Servir - Vol. 28/No 14 – September 15, 2022

Photos: Cpl Katia Danis-Lemay –Imagery Saint-Jean

WHY THE ORANGE COLOUR ON SEPTEMBER 30?

in 2013, following the poignant testimony of a survivor, Phyllis Webstad. In 1973, aged six, she was uprooted from her community and taken to St. Joseph Mission boarding school in British Columbia where, upon arrival, she was stripped of an orange sweater given to her by her grandmother. Her orange shirt became a symbol of acknowledgment of the damage done by Canada's residential school system, and Orange Shirt Day was born.

robe or even to pin an orange ribbon or square to our outfit. For the CAF members, it is permitted to wear an orange sweater, without apparent inscriptions, under the jacket.

If you want to get an orange sweater specially designed for the occasion, an ethical choice is essential. Indeed, opt for a product offered by:

• Indigenous artists, groups or communities in Canada;

To mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, members of the Defence Team will be asked to wear the colour orange, buildings will light up orange, orange flags will fly everywhere, and several thousand people in the country will wear an orange sweater with the words “Every child matters”. What is the meaning of this colour?

Before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was created, September 30 was a day to commemorate the reality of residential schools. It was created

So, on September 30, we are invited to open up to the stories of residential school survivors and their families and to remember the missing children. The orange colour therefore aims to recognize this great trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples and demonstrate our solidarity with them.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

This gesture is within everyone's reach. The Defence Team civilian employees are invited to show up with an orange garment or accessory from our ward-

• Organizations recognized for their involvement with Aboriginal communities in Canada;

• Credible companies that will donate all of the profits from the sale to organizations involved with Aboriginal communities in Canada.

Above all, be sure of the provenance of the garment. It would be paradoxical to buy an “All children matter” sweater made by a manufacturer that does not respect the rights of the child. Also, please note that Orange Shirt Day is less known in Quebec than elsewhere in Canada, which is why ethical sweaters with messages in French are less common.

Let's be numerous to display with the colour orange on September 29 and 30 to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Montreal and Saint-Jean Garrisons as well as the Valcartier base will not miss the call and will illuminate their main buildings in orange. They will also raise the flag recommended by the Aboriginal Defence Advisory Group (ADAG) to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is the flag of the survivors of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

ATTEND A CONFERENCE

Wearing the colour orange is good. Participating in an activity as part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is better!

Don't miss the discussion between three well-known members of Quebec's Indigenous communities prepared by members of the Indigenous Peoples subcommittee of the 2nd Canadian Division Diversity + Team. The activity is open to all members of the division. Under the theme of Ussiniun - rebirth, the participants in the discussion will bring their point of view on reconciliation.

The event will be available online, delayed, from September 26. The discussion web link will be shared widely through the usual channels to all members of the 2nd Canadian Division, along with other suggestions for activities to take part in on this important day.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT:

Phyllis Webstad: The Orange Shirt Story (Phyllis Webstad, Allison Parker, Medicine Wheel Education, 2018)

Orange Shirt Day

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

YOUNG PEOPLE VISIT

SAINT-HUBERT

| SEO – East

On July 24, 54 teenagers visited the premises of 34 Canadian Brigade Group (34 CBG) and 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (438 THS).

Captain Marie-Christine De Tilly, Communications Advisor at the Stakeholder Engagement Office Eastern Canada (SEO - East), says visitors were attending My First Work Experience Day for teenagers aged 15 and 16, from marginalized communities in Montréal Nord. “Les Fourchettes de l'Espoir is a charitable organization that provides support and accompaniment to the

most disadvantaged in our community. The members of the management are long-standing partners of SEO-East.”

Several activities were organized in collaboration with Company F of the 2nd Canadian Division Training Centre and 438 THS to provide an instructive and exciting day of immersion for participants. “The young people were attentive and actively participated in the activities. The comments have all been positive.”

It should be noted that the objectives of this day were, among other things, to help high school and college students better define their career goals while allowing them to develop a positive perception of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and, more specifically, to Reserve. “It also allows our strategic partners to better understand the role of the CAF and strengthen the existing links between our organization and the civilian community.”

IT'S NDWCC TIME

| Yves Bélanger, Servir

The National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC) is back in full swing. The official launches were made on September 2 at the Montreal Garrison and on September 12 at the Saint-Jean Garrison.

This year again, the organizers have set the objective at $220,000, i.e. $110,000 for Montreal and Saint-Hubert, as well as $110,000 for Saint-Jean. Last year, $233,073 was raised through cash donations and fundraising activities. Remember that donations can be made to the organization of your choice if it has a charity number.

