Servir - Vol. 29/No 02 – February 22, 2023

Saint-Jean Garrison hosts the Canadian Forces Regional Basketball Championship

Photo: Cpl Zamir Muminiar –Imagery Saint-Jean

Saint-Jean Garrison

Office K-125, PO Box 100

Station bureau-chef Richelain QC J0J 1R0 450-358-7099 #6346 servir@forces.gc.ca journalservir.com

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EDITOR : Col Serge Ménard 2 Cdn Div Support Group Commander

MILITARY ADVISORS :

• Capt Steve Comeau 450-358-7099 # 6570 steve.comeau@forces.gc.ca

• Capt Frédéric Thouin 514-252-2777 # 4530 frederic.thouin717@forces.gc.ca

• Claude Tourville 514-252-2777 # 4993 claude.tourville@forces.gc.ca

MANAGER : Guylaine Fortin 450-358-7099 # 7426 guylaine.fortin@forces.gc.ca

JOURNALIST : Yves Bélanger 450-358-7099 # 7330 yves.belanger@forces.gc.ca

ADVERTISING AND SUBSCRIPTION :

Bélinda Raîche, 450-358-7099 # 6346 belinda.raiche@forces.gc.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNER : Mathilde Pouille

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ISSN 0384-0417

Servir is an authorized unofficial publication, published bimonthly with permission of the 2nd Canadian Division Support Group Commander. The opinions and points of views expressed are not necessarily those of DND, CAF and CFMWS/NPFs Personnel. The articles published in this newspaper are the property of Servir and cannot be published, used or reproduced without the authorization of the manager or author.

The Naval Reserve has a new crest

|Yves Bélanger, Servir

Since the beginning of the year, reservist sailors have proudly worn the new crest representing 100 years of the Naval Reserve. Throughout the year, various celebrations will be held in connection with this important anniversary.

The Naval Reserve employs over 4,000 sailors in various Canadian cities. These units, called Naval Reserve Divisions, help communities in landlocked provinces, such as Saskatchewan or Alberta, maintain a relationship with the Navy. In our region, two naval reserve units are operational, Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Donnacona, in Montreal, and Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Radisson, in Trois-Rivières.

These reservists are members of the Royal Canadian Navy who usually serve part-time while holding civilian employment in various trades. They range from students to teachers, lawyers, firefighters and civil servants from the communities where they live and serve.

Although the Naval Reserve is not a full-time employer for the most part, its members must complete their qualifications and can be deployed at home and abroad with their Regular Force counterparts.

Another important date

January 31 is the exact date that marks 100 years of the Naval Reserve. However, February 1 is also a historic date. It was on this date, in 1968, that the three elements, Sea, Land and Air, united to form a single large joint organization.

The centennial of the Naval Reserve in video

Sailor 1st Class Catherine Houle and Sailor 2nd Class Élianne Bouffard-Lapointe, of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Radisson.

Photo: HMCS Radisson

FIFTY-NINE LOCAL RESERVISTS TRAIN AT FORT POLK

|Yves Bélanger, Servir 34 GBC

Last month, 59 members of the 34 Canadian Brigade Group (34 CBG) participated in an exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana.

In all, 644 soldiers, mostly from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal 22e Régiment, participated in the exercise held on American soil. “Of this number, 113 were reservists,” explains Major Hugo-Pierre Marcotte, of 34 CBG. It was the latter who planned the participation of the brigade's reservists.

The exercise was an immersion one. “We realistically recreated a conventional war environment. Simulation equipment was worn by each member.

It showed leaders the effects of their actions and decisions.”

Maj Marcotte mentions that such an exercise made it possible to increase the level of preparation of the troops and the interoperability of the 34 CBG with its allies. “It was also an initiative to promote retention and the continued professionalization of the brigade.”

The exercise was open to the majority of 34 CBG Reservists. “However, a specific request has been made based on the trades and qualifications needed.”

Brigadier-General Stéphane Boivin, Commander of the 2nd Canadian Division and Joint Task Force East, was present. The reservists were well prepared for the occasion. The exercise was held between January 17 and 31 at Fort Polk, United States.

