First I would like to say I hope that all of you had such a great Christmas as I did. It all started with a phone call from a friend and former Corps brother. Jim Smith (yes his real Name) we had lost touch for over 20 years and WOW he contacted me over Christmas. Then on Christmas afternoon a visit for his son Dave Smith another Veteran and old friend. DAvid and his wife showe dup at my apt. I could not have received a better Christmas gift than the reconnecting with old friends.
Meanwhile some of our Troops had a Chrsitmas visit from our Governor General, Peter MacKay MND and Walter Natynczyk CDS.
Christmas with Canadian Troops and Civilians AbroadDecember 25, 2011
Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada Visited Canadian Troops and Civilians Deployed Abroad for the HolidaysOTTAWA—His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, visited from December 22 to 25, 2011, Canadian troops and civilians deployed in Italy and Afghanistan. His Excellency was joined by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, and General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff.
"It was a privilege to extend my heartfelt gratitude and support to the Canadian men and women in uniform, and the many diplomats, aid specialists and police officers deployed abroad, who are committed to making parts of the world a safer and better place. The sacrifice of troops and civilians who are away from their families and friends at this time of the year is tremendous and I wish them the best of luck in the completion of their missions," said His Excellency.
The pride shown in the photo is exemplified in the Governor Generals Smile.
2012 is less than a week away, 2012 will be the 60th anniversary of the signing on of our first RCASC Soldier Apprentice Hal Swain, hope fully the Government will show their appreciation for this man the first of a group of young Canadians to join the soldier apprentice plan. The book is available by writing me at atc25pl@yahoo.ca or on Amazon.ca
Title " Soldier Apprentice Memories 1953-1967 and beyond" a great read about a great piece of Canadian military History.
The book is also available at 2 libraries currently.
Remember our Troops and their families.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