Present at the launch at the Saint-Jean Garrison, Dany Hétu, Managing Director of Moisson Rive-Sud, and Marie-Ève

Simard, Marketing and Communications

Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada – Quebec Division, recalled the important needs of several non-profit organizations and the importance of contributing to the charity campaign. “There are no small donations,” said Mr. Hétu.

Ms. Simard also offered a touching testimony of the support that the Multiple Sclerosis Society offered to her family when her mother learned that she had this degenerative disease. “Each donation is important because it allows us to invest in research,” she added.

Remember that the NDWCC allows members of the Defence Team to donate directly to more than 86,500 charities, including many organizations with strong ties to the Canadian military. Donations can be made directly to Centraide or HealthPartners. They can also be directed to any registered charity in Canada.

PUBLICIZE YOUR ACTIVITIES

A young trainee trying out combat equipment during the visit to the headquarters of the 34 Canadian Brigade Group.

Photos : Cpl Valérie Duclos-Péloquin34 CBG

Marie-Ève Simard, Director of Marketing and Communications, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada – Quebec Division.

Colonel Serge Ménard, Commander of the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group, called on CAF members and civilian employees to show their generosity once again.

Photo: Claude Tourville 2CDSG Public Affairs

Photo: Cpl Katia Danis-Lemay –Imagery Saint-Jean

Royal Military College

Saint-Jean

THEY GAVE IT ALL!

| Yves Bélanger, Servir

On August 27, the traditional obstacle course at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMC Saint-Jean) took place. Some 151 new officer cadets and naval cadets rose to the challenge with flying colours.

Under the gaze of their families and loved ones, the new students brilliantly faced the various obstacles along the course. At 8:40 a.m., just after the

speech of the director officer cadets, Lieutenant-Colonel René Poulin, the various teams representing Tracy, Jolliet, Iberville and Richelieu squadrons set off.

For just over two hours, the members of the 2022 cohort took on the various challenges that stood in their way, without leaving any member of their team behind.

TWO BRAVE PARTICIPANTS

Officer Cadets Vincent Habel and Jonathan Bonnett, members of Iberville and Tracy Squadrons respectively, were among the participants. “The obstacle course has been the toughest, but most rewarding experience I have had since joining the Canadian Armed Forces,” says OCdt Bonnett.

For his part, OCdt Habel maintains that the level of difficulty of the race corresponded well to what he expected. “My team, however, started the race with the mud crawling event. I have to say it was pretty exhausting.”

The two students admit to being proud of their performance on the day. “It was the culmination of all the teamwork as well as the physical training and the strategic training that we went through that could finally be applied for a practical purpose,” says OCdt Bonnett. For the latter, the most difficult test was climbing the 12-foot wall.

INSIGNIA AND REUNIONS

The activity was followed by the College's insignia ceremony, which is intended to mark the end of the firstyear orientation program for new officer cadets and naval cadets. Major-General Craig Aitchison, Commandant of the Canadian Defence Academy, presided over the ceremony.

The Reunion Weekend was held on August 26 and 27. During the activity, the entering classes of 1972, 1971 and 1970 were inducted into the Old Brigade.

Photos: RMC Saint-Jean

IT HAPPENED THIS SUMMER!

A NEW COMMANDER AT THE RPOU (QUEBEC)

On

17,

RMC SAINT-JEAN WELCOMES

165 NEW STUDENTS

The officer cadets and naval cadets arrived at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMC Saint-Jean) in early August. The vast majority of them went to the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School to complete their Basic Military Officer Qualification. In addition to carrying out 11 hours of basic exercises and devoting a lot of time to sports activities, the new officer cadets and naval cadets took lessons on life within the military institution including the traditions and customs of the College and their squadron, resilience and the ethical use of social networks. They received Bystander training and a three-day academic orientation to prepare them for their studies.

2 LINE SQUADRON HAS A NEW COMMANDER

On August 18, the

of

Regiment.

ANOTHER NAVY BIKE RIDE MET

For the third consecutive year, Leading Seaman Mikey Colangelo Lauzon, Naval Communications Specialist and Team Captain of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Donnacona, participated in the Navy Bike Ride.

The CAF member and the members of his team, Benoit Larocque, Gabriel Fontaine and Philippe Gagnon, traveled 270 km on the Véloroute des Bleuets during the grand tour of Lac-Saint-Jean, which took place from August 4 to 7. They raised over $6,100. LS Colangelo Lauzon currently ranks first among participants in the national Navy Bike Ride fundraiser.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dave Morency, designated Commanding Officer Real Property Operations Unit (Quebec), Colonel Donald Henley, Commanding Officer Canadian Forces Real Property Operations Unit, and Lieutenant-Colonel Sammang Nith, outgoing Commanding Officer.