It was in a realistic environment that the CAF members were able to train.

ARE YOU ABOUT TO RETURN TO CIVILIAN LIFE?

|Servir

According to statistics compiled by the subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, each year some 5,000 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members are released from the CAF to return to civilian life. In the region, Myriam Dutour is there to help them make the transition.

The liberation is a necessary passage and an important period in the career of the men and women who have worn the military uniform. It involves not only making a transition, but adapting to another way of life. Everyone will have their own experience.

Myriam Dutour is a social worker and coordinator of the Veteran Family Program at the Montreal Region Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC). She explains that this process can be a particularly stressful and complex time for CAF members because it affects many areas of their lives: personal, social, family and financial. “For the family, this moment can be a time of misunderstanding and helplessness. We do not always realize it, but there is no other profession at the civil level that requires such a symbiosis between the worker and his organization.”

Ms. Dutour explains that it is essential for the CAF member to take a break to accept the emotions he is experiencing, take stock of his life and consider what he wishes for the future. “He or she needs to review their individual values, take a look at their civic identity and think about their future. Everyone will live this time of reflection at their own pace and in their own way!”

Communication with family and loved ones is essential, recalls Myriam Dutour. “It should be remembered that family members do not experience exactly what military personnel experience. Relatives also don't know the process the CAF member is going through. They cannot understand his emotions if they are not named.” The CAF member will therefore have every interest in taking the time necessary to share his experience with his family.

Getting help at the MFRC

Myriam Dutour reminds us that she is there to support CAF members and their families during this important stage in their lives. “I have tools to guide CAF members in their transition and to explain to their loved ones the stages they are going through. I can also accompany the soldiers in their moments of reflection.”

The MFRC offers workshops and training, and the Veteran Family Program remains accessible to Veterans and their families once the transition is complete. “We will stay there once the transition is done and families will always have access to everything that is offered at the MFRC,” concludes the social worker.

To reach Myriam Dutour: 450-358-7099 # 2910 or 450-462-8777 # 6816 or myriam.dutour@forces.gc.ca

Myriam Dutour is a social worker and coordinator of the Veteran Family Program at the Montreal Region Military Family Resource Centre

Photo : MFRC

The arrival of foreign students underlined

On Thursday, February 9, the atmosphere was festive at the Canadian Forces Language School – Saint-Jean Detachment. The Detachment highlighted the arrival of 60 foreign military members who came to learn English or French as part of the Military Training and Cooperation Program. Foreign

A healthy tasting for you!

As part of Nutrition Month, the Health Promotion team, in collaboration with the Food Services of the Saint-Jean Garrison, invites CAF members and civilian Defence employees to a healthy tasting.

students were officially welcomed at a cocktail party at the Saint-Jean Garrison Patriotes Mess. They had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the invited dignitaries and to discuss with them.

The Eat well without breaking the bank activity will take place on Wednesday, March 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Mega rotunda. It is a salad of legumes that will be offered for the occasion. The recipe is taken from the Base Valcartier Food Services recipe book.

Do you want to regain healthy lifestyle habits?

The Health Promotion team will be offering the Reload your machine workshop at Saint-Jean and Montreal Garrisons starting March 21.

Healthy lifestyle habits, physical training, quality of sleep, alcohol consump-

tion and food will be some of the topics covered. Meetings will take place twice a week in Montreal and once a week in Saint-Jean.

These workshops are offered to CAF members and civilian Defence employees members of the PSP Plan to help them resume healthy lifestyle habits. The maximum number of participants for each group is 15 people.

Photo : ELFC

RMC Saint-Jean improves its mobile app

The Royal Military College Saint-Jean (CMR Saint-Jean) has revamped its mobile application. Downloadable in Apple and Android version, it allows users of the College's military community to have a multitude of useful tools and information at their fingertips.

The RMC Saint-Jean app is one more way to promote the health, safety and well-being of the entire community. This mobile app was first designed in 2018 as an additional way to enhance site security and inform the community about the services offered. For example, in the event of an emergency, it makes it possible to reach 911, the Military Police and the Officer on duty in one click. It also presents mental health and sexual misconduct prevention and intervention resources, including contact information for the information

line, the intervention centre and links to access a search tool specialized in National Defence resources.

