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Posted Dec/11/2011

This poem was written by Canadian Country recording artist (and Hero To Hero Celebrity Ambassador) Julian Austin just this morning. It is a tribute to Canadian peacekeeprs.

        Christmas in Bosnia

Written By Julian Austin

 

On a cold Christmas Eve

In a war ravaged town in Bosnia

Four soldiers sit around a small fire

Trying to shake the cold

Of that God forsaken place

 

It was nineteen ninety two

When they began their tour into Hell

The things they have seen and done

To the grave for many

Those horrors they will never tell

 

They think of their loved ones

So far away from home

And think if they were there right now

They would somehow still be alone

For this Christmas Eve and many to follow

Will never again be the same

For their souls and their sanity the day they landed

The Devil had already claimed

 

Though they wear the blue beret

And we call them our soldiers of peace

How many will still die

Keeping peace between evil and hate

It's so easy how we ridicule 

Sending our troops from here over there

But try walking where a Canadian soldier has walked

Maybe then we just might care

 

So the next time you see a veteran

Wearing their blue beret

Just remember they served and fought for their country

Just like the soldiers of Afghanistan today

This Christmas Eve I will be thinking

Of our Heroes deployed away

And I will also be thinking of those selfless brave souls

Who once wore the blue beret.

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Posted December 1/2011

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHEER

Operation Christmas Cheer is in the bag for 2011.The mail bag that is!  Four thousand Christmas cards from the citizens of Sarnia and Lambton County have been sent to Canadian troops deployed around the world through Hero To Hero Team Canada.The collection of the cards was a joint effort by CHOK Radio 1070, Southwest Regional Credit Union and the Sarnia Sting Hockey Club. Throughout the summer and fall, cards were available for signing at the four Southwest Regional Credit Union BBQ's, Sarnia Sting hockey games and various business establishments throughout Lambton County. Support our Troops t-shirts were also made available at these events.Two hundred t-shirts were presented to Hero To Hero to be sent to deployed troops as well.

The letters have bee sent to troops in the following locations...  Afghanistan, Kosovo, Egypt, Jerusalem, CFS Alert, Sierra Leone, OP Jade (Middle East), Sudan, Golan Heights, Cyprus, Kuwait, Haiti and HMCS Vancouver (Mediteranean Sea). MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR DEPLOYED TROOPS ALL AROUND THE WORLD.

L-R Nick Montague (Country 103.9 FM & former member of the Royal Canadian Regiment)), Paul Nathan (Sarnia Sting), Michelle Seguin (Southwest Regional Credit Union), Kevin McHarg (Hero To Hero Team Canada)

Displaying the 4000 Christmas cards and 200 troop support t-shirts being sent to deployed Canadian troops through the Hero To Hero Troop Morale Campaign. Several thousand additional cards from Operation Christmas Cheer have also been shipped to troops by our Member of Parliament, Pat Davidson.

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Posted November 22/2011

Please check out this video.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKOVysb8PHo

Chris Dupee is a serving member of the Canadian Forces who is supporting our Afghan Veterans in several ways.

Hero To Hero Team Canada will be supporting "Military Minds" and "Canadian Heroes" at this event.

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Posted September 2nd. 2011

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Julian Austin Concert Raises The Roof in Support of Hero To Hero

Newbury, Ontario

July 10^th. 2011

On July 10th. 2011 The Newbury Firefighters Association and Newbury Legion Branch 583 hosted a concert by Canadian country recording artist Julian Austin in support of the Hero To Hero Troop Morale Campaign.

In the 6 years we have been supporting our troops through Hero To Hero Team Canada i have learned that sometimes the smallest of deeds can make a monumental impact on someone. The act of giving a soldier a used t-shirt doesn’t seem that grand in the scheme of things but when you hear back that grown men wept in the middle of the desert because they couldn’t believe total strangers would do this for them or the reaction when you give a deserving individual a Directors Coin as a thank you for all their hard work in supporting our troops, you start to realize just how much these little things mean to people.