Photos: Cpl Katia Danis-Lemay –Imagery Saint-Jean

Major Steve Blais, designated Commander of the 2 Line Squadron, Master Warrant Officer Kristopher Gummer and Lieutenant-Colonel Alexandre Côté, respectively Sergeant Major and Commander of the 77 Line Regiment, and Major Reda Mesbahi-Amrani, outgoing Commander.

Photo : RMC Saint-Jean

August

Lieutenant-Colonel Dave Morency became the new Commanding Officer of the Real Property Operations Unit (Quebec) .The ceremony took place at Saint-Jean Garrison under the presidency of Colonel Donald Henley, Commander of the Canadian Forces Real Property Operations Group. LCol Morency succeeds Lieutenant-Colonel Sammang Nith.

change

command ceremony for the 2 Line Squadron took place in the Rheinmetall company building in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Major Reda Mesbahi-Amrani handed over command to Major Steve Blais in the presence of Lieutenant-Colonel Alexandre Côté, Commander of the 77 Line

Photo: courtoisy

Philippe Gagnon, Gabriel Fontaine, Leading Seaman Mikey Colangelo Lauzon and Benoit Larocque.

IT HAPPENED THIS SUMMER!

A CHINOOK IN SAINT-JEAN

On

During

Photos : CFLRS

its passage, the helicopter transported 170 people to the Farnham training site.

July 12, Saint-Jean Garrison was visited by a Chinook helicopter from the 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Petawawa. The squadron was conducting an exercise to qualify new pilots for domestic operations. Fifty officer cadets and naval cadets who were doing their Basic Military Officer Qualification at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School were able to travel by Chinook to the Farnham training site.

IT HAPPENED THIS SUMMER!

A VERY BUSY DAY CAMP

Some 128 children were registered this summer at the Plein Soleil day camp of the Recreation department of the Saint-Jean Garrison. Nine animators and a supervisor were on hand to welcome the children and entertain them. In addition to the many activities carried out on site, such as the dry ice workshop, the foam sword game, Laser Tag and crazy science, the children were treated to very interesting outings such as a visit to the Biodôme and the Montreal Insectarium.

IT WAS THE SAM SAUMIER GOLF OPEN

On Wednesday, August 3, the Sam Saumier Golf Open took place at the Farnham Golf Club. This tournament, which was in its 16th edition, was created to honor one of the members of the Association du Royal 22e Régiment Saint-Jeansur-Richelieu, Mr. Lionel (Sam) Saumier, who was greatly involved in within the organism. Some 75 players from across Quebec attended this activity.

6th EDITION OF THE MARIO MERCIER OPEN

On June 23, the 6th edition of the Mario Mercier Open took place at the Lotbinière golf club in Lévis. The event took place under the co-presidency of Brigadier General (retd) Gaston Côté and Master Warrant Officer (retd) Louis Blouin. Some 184 participants took part in the event, which ended with a hearty meal where everyone took the opportunity to discuss their prowess of the day. The winners this year are Étienne Aubé, Mathieu Barette, Kevin Paradis and Dany Goupil. For this edition, the organizers donated $2,610 to Soldier On and $500 to La Vigile.

The president of the Association des vétérans du Royal 22e Régiment Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Jean-Guy Bonneau, and the winners of the tournament: Pierre (Pete) Lessard, Mario Vigneault, Bruno Turcotte and Daniel Morin, representatives of the Saumier family: his grandson Ludger Saumier-Gaboriault, his daughter Nicole Saumier and his spouse Jacques Drouin.

GOODBYE, B-131!

Demolition work on building B-131, located near the Bernier Street gatehouse at the Saint-Jean Garrison, took place in August. Built in 1940, this building originally housed an arena. In 2002, following the dismantling of the ice and the stands, the building was converted into a physical training room for the military. The Personnel Support Programs team offered various sports workshops there. These services have been moved to the new sports centre (Fieldhouse) whose construction was completed in the spring.

Photo: courtoisy

Photo: courtesy

The winners of the 6th edition of the Mario Mercier Open.

Photo: archives

Photo: courtesy

CFLRS PROPERLY INSTILL THE VALUES OF THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES

| Yves Bélanger, Servir

Effectively transmitting the values of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to future soldiers and officers is one of the main objectives of the new Commandant of the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS), LieutenantColonel Chung Wong.

LCol Wong is the second member of the Royal Canadian Air Force to command the CFLRS, after Lieutenant-Colonel Guillaume Tremblay. He is particularly proud to be at the head of this institution in which he worked from 2010 to 2015. “I loved the years spent here and I hoped one day to come back and have the chance to hold the position of commander.”

He says that during his time at the CFLRS, he had the opportunity to work closely with the commanders in place, Lieutenant-Colonel Ross Ermel, Commander Michelaine Lahaie and Lieutenant-Colonel Dave Abboud. “They are the ones who trained me, who taught me to lead as I do now.”

