ESTRIE MILITARY FAMILIES HAVE A GOOD TIME THANKS TO THE MFRC
Catherine Sévigny, Service Promotion Officer, MFRC
Over the past few weeks, the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) has offered Estrie military families two activities: a hike in the Mont-Orford national parc for teenagers aged 11 to 17 and a apple picking activity at La Pommalbonne orchard in Compton. The young participants in the hike activity were able to enjoy the beach,
pedal boating and paddle boarding. They shared a good meal and were able to discuss their reality as young people from military families in order to create new ties. Apple picking activity was an opportunity for families to have fun while meeting other families from the military community.
These days of activities also aimed to present the various services of the MFRC. The young people were thus able to discover opportunities to meet, in
particular during the exchange sessions between young people already settled in the region and newcomers. For their part, adults were able to familiarize themselves with the early reading program for 0 to 5 year olds or homework help. The prevention, support and intervention sector did not fail to present the services offered by its professionals.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
To find out about upcoming activities,
visit the MFRC portal. The next program will be released in mid-December.
INFORMATION
catherine.sevigny2@forces.gc.ca 450-358-7099 # 2349
The Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) has established the Child Care Primary Office.
PRINT : digital edition only
EDITOR : Col Serge Ménard
2 Cdn Div Support Group Commander
MILITARY ADVISORS :
• Capt Steve Comeau
450-358-7099 ext. 6570 steve.comeau@forces.gc.ca
• Capt Frédéric Thouin
514-252-2777 ext. 4530 frederic.thouin717@forces.gc.ca
Its temporary team begins to analyze the current and future needs of military families in terms of childcare services. By answering their survey, you can help them help you!
In order to develop possible solutions and recommendations to address the challenges related to the accessibility of these services, the team hopes to gather information from military families.
Vol. 28/No 17 October 26, 2022
• Claude Tourville 514 252-2777 # 4993 claude.tourville@forces.gc.ca
By sharing your ideas, comments and feedback, you will help the team define a strategy.
It will take you approximately 5-10 minutes to answer the questions. The information collected will remain strictly confidential and anonymous, and will only be used for the purpose of designing a childcare strategy.
Saint-Jean Garrison, office K-125, PO Box 100, Station bureau-chef Richelain QC J0J 1R0 T. 450-358-7099 ext.6346 servir@forces.gc.ca • journalservir.com • Servir
MANAGER : Guylaine Fortin 450-358-7099 ext. 7426 • guylaine.fortin@forces.gc.ca
JOURNALIST : Yves Bélanger 450-358-7099 ext. 7330 • yves.belanger@forces.gc.ca
GRAPHIC DESIGNER : Mathilde Pouille
ADVERTISING, SUBSCRIPTION AND CLASSIFIED : Bélinda Raîche, 450-358-7099 ext. 6346 • belinda.raiche@forces.gc.ca
TRANSLATION : Google
ISSN 0384-0417
The articles published in this newspaper are the property of Servir and cannot be published, used or reproduced without the permission of the editor in chief or author.
The Otalvaro Duarte family poses with humor after a busy day of activities: observation tower, apple picking, farmhouse and family tractor ride.
The group of young people aged 11 to 17 are getting ready to start their hike to the Fer-De-Lance pond.
HIGH HONORS FOR
HMCS DONNACONA
Acting Sub-Lieutenant Olivia Nguonly, Public Affairs Officer, HMCS Donnacona
A big surprise awaited the crew of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Donnacona on September 24. Commodore Pat Montgomery, Commander of Canada's Naval Reserve, was on hand to present the Commodore's Cup, an award presented for the first time in 2016 to recognize the division that has achieved the highest standards in many respects.
Winners of the 2021-2022 edition, the 350 reservists who work in the Montreal unit stood out for several reasons: their contribution to domestic operations and support abroad, their outreach to the community, their impressive level of development and their outstanding leadership.