Back in November of 2007 I attended a Chief’s meeting in Newbury, Ontario to do a presentation about Hero To Hero in an effort to drum up support in Middlesex County. The first person I met was Fire Chief Greg Rankin and the second was Lee ‘Bubba” Lawrence. Before all the Chiefs arrived I had time to talk to Lee and explain what Hero To Hero was all about. He thought it was the greatest thing he had ever heard of! As the Chiefs arrived, he met each one and asked them if they had ever heard of Hero To Hero. Most had not but before they even took their seats they new, because Lee explained it to every one of them. I remember standing there with Chief Rankin and laughing because Lee was doing all my work for me. It was great to see his enthusiasm. I knew Lee was going to be our go to guy in Middlesex County for the program and I was looking forward to working with him. Lee was a big man with an even bigger heart. He took off his 3X t-shirt and had every Chief sign it there and then and handed it to me to send to a deployed soldier (he had a spare shirt out in his car to wear the rest of the evening).

Three weeks later I received a phone call from Chief Rankin advising me that Lee had been killed in an automobile accident on icy roads. Even though I had only met Lee for a few hours I was devastated by the news.  I still had Lee’s shirt he had donated but I held off sending it overseas because I felt we needed to do something with it to honour him. The following year a soldier, Andrew Hillier requested shirts from Hero To Hero. I happened to know Andrew’s dad who is a RCMP Officer in our area. I asked Andrew if he would be willing to arrange for soldiers to sign Lee’s shirt over in Afghanistan and bring it home to us. He was honoured to do this.

It took a while for the shirt to complete it’s important journey but it made it’s way home safe and sound. On July/1/2010 the shirt was presented back to Chief Rankin and the Newbury Fire Dept. at their Canada Day celebrations in Newbury Park. Lee’s mom Sheila was present and a Hero To Hero Directors coin for Excellence was presented to her to honour her son. You can read about the presentation here…. http://www.thechronicle-online.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2659878&archive=true

In May 2011 i received a call from Newbury firefighter Debbie Rankin who is also the  wife of Newbury Fire Chief Greg Rankin. She explained that ever since we had presented Lee’s shirt to the Newbury Fire Dept. the firefighters had wanted to do something for Hero To Hero above and beyond donating t-shirts. Returning Lee’s shirt signed by troops was one of those small things that meant so much to them! Debbie informed me that the Newbury Firefighters Association, in conjunction with Newbury Legion Branch 583 was going to hold a concert in support of Hero To Hero. They chose Julian Austin to perform as he is one of Canada’s biggest troop supporters. Julian also happens to be a Celebrity Hero Ambassador for Hero To Hero. On July 10^th. 2011 Newbury, a town with a total population of 449 wonderful people hosted more than a concert, it was a troop morale event. The concert was attended by Veterans of  WW11, Korea, The Balkans and Afghanistan. Autumn Hagyard and her group “Pennies For Patriotism” hosted a BBQ which raised almost $1,000.00 for her very worthwhile cause. The “Petrolia Cookie Lady”, Karen Wilson and her husband M.B. set up their display and sold enough cookies and support our troops buttons to send another 60 dozen cookies to deployed troops. Gerry and Pat Doner drove all the way from Petawawa where Gerry is the manager of the Canex on CFB Petawawa. Gerry brought with him many troop support items to sell and donated the profits to Hero To Hero. Gerry also generously donated many items to individuals that night which I know he paid for out of his own pocket. Thank you Gerry! The concert was a gathering of friends and neighbours and it seemed more like a kitchen party than a concert. Julian paused many times during his performance to acknowledge the Veterans in the audience as well as the volunteers organizing and participating in the event. Julian even helped draw names for the prize draws at the end of the concert. Julian was also kind enough to donate the proceeds from his cd sales at the concert to Hero To Hero. Thanks Julian!

I want to thank many people for their support of Hero To Hero and this great concert.

First of all Debbie and Greg Rankin for spearheading this event. I know the great amount of work involved in hosting a successful event like this. There are many sleepless nights and worries. You guys did an outstanding job! Debbie & Greg even moved into a trailer for the weekend so that Julian’s band could stay in their home as there are no motels in the Newbury area.