HIS ENTRY INTO THE CAF

It was at the turn of the new millennium that the soldier chose to enlist. “I was attracted by the adventure aspect that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) offered me. After high school, I took the leap. I did my preparatory year at the Royal Military College (RMC) in Saint-Jean. Subsequently, I was trained at RMC of Canada, in Kingston.” LCol Wong studied mechanical engineering and became an aerospace engineer.

Interestingly, during his studies, he rubbed shoulders with Melissa Ramessar and Guillaume Tremblay, the two lieutenant-colonels who preceded him in command of the CFLRS. “We are all from the class of 2004 at RMC of Canada.” He adds that during his basic military qualification, he was in the same platoon as LCol Tremblay. “We were in the same pod,” he laughs. Never, at that time, would the three future officers have believed that one day they would take turns leading the CFLRS.

AFTER COVID-19

LCol Wong takes the reins of CFLRS after two years of downturns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “LCol Ramessar has not had it easy leading this institution for the past two years.” As the CAF high command wanted to increase candidate training to 6,000 a year, the pandemic raged. In the spring of 2020, the CFLRS had to close its doors for three months. Subsequently, it had to reduce the number of platoons trained at the same time in order to comply with health measures.

To overcome this constraint, the Basic military qualification (BMQ) has been decentralized. A few military bases across the country offered the training using the equipment and following the standards established by the CFLRS.

“The decentralized BMQ is still in place until March 31, 2023. Thereafter, we will assess the situation, but the goal is to bring all these formations back within our institution. This allows us to ensure that all new soldiers have received consistent training.”

By March 31, 2023, the CFLRS will have trained 4,500 candidates. “Our establishment has resumed its cruising speed over the past few weeks. Thus, in March 2024, we will be able to reach our objective of 6,100 candidates.”

This summer, 240 new instructors joined CFLRS. “All vacancies have been filled. This means that we have 550 instructors on duty in addition to a hundred civilian employees to provide the services offered to candidates who arrive with us.”

LCOL WONG'S OBJECTIVES

During his tenure, LCol Wong aims to achieve two main goals. “The first is to put everything in place so that the CFLRS can adequately accommodate 6,100 candidates per year from 2023, while keeping a good balance between the operational need, the well-being and the health of our members and their families. The arrival of additional instructors is a major asset to achieve this.”

The second objective set by the new commander is to instil good behavior and CAF values in future noncommissioned members and officers. “It is at our level that we must immediately set clear guidelines. Once you have a solid foundation, it's easier to avoid cases of sexual misconduct, to do this, it is first essential to ensure a change of culture within our unit", he concludes.

Commissionaires recognizes our value. Veterans have many more choices. We can apply our military skills, for example, in project management.

Lieutenant Colonel Chung Wong, Commandant of the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit school.

Photo CFLRS

MFRC

The new service offer of the youth sector of the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) focuses on the integration of young people. The activities will allow them to improve their physical and mental well-being, and to develop bonds. They will thus be better equipped to deal with the realities experienced by military families!

YOUTH COURSE

• Ready to be left alone - 9-13 years old

This is a course on the Zoom platform that teaches children aged 9 and over to make responsible choices and ensure their safety when they are alone at home. It will take place on December 3 and 4.

• Babysitters - 11-15 years old

This is a course on the Zoom platform that aims to prepare young people to become competent babysitters. It will take place on January 21 and 22, 2023.

INTEGRATION ACTIVITIES FOR TEENAGERS AGED 11-17 Upla by Arbraska

This is an activity to reconnect with nature, oneself and other young people from military families in the region. There will be a trail walk in the morning and the discovery of the brand new aerial course of Arbraska in the afternoon. Young people will be invited to jump from one adventure to another at Mont Saint-Grégoire on Saturday, October 1.

Information

Saint Jean

WELCOMING NEW YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 10 TO 17

This moment of sharing with young people newly arrived in the Montreal region will take place virtually on Zoom, Tuesday October 11 and November 15. The French sessions will take place at 4:00 p.m. and the English sessions at 5:00 p.m.

Registration deadline: the day before the session.

450 358-7099 # 6118 Saint-Hubert 450 462-8777 # 6824 valerie.morier@forces.gc.ca

Information and registration here

Spread the word. Share the savings. Sign up to win. The summer customer appreciation contest runs until September 30, 2022, so enter now and don’t miss out on your chance to win. Visit bmo.com/summercontest, scan the QR code, or visit any BMO branch across Canada.

| Valérie Morier, Youth Coordinator,

In the Reserve

BECOMING A SOLDIER WITHIN THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES

FAMILY

| Corporal Gregory Tselis

This summer, a new life began for nearly 160 candidates coming from across Quebec stepping into their first career course of Basic Military Qualification (BMQ). Taking place in the Primary Reserve Summer Individual Training Quarter (SITQ), BMQ courses were five weeks in length.