The RMC Saint-Jean app offers even more by making available to other resources and services aimed at supporting student life. For example, Officer Cadets and Naval Cadets will be able to easily access their email, their student file, or even their online learning platform from their phone or tablet.

CMR/RMC Saint-Jean Google Play

RMC/CMR Saint-Jean App Store

On the agenda

On the agenda

Meet those who support Veterans

Saturday, March 11 - from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

Open to active CAF members, Veterans and their families

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 079 – Richelieu invites you to come and meet various organizations whose mission is to support Veterans.

Information

Youth workshop: techno

Sunday, March 12, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Saint-Jean MFRC

Open to young people from military families (6 years +)

The Military Family Resource Centre invites young people to discover new technologies: robotics, electrical circuits and more. Offered in collaboration with Genilab.

Alpine

Saturday, March 18 - 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Mount Saint-Bruno

Open to all (8 years +)

The Recreation team invites all skiers to an evening at mount Saint-Bruno. An instructor guide will be present to initiate beginners. Equipment provided. There are some fees.

Outing to the sugar shack - MFRC

Creative evening

Sunday, March 12, noon

Saint-Eustache

Open to military families

Free

The Military Family Resource Centre invites you to share a meal with other military families and learn about its services.

Information and registration

Tuesday, March 14 – 6:30 p.m.

Youth Centre (Loft) – Saint-Hubert

Open to military family members

Information and registration Would

Volunteers from the Military Family Resource Centre invite you to bring your art project (knitting, painting, drawing, sewing, etc.), create one on site, or just grab a coffee and socialize.

Information and registration

Wednesday, March 22 - 6:45 p.m.

Virtual activity

Open to the loved ones of newly enlisted CAF members

The Military Family Resource Centre invites you to a virtual conference to help you better understand military career stages, the military lifestyle and introduce the resources and services available to families. The workshop is free and simultaneously translated.

Information and registration

Saturday, March 25 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mont-Saint-Grégoire

Open to all

Information and registration Information and registration

The Recreation team invites you to enjoy a meal in a maple grove in Mont-Saint-Grégoire. Animation and games will be on the program. There are some fees.

Outing to the sugar shack - PSP

TRAINED AND READY FOR BATTLE

|Yves Bélanger, Servir

The 34 Canadian Brigade Group is made up of thirteen Primary Reserve units. Among these is the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment (2 Fd Regt), a unit prepared to assist provincial and territorial authorities in the event of natural disasters, in addition to ensuring the defense of the country.

Currently, 113 reservists work in this bilingual unit, including 14 women. “The gunnery profession is not yet very popular with military women. However, I believe that this number will increase over the years,” said Lieutenant Romiche François, recruiting officer at 2 Fd Regt.

She explains that she feels like a fish in water in her unit. “I wanted a job that took me out of my comfort zone

and I found the shoe that suited me!” She is just as comfortable evolving within a team made up mainly of men. “We are a big family. This is good, because there is also a lot of diversity about 25% of the workforce. It brings great wealth.”

She mentioned that the members of 2 Fd Regt come from a variety of backgrounds. “We have lawyers, accountants, drivers or students.The average age of members is 33 years old."

The training of reservists for the handling of weapons is given within the unit and every Tuesday evening, and during the summer season, the members meet at the Côte-des-Neiges armory to put into practice their various learnings. “We have to be ready to deploy at all times,” recalls Lt François, who adds that 2 Fd Regt also participates in seven or eight exercises every year.

Note that 2 Fd Regt is made up of two sub-units called batteries, namely the 7th Battery and the 50th Battery. The 7th Battery is primarily responsible for the management and training of the qualified members of the unit, the gunners. On the side of the 50th Battery, their responsibilities are mainly related to the management and training of new members of the unit, in particular the recruitment and organization of various activities such as shooting ranges or physical fitness tests.

Lieutenant Romiche François, recruiting Officer at 2 Fd Regt.

