2 at 4 Wing, Cold Lake, Alberta on March 1, 2021.
DR. ERIC HANSEN Hon. B.Sc. D.D.S
Health Promotion’s Feature Friday initiative
DR. MAY CONLIN Hon. B.Sc., D.M.D. General Dentists
780-594-5150 gentle hands, caring professionals
5213 - 51 Ave Cold Lake www.lakecentredental.com
Pet of the Week at the Lakeland Humane Society
Submitted
It’s time for #FeatureFriday! Health Promotion’s featured member is Cpl Roxanne Desrosiers, an Aircraft Structures Technician who has been posted to Cold Lake for a little over two years. Here is a little bit of info from her: “Weight lifting and soccer are two of the things that I have been doing consistently for the last three years to keep my physical and mental health in top shape. Through a well-balanced diet and an active lifestyle, I’ve been able to achieve so much more than I thought. I just want to remind everyone that being kind to yourself goes a long way. If you fall down or have a hiccup, it’s okay. Everyone’s journey is different, you just have to remember to pick yourself back up and try again.” Would you like to be featured in the series? Contact 4WGHealthPromotion@forces.gc.ca!
ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
Cold Lake
Denali is a classic dog that many shelters will see often. Dogs lacking socialization and behavioral training left unfinished often get surrendered or left “unclaimed”. However, when WE see Denali, we see this uber affectionate little spitfire who needs a human to look at her like she is the only thing in the world that matters. She is not to be tied up and forgotten about. If you are looking for your next loyal lady.... apply today!
DENALI
#4WING SPONSORED BY:
Dr. Greg Benoit Dr. Robyn Shipclark Dr. Laura Kutryk
For all Personnel Support Programs and Military Family Resource Centre Society activities, be sure to check out our calendar at www.cafconnection.ca/cold-lake #GetConnected
WANT TO REGISTER, OR NEED MORE INFORMATION? • 4 WING MFRCS - BUILDING 674, KINGSWAY RD. 780.594.6006 • PSP 780.840.8000 EXT 7823 • MESSES - JJ Gray 780.840.8000 EXT 8139 A division of CF Morale & Welfare Services Une division des Services de bien-être et moral des FC
CAFconnection.ca
5508 - 50 Ave. PO Box 10 Cold Lake, AB. T9M 1P1
Phone 780-594-1255 Fax: 780-594-2714
Business Hours are currently: Mon - Fri 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Food/Prescription sales by delivery only. Text (780-573-0927) or Email: centreanimalhospital83@gmail.com Drop-off appointments preferred, doors are locked and pets are handed to staff on arrival. Clients are not in the appointments. Please follow our Facebook Page for current changes.
www.AnimalHealtHProviders.com
24 Hour emergency services d/o Animal Health Providers Ltd.
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Tuesday, March 9, 2021
CAFSO wants you THE COURIER The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Sports Program is seeking a volunteer for the position of CAF Curling Chief Official. The Chief Official position for curling has been created to help grow the sport at the base/regional level. While curling is not a CAF National sport, the CAF Sports Office (CAFSO) acknowledges the benefits of having a chief official assigned to the sport to assist the CAFSO and act as a subject matter expert to enhance local programs. The Chief Official position for the sport of Curling will include the 20212024 Championships (4-year position). It is open to CAF military members (Regular Forces, Class B Reservist IAW CANFORGEN 165/15) or full-time employees of the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services. The position of the CAF Curling
Chief Official can be both rewarding and demanding with a number of duties
Bitter and cynical
A
few years ago when I was posted to Edmontton, we welcomed the arrival of a brand-new, never-before-used, straight-out-of-the-wrapper chaplain. He hadn’t even been to basic yet! Early on, he impressed me (and I don’t impress easily – unless it’s shiney!) with his thoughtfulness, sense of humour, self-deprecation, and willingness to learn. But I wasn’t worried – I knew that we’d break him of such bad habits. I was taking him around the base – clothing stores, HQ, introducing him to the 3 Div chaplain – and went back to the chapel for lunch during which one of the chaplains regaled us with some moronic goings-on by a soldier. Following this conversation, I remarked to the new padre, “Like I always say – people are stupid!” Now, I ask you, does that pithy observation strike you as cynical? Well, I guess it might at that. At a unit gathering, I was talking to some of the clerks and perhaps was being overly dark in my humour (bad habit I learned with the infantry). I must’ve been more cynical than even I realized because one of the clerks innocently pronounced, “Imagine how cranky he’d be if he didn’t have Jesus in his life!” I found that side-splittingly funny – and honest. And she was right. Over the course of my life, I
that must be fulfilled. As per the
CAF
Sports
Championships Operations Manual, the Chief Official is appointed by the Manager, Canadian Armed Forces Sports. The CAF Chief Official will be selected based on their technical background, sporting experience, and suitability. Each candidate will undergo a formal selection process including an interview and aptitude assessment based on the shared competencies of the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services. For a copy of the Call for Nominations, click here, or should you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the position or application process, please contact Denis Gaboury (gaboury.denis@cfmws. com) or Jerry Ingham (jerry.ingham@ forces.gc.ca) at 780-840-8000 local 8195 All applications must be received by the National Sports Coordinator, (taillefer.jessica@cfmws.com) NLT 22 March 2021.
Padre Howard Rittenhouse
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
allow that I’ve become a bit cynical, a bit jaded, a bit skeptical, and maybe even a little bitter (at least about my infamous losing streak in Roll Up the Rim when Tim Horton’s had such a cursed contest). Life has a way of serving up great steaming piles of … stuff, and you just have to roll with it, deal with it, and move on. Of course, that’s easier to say when you aren’t neck deep in it. Maybe it’s a posting that you’re dreading and now you have to move during COVID! Maybe it’s the disintegration of your marriage (or second one). Maybe it’s a medical diagnosis that’s putting your career – or your life - in jeopardy. Maybe it’s issues with your kids, or with your spouse’s kids – blending families can be fiendishly difficult. Maybe it’s concern and anxiety over aging parents whose health is fragile and you’re two, three, or four provinces away. Perhaps your equilibrium has been disturbed by the recent news of investigations into the last two CDSs. Such news can easily breed not only cynicism, but a distrust and on-going lack of faith in leaders at all levels. I hope that isn’t the case, but it’s disturbing nonetheless and needs to be dealt with transparently and with integrity. Whatever the pressure or stress – and perhaps
there’s more than one going on – it’s making you that little bit more cynical, angry, scratchy, difficult to be around, and just plain bitter. You may think that other people don’t seem to have it quite as rough. It’s a matter of perspective. As the old proverb says, “I complained because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no legs.” And I don’t mean to say that what you may be experiencing is piddling, but you can usually find someone else whose load is far greater than yours. Nonetheless, the load you carry is a burden, and after miles and miles it feels even heavier, and there seems to be no end in sight, so it will just get heavier still. Let me encourage you: you don’t have to carry it alone. Lean on your family, on your mates, on the supports in the CAF (MH, CFMAP, MFRC, and other acronyms). We need to share each other’s burdens, and not walk the road alone. No one should have to carry the weight alone. If you don’t know where to turn, call a padre. Finally, you have a choice in how you respond to life’s little gifts: with resilience and resolve, or with bitterness and cynicism. I hope you choose the former. After all, you don’t want to end up like me, do you?
howard.rittenhouse@forces.gc.ca
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
ENTERTAINMENT The Courier News & Publishing
Page 5
HOROSCOPES
Crossword ACROSS 1. Large dung beetle 7. Representation of a plan 13. In a fervid way 14. The Book of Psalms 16. Morning 17. Exactly the same 19. About 20. Brown and basmati are two 22. Swiss river 23. Philippine island 25. Expressions of surprise 26. An ant 28. Common Japanese surname 29. Deoxyribonucleic acid 30. Car mechanics group 31. A person’s brother or sister 33. Ancient pharaoh 34. Quantitative fact 36. Vividly colored bird 38. Your home has one 40. Organic compound 41. Section at the end of a book 43. Flat tableland with steep edges 44. Criticize 45. Split pulses 47. Brief trend 48. Cool! 51. Purposes 53. Brews
55. Skin condition 56. Pops 58. American air travel company 59. Minute bug 60. Anno Domini (in the year of Our Lord) 61. One who rides in your car 64. One of the Gospels 65. City in southern Spain 67. Inquisitive 69. Jean Paul __, author 70. Pop singer Harry DOWN 1. An ape or monkey 2. Chemical element 3. Zodiac sign 4. Removes 5. Brew 6. Nickname 7. Architectural structures 8. Trigonometric function 9. Postmodern architectural building in Vienna 10. Henderson and Fitzgerald are two 11. Mountain (abbr.) 12. Landscaping practice 13. Capacitance unit 15. Redirect 18. Hat for women 21. In a way, dressed down 24. Granny
26. Feed 27. Endpoint 30. Indian instrument 32. Bleated 35. Cablegram (abbr.) 37. Root mean square (abbr.) 38. Jellyfishes 39. Individual TV installments 42. Talk 43. More (Spanish) 46. Leaseholder 47. Monetary units
49. Hostility 50. Work stations 52. Linguistics giant 54. Female sheep 55. Calendar month 57. Seasoning 59. Lofty nest of a bird of prey 62. Single Lens Reflex 63. A way to remove 66. Virginia 68. Old English
CAPRICORN - December 22 - January 19 Playful emotions and daydreams are filling your days and nights, Capricorn. Why not let them come out in very real ways? Find ways to incorporate more fun into your life. AQUARIUS - January 20 - February 18 If you have been taking someone for granted lately you can rectify that this week, Aquarius. Put this person first for a change and he or she may reciprocate in the future. PISCES - February 19 - March 20 Always be truthful, Pisces. Just remember you cannot control how others may react to whatever it is you have to say. ARIES - March 21 - April 19 This week some of the puzzle pieces in your life may not fit correctly. That’s okay, Aries. You will find a way to make things work even if they don’t exactly line up. TAURUS - April 20 - May 20 Your thoughts may be focused on the spiritual for much of the week, Taurus. This is an opportunity to get in touch with meaningful things in your life. GEMINI - May 21 - June 21 Gemini, if things haven’t been going as planned, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate some of your choices. Have confidence that you will find a solution that works. CANCER - June 22 - July 22 Cancer, your sensitivity is heightened this week, so you may need to think twice or even three times before you share your opinions. Cool down before becoming chatty. LEO - July 23 - August 22 Figure out how you can organize your day to get things done with more efficiency, Leo. This is a better option than getting frustrated by a lack of time in your schedule. VIRGO - August 23 - September 22 You may realize that the conventional ways of doing things simply are not working anymore, Virgo. Start thinking creatively rather than analytically. LIBRA - September 23 - October 22 Dreams and fantasies are more than wishful thinking, Libra. They can be the catalysts to actual goals and plans if you let them. Start making your lists. SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21 Scorpio, you may be more attuned to your dreams this week. While they are not true predictions of what will happen, pay attention to any recurring themes. SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 21 A drastic change may be coming but you don’t know what that change will be just yet, Sagittarius. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities that may be on the horizon.
SUDOKU The Courier offers affordable advertising opportunities for local businesses. Let us help you reach your goals! Give us a call 780-594-5206 or email admin@couriernews.ca
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: - Each of the nine vertical columns - Each of the nine horizontal rows - Each of the nine 3x3 boxes Remember no number can occur more than once in any column, row, or box. Answers can be found at www.couriernews.ca.
Weekly Answers
For this week’s answers, check out our website at www.couriernews.ca
Page 6
The Courier News & Publishing
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Canadian Armed Forces members to receive pay increase DEFENCE STORIES Most Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members can expect to see something extra in their pay this month. Beginning March 31, 2021, eligible CAF members will receive a general pay increase, effective retroactively to April 1, 2018 and covering the past three fiscal years. Those who may be eligible for a lump sum back-payment include Regular or Reserve Force Non-Commissioned Members, General Service Officers and Pilots at the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and Commander and below, as well as Medical and Dental Officers. This pay increase does not apply to senior officers at the rank of Colonels and Captains (Navy) and above. Their rates are managed separately and at Most Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) this time, no decision has been made economic increase of 2.8% • Effective April 1, 2019, an regarding an increase for them. The compounded increase of economic increase of 2.2% • Effective April 1, 2020, an 6.1 percent demonstrates Canada’s continued support of CAF members, economic increase of 1.0% CAF members can view their new fairly compensating them for their continued service. The Government pay rate or statement electronically via of Canada recognizes and appreciates Employee Member Access Application the outstanding contributions and (EMAA), as individual payments will sacrifices made by CAF members and depend on rank, pay increment (PI), their families in service to our country. and time worked in each category. CAF members who released The back payment covers retroactive increases starting April 1, after March 31, 2018 will be eligible for a lump sum back payment and 2018, calculated as follows: • Effective April 1, 2018, an adjustments to their Canadian Forces
CFMWS Crisis Line Cold Lake Courier: 5.05 in x 7.5 in July 2020 Colour Print Ready Proof
National Defence
members can expect to see something extra in their pay this month. Severance Pay based on the new rates effective at release on 31 March, 2021. Former members should contact the Release Benefits Administration via email to the Administrative Response Centre (ARC) (CMPARC.CRACPM@ forces.gc.ca) to inquire about their own specific case. This updates the rates of pay for the majority of CAF members with an economic increase aligned to the salary improvements reached through the collective bargaining process for employees of the Core Public Administration of the Public Service of
Canada. The Department of National Defence and the CAF recognize the need to ensure that military compensation remains fair and relevant, to ensure the attraction and retention of the highest standard of personnel required for the challenges of service in the profession of arms. Treasury Board approval of these increases recognizes the value of military members, strengthens overall morale, supports Strong, Secure, and Engaged initiatives in attraction and retention, and strengthens the larger employment model of the CAF.
There’s a new FREE text-based support for all CAFkids in Canada.
Text CAFKIDS to 686868 Nous avons un nouveau service par texto GRATUIT pour les jeunesFAC au Canada.
Texte JEUNESFAC à 686868
ts n e r a P
Share the info with your kids.
Partagez l’info avec vos enfants.
Virtual Doctor Support for Military Families. Need a safe and effective way to access routine healthcare from the comfort of your home? Access Maple doctors virtually at the link below. Free for all dependents of CAF members living in Canada.
www.getmaple.ca/militaryfamily
Developed in partnership with
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