The SITQ is an annual training for Primary Reserves members. It allows them to become qualified within their

trade in order to become professional soldiers for their respective regiments. It also provides the flexibility required for members pursuing education and careers outside of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

New members learn the importance of team work, military ethos, and developing an esprit de corps, all of which are important building blocks in becoming a good soldier within the CAF. The BMQ course offers a diverse learning experience of practical and theoretical lessons, all designed to help enhance understanding of how the Canadian Military is structured as well as military law and the concept of unlimited liability.

Firearms safety as well as the five marksmanship were also included. These principles become their baseline of knowledge on how to handle a firearm throughout their entire military careers.

The final days of this course takes the new recruits into a tactical environment where they learn basic field craft, as well as how to navigate in unfamiliar terrain with a map and compass.

THE CORE OF COMBAT ARMS

| Corporal Gregory Tselis

From May to August, nearly 80 members of 34 Canadian Brigade Group who completed their Basic Military Qualification did their Infantry Developmental phase 1 (ID1) in Farnham to become a part of the core of combat arms team.

The ID1 course within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is the stage within their career where members learn the roles and responsibilities related to their trade. For example, an infantry soldier’s role within the CAF is to close with and engage the enemy. They are the Army’s primary combat fighters and the core of the combat arms roles. They work alongside the artillery, combat engin-

eers and armored soldiers.

The Individual Training Summer Trimester (ITST) is a period within the training year for the members of the Primary Reserves that allows them to become qualified within their trade in order to become professional soldiers. These members are stepping into one of the Military’s most physically and mentally demanding roles and will become experts in how to operate and maintain their C7A2 service rifle, the C9 light machine-gun, the C6 general purpose machine-gun and how to safely handle and use the M67 hand-grenades.

Finally, through practical and theory lessons, these soldiers are learning about the bread and butter of what it means to be infantry solider, like how to use camouflage, concealment, and assault and defense tactics.

Photos : 34 GBC

Courses ran from May to July. They were held in Saint-Hubert and Farnham.

The work of an infantry soldier normally takes place outdoors in challenging terrain in order to provide the most immersive and high quality learning experience possible.

CHOOSE A SUSTAINABLE MODE OF TRANSPORT

| Yves Bélanger, Servir

From September 19 to 25, CAF members and civilian employees of the Defence working at the Montreal Garrison and the Saint-Hubert site are invited

to participate in the Without your Car Challenge.

Captain Martin Pilote, coordinator of the Saint-Hubert detachment, explains that this activity is an opportunity for participants to discover sustainable mobility or to become ambassadors for their mode of sustainable transportation with their colleagues. “This can be done by using, among other things, public transport or even teleworking. Walking and biking are also great ways to get involved.”

The officer, who is also co-chairman of the Sustainable Mobility Committee, underlines that it is still difficult to con-

DISCOVER THE ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE SAINT-JEAN

Do you have young people considering a military career? The Royal Military College Saint-Jean will hold its next open house on October 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This institution offers state-of-the-art college and university training, a unique sports program, a fully subsidized and remunerated education as well as the opportunity to develop leadership skills in a bilingual environment.

vince the diehards of the automobile to change mode of transport. “Despite the traffic jams caused by the work in the L-H-Lafontaine tunnel, people persist in using their cars to come to work. These few days of challenge will allow them to discover sustainable modes of transport.”

TAKE THE CHALLENGE!

The Without your Car Challenge is a friendly competition between Quebec companies and institutions. This free activity was initiated 12 years ago in Quebec. Join the Defence team!

Cycling is one of the means of transportation offered as part of the Without your Car Challenge.

Information

Get involved! The code for military and defense employees is MDN5034.

During the event, visitors will be able to:

• learn about sports teams

• visit the various clubs and enter a unique social universe

• meet the staff and teachers

• take part in hands-on lab workshops

• find answers to all their questions about recruiting for the Canadian Armed Forces

• take a campus tour

• discover the study programs offered

• meet young leaders like them

• visit the library, classrooms and residences.

• demystifying the wide range of guaranteed jobs after graduation

Information : ol-cmrsj@cmrsj-rmcsj.ca or 1-844-842-2008 option 1

Information

Virtual visit

INTERNSHIPS, A PROFITABLE WORK EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE!

| Yves Bélanger, Servir

The Personnel Support Programs (PSP) in the Montreal region regularly welcome trainees in kinesiology to their teams of fitness and sports instructors. Servir newspaper met Jérémy Turmel and Jérémy Blier, two students from the Université de Sherbrooke who spent the summer at the Saint-Jean Garrison.