Photo : courtesy

It is in the Côte-des-Neiges armoury, located at 4185, chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, in Montreal, that the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment is installed. It shares facilities with The Royal Canadian Hussars, an armored reconnaissance regiment.

Photo: courtesy

The short history of the Regiment

The 2nd Field Artillery Regiment (2 Fd Regt) is part of the Primary Reserve of the Canadian Army. The 2 Fd Regt is the sole artillery unit of 34 Canadian Brigade Group. It is therefore the only artillery regiment in the greater Montreal area.

It was under the name of Battalion of Montreal Artillery that the unit was initially created on November 27, 1856. Thirteen years later (1869), it was renamed Montreal Brigade of Garrison Artillery. The 2 Fd Regt was among others mobilized in May 1870 during the Fenian raids, the attacks carried out by North Americans of Irish origin based in the United States and targeting British establishments based in Canada. Elements were also mobilized in 1885 during the North-West Rebellion, a brief attempt by Canadian Métis to rebel against the Canadian government.

On February 26, 1965, the regiment was reduced to nil strength and transferred to the supplementary order of battle. It was reactivated on June 1, 1966 in the Reserve Force under its current name.

Over the years, the reserve unit has gone by several names, including 2nd Montreal Regiment, The Montreal Heavy Brigade, Anti-Aircraft Regiment and 2nd Medium Artillery Regiment. In 1996 it became the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment.

In recent years, the regiment has participated in domestic operations such as LENTUS in 2019, LASER in 2020 and VECTOR in 2022. Abroad, it has also participated in Operation REASSURANCE, in Eastern Europe.

Meet Master Bombardier Arlene Abrigo

and driving military vehicles. I also loved the idea of working as a team and developing camaraderie.

How did your relatives react when you chose to join the artillery?

My parents' first reaction was shock and fear. They were comforted when they saw the skills and discipline I developed during my Basic Military Qualification course.

What are your main duties within 2 Fd Regt?

I am the Acting Troop Sergeant Major for the 50th Field Battery, a sub-unit that welcomes and retains members who join our unit. I am also a senior recruiter for the unit. I am responsible for conducting briefings for potential candidates and assist with all recruiting events that 2 Fd Regt attends.

What operations have you already participated in?

I participated in Operation RÉCUPÉRATION during the 1998 ice storm.

In what year did you enlist in the Reserve?

My military career began in February 1997 with 2 Fd Regt.

What attracted you to this profession?

My goal was to pursue a combat occupation that took advantage of my math skills and allowed for a variety of specialties, including artillery, radio communications,

In civilian life, what job did you do?

I am a manager of strategic sourcing and sourcing operations at Air Canada. My team is responsible for vendor-related operations in our digital procurement tool.

In command of the unit

Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Audet has commanded the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment since August 2022.

It was in New Brunswick that the reservist enlisted. “In September 1998, I joined the 4th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment in Moncton. After 17 years in the Regular Force, I joined the Reserve in August 2020.” Before joining 2 Fd Regt, he was, among other things, a member of the Régiment de Maisonneuve.

During his career, LCol Audet participated in Operation SPLINTER in 2003, Operation ATTENTION in Afghanistan in 2013, and the NATO mission in Iraq in 2018-2019.

Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Audet, Commander of the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment.

Photo: courtesy

In the civilian sphere, the soldier is a planner for the regional operations of the Canadian Coast Guard.

Master Bombardier Arlene Abrigo.

Photo: courtesy

The equipment used

The 2nd Field Artillery Regiment has the skills and capabilities to respond to a wide range of threats to the nation's security.

Weapons

• C3 105mm howitzer

• 5.56mm C7A2 Automatic Rifle, C6 and CG

• 9mm Browning Pistol

• Mortar, 81mm

Vehicles

• Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS)

• Militarized trucks for sale on the market (MilCOTS)

•

• Vous sert selon votre horaire et où vous servez

• Offre des rabais et avantages exclusifs Joignez la force de nos 7000 membres : ça ne trompe pas !