Huge thanks to Firefighter Tim Lecroix and the Newbury Firefighters Association for supporting our troop morale campaign and this concert. The Association presented Hero To Hero with a cheque for $1,000.00 which blew us away.

Equally huge thanks to President Tim Kinsman and the Newbury Legion Branch 583 for their support of our program and our troops. The branch also presented Hero To Hero with a cheque for $1,000.00 which was totally unexpected and greatly appreciated.

You guys all ROCK!

I also want to thank Liz Jackson, the Founder and Director of the Hero To Hero Troop Morale Campaign for her continuing support of Team Canada. Liz flew in from Lakewood, Washington State to attend this concert and support Team Canada.

We would also like to thank Donna McIlmoyle for opening up her home to my wife and I, Gerry and Pat from Petawawa and Liz Jackson.

Thank you to Julian Austin for his ongoing support of Hero To Hero. No one has a bigger heart than this man, especially when it comes to supporting our troops.

Thank you to all the sponsors who stepped up to help make this concert a success.

Longley Enterprises

Ontario Southland Railway

McNaughton Home Shopping Centre

Rhonda Southerland Photography

Fennell Woodland Laundromat

Glencoe Auto Clinic

Van Heck Funeral Home

Village of Newbury

Rankin Lawn Services

The Zoller Boyz  - great opening band

Strings and Things – sound system and Yamaha drums for Sam Taylor

Adam McNaughton – great job on the sound!

Rob Easton - bagpipes

Ken & Donna Jean Haycock – donation of Julian Austin signed guitar

Edge Imaging – concert posters

Mark Nowicki & Bob McLachlan – Security

San & Pete – ticket sales

Tabatha & Sandra – Merchandise table

Judy & Diane Jones – Little Rock Café – thanks for feeding the band and guests!

Please check out the photos of this great evening on the Hero To Hero website.

http://herotohero.smugmug.com/HERO-TO-HERO-TEAM-CANADA/VISITING-ONTARIO-2011/18049044_kLz4Zs#1383939452_V7jb5FZ

Kevin McHarg

National Director

Hero To Hero Team Canada

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Posted August/7/2011

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Posted July/18/2011

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Posted June/8/2011

This is information on a fund raising event from the group that is restoring the Fairmile Q105, which will be the last Canadian WWII vessel under power when it is completed. It will be used primarily as a youth leadership training vessel. 
Corunna, Ontario is located in S.W. Ontario near Sarnia. Click to learn more about Q105.

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Posted June/2/2011

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Posted June/1/2011

On May 27/2011 Michelle McQuigge of The Canadian Press interviewed The Red Friday Ladies, The Petrolia Cookie Lady, Dave Murphy of ThankASoldier.net and Hero To Hero Team Canada National Director Kevin McHarg. Her story was titled  Home-front helpers pledge to press on even after combat ends in Afghanistan. Click on the link above to read her excellent story.

Following the release of Michelle's article, Dave Murphy of ThankASoldier.net introduced the 4.2 million members of his blog to all the parties Michelle wrote about in her article. To see Dave's blog click here.

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Posted May/18/2011

Hero To Hero would like to thank Southwest Regional Credit Union for their ongoing support of our troops and our program.

The Southwest Regional Credit Union is a proud supporter of the local communities we operate in (Wyoming, Wallaceburg, Sarnia and Corunna). Throughout the summer we will be holding fundraising barbeques at our different locations for local causes and organizations. 

The staff, board and members of Southwest Regional Credit Union invite you to attend the June 24 barbeque at the Corunna branch located at 411 Lyndock Street. The event will honor our Troops – past, present and future and current local heroes.  Proceeds of the event will go to the Hero to Hero Troop Morale campaign and the Corunna Volunteer Firefighters Association. First Responders will be on site serving lunch. Some Troops and some reserve will also be on site for anyone to come show their support. Red Friday shirts and shirts for the troops will be available for purchase by the general public that day.  For those that choose to purchase a troop shirt, a second shirt will be sent on their behalf to our troops. Those choosing to purchase a Red Friday shirts, another shirt (either troop or Red Friday) can be purchased for the troops. The shirt donations are made possible with donations from CHOK/Country 103.9, PemBrand Promotions, Sarnia Sting and Southwest Regional Credit Union.