In addition, despite the current recruiting challenges in the Canadian Forces, HMCS Donnacona has managed to
enroll the largest complement of sailors in the entire Naval Reserve. Bravo Zulu to all members of this unit for their unparalleled teamwork!
Facebook page HMCS Donnacona
From left to right: Lieutenant-Commander Xavier Joly, Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Isabelle Proulx, Commander Gareth Jarvis and Lieutenant-Commander Louis-Phillippe Trudel.
A great pride for all the crew members!
A DAY TO TO CELEBRATE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Sports Day was celebrated on October 19 at the Saint-Jean Garrison and the following day at the Montreal Garrison and the Royal Military College Saint-Jean.
We all know that sport is good for our health. And when you practice it in a good mood, it is even more
beneficial! For the past 10 years, the Personnel Support Programs have been offering a variety of activities, accessible to all, on this day.
"Some people choose to practice an activity they know and enjoy. Others take the opportunity to try a new discipline or challenge themselves," says Claudie Bussière, military sports coordinator at the Saint-Jean Garrison. "The important thing for us is to give people another chance to play sports and have fun! The proof is that the participants of the functional training competition loved their experience and that, at their request, we will organize a new competition in the coming months."
1 | Officer cadets and Naval cadets took part in the functional training competition (intermediate category) at the Saint-Jean Garrison.
2 | PSP formed a team to compete in the functional training competition at the Saint-Jean Garrison. They competed against other participants in the advanced category.
3 | Badminton was one of the activities offered at the Saint-Jean Garrison.
4 | At the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, a ball hockey game was held.
5 | At the Saint-Jean Garrison, participants had the opportunity to try climbing on the palestra wall.
6 | Spinning classes were offered at the Montreal Garrison.
7 | The training circuit is always popular at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean.
8 | Participants from the Montreal Garrison.
9 | Participants in the dodgeball game at the Montreal Garrison.
10 | At the Saint-Jean Garrison, participants of the functional training competition (intermediate category) in action.
• MCpl Dominic Duchesne-Beaulieu – Imagery QG
• Cpl Katia Danis-Lemay – Imagery Saint-Jean
• MRC Saint-Jean
A RESPONSIBLE LEVEL OF PREPAREDNESS
Captain Frédéric Thouin, Public Affairs Officer - Montreal Garrison, 2 CDSG
In today's global environment where the threat level can escalate rapidly, it is important to have a heightened level of vigilance and preparedness with respect to security posture. That is why, on an annual basis, the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group (2 CDSG) is required to conduct Exercise BASTION VERROUILLÉ to test the readiness of personnel.
In fact, the members of the National Defence team from the Montreal Garrison faced a simulation with an actor representing a critical situation on October 12. This event allowed them to see the effectiveness of the system in place and to analyze its shortcomings with a view to improving the procedures to be followed during a critical incident. In addition, the municipal police force participated in the exercise, which greatly contributed to the cohesion between our services and increased the level of
preparation of the intervention teams in the event of a real critical incident.
In short, this simulation demonstrated that Montreal Garrison personnel understand the containment procedures in place during a critical incident. But there is always room for improvement. That's why it's important to conduct this type of exercise year after year.
DURING A CRITICAL INCIDENT…
Keep in mind:
Don’t:
• Yell and panic;
• Remain silent and calm;
• Quickly close off access to the building to optimize time to hide.
• Try to be the hero of the situation.
• Set up crew : part time • Cook : full time/part time
• Assistant cook : permanent full time
• Maître d’hôtel : permanent full time
The actor who impersonated the assailant is arrested by the Military Police.
The actor who personified the assailant simulates the attack of a CAF member.
Your awards have not been published? They will be in a
Would you like to send us your awards? Write to servir@forces.gc.ca
Account.