The two future physical training specialists mention that their internship at the Saint-Jean Garrison was the last they had to do by the end of their studies scheduled for December. “When I saw the possibilities of work within the military community, I immediately found the idea interesting,” explains Jérémy Turmel.

Jérémy Blier had the same reaction. “It was very different from other courses. Having the chance to work in a supervised and disciplined environment like that of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) allows you to seek additional experience.”

The two students admit to having been touched by the welcome they received as soon as they arrived on the job. “It's a very welcoming environment. Jérémy and I never felt that we were treated differently because we were interns,” says Jérémy Turmel.

As for the work environment in which they evolved, the interns have only good

words. “It’s very pleasant to do our job in such a big team. The atmosphere was really good,” says Jérémy Blier.

TAKING THEIR PLACE

The biggest challenge for both students was adapting to the military context. “It's a different structure. We did not know the concept of a chain of command. In addition, we did not have a lot of experience in managing large groups,” says Jérémy Turmel.

They therefore learned ways to intervene with the groups of candidates to the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, the main clients of the PSP personnel of the Saint-Jean Garrison. “It allowed us to develop our self-confidence even more, which is very beneficial,” says Jérémy Blier.

A PLUS FOR THE ORGANIZATION

The main supervisor of the two trainees, Maxime Bonneau Saint-Laurent, fitness and sports instructor, was very satisfied

with the work they accomplished during the 13 weeks spent with the PSP team at Saint-Jean Garrison. “It was very pleasant to work alongside them. They quickly managed to integrate into the team.”

Alexandre Lévesque-Allaire, also a fitness and sports instructor at the SaintJean Garrison, maintains that receiving interns on a regular basis allows PSP to be known outside the military community. “Not everyone is aware that the profession of kinesiologist can be practiced with members of the CAF.”

He adds that the interns help a lot with the regular operations of the PSPs. “In addition, they allow us to organize more different activities than in normal times.”

He concludes by recalling that welcoming interns is an excellent way to ensure staff succession. On this subject, Jérémy Blier and Jérémy Turmel confirm that they intend to apply for a job with the PSP team once they have obtained their diploma.

Suicide prevention A WALK AND A CONFERENCE ON THE MENU

| Yves Bélanger, Servir

World Suicide Prevention Day, held annually on September 10, was celebrated at Montreal Garrison on September 8.

Carl Coicou, Health Promotion specialist at the Montreal Garrison, is the instigator of the Walk for Hope in which about thirty civilian employees and CAF members took part. “I felt like making a move and inviting people to follow me.”

He is very satisfied with the number of participants. “Since it was a first experience, I had no idea how many people would accept my invitation.”

Major Alykhan Alibhai, Deputy Commander of the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group Operations Services, along with Captain Willem Dallaire, from 2nd Canadian Division Headquarters and Joint Task Force (East), made a speech before the beginning of the march. “Among other things, they recalled that suicide is a preventable cause of death and that to do this, it is essential to use prevention strategies.”

The same day, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., several people attended the conference given by Colonel Carol Potvin, Commander of 2 Wing Bagotville. The latter testified on the repercussions of suicide in the workplace, the role of leadership in suicide prevention and how to find your bearings following a suicide in the workplace.

It was the 20th edition of World Suicide Prevention Day. The event was celebrated around the world under the theme Creating Hope Through Action.

Photo: courtesy

The participants walked around the Montreal Garrison.

Photos : Yves Bélanger

Jérémy Turmel, PSP intern at Saint-Jean Garrison. Jérémy Blier, PSP intern at Saint-Jean Garrison

Maxime Bonneau Saint-Laurent, fitness and sports instructor, was primarily responsible for the two interns.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH?

| Étienne-David Fortin, Specialist, Health Promotion

You eat well, you accumulate 150 minutes of physical activity per week (moderate to vigorous intensity), you sleep 7 to 8 hours per day and you meet the guidelines for lowrisk alcohol consumption. Despite all of this, are you wondering what more you could do to improve your health or prevent the risk of chronic disease?

I want to assure you, you are on the right track! Here are some avenues to explore to maintain or improve your well-being.

PLAY!

No matter the game, alone or in a group, take the time to find your child's heart and play. Redeem a box of Lego, a GI Joe, a Barbie or a Monopoly board game! The goal is to rediscover the pure pleasure of your childhood.

Make room for games in your schedule. You will reap benefits on your mood and mental health. If you have fun, you'll have reached the goal. The important thing to remember is that there is no age to play!

LET YOUR MIND WANDER

A study from the University of Tübingen, Germany, asked a group of participants to let their minds wander for 20 minutes a day. To their surprise, the participants enjoyed the exercise and realized that they were more creative and improved their problem-solving skills.

So take the time to look out the window and drift into a daydream or just let your thoughts come and go.