We thank all of our Troops and local heroes for their efforts and dedication to serving our wonderful country and our community. Also, we salute our fallen soldiers, heroes and their families. Their ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Please join us in saluting our Troops and local heroes June 24 from 11-2 at Southwest Regional Credit Union, 411 Lyndock Street, Corunna

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Posted May/17/2011

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Posted May/15/2011

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The Red Friday Ladies will be hosting their 5th. annual Red Rally in Petawawa, Ontario on May 6th. 2011. Hero To Hero Team Canada will be there.Will you?

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Posted April/27/2011

Larry Kaibetony is a member of the HeroToHero.US Core Team. Larry was seriously injured in Mosul, Iraq when a suicide bomber detonated himself only feet from Larry while they was standing in line for chow in the mess tent. The only thing that saved Larry was the fact that he was still wearing his body armor. Larry visited Southwest, Ontario in 2008 with other members of the Core Team and one of the places we visited was General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada in London, Ontario where U.S. military Stryker vehicles like those Larry worked out of are manufactured. Larry presented General Dynamics with one of his Army shirts signed by wounded U.S. soldiers from Washington State as a thank you for the tour of their facility. The shirt is now framed and hangs in the lobby at General Dynamics. This visit was also a pilgrimage of sorts for Liz Jackson, Founder and Director of HeroToHero.US who's cousin Jake had been killed while riding in a Stryker in Iraq. Liz came away from the plant reassured that these vehicles are built to the highest standard for our troops. Click on link to see a video of the Mosul Tent Bombing,  The incredible part of this journey was when Larry met the Medic who helped save his life by loading Larry on a helicopter while debris and schrapnel landed on them as militants launched mortar attacks on them immediately after the tent bombing. That Paramedic is a Canadian who Larry met while traveling  through SW Ontario.  

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Posted April/27/2011

The Ontario Professional Firefighters Association and it's members throughout the Province have supported Hero To Hero since we began back in 2005. This article appeared in our magazine "The Intrepid" just this week. We are grateful to OPFFA President Fred LeBlanc for his ongoing support of Hero To Hero. Special thanks to Editor Jame Coones for putting this story together for  publication. As a member of the OPFFA i want to personally thank our membership for getting behind this troop morale campaign. 

Click here to read the original version of Intrepid. It may be easier to read than the version copied onto this page.

Sincerely,

Kevin McHarg

Local 492 Sarnia

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Posted April/26/2011

This just in from Afghanistan. Two soldiers from the Kitchener /Waterloo area sporting their new Waterloo Wolves shirts. Every player on the team sent one of their t-shirts to a deployed troop along with a hand written message of support. Each player also sent an autographed tennis ball. They heard Canada has a kickass ball hockey team over there! 

MCpl Casey Finnie                                                          Cpl Matthew Brown

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Posted April/25/2011

Click here to view Hero To Hero Team Canada's latest Newsletter.

This link will take you to the Newsletter page on this website.

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Posted March/23/2011

 SEND A BAG OF TWIGGS COFFEE AND A LOVING MESSAGE TO A CANADIAN SOLDIER!

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Posted March/4/2011

     Army News - Soldier writes "rock anthem" for troops

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Posted March/2/2011

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Posted Feb/26/2011

Hero To Hero is pleased to work with the Red Ribbon Forces in support of our troops.

The Red Ribbon Forces Campaign, led by Brian Goodfellow and Eleanor Bookman, recently hosted a breakfast to thank members of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders and the Canadian Forces base in Nav Canada. Check out this news clip of the event. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yubfs7zMkPo&feature=player_embedded

Check out their website as well: http://www.supportcanadatroops.ca/

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Posted February 25th 2011

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Posted Feb/21/2011

Hero To Hero is pleased to have worked with recording artist Matthew de Zoete  from Hamilton, Ontario to create videos for two of  Matthew's original songs that honour our Veterans. Remembrance Day and The Day Jack Babcock Died can be found on our Video page. Please check them out.

