TF 1-09 Farewell Events

By: Lt. A.J. Brown, 2 Tp
9 March 2009

 

With the upcoming departure of TF 1-09, Land Forces Western Area wanted to ensure that they were sent off correctly. A farewell parade was held last Thursday, the 5th of March, at the Base Gym with soldiers from C Sqn, CER and Health Care Services. At first, the weather did not want to cooperate as there was a nasty snow storm ongoing; however it cleared up and afforded the chance for families and friends to participate in various indoor and outdoor activities. It started off with a small parade, which shortly disappeared after the families were invited to join their departing loved ones, and turned into more of a gathering. There were two short speeches passing on well wishes for the upcoming mission. Once finished with the formalities, the gym was set up for a little fun which included a bouncy castle, slide, and sugar shack. In addition, there was a BBQ present that provided more than enough food for everyone. At the end of the afternoon everyone was full and the kids were sufficiently tired out in preparation for the evening’s activities.

 

That evening was the C Sqn Family Brief which provided families and loved ones with information on the resources that are available, through the military and other agencies, for support during an overseas deployment. The Sqn is intent on providing this information to as many of its families as possible by sending out information packages that were covered during the brief. The event was conducted in the excellent facility of the WO’s and Sgt’s Mess. There were representatives from: the Military Family Resource Centre, the Deployment Support Group, the Strathcona Family Support Troop, the Public Affairs Officer, the Legion, the Padre, Health Services, Personnel Support Programs, SISIP, and our very own Sqn Clerk Cpl Malashevsky. All of the fine agencies came out and provided a short brief which informed everyone on the resources that they provide and were available for any questions that families may have had. If you were unable to attend, don’t worry. All the briefings and family packages will be sent out and made available through this site.

 

It was an excellent turn out and we would like to thank everyone that joined us. Our sincere thanks goes out to all the agencies who were willing to have people stay late and provided excellent briefings that surely informed the families. However most importantly, we would like to thank the families which have, and will continue to, provide us with their unwavering support.