BMO recognizes the strength behind the uniform. That’s why we also offer your spouse, immediate family members and friends in the Canadian Defence Community the same exclusive no monthly fee banking offer1 that you enjoy. Plus, if they open an account between June 13 and September 30, 2022, they will automatically be entered into our customer appreciation contest.2
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
Captain Mélanie Desmarais Canadian Forces' Decoration for 12 years of service
PROTECTING OUR TRAINING AREAS
Captain Philip Rochon, Public Affairs Officer, 2 CDSG
Each year, millions of hectares of Canadian territory are threatened by forest fires, whether caused by natural or human causes. Canada's military training areas are not immune to blazes which, although mostly minor, can turn into major fires affecting not only our areas, but also neighbouring regions. Members of the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group (2 CDSG) have been trained for this purpose.
IN SEARCH OF HIS ANCESTORS
Yves Bélanger, Servir
Over the past few decades, Major (retired) Claude Archambault has undertaken the search for his ancestors. This hobby, in addition to his collection of coins, occupies a good part of his retirement.
The veteran maintains that he has been doing this genealogical research for about thirty years. “It all started when I was still active in the Canadian Armed Forces. One day, I received a message from the Association des Archambault d’Amérique which had just been created. So I accepted the invitation to join this association.”
In his spare time, he therefore took
It is with this in mind that a training agreement was signed with the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU), a non-profit organization that brings together various government and private forest services with the aim of protecting our forests from fire.
From September 19th to 23rd, a total of 30 people from the Valcartier and Farnham Range Control and Fire Departments took part in internationally recognized training in forest firefighting. Staff then acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to more effectively prevent, control and fight fires in our training areas.
The training covered a variety of topics, from the causes and prevention of fires, to forest firefighting equipment and the optimal use of this equipment in the field.
CHAPLAIN SERVICES THAT REPRESENT ALL MEMBERS!
Captain Marie-Claire Khadij, Chaplain
A new tradition is now being represented within the Canadian Armed Forces’ chaplain services. Can you guess what it is?
Let’s start by remembering that CAF chaplains serve all members, regardless of their beliefs, genders, orientations, etc. You will receive the same welcoming smile and high-quality services no matter which chaplain you visit.
In addition, chaplains are specialists in their own traditions, and offer services
steps to reconstruct his family tree. “It was there that I discovered that the first Archambault of my line to land on the American continent was Jacques Archambault. He arrived here in 1645.”
While on deployment in Europe in 1990, Maj (retd) Archambault decided to go to Larochelle, France. “I took the opportunity to go to this region which is the cradle of my ancestors and to make contact with the Archambault of Europe. This allowed me to go further in my research.”
Throughout his quest, the veteran says he was impressed by the different members of his family and the variety of their jobs. “That's when you realize that it takes all kinds of people to make a world. I discovered that there were, among others, carpenters, church builders, wine merchants and stonemasons.”
The ex CAF member even learned that a certain Archambault appearing in his family tree had been a jester to the King
To date, Valcartier's training areas have experienced more than 20 fires in 2022, regardless of the safety instructions and protective measures in place. This training will further enable our members to identify conditions that increase fire risk and provide valuable recommendations for mitigating those threats.
We have a collective responsibility to properly look after the training areas. This training will contribute to maintaining an optimal space for the training of future generations of Canadian soldiers.
specifically in their tradition when requested by members.
Approximately 40% of CAF members do not identify with a religion. Do you consider yourself an atheist, an agnostic, or simply a non-theist? If so, you now have a chaplain who can provide you with services that align with your world vision! I have the privilege of being the first humanist chaplain in the CAF.
Humanism is an outlook based on human rights, science, compassion and human dignity. It is a secular philosophy that says that human beings have the responsibility to give meaning to their own lives. As a humanist chaplain, I can perform all sorts of ceremonies, including marriages, naming celebrations for new babies, a celebration for a transgender person who is changing their name, funerals, etc.
Some may wonder how a chaplain can be non-religious. Well, the CAF define spirituality as a search for meaning
of France. “I also had one who was a smuggler,” he laughs.