WALK BAREFOOT

Of course, we are doing this exercise in a safe context. Take off your shoes and walk barefoot at home, on the lawn, in the sand, on the ground... Walking barefoot helps your posture, helps strengthen the muscles of your feet and ankles, and can give you the same effects than a foot massage. In addition, you reconnect with nature, which can only be beneficial.

DO NOT BE TOO RIGID IN YOUR HABITS

You do not have to follow all the health instructions at all times.

Taking care of your health must be done with kindness and pleasure. Do not hesitate to deviate from your habits momentarily!

AIM FOR WELL-BEING

The World Health Organization defines health as follows: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

So no matter what healthy habits you adopt, if you feel a state of well-being, you're on the right track!

THE PATRIOTES DEFEATED AT THE REGIONAL SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

| Yves Bélanger, Servir

The Valcartier Lions won 4-3 in a shootout against the Patriotes in the men's final of the Canadian Forces Regional Soccer Championship held at the Saint-Jean Garrison from August 30 to September 2. On the women's side, the Ottawa Nationals defeated the Patriotes 6-1 (three-game aggregate).

The final men's game was a heated battle between the teams from Montreal and Valcartier. At the end of the second half, the score was 1-1. Two extensions of 15 minutes each followed. No goals were scored for either side. The teams therefore had to face each other in a shootout which ended in favour of the Lions

THE WOMEN'S TEAM

Only two women’s teams, Les Patriotes and The Nationals, were entered in the regional championship. It is therefore by a cumulative score of three games that the victory was granted to the Ottawa team.

A PLEASANT RETURN FROM SPORTS

Claudie Bussières, military sports

coordinator for the Montreal region, is very satisfied with the progress of the championship. “We didn't have it easy with the weather. High humidity, rain and cold day followed. On the other hand, everyone was happy to participate in this event.”

She mentions that the CAF members were very happy to be able to practise a team sport again. “It was also good to see people active on our field again after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

THE BEST PLAYERS

Here is the list of players who have been most useful to their team.

MEN

Les Patriotes (Montreal)

Sergeant Alex Sanchez-Groleau

The Nationals (Ottawa)

Corporal Patrick Camara Pacheco

Bagotville

Master Corporal Jorge Trujillo-Rodriguez

Les Lions (Valcartier)

Corporal Maxime Haché

WOMEN

Les Patriotes (Montreal)

Captain Marie-Pierre Dion

The Nationals (Ottawa)

Major Kim O'Rourke

Photos: Cpl Katia Danis-Lemay –Imagery Saint-Jean

The Patriotes men's soccer team.

The Lions de Valcartier soccer team.

The Patriotes women's soccer team.

The Patriotes (women) in one of the games against The Nationals.

A snapshot captured during the game between The Nationals and Bagotville.

A thrilling final game between Les Patriotes and the Valcartier Lions.

of Bruce Lee and Jean-Claude Van Damme. So I decided to take karate lessons”. Today, MCpl Musubao Mupiri has thirty years of experience as a karateka.

HAS BEEN PRACTISING KARATE FOR 30 YEARS!

| Yves Bélanger, Servir

Master Corporal Michel Musubao Mupiri is an instructor at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School.

This summer, he finished in fifth place in the +84 kg category at the Canadian Karate Championships held in Saint John's, Newfoundland. He talks about his career and his future sporting projects.

Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, he says that he began to take an interest in karate at a young age. “I was passionate about the films

He maintains that the discipline and the relationship between him and the trainer (sensei) immediately appealed to him in this discipline. “It was like a new family to me.” He goes on to add that the joy of setting goals and achieving them served him well during his teenage years. “Karate also allowed me to develop good self-confidence.”

COACHING

MCpl Musubao Mupiri trains every day to maintain the physical fitness and agility necessary to practise his sport. “I do karate about three times a week. The other days, I go running or I practise some sporting activity.”

For his karate training, he is supported by his coach, Dr. Btissama Essadiqi. “She is a former Canadian karate champion and also a cardiologist at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke I consider myself very pampered since she devotes a lot of her time to me.”

NEXT COMPETITIONS

Holder of a black belt, MCpl Musubao

Mupiri intends to try his luck again next year at the Canadian Championships. “I came very close to finishing with a medal in my pocket. Currently, I am the best in Quebec in the +84 kg. So I will put everything in place to win gold in Canada in 2023.”

In the meantime, he continues to train for various competitions that will take place during the year. “Usually, I participate annually in about fifteen major competitions. This allows me to accumulate points and improve my ranking at the world level.”

Photo: Bill Ng

Master Corporal Michel Musubao Mupiri (left) during the Canadian Karate Championship.

Military sports

OUR SLOW-PITCH TEAMS LOST IN BAGOTVILLE

| Yves Bélanger, Servir

From August 22 to 25, the Patriotes men's and women's slow-pitch teams were in Bagotville for the Canadian Forces Regional Championship.