Our expert staff:

• Provides a fast turnkey worry-free service

• Deeply understands your financial reality

• Serves on your schedule and where you serve

• Supports you at every stage of your career and even after

• Offers exclusive discounts and benefits Join

Master Bombardiers James Beaudry and Laissa Landreville prepare the mortar for a demonstration to the troops.

Photo: Bdr Tran

Photo : courtoisie

FROM THE PERSONNEL SUPPORT PROGRAMS TO THE ROYAL 22e RÉGIMENT

|Yves

Bélanger, Servir

After working for eight years as a fitness and sports instructor for the Personnel Support Programs (PSP) of the Saint-Jean Garrison, Samuel V. Côté decided to embrace the military life. Now a soldier, he is at Base Valcartier to follow his infantry training which will begin soon.

Pte V. Côté explains that it was his deployment to Kuwait in the winter of 2021 that convinced him to enlist. “I had always been interested in military life. This experience made me realize that I belonged there.”

He took a year to think about it. “I liked my job as a monitor and I wanted to be sure of my choice. After several months, the idea of enlisting never left me. So I decided to follow through this professional desire.”

A graduate in kinesiology, Samuel V. Côté first registered at the recruiting centre with the aim of becoming an Officer. “A few weeks later, I called back to say I wanted to start as a non-commissioned member. I really wanted to be able to work on the field.”

The other side of the mirror

Aged 31, Samuel V. Côté was sure to succeed in his training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS). “Having rubbed shoulders with candidates from the School for eight years, I was not jumping into the unknown!”

Despite everything, he admits to having found his experience more difficult than he expected. “In terms of physical training, it was going well. It was es-

pecially the lack of sleep and the stress that I found difficult during my training.”

Having to interact mainly with 17 or 18 years old candidates, he decided to bear with it. “I was able to show patience, but when I found that some of my colleagues were going overboard in their actions, I allowed myself to intervene verbally.”

Being on the side of the CFLRS candidates rather than the PSP instructors gave him an even better understanding of the reality of CAF members in training. “I thought I knew this reality, but having had both feet in it gave me a better understanding of the difficulties of Basic military qualification.”

He indicates that among other things, he found difficult to carry out many tasks during the three hours he was free in the evening. “There was so much to prepare for the next day! There were even nights when I got up at 1:30 a.m. to make sure everything was ready for the morning inspection.” Private V. Côté explains that although these tasks were difficult, he understood the need to do them flawlessly.

A future infantryman

Private V. Côté's graduation ceremony was held on February 16. The next morning, he left for Base Valcartier, where he will learn his new trade. “My training should start during the month of April. I can't wait to live this experience. I will become a proud representative of the Royal 22e Régiment.”

Private Samuel V. Côté (left).

Photo: CFLRS

THE IMPORTANCE OF REMEMBERING

|Yves Bélanger, Servir

This year, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Jonathan Mabika of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Radisson (HMCS Radisson) was named cochair of Black History Month by the Société d’histoire militaire mauricienne.

A/SLt Mabika was born in September 1992 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was in 2009 that his family decided to emigrate to Canada. At the age of 17, he continued his studies at the Centre d’éducation des adultes du Chemin-du-Roy de Trois-Rivières and then went to the Cégep de Trois-Rivières in human sciences. With a bachelor's degree in business administration, he now works at the Canada Revenue Agency.

It was in 2017 that he decided to enlist in the Reserve. “I come from a family of five boys. I think what attracted me the most in the army was to find the same feeling of belonging.”

He then chose HMCS Radisson. “Residing in Trois-Rivières since my arrival in Quebec, it was the unit I knew the most. I have never regretted my choice.”

The Co-Chair

He began his military career as a boatswain. Two years ago, however, he applied for a change to become a logistics officer. “I should soon start my training for my new job.” At the same time, in civilian life, he is completing a certificate in accounting at the Université du Québec in Trois-Rivières.

Black History Month

A/SLt Mabika is very proud to have been named co-chair of Black History Month. He says it's important to remember what people from diverse backgrounds have achieved in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). “It was while listening to a video about the story of an aboriginal soldier about two years ago that I realized this.”