Maj (retd) Archambault is very happy to have been able to trace where he comes from. “For me, this represents a profound meaning. It’s exciting to know where we come from.” His son is also very proud of the work he has done. “He asked me to pass all this on to him when I leave this world.”
For this veteran, genealogy has been a great way to occupy his free time. “I divide my time between this hobby and my passion for coins. I have been a numismatist for many years.”
He ends by inviting people who would like to discover their roots to search the internet for the association linked to their surname. “There are also websites like Ancestry, which make it easy to trace our family members who came before us.”
and our values, our life goals, etc. With this definition, it can be said that we all have a spiritual dimension, and spiritual needs deserve chaplaincy services, even for atheists, agnostics and non-theists. I encourage you to share your spiritual needs with your chaplains. And if your worldview is in keeping with humanism, contact me on the bilingual Facebook page Military Humanists - CanadaMilitaires humanistes or send me an email at marie-claire.khadij@forces.gc.ca to receive news on a monthly basis. The CAF’s chaplain services are becoming ever more diverse to ensure that all CAF members are represented. What wonderful news to celebrate!
At the time of going online, Servir learned with regret of the death of Major Claude Archambault, which occurred on October 18. We offer our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. We will remember.
The participants learned how to make optimal use of the different equipment.
Page Facebook Military Humanists - CanadaMilitaires humanistes
Photo: courtesy
Photo: courtesy
Captain Marie-Claire Khadij is a humanist military chaplain.
Photos:
Pte Kareen Brochu-Harvey, Valcartier Imagery
YOUR DONATIONS BENEFIT MANY
PEOPLE!
Yves Bélanger, Servir
As part of the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC), Servir presents an interview with MarieÈve Simard. As a child, she learned that her mother had multiple sclerosis (MS). Today, she is Director of Marketing and Communications at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Quebec Division. She explains how this organization helps the sick and their loved ones.
Mrs. Simard was 7 years old when her mother began to fall regularly. “At first, she thought she was losing her balance. After several falls, she decided to consult her doctor.” That's when the diagnosis hit and the family felt like the rug was being pulled from under them. "We were literally in shock. We knew my mother's situation was only going to get worse over the years.”
At first, Mrs. Simard, like the rest of her family, knew nothing about this disease. It was the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada that allowed her to understand what her mother was suffering from and to demystify the disease. “In addition to learning more about the subject, the organization allowed me to meet young people who, like me, had a parent suffering from this disease.”
PORTRAIT OF MULTIPLE
SCLEROSIS
MS is a chronic autoimmune disease targeting the central nervous system. Since this system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, the disease
can lead to impaired vision, memory, balance, and mobility. “It is considered an episodic disease, that is to say that it is characterized by the occurrence of disabling disorders whose severity and duration vary and which are often followed by phases of remission.” It can also present itself in a progressive form.
Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with more than 90,000 people affected. “People living in the Nordic countries are the most affected.” This disease usually develops between the ages of 20 and 50, and mainly affects women. “Only a third of those affected are men.”
MS can manifest with symptoms such as extreme fatigue, incoordination, weakness, tingling as well as disturbances in sensation, vision, bladder, cognitive function, in addition to changes in mood.
Ms. Simard explains that MS has several repercussions on people with MS. “At first, my mother could move around with a cane, but over the years she had to give up her job because it became more and more difficult to move around.” This causes significant financial losses. The disease also has physical and emotional repercussions.
DONATE TO NDWCC
PROFESSIONAL FAMILY PHOTOS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The weekend of November 19 and 20, the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School will be hosting photo shoots for interested families. It will cost $15 for the session and the photos in electronic format (high resolution) will then be sent to you by email. The activity will take place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Patriote mess of the Saint-Jean Garrison.
To book a session and make your payment, please contact Christine Geoffrion at 450-358-7099 # 6798
THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY OF CANADA
This organization offers various programs to help people with the disease take good care and deal with it. “At times people come up against the challenges of multiple sclerosis. Thanks to the support offered by our organization, they are no longer alone in overcoming them.”
