Good Day, I would like to mention a pet project of mine. This is the fact that many Canadians are members of a very silent group. They put up with hearing other Canadians say that the military is wrong, the stress of waiting for a late night call. All because they are a family member, a loved one or a friend of a serving soldier. Men and women who carry on with day to day living in Canada meanwhile knowing that someone they care about is completing his/her duty in a far away place like Afghanistan.
The new web site should be ready in a day or two, this will be a site where they can share their thoughts, tips on coping, and generally knowing that thre are others out there with many of the same concerns.
This sadly is not only Canada's problem. The Invisible Army extends to all of our allies of NATO, SEATO and indeed the UN.
Here is s astory from a British member of the Invisible Army.
Marine wife talks of support network
40 Commando Royal Marines are currently serving a six month deployment to Afghanistan.
The unit has had one fatality, as on 9 May, Cpl Christopher Harrison was killed in an explosion.
Here, Emma Forbes who is eight months pregnant, talks about the strength of friendship amongst the wives as they cope with the risks and fears experienced while their husbands are on tour.
Cpl Harrison was killed while on foot patrol in Sangin
I've been putting this off, as I didn't know what to write. Last week was a tough week. Two uniformed officers knocking at the door. Bad news. Lives, hopes, dreams shattered. It's the moment we all fear; the moment we all dread.
When Duncan deployed previously, I lived in the city, miles from the unit and totally removed. There was no guilt in thinking 'thank goodness it isn't me and he's safe.' Reported news of casualties was horrific and unsettling, but it still felt abstract.
Now camp is part of our life and the proximity makes the risks and realities of a deployment more stark.
Yet, the community of women and mutual support is something from which we all, in different ways and to different degrees, draw strength.
When we moved into married quarters in Taunton, I hoped to find a new social life far from home. I didn't expect such a bond of friendship.
No wonder the reports back from Afghanistan suggest that the guys are getting on with the job and morale is strong. They are backed by a resilient group of wives and girlfriends on the home front.
My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with Cpl Christopher Harrison's wife Becky and their family.
Most recently a Canadian wife and mother, received the dreaded knock at the door. Col.Parker of 2 RCR
CFB Gagetown had paid the ultimate price. He will soon arrive home in a Flag draped casket, to be taken in sadness along the Highway of Heroes.
A Highway where PROUD CAnadians stand in Respect to honour those that have fallen. There are flags along this route, one of which is a PEI Provincial Flag sent by some Supportive Citizens, while the current Liberal Government turned down the request for a Flag.
This is one of the reasons the Invisible Army is not heard much, because they simply go about their lives as their Loved ones go about their duties. Regardless of the lack of support shown by some members of both Provincial and Federal Governments.
Please Support our Troops and their members of Canada's Invisible Army
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