He says that before he joined the CAF, he was completely unaware that Black people had served in the past. “It shows that we don't talk about it enough.”

A/SLt Mabika says he never felt the color of his skin made a difference to his brothers in arms. “My colleagues are much more interested in knowing that I am doing my job well than in the color of my skin,” he concludes.

continuing her studies at Cégep de Shawinigan in natural sciences. It was during the summer of that same year that she completed her trade course and obtained her gunnery rank.

Bombardier Grace Leoni Abomo Onana, of the 62nd Field Artillery Regiment, in Shawinigan, is the co-chair of Black History Month of the Société d’histoire militaire mauricienne

Bdr Abomo Onana, was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon. She enlisted from the 62nd Field Artillery Regiment in January 2019.

She then completed her basic military qualification while

Desiring to deepen her knowledge, Bdr Abomo Onana adds strings to her bow by seeking additional qualifications such as the command post technician course, as well as the three communication courses.

She is currently studying at the University of Ottawa for a double bachelor's degree in chemistry and neuroscience and plans to finish in 2024.

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Jonathan Mabika of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Radisson.

Photo: HMCS Radisson

Bombardier Grace Leoni Abomo Onana

VETERAN CLAUDE FLIBOTTE HAS REGAINED CONTROL OF HIS LIFE

|Yves Bélanger, Servir

Veteran Claude Flibotte has 34 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces. Now 63, he is proud to have regained control of his life by quitting alcohol and cannabis.

Like most people, the latter has, for several years, consumed alcohol without excess. Twenty years ago, he realized that his consumption was becoming more problematic. “I was experiencing more and more stress and I needed to drink a little more and more to feel the effects. I couldn't control myself anymore.”

It was in 2002 that he decided to change this unhealthy dynamic. “For years, I downplayed the situation like any good alcoholic does.” So he started therapy to overcome his addiction. “I also started going to Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) meetings regularly.”

He stopped drinking for a while. “Unfortunately, one day I started drinking again thinking that I had regained the ability to control myself. I had also started using cannabis.” It didn't take long for him to lose control of the situation again. “I realized that I had to change, because alcoholism could only lead me to three main problems: illness, prison and death.”

Hiding the truth

The veteran confesses that throughout his years of use, it was quite difficult for him to get up in the morning to go to work. “However, I managed to hide the truth well. Fortunately, I was an imagery technician at Saint-Jean Garrison and I was very independent in my work.”

So he went back to therapy to regain control of his life. Until today, he

has managed to put alcohol aside. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on him. “During that period, it was my cannabis use that became problematic.” Another eight weeks of therapy allowed him to stop using drugs.

Three months ago, Claude Flibotte also decided to say goodbye to cigarettes. “I really did it for my health. Plus, it's crazy how much I can save in a month!” he laughs.

Happier than ever

Claude Flibotte is very happy with his new way of life. “I realize how good it feels to finally live a healthy life. I hope to have put all that aside until the end of my days.”

To better understand himself, he decided to do a certificate in addiction intervention at the Sherbrooke university. “I wanted to know more about my problem and also be able to help others.”

From that moment, he began to get involved in A.A. “Among other things, I started sponsoring new members. Over the years, I have discovered that helping others is what makes it possible to overcome addiction.”

How to get out

For the veteran, it is clear that to successfully overcome an addiction, you must start by admitting that you have a problem and getting out of isolation. “You have to be able to admit to yourself that you have lost control. It's difficult, but it's very important in the process.”

He explains that therapy and support groups are important in the healing process and that it is also important to never be afraid of what loved ones

Veteran Claude Flibotte. Photo : Courtesy

will say if you refuse to have a drink in their company. “I've never been ashamed to say that I can't drink anymore because I don't have control.”

Family

It is with sadness that the veteran speaks of his mother who never wanted to admit that she had a problem with alcohol consumption. “She died without ever trying to get out of it. It is unfortunate, because she has lost many beautiful moments in life.”

Claude Flibotte is very happy to see that his son has not developed an alcohol addiction. “I think seeing my fight convinced him not to go the same way.”