HOPE
Currently, there is no cure for MS. “However, researchers are learning more every day about the causes of this disease and are closer than ever to finding
ways to counter it.”
Ms. Simard says research has found a drug by injection that slows down degeneration. “We are confident that one day research will eradicate this disease.”
Today, Marie-Ève Simard's mother is 56 years old. “She still lives alone in housing. She uses a wheelchair, but she is still mobile. She can, therefore, for example, get up to cook. It is the advancement of research that allows this.”
WANT TO GIVE?
The NDWCC will run until December 9. You can financially support HealthPartners, Centraide of Greater Montreal (or any other United Way in Canada) or any registered Canadian charity.
The objective to be reached for the Saint-Jean and Montreal Garrisons is $ 220,000.
Marie-Ève Simard did a presentation at Saint-Jean Garrison at the launch of the NDWCC.
Photo: Cpl Katia Danis-Lemay –Imagery Saint-Jean
THE LHIRM SEASON IS ON!
On October 6, the Montreal Region Interunit Hockey League (familiarly known as LHIRM) began its season on the ice of Royal Military College SaintJean.
The CFLRS team faced the Trappeurs. It was the Trappeurs who won the match with the score of 9 to 6.
To follow the team ranking
AN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE FOR MAXIME BROUILLARD
On October 2, Maxime Brouillard, health promotion specialist at SaintJean Garrison, took part in the P’tit Train du Nord Marathon. A seasoned runner,
he finished the marathon event with a time of 02:39:02, almost a minute less than the goal he had set for himself.
This time allowed him to rank second among men aged 40 to 49 and in 6th place out of the 1,751 participants.
“I have been training for running since 2015. I did the Ottawa marathon, the Boston marathon, and the P’tit train du nord four times. This is my best performance ever! I improved my time by almost five minutes compared to last year,” said this employee of the Personnel Support
Programs.
“I train 12 months a year, 10 to 15 hours a week. I am proud because I manage to perform well while maintaining a good balance in life. I would like to thank my spouse, Estelle Auger, Employment and Education Coordinator at the Military Family Resource Centre, who supports me in my sports practice. A good part of my success is due to her! Of course, I like to perform, but I also like the mental well-being that running gives me. Everything is better after running!”
DECORATE YOUR PMQ
On the occasion of Halloween, the Canadian Forces Housing Agency and the Military Family Resource Centre invite you to decorate your private married quarter (PMQ) and vote for the best decorations in the neighbourhood.
There will be gifts for the three most beautiful decorations and a favourite prize will be awarded by… a panel of friendly vampires! Photos of the winning houses will be published in the next edition of Servir.
To vote, go to the Loft (40, rue La Vérendrye) between October 17 and 31 and write on a coupon the address where you saw the most beautiful decorations. You are allowed to vote only once. Do not cheat! They are zombies who are in charge of maintaining order!
Information: 438-324-0611
OF
On Friday, October 28, at 8 p.m., disguise yourself and attend the Halloween concert by the Fusiliers Mont-Royal band.
The ensemble will be directed by Major Pierre Leblanc, musical director, and Warrant Officer Jean-Philippe Magny, assistant director. The activity is free, there will be bar service and the doors will open at 7:30 p.m. The armoury is located at 3721, avenue Henri-Julien, in Montreal.
Maxime Brouillard.
Photo: courtesy
The official face-off. From left to right: Sergeant Marc-André Bergeron of the CFLRS team, Claudie Bussières, military sports coordinator, and Lieutenant (Navy) Raymond Parent of the Trappeurs
Photo:
THE PSP OFFER YOU…
THE PERSONNEL SUPPORT PROGRAMS TEAM IN THE MONTREAL REGION OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES TO MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY COMMUNITY. ENJOY!
