Over the past few weeks, the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) has offered Estrie military families two activ ities: 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 pro gram for 0 to 5 year olds or homework help. The prevention, support and inter vention sector did not fail to present the services offered by its professionals.
To find out about upcoming activities,
visit the MFRC portal. The next program will be released in mid-December.
catherine.sevigny2@forces.gc.ca 450-358-7099 # 2349
estab lished
order to develop possible
to
to the
from
your ideas, comments and
you will help the team define a strategy.
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 design ing a childcare strategy.
A big surprise awaited the crew of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Donnacona on September 24. Commo dore 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 recruit ing 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 un paralleled teamwork!
Acting Sub-Lieutenant Olivia Nguonly, Public Affairs Officer, HMCS Donnacona 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.Armed Forces (CAF)
beneficial! For the past 10 years, the Personnel Sup port Programs have been offering a variety of activ ities, accessible to all, on this day.
brated
was
October 19 at the Saint-Jean Garrison and
at the Montreal
College Saint-Jean.
and the
"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."
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 Nation al 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 great ly 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 under stand 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.
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.
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 De partments took part in internationally recognized training in forest firefight ing. Staff then acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to more effective ly 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.
A new tradition is now being repre sented 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 welcom ing smile and high-quality services no matter which chaplain you visit.
In addition, chaplains are specialists in their own traditions, and offer services
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 train ing 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 main taining an optimal space for the train ing of future generations of Canadian soldiers.
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 creat ed. So I accepted the invitation to join this association.”
In his spare time, he therefore took
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 build ers, 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
specifically in their tradition when re quested 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, includ ing marriages, naming celebrations for new babies, a celebration for a trans gender 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
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 becom ing ever more diverse to ensure that all CAF members are represented. What wonderful news to celebrate!
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.”
At the time of going online, Servir learn ed with regret of the death of Major Claude Archambault, which occurred on October 18. We offer our deepest con dolences 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 ImageryAs part of the National Defence Work place 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 Sclero sis 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 bal ance. 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.”
MS is a chronic autoimmune disease tar geting the central nervous system. Since this system is made up of the brain, spin al 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, weak ness, 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.
This organization offers various pro grams to help people with the disease take good care and deal with it. “At times people come up against the chal lenges of multiple sclerosis. Thanks to the support offered by our organization, they are no longer alone in overcoming them.”
Currently, there is no cure for MS. “However, researchers are learning more every day about the causes of this dis ease and are closer than ever to finding
ways to counter it.”
Ms. Simard says research has found a drug by injection that slows down de generation. “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 ex ample, get up to cook. It is the advance ment of research that allows this.”
The NDWCC will run until December 9. You can financially support HealthPart ners, 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.
The weekend of November 19 and 20, the Canadian Forces
School will
It will cost $15
session
in electronic format
then be sent
email. The activity will take
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
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.
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 perform ance 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. Every thing is better after running!”
On the occasion of Halloween, the Canadian Forces Housing Agency and the Military Family Resource Centre
There will be gifts for the
in the next edition of Servir.
To vote, go to the Loft (40, rue La Vérendrye) between October 17 and
Do
On Friday, October 28, at 8
The
Major
Magny,
7:30
3721,
Fusiliers
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 To follow the team rankingDid 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 week end, we can help you!
Information: 450 358-7099 # 7227
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 begin ners 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 introduc tory climbing sessions for young and old.
Information and appointments: 450 358-7099 # 7262
The recreation team is always looking for dynamic people who want to make a differ ence 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
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!
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)
• 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.
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 equip ment left in their new size, we will exchange them for free!
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)
Saint Jean : 450-358-7099 # 6706 Montréal : 514-252-2777 # 2752
Last
Senior
took
the 5 and the 10 km of the
at
Run. Let’s have a
experience
“My spouse and I completed both cours es 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”.
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 Sol dier 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 an other 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.
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 rep resentative to the International Military Sports Council Fencing Committee. (also known as CISM). She traveled to Poland for the World Fencing Cham pionship.
Maj McRae greatly appreciated this trip which allowed her to meet represent atives of military fencing from differ ent 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 strong est.”
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 commit tee 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.”
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 Mil itary 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.
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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
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