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Posted Feb/21/2011

                         Sarnia Rallies Behind Pennies for Patriotism
 

Every penny counts for Autumn Hagyard, 10, who is raising money for Canadian troops returning home with injuries. She met a number of Sarnians on Saturday who support her campaign. Here, Ashley LeBelle, friend of the late Master Cpl. Cliff Thompson, contributes to Autumn's effort. CATHY DOBSON/THE OBSERVER/QMI AGENCY

Supporting our troops: Every cent counts
By Cathy Dobson

Ten-year-old Autumn Hagyard of Simcoe was a few months into her penny campaign to raise money for returning Canadian soldiers when she received a letter from two members of the 1st Hussars in Sarnia.They had heard about Autumn's "Pennies for Patriotism" campaign and were impressed.
Master Cpl Cliff Thompson and Master Cpl Adam Rymes sent Autumn $5 in rolled up coins and a letter that told her, "You're an inspiration to soldiers everywhere." They asked her to write them during their mission to Afghanistan. But just days before Thompson was to be deployed from Sarnia, he was killed in a car accident. At the funeral for the 25-year-old soldier, Thompson's family asked mourners to send donations to Autumn in lieu of flowers. Members of the 1st Hussars and a growing group of Sarnia residents    began collecting pennies in Thompson's memory and shipping them to Autumn's house in Simcoe Ontario.

What started in 2009 as a young girl's Grade 4 project to "pay it forward," has become a full-fledged campaign reaching people right across the province. Two 20-litre jugs of pennies from Sarnia have been shipped to Simcoe already and more are on the way.
Many were collected at the Sarnia public works department where Marlyn Maidment works, while others came from the 1st Hussars, the South West Regional Credit Union, the Lambton Military family support group and other organizations.
To date, Autumn and her mom, Tanya, have deposited $2,700 in the bank. They estimate that there's another $2,300 waiting to be rolled.
"I want to gather all the money together and give it to soldiers who come back injured," Autumn said. "We always remember the fallen but not the ones who got hurt and need prosthetics, wheelchairs or crutches." She could have chosen any cause but says she picked war vets because of her family's military history.
The campaign started quietly in Simcoe among family and school friends and picked up momentum after a friend of a friend talked about it in Sarnia.
That's when the 1st Hussars became involved, said Marc Hansen, an associate 1st Hussars member who drove to Simcoe with the jugs of pennies. He organized a lunch at a local restaurant for Autumn and her mom Saturday, who had a chance to meet many of the people supporting Pennies for Patriotism.
"We're just overwhelmed," said Tanya Hagyard. "People have been giving us money at my work, at her school and they've been dropping pennies off at the house."Often we don't even know who brings them."

Autumn has received a junior citizenship award from Elgin Avenue Public School in Simcoe for her efforts and was nominated for the CBC's Champion of Change competition. She intends to continue collecting pennies throughout 2011 and distribute the funds at Christmas time. She also hopes to hold fundraising events in 10 towns and cities throughout the summer, starting in Simcoe and finishing in Petrolia. "My mom and I are looking for ideas," she said.

For more information, visit Autumn's Facebook page "pennies for patriotism" or call 519-426-2016.

cdobson@theobserver.ca

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Posted February 18th. 2011

A message from Liz Jackson

Founder/Director of the Hero To Hero Troop Morale Campaign

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Posted Feb/15/2011

Canada's Red Friday Ladies presented with Peace Tower flags

 

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Wolves get thanks for supporting troops

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Posted Jan/24/2011

Captain Robin Cooke distributed almost 800 first responder t-shirts to troops while he was deployed to Afghanistan.  He didn't even keep one for himself! A little birdy learned of this situation and we're pleased to see that Robin's home town firefighters stepped up to rectify that situation.

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Posted Nov/22/2010

 


CATHY DOBSON cdobson@theobserver.ca - Eugene Smith, left, and Linda Smith are the 2010 recipients of the YMCA's Peace Medallion. On Monday, they received their award from Jim Janzen, right, CEO of the YMCA of Sarnia-Lambton. Among other accomplishments, they are the founding members of Peacekeeper Park near London and co-founders of the Sarnia-Lambton Military Support Group.