SAINT-JEAN GARRISON – RENTAL OF SPORTS FACILITIES
Did you know that it is possible to rent the palestra, the gymnasium or the outdoor facilities to practise your favourite activities with your family and friends? The sports centre offers this possibility to both individuals and organizations. It is not necessary to be a member of the PSP Plan!
Whether you want to have access to a pickleball court once in a while, a basketball court every week, or you want to organize a volleyball tournament during a weekend, we can help you!
Information: 450 358-7099 # 7227
SAINT-JEAN GARRISON – TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CLIMBING WALL
The sports centre has a climbing wall that is 33 feet high and 53 feet wide. Located in the palestra, it offers 12 climbing routes that will satisfy beginners as well as seasoned climbers!
People holding accreditation for our climbing wall can book a training period by calling 450-358-7099, extension 7262. (To obtain your accreditation, contact the recreation coordinator at 450-358-7099, 7261).
The sports centre also offers introductory climbing sessions for young and old.
Information and appointments: 450 358-7099 # 7262
SAINT-JEAN GARRISON – JOIN THE RECREATION TEAM!
The recreation team is always looking for dynamic people who want to make a difference for members of the military community.
If you have experience in customer service or animation, if you are a specialist in aquatic activities, outdoor activities or have specific qualifications to teach certain courses, we would like to meet you!
Information: 450-358-7099 # 7262
RV PARKING
Winter is upon us and we can provide you with a safe place to park your RV. Spaces are available at the Montreal Garrison or the Farnham site!
RENT YOUR EQUIPMENT FOR WINTER SPORTS
As of November 1, the sports and outdoor stores of the Saint-Jean and Montreal garrisons will begin to rent winter sport equipment for short and long-term period.
This service is offered to everyone, but subscribers to the PSP Plan (6 months or one year) benefit from a more advantageous rate.
Equipment available
• Alpine skis* (adult and junior – boots, helmet and poles included)
• Snowboards* (adult and junior – boots and helmet included)
• Cross-country skis* (adult and junior –boots and poles included)
• Snowshoes* (adult and child)
Short term rentals
• fat bike
• Ski Hok (poles included)
• Sled
• Crampons
• Hiking poles
• Propane heater
All our equipment can be rented for one day, 7 days or 10 days.
Long term rental
Equipment marked with an asterisk can be rented for the full season (November 1 to March 1). If your children's feet get longer during this period and we have equipment left in their new size, we will exchange them for free!
Pricing
We invite you to contact us for a detailed list. However, here are a few examples:
• adult alpine skis – full season: $150 ($120 for PSP Plan members)
• junior snowboards – 10 days: $75 ($50 for PSP Plan members)
• fat bikes – weekend: $55 ($40 for PSP Plan members)
Information
Saint Jean : 450-358-7099 # 6706
Montréal : 514-252-2777 # 2752
THEY DID THE ARMY RUN AS A COUPLE!
Last September, Sergeant Annie Charette, Chief Human Resources Administrator at 52 Field Ambulance, and Master Corporal Tomy Leclerc, Senior Human Resources Administrator at 35 Signal Regiment, virtually took up the Challenge combining the 5 and the 10 km of the Army Run. Let’s have a look back at this first experience for this military couple.
“My spouse and I completed both courses at the same time, despite our height difference!” exclaims MCpl Leclerc. “It was important to me that we start and finish at the same time. It was not a race between us.”
Since enlisting in 2005, running has been one of MCpl Leclerc's favourite disciplines to keep in shape. “As far as I'm concerned, I prefer team sports,” says Sgt Charette. “As a question of be-
ing able to support the cause and play sports with my spouse, I registered and started my training in June 2022”.
SUPPORT TWO IMPORTANT CAUSES FOR THE MILITARY COMMUNITY
Although the couple had wanted to participate in the Army Run for a while, their professional responsibilities and their four children made the trip to Ottawa complicated. “We jumped at the chance to be able to do it virtually,” says MCpl Leclerc. It was therefore in the Victoriaville region that the couple ran to support Support Our Troops and Soldier On.
“In our region, these two organizations are not so well known and often people do not even know that they exist. We are two career CAF members. We have seen how much Support Our Troops and Soldier On help our peers whether active or retired,” explains MCpl Leclerc. “If we were able to take a small step forward in the cause, if we managed to raise the awareness of a few people in our region, we would have done a lot!”, mentions Sgt Charette.
SPORT, A FAMILY AFFAIR!
Sport occupies a large place in the life of the couple, and has always done so. “We are fuelled by sporting life! We are regularly at the gym. In the summer, we are part of a soccer league and another of softball. In winter, downhill and cross-country skiing occupies a huge place in our schedule,” lists Sgt Charette.
And are the children following in the footsteps of their parents? “Our children are part of competitive provincial teams in soccer and basketball and national team in cheerleading. Thanks to them, they made us want to play soccer and register for a senior league,” recalls MCpl Leclerc. “All of this takes some planning, but we all come out ahead because we stay active and we have fun. I take this opportunity to thank our respective chains of command who support us in this regard.”
Proud of the participation tokens they received from the Army Run, MCpl Leclerc is already thinking about next year. “We have achieved our goal. So I am trying to motivate Annie to do the 21 km in 2023. Since the event will be held in Ottawa and we will be a little
older, the work will be more difficult. But it can be done!” concludes the reservist, laughing.
As a reminder, the Non-Public Property Management Committee will reimburse a portion of the Army Run registration fees to CAF members and their family members (conditions apply). To obtain claim forms, write to marie-josee.bouchard2@forces.gc.ca. The deadline for submitting documents will be November 30.
Photo: courtesy
Sport is at the heart of the family life of Master Corporal Tomy Leclerc and Sergeant Annie Charette.
LIVING HER PASSION FOR FENCING TO THE END!
Yves Bélanger, Servir
In early October, Major Sara McRae, a physician at 41 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre – Saint Jean, returned from her first trip as the Canadian representative to the International Military Sports Council Fencing Committee. (also known as CISM). She traveled to Poland for the World Fencing Championship.
Maj McRae greatly appreciated this trip which allowed her to meet representatives of military fencing from different countries. “We had the chance to exchange and determine the levels of competition that we want to have over the next few years.”
Athletes from five nations, Canada, Ukraine, Poland, France and the Netherlands, were present at this world championship. “Ukrainian and French military athletes were really the strongest.”
CISM
Maj McRae has been a fencer for a long time. In recent years, her personal and professional obligations no longer allowed her to devote time to training. It was therefore unthinkable for her to continue to participate in competitions.
Getting involved at the CISM committee level was a great way for her to stay active in fencing. “I have the chance to give time for this sport. I can now give back to others what I received at the time as an athlete.”
FENCING
Maj McRae points out that fencing is a discipline that combines physical training and strategy. “It is important to be in good physical shape to practice this sport, as it is very demanding on the cardiovascular level. Some fights can last longer than 15 minutes. Leg strength is therefore essential.”
It was when she arrived at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston that the Officer became interested in this discipline. “I saw how much this sport was made for me.”
Of the three possible weapons (epee, foil or sabre), Maj McRae was fighting with the epee at the time.
LARGE 3 ½ ON THE 2nd FLOOR IN THE L'ACADIE SECTOR NEAR THE SAINT-JEAN GARRISON
Fully furnished and equipped, internet, cable and TV. Parking and private entrance. Monthly rental, for one person, non-smoker, no pets. Jean-Claude Pouliot 450-358-3662
WOMAN ONLY MILITARY ONLY
All-inclusive rental room (internet, toilet paper, laundry soap, etc.) 5 min. from the Saint-Jean Garrison, Airbnb style in a private house, $700/ month 514-961-9293
Major Sara McRae, Commander Porzycz, Head of the Polish Delegation, LieutenantColonel Kruzwicki, Head of Mission of Poland, Lieutenant-Colonel Nguyen, Head of Mission of Canada.
Photo: courtesy