He says his son is now relieved to see him sober. “He lives in Halifax. When I was using and he called me, he was worried to see that I was not myself, that I was still under the influence of alcohol or cannabis. Now, this is behind me.”

How many glasses do you drink each week?

|Maxime Brouillard, spécialiste de la Promotion de la Santé

New recommendations on alcohol consumption have been the subject of conversation of the past few weeks! They come from the Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health report, published by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.

New benchmarks now establish that two drinks of alcohol per week represent a low health risk. Drinking three to six glasses of alcohol per week represents a moderate health risk. Previously, the established limit was 10 drinks per week for women and 15 for men.

Over the next year, the Health Promotion team will address this theme in its various addictions awareness presentations.

To obtain more information, consult page 6 of the report

Alcoolics anonymous

THE PATRIOTES INTEND TO DO BETTER NEXT YEAR

|Yves Bélanger, Servir

The Patriotes were eliminated in the semi-finals by the Valcartier Lions during the Canadian Forces Regional Basketball Championship which took place from February 15 to 17 at the Saint-Jean Garrison. The Ottawa Nationals is the winning team that will defend the colours of Quebec during the national championship.

The Montreal region team got off to a strong start by winning its first game by a score of 73 to 69 against the Lions team. During the second day, the players of Montreal first faced those of Ottawa who defeated them 86 to 55. In the afternoon, the Patriotes were back on the field to face the Lions again in the part of the semi-final. “Two games in the same day was a lot for us. Especially since we were left with three injured players,” said coach and team member, Warrant Officer Alaa Mansour, Platoon Commander at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School.

Despite the defeat, WO Mansour says he is happy with the work of his players. “We really gave our 100%. We were happy to be there. It's been two years since we had a championship.”

The coach adds that the majority of Patriots players were new to the team. “This year, we won a victory, but next year, it's the tournament that we will win!”, he concludes.

The Players of the game

The Patriotes team.

Photo: Cpl Zamir Muminiar – Imagery Saint-Jean The Ottawa Nationals are the overall winners of the Championship

Photo: Cpl Zamir Muminiar – Imagery Saint-Jean

The PSP offers you…

The PSP offers you…

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

Healthy tasting

March 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Rotunda, Saint-Jean Garrison

For CAF members and civilian Defence employees

As part of Nutrition Month, the Health Promotion team, in collaboration with the Food Services of the Saint-Jean Garrison, invites you to a healthy tasting. The Eat well without breaking the bank activity offers a salad of legumes for the occasion. The recipe is taken from the Food Services recipe book at the Valcartier base.

Night skiing

March 18, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Mount Saint-Bruno

For all (8 years +)

The Recreation team invites all skiers to an evening at mount Saint-Bruno. An instructor guide will be present to initiate beginners. Skis, poles, boots and helmets are provided. Members of the PSP Plan benefit from a more advantageous rate. Registration is required before March 4.

Two great rental shops

Montreal and Saint-Jean Garrisons

Open to everyone

The outdoor stores rent several sports and recreation items for all seasons. Inform yourself, because this service is offered to everyone, whether it is a short or long-term rental! Note that rental costs are lower for PSP Plan members.

At the Saint-Jean Garrison, the store is located in room M-174 of the sports centre.

Information and registration Information

Recharge your machine

March 21st

Saint-Jean and Montreal Garrisons

For CAF members and civilian employees who are members of the PSP Plan

The Health Promotion team is preparing two new sessions of the Recharge your machine workshop. Healthy lifestyle habits, physical training, quality of sleep, alcohol consumption and food will be some of the topics covered. The meetings will take place twice a week in Montreal and once a week in Saint-Jean. The maximum number of participants for each group is 15 people.

Information and registration

It's sugar time!

March 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mont-Saint-Gregoire

For everyone

The Recreation team invites you to enjoy a meal in a maple grove in MontSaint-Grégoire. Animation and games will be on the program. Members of the PSP Plan benefit from an advantageous rate! Registration is required before March 13.

Information and registration

At the Montreal Garrison, the store is located at the entrance to the gymnasium. Discover