The men's team lost 12-4 in the semifinal against the Bagotville team.

Master Corporal Alexandre Grenier, of the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS), was among the Patriotes players. He explains that the team from the Montreal region had few expectations for this championship.

“We formed the team at the last minute

due to COVID-19, we were unsure if there would be a resumption of military sports.”

In addition, slow-pitch was removed from the list of military sports for several years. “With the transfers and the cancellation of this sport in the previous years, we had lost all the players of the team. So we almost had to start from scratch this year. We have a team of 12 players in which eight players are new. It is for this reason that we went to Bagotville in order to gain experience and have fun.”

Captain Sébastien Campeau, of the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Eastern),

received the award for most valuable player to the Patriotes team.

THE WOMEN’S TEAM

The Patriotes women's team was defeated in the three games it played.

Master Corporal Andrée-Anne Rochette, an instructor at CFLRS, was drafted by Les Lionnes de Valcartier to represent the Quebec region at the national championship which will take place from September 19 to 23 in Edmonton.

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Patriotes women's team.

Master Corporal Andrée Anne Rochette, from the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, was drafted by the Valcartier team for the Canadian Forces National Slow-Pitch Championship.

Patriotes men's team.

Photos: Imagery Bagotville

Captain Jessica-Frances Italia, from the 1st Dental Unit - Detachment Saint-Jean, was among the Patriotes' slow-pitch players.

Lieutenant-Commander Éric Bolduc, from Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Donnacona.

THE PSP OFFER YOU…

A duo obstacle course will take place at Montreal Garrison on Thursday, October 6, 2022. The activity is intended for CAF members, civilian employees of the Defence (public service and non-public funds).

The event will allow you to have a dynamic day, while promoting teamwork. It pro poses as a goal to solve the mystery surrounding the PSP team.

Registration

This fall, the Montreal Garrison sports centre is offering yoga (Wednesday, at noon) and spinning (Tuesday, at noon) classes, in addition to bootcamp sessions (Monday and Thursday, at noon).

Classes will begin on September 19 and to take part, everyone must register in advance. Classes are offered to CAF members as well as all PSP membership card holders.

Information: 514-252-2777, extension 2752, or SvcOpsPSPLonguePointe@forces.gc.ca

The various services are accessible to CAF members, civilian employees of Defence (public service and non-public funds) and residents of the region, according to certain conditions.

Want to obtain the PSP membership card? Come and get it at the sports centre of the Saint-Jean Garrison or by phone at 450-358-7099, extension 7262.

To download the programming

ARMY RUN: REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE CAF MEMBERS

This year, the Army run will take place on November 6 in Ottawa. Three circuits are possible, 5 km, 10 km or the combination. However, it was possible to participate in the race virtually until November 7.

In an effort to encourage physical activity within the military community, the Non-Public Property Steering Committee will provide reimbursement of a portion of the registration fees for CAF members and their family members. This amount will be determined based on the number of people who have applied, no later than November 30, 2022.

The following people are eligible:

• CAF members (Regular Force and Reserve) full-time

• Class A military (must be PSP membership card holder)

• An immediate family member of an eligible military member (must hold PSP membership card and show proof of residency)

Eligibility criteria:

• Present proof of payment for the registration fee

• Present a receipt in good and due form (bank statement and credit card not accepted)

• Present official proof of participation (results)

Requests must be sent once the race has been completed. Any request received before this date will be refused. Refunds will be made by check within 30 business days or by bank deposits.

Please complete your application and send it to marie-josee.bouchard2@forces.gc.ca

The Personnel Support Programs team in the Montreal region offers a wide range of services to members of the military community. Enjoy!

GROUP CLASSES - MONTREAL GARRISON

WANTED : ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS

| Yves Bélanger, Servir

It's time for the CAF members to join the Montreal Region Intramural Hockey League for the 2021-2022 season.

Claudie Bussières, military sports coordinator, explains that CAF members can join one of the four teams currently formed: Les Trappeurs/CFLRS 1, Les Castors, CFLRS 2 as well as Technical Services/RMC/other units. “Matches are expected to start at the beginning of October.”

All games will be played on the ice of

the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, Mondays and Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Interested members are invited to communicate directly with one of the four team captains at the following addresses:

• Trappeurs/CFLRS 1: Sergeant Marc-André Bergeron at Marc-Andre. Bergeron@forces.gc.ca

• Castors: Warrant Officer Étienne Girard at Etienne.Girard@forces.gc.ca

• CFLRS: Lieutenant (Navy) Raymond Parent at Raymond.parent2@forces. gc.ca

• Technical Svc/RMC/other units: Sergeant Dominic Allard at Dominic. Allard4@forces.gc.ca

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