CATHY DOBSON

The Observer

Five years ago during the Year of the Veteran, little was being done in the Sarnia-Lambton area to recognize the contributions of local soldiers and their families.
That's when Linda and Eugene Smith of Enniskillen Township decided to do something about it.
Not only did they co-found the Sarnia-Lambton Military Support Group, they began working on numerous projects to raise the profile of those who serve their country and to support the families of soldiers.

The Smiths also co-founded a unique 550-acre park and camp near London and established educational facilities and programs there for the military as well as children.
Their commitment to educating Canadians about their country's peacekeeping efforts has earned them the 2010 YMCA Peace Medallion.

It was presented to the Smiths Monday in front of 40 family and friends gathered at the Esso YMCA Learning and Career Centre.

"I can't think of another award I would rather get because this is something to do with peace," said Linda Smith who accepted the medal on behalf of local military families.
She has met many of them since founding the military support group, which meets monthly and provides moral support for people with loved ones serving overseas or for those who have lost family who served.
"It makes such a big difference to the families with deployed sons and daughters if they know there are others who know how they feel.
"They don't feel so alone."

She also believes that when Canadians wear red on Fridays, the solidarity they show to military families and deployed soldiers is more than most can understand.
"The simple act of wearing red means so much to the families and to veterans," Smith said. "We owe our troops."

In the past five years, she has helped organize numerous Red Rally Fridays and expanded the concept to a Red Weekend in Petrolia that drew hundreds this fall.
Her husband, Eugene Smith, said he accepted the peace medallion on behalf of all who served in war and on behalf of the peacekeepers.

There have been 361 Canadians killed since 1950 when Canada took on its peacekeeper role. That includes 152 killed in Afghanistan during peacekeeping operations. Many others have returned with invisible scars that are only now being addressed, said Smith.
As a longtime cadet volunteer, he was instrumental in establishing Peacekeeper Park near London after Ipperwash was closed down for cadet training.

The park is now a camp open to all youth groups, including those with special needs, and also has educational programs where the public can learn about the sacrifices and successes of Canadian soldiers.
In the spring, a new program will run for the first time for soldiers who have occupational stress.
"It's a fantastic program designed by soldiers and it's high time we had something like this for them," Smith said.

At Monday's presentation, numerous members of the Y's international development committee praised the Smiths for their commitment to promoting peace and supporting the peacekeepers.
"Linda and Eugene are the greatest volunteers you can imagine," said Petrolia Mayor John McCharles. "Every time something has to be done, there they are."

"I've been to Peacekeeper Park and what you do is incredible," said Kevin McHarg, Canadian Ambassador of the Hero to Hero program.
"Step by step, you're building a facility that's helping soldiers coming back as well as the kids in the community."

The Smiths have an "unwavering commitment" and "infectious passion" for educating Canadians about the value and importance of our peacekeepers, said Vera Lawlor, past chairperson of the development committee.
This is the 22nd year the local YMCA has presented the peace medallion.

cdobson@theobserver.ca

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Posted November 17/2010

Hero To Hero Supporter Honoured

Captain Robin Cooke

56 Field Artillery Regiment

Congratulations to Capt. Robin Cooke of 56 Field Artillery Regiment who received a Commander Canadian Expeditionary Force Commendation while attending the gala Operation Yellow Ribbon special Remembrance Day Mess Dinner hosted by the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. The commendation reads: “While deployed to Afghanistan from September 2008 to April 2009, Captain Cooke ensured the effective administration of the Battle Group and contributed to enhancing unit morale. He executed a successful visits plan, ensured the repatriation of fallen soldiers was handled with dignity and respect, liaised with military and civilian agencies to organize charity and morale initiatives and improved the efficiency of home leave travel arrangements. In addition he overcame numerous challenges to ensure every member of the Battle Group, including soldiers at forward locations, were provided with an opportunity to vote in the Canadian federal election.”

(signed) J. G. M. Lessard CMM, CDLieutenant-GeneralCommