The Courier: May 19, 2020

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May 19, 2020

Canadian Forces Snowbirds in Cold Lake

Cpl Justin Roy, 4 Wing Imaging

Pilots of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron pose for a group photo in front of the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds after flying over the city of Cold Lake as a thank you to all the front-line workers and citizens staying at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, on May 14, 2020.

Back row, left to right: Captain (Capt) Steven Sparks, Major Jean-François Dupont, Capt Steve McKeen.

Front row, left to right: Capt Ari Mahajan, Major Marc-Andre Lefebvre.

Further flights in Operation Inspiration have been suspended following a crash Sunday in Kamloops, B.C. The purpose of the flights across Canada was to provide inspiration due to the pandemic. Snowbirds Commanding Officer LCol Mike French called the crash just after takeoff as the “absolute worst nightmare.” Killed in the crash was Snowbirds Public Affairs Officer Capt Jenn Casey. In hospital recovering from injuries is pilot Capt Richard McDougall.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2020

It was an awards ceremony like never before.

It was a thank you for outstanding achievement by 4 Wing Canadian Armed Forces members who had reached beyond the expected in unusual circumstances – the arrival of a pandemic.

The quarterly awards are usually a formal affair with smiles and congratulations for those called up for recognition. But none of that was possible. Instead, these were the Virtual awards, prerecorded for all to see on Facebook covering the January to March period.

4 Wing Commander Col. Dave Moar made the recorded announcements with CWO Remi Nault.

“It’s great to see the innovation and efforts,” for CAF members, said Moar. He said recognition of outstanding efforts by members is a priority.

The 1 Canadian Air Division Commander’s Coin went to LCol Renato Duarte, CO of 4 OSS. Moar said Duarte, in developing a COVID-19 response plan, tackled the “most significant challenges” at 4 Wing since 9/11.

“He works day and night to be sure this wing succeeds,” said Moar.

The citation is as follows: “LCol Renato Duarte has been 4 Wing’s key leader in preparing and executing our COVID-19 contingency plans.

Whether conceptualizing and drafting the entire 4 Wing BCP, leading the development of the NORAD Mission Assurance

plan, or designing the modified “keep our jets flying.”

CF-188 Force Generation plan, A Team of the Quarter award LCol Duarte has demonstrated went to WETO for demonstrating his exceptional problem solving, “exceptional leadership,” said Moar. outstanding communication, He said WETO is all about and confident leadership. His managing people and “they needed efforts have led to the successful to make important decision when implementation of the most COVID 19 hit.” significant changes to 4 Wing’s A Team of the Quarter award operation since 9/11, some of which also went to CIS flight for efforts will endure beyond the end of the to prepare the new medical current crisis. During COVID-19, centre.

LCol Duarte has continued to “We are highly reliant on IT,” dedicate effort to the many other Moar said. “During my visits to the priorities he leads including medical centre I saw those efforts implementation of Future Fighter so Health Services could hit the infrastructure in Cold Lake, ground running. Thanks for your CLAWR modernization initiatives, continuing efforts to make that and a number of delicate legal building successful.” negotiations with local Indigenous Civilian of the Quarter went groups.” to Rob Owens. Nault said he did Moar said Duarte told him an “outstanding job” and has been in response to the award that “it completely “mission focused”. was the team at OSS and the Wing Command Team Coins: other teams. It wasn’t just the • Capt Lyndon Crowder, commanding officer.”

409 TFS The Wing Commanders’ • Sgt Paul Beynen, 409 TFS Commendation went to Sgt. • Sgt Alisha St. George, 1 Thomas Yaksich.

AMS Moar said that without the • Sgt Michele Boisvert, contributions of members such as ARAF Yaksich “our aircraft don’t fly.”

• MCpl Amanda Proctor, A Wing Commander’s ARAF. Commendation also went to Crowder and Beynen worked Cpl Emily Reiman for efforts to tirelessly to ensure suitable arrange 4 Wing International accommodation for OPERATION Women’s Day events.

Southern Push which were derailed “Your efforts to educate by the pandemic. members are very much Another honour went to Sgt appreciated,” said Moar.

Alisha St. George, co chair of the A Wing Commanders Award annual 4 Wing mess dinner which of Excellence went to Cpl Melissa was ultimately cancelled due to the Deroy of 1AMS for eliminating pandemic. Also honoured were data discrepancies. co-chairs including Sgt Michele Moar said aircraft maintenance Boisvert and MCpl Amanda is a complex task and such efforts Proctor.

THE COURIER STAFF MANAGER Janae Wandler - manager@couriernews.ca EDITOR/REPORTER Cliff Kenyon - editor@couriernews.ca PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Alina Mallais - production@couriernews.ca ADMIN/SALES Jasmine Ouellette - admin@couriernews.ca

EDITORIAL ADVISOR 4 WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS Capt Julie Brunet

DEADLINE Wednesday at 1500 hrs for the following Tuesday

CIRCULATION 2600 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.

Printed by Star Press, Wainwright, AB. 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. Imprimé par Star Press, Wainwright, AB.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2020

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“Remain home, remain ready,” says Col Dave Moar CLIFF KENYON Be smart and be safe as pandemic restrictions are slowly lifted, 4 Wing Commanding Officer Col. Dave Moar said in a May 3 Town Hall meeting broadcast on Facebook.

“Remain home, remain ready,” he said.

Moar, with CWO Remi Nault, held their third virtual Town Hall meeting from Military Family Resource Centre Society since the pandemic arrived in Alberta in March.

The Town Hall followed quarterly Awards ceremony which was prerecorded and also presented on the MFRCS facebook site.

The difficulty some members face trying to sell a home in Cold Lake due to a posting “is one of my top issues. I hope to see a resolution of the housing issue soon.”

He said flying missions are about 50 per cent of the level prior to arrival of COVID-19, flying about 100 missions in the past week.

To ensure the continued health of essential workers segregrated groups are split into teams who work in rotation and don’t mingle with each other.

Moar said some COVID-19 restrictions for social gatherings in Cold Lake are being lifted and 4 Wing will be following guidelines set by provincial and municipal authorities.

He said hopefully more restrictions will be lifted soon “so we can enjoy our recreational areas.”

“4 Wing will keep pace with municipalities and the province.”

During rigid restrictions some 4 Wing Canadian Armed Forces members have kept busy volunteering in with organizations in the City of Cold Lake.

“There are some great examples of members volunteering in the community,” he said. Some are doing tasks on a volunteer basis such as delivering groceries to residents self-isolating at home who cannot go to grocery stores.

“There are great ways to help in the community at minimal risk.”

By May 19, MFRCS is expected to re-open day care facilities.

“This is great news. A step in the right direction,” said Moar.

He said members need not worry about regulations regarding hair cuts.

“If you don’t feel safe (getting a hair cut) you won’t get into trouble for that.”

He said 4 Wing has “gotten the green light” for all planned posting plans.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2020

CAF shines with Space Specialty Skills Badge LIEUTENANT NORA AMRANE Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel who have achieved a combination of formal space qualifications and experience are now eligible to proudly wear the Space Specialist Skill Badge (Space SSB).

“It’s my pleasure to introduce the new Space Specialist Skill Badge to recognize members who have been trained and directly employed in diverse and rapidly evolving CAF Joint Space force development, force generation and force employment roles,” said Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The Space SSB was endorsed as a Specialist Skill Badge at a National Defence Clothing and Dress Committee in October 2019. CAF SSBs are intended to recognize exceptional qualifications – in this case, the fastevolving space discipline. Core Joint Space cadre positions include those where the majority of primary duties are dedicated to the development, employment, or generation of space capabilities.

The metal badge of a silver colour is aimed to reflect diverse space mission area qualifications and experience.

The design element of the badge holds significant meaning. The maple leaf, a symbol long associated with Canada, identifies the wearer of the badge as having met the qualifications and experience of CAF personnel employed in a Space role. The globe represents the earth as viewed from space. It is centered as it is both the origin and the control point for all satellites.

The lines of latitude and longitude emphasize the global nature of space operations. The satellite that surrounds the globe represents Alouette I, the first Canadian satellite. Its ellipses represent the orbital paths traced by the satellites in orbit. Finally, the base upon which these elements rest – the laurel wreath – symbolizes the excellence in training and execution of duty.

“The Space SSB is prominent recognition of our dedicated space professionals who possess unique skill and experience essential to addressing rapidly evolving space domain requirements for the CAF,” said Brigadier-General Kevin G. Whale, Director General Space/CAF Space Component Commander. “The Space Cadre is an integral part of Canada’s defence forces, and this is another step forward in the ongoing evolution of this capability.”

Canada was an early adopter of space capabilities and was the third state to become space-faring with the Alouette I, a Defence research satellite that was launched in 1962 to study the impact of the ionosphere on radio

Sharing our blessings

O

ver the past few weeks, living in this COVID-19 world with all its social distancing, we’ve been given a chance to think about what it means to live in community. As the virus spread across the globe it quickly became apparent just how closely we are all connected. And as the world responded to this pandemic, with a variety of social distancing measures, we have had to think about what it means to be community when we can’t necessarily be physically present with each other. What does community look like now?

Our society teaches us the importance of independence, this idea that we don’t need anyone.

We are taught that we should be able to do it on our own and not rely on anyone. And while independence has its own strengths and virtues, it also needs to be balanced with the need for interdependence; valuing our connections to each other and knowing we can be stronger when we see ourselves as part of a larger community. And maybe our COVID-19

communications. Today, Canada has domain and space capabilities are over 50 active commercial, civil, and critical enablers to CAF, NORAD military satellites in orbit, including and NATO operations in the form of those directly in support of the CAF. surveillance of space, surveillance from Additionally, the CAF collaborates space, satellite communications and broadly with Combined Space position, navigation and timing.

Operations (CSpO) allies and partners, As a means of recognizing Joint as well as with other departments such Space cadre contributions, the Space as the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) SSB will be a visible recognition of to strengthen deterrence, improve the Space qualifications, skills and the resilience of space systems, and experience within the CAF. optimize resources across nations.

Full details on the Space SSB The CAF recognizes the critical background, policy direction, and merit and expanding role of the Joint Space criteria can be found in the Air Force cadre in developing, employing and Order (AFO) 1002-1 Space Specialist generating space capabilities and Skill Badge. For those interested in effects in support of CAF missions at applying for the Space SSB, a form is home and abroad. Space is a congested, available in ANNEX D of the AFO contested and competitive operational 1002-1.

Padre Megan Jones

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

world can teach us the profound necessity of living inter-dependently and learning how to rely on each other.

At the beginning of all this, we did see some hoarding in the grocery stores but for the most part the focus has been on how to help each other through this time of uncertainty. When I called up folks who were in isolation to ask them if they needed anything, more often than not they would tell me that their neighbours and co-workers were already dropping off groceries. I’ve talked to others who were searching for ways to help out. People are looking for opportunities to help out in any way they can, whether it’s sewing masks or doing the shopping for a neighbor who can’t leave their house or supporting local business or just trying to take care of each other across distances. And this movement to help and care for each other can be seen right across our Wing. Units like 1 AMS, 10 FTTS and AETE are taking to their sewing machines to produce face masks for

every member of the Wing. Members of 22 CFHSC will be traveling to Quebec this week in support of OP LASER. Once there, they will be providing care to those in long-term care facilities. Unit Sentinels across the Wing are stepping up and providing peer support and checking in on their colleagues. People are reaching out and helping their communities in a variety of ways.

It could be that COVID-19 is teaching us just how deeply we are connected and how much stronger we can be when we care for each other. It’s all about sharing what abundance we have, whether that’s our time, talents or blessings. Because what has been given to us can only become a true blessing when we use it for others. And although this is not the ideal situation, we have been given a chance to re-assess our priorities and be present for one another. Blessings to you and your loved ones.

megan.jones@forces.gc.ca

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT The Courier News & Publishing

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HOROSCOPES

Crossword ACROSS 1. It’s now called Experian 4. You can draw it 7. Very fast aircraft 10. Go quickly 11. Fifth note of a major scale 12. Biochemical abbreviation 13. Make somebody laugh 15. Returned material authorization (abbr.)

16. City in NE Morocco 19. Colorless gas 21. NE football player 23. A snake is one 24. Small spot 25. Inform 26. Republic of Ireland 27. Large statues 30. Documents about an individual 34. Helps little firms 35. Namibia’s former name 36. Large insects 41. Thirsty 45. A well-defined track or path 46. One who utilizes 47. Plant-eating mammals 50. Not in tip-top shape 54. Alternate names 55. A part of a broadcast

serial 56. City in central Italy 57. LOTR actor McKellen 59. Trees provide it 60. Men’s fashion accessory 61. Type of screen 62. Snakelike fish 63. Possesses 64. When you aim to get there 65. Tooth caregiver DOWN 1. Hit heavily 2. Italian rice dish 3. Some are cocktail 4. A citizen of Israel 5. Read-only memory 6. Passed by 7. Northern diving ducks 8. References 9. Iranian language 13. Swiss river 14. Woman (French) 17. Gov’t department (abbr.)

18. Consumed 20. Ailments 22. Balkan Jewish appetizer 27. Reciprocal of a sine 28. Skywalker mentor __Wan 29. Resinous secretion of

insects 31. Similar 32. Female sheep 33. Cool!

37. Borders the Adriatic Sea 38. Flowers 39. It’s sometimes upped 40. Immobile 41. Female body parts 42. Common request

43. Made a second thrust 44. Fell into deep sleep 47. Subway resident 48. Brew 49. The event of being born 51. Aspirations 52. Doctor of Education 53. Punk musician __ Dee Ramone 58. A subdivision of a play

CAPRICORN - December 22 - January 19 Capricorn, family dynamics may be a little strained lately. It may be time for family members to redefine their roles and boundaries. Things may be sorted soon.

AQUARIUS - January 20 - February 18 Aquarius, you will support the people you feel closest to and be their ultimate champion. However, sometimes you need to step back and let others fight their own battles.

PISCES - February 19 - March 20 Pisces, normally you are a relatively friendly, easygoing person who is apt to reconcile quickly.

But this week you could be out of sorts.

ARIES - March 21 - April 19 After a misunderstanding with someone close, you may be licking your wounds, Aries. Don’t let one or two arguments derail your friendship. Find a way to remedy things.

TAURUS - April 20 - May 20 If you are tired of taking one for the team, you may need to be more assertive in your work and social circles, Taurus. Set your limits and then stick with them.

GEMINI - May 21 - June 21 Try not to commit to anything out of a sense of guilt, Gemini. Rather, commit to things for the right reasons, which might make you more likely to see them through to completion.

CANCER - June 22 - July 22 Cancer, as you step out of your comfort zone, think about figuring out some thrill-seeking ideas. Now is the time to push the envelope and really see the wild side.

LEO - July 23 - August 22 You are often a force to be reckoned with, Leo. This week will be no different. You can direct your focus in any direction. So think clearly on what you want to do.

VIRGO - August 23 - September 22 Virgo, are your aspirations in tune with your actions?

Long-term goals come into focus, and you now have to set the course to realize all of your goals.

LIBRA - September 23 - October 22 Honest and diplomatic communication may be needed at the office or your place of employment, Libra. Others may turn to you to be a mediator. Put those skills to use.

SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21 Scorpio, are you spreading yourself too thin? You probably have too many irons in the fire and will have to prioritize and pull back; otherwise, you may feel overwhelmed.

SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 21 Check all of the balances in your accounts, Sagittarius. You may have to make very important financial decisions as they pertain to your family’s future.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2020

4 MSS promotion Send a Defence Team colleague a Virtual Shout-Out! NATIONAL DEFENCE

Submitted

Avr Rhonda Pentelichuk was promoted to Aviator (Trained) today by Maj Dirk Lamoureux (4 MSS Replen Flight OC).

Do you know of a coworker who deserves a special shout out?

Do you want to give a colleague a high-five but physical distancing prevents it?

Are you looking for a way to recognize your peers in this current online-only environment?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then a Virtual Shout-out is the way to go!

It’s always important to recognize colleagues for their dedication and contributions to the Defence Team.

During this unique and challenging period, it’s difficult for Defence Team Members to stay connected with colleagues and maintain team cohesion, let alone congratulate them in

front of their peers for a job well done.

But how do you do that when we can’t shake each other’s hand and give them a “Bravo Zulu” face-to-face?

Here’s how: The Corporate Awards and Recognition Secretariat (CARS) invites all members of the Defence Team to give a ‘Virtual ShoutOut’ to a Department of National Defence/ Canadian Armed Forces (DND /CAF) colleague or a team, to express your appreciation, praise, or acknowledgement for their contributions.

What is a Virtual Shout-Out? A Virtual ShoutOut is a few sentences recognizing a colleague for a job well done! ShoutOuts will be posted to the new Defence Team “Virtual Shout-Out”

Change of command at Operation UNIFIER CAPTAIN CYNTHIA KENT, PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, JOINT TASK FORCE - UKRAINE With the swipe of a pen, a new team is now running Operation UNIFIER. On April 28, in a unique ceremony that ensured all appropriate social distancing precautions were observed, command of Canada’s military mission in Ukraine transferred from Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Jeffrey Toope to LieutenantColonel Ryan Stimpson.

Because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the usual pomp and ceremony was replaced by a low-key Transfer of Command Authority certificate signing event, with only a few people present.

However, LCol Toope remarked that doesn’t lessen the incredible accomplishments of the outgoing members of Joint Task ForceUkraine (JTF-U).

“I want to thank all of you for being true military professionals,” said LCol Toope. “Your work will see lasting, long-term change in Ukraine. You should be proud of your accomplishments here.”

In addition to continuing the work of past rotations of personnel on Op UNIFIER, those accomplishments include: graduating the first NATOcompatible Intermediate Leadership Course for noncommissioned officers (NCOs);

using mobile training teams to increase mentoring and advising capabilities at various locations in Ukraine; and the first move of larger JTF-U training elements to Combat Training Centre – Shirokiy Lan, outside of Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine, for brigadelevel training.

In recent weeks, personnel were also dealing with the fallout from COVID-19. LCol Toope said how members dealt with that made him incredibly proud to be their commander. “Serving your country overseas is not easy at the best of times,” he said. “And with the home front now in danger, it certainly does not make being away easier. So thank you for being brave, persevering and getting the job done.”

As the new commander of JTF-U, LCol Stimpson said he and his team are looking forward to continuing the mission of advising and mentoring the Security Forces of Ukraine (SFU) as they move toward NATO compatibility.

“The Security Forces of Ukraine have made great strides in strengthening and growing their force as they move toward NATO interoperability,” said LCol Stimpson.

“Although our mentoring and advising is currently paused due to COVID-19, the 60 members in theatre will maintain essential and missioncritical activities in the Joint

Operations Area. ROTO 9 looks forward to furthering our relationship with the SFU and returning to business as soon as conditions permit.”

Because of the evolving situation with COVID-19, the number of personnel on Op UNIFIER was reduced from 200 to 60. For those members who remain in Ukraine, reasonable measures are being taken to mitigate the risk and preserve operational capabilities, so that the task force can return to fulfilling its mission to provide advice and assistance to the training systems of the SFU to support Ukraine in its efforts to maintain sovereignty, security, and stability.

Operation UNIFIER When Operation UNIFIER’s mission began in September 2015, members of Joint Task Force – Ukraine were working only with the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). In May 2018, the mission expanded beyond the AFU to include the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU), when the Department of National Defence signed a Technical Arrangement with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. Together, the AFU and the NGU are referred to as the Security Forces of Ukraine (SFU). As of March 2020, Op UNIFIER has run 420 serials, and trained 18,096 members of the SFU. This includes 1,212 members of the NGU.

Bulletin Board on The forces.gc.ca. Please also Maple Leaf, HR Go RH provide the email(s) app and the Defence of the person(s) being Team intranet. Messages recognized. Please note, should be brief, and shout-Out recipients include; the name of will be given the option the individual, why they to “opt out” of having are being acknowledged, their message displayed how they achieved their on the Bulletin Board, goal or made their mark and submissions can and its impact on the remain anonymous. team or organization.

You can also access a You can check-out some variety of resources and early submissions to the updated information Bulletin Board, below. related on how Defence Don’t delay - virtually is responding to the shout-out your hard- COVID-19 pandemic working colleagues today! on the Defence Team Please e-mail all – COVID-19 page, the requests for shout DND and CAF social outs to the CARS at media accounts, and on Awards-Recompenses@ the HR Go RH app.

GET CONNECTED GET CONNECTED with our website CAFconnection OR

LOOK US UP on Facebook 4 Wing Connection

Visit us at www.CAFconnection.ca or www.facebook.com/ 4WINGCONNECTION/

VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING PSP Cold Lake is happy to provide training and activities offered through our various social media platforms.

Head over to http://couriernews.ca/ cfmws-virtual-programming/ to view the current May 18 - 24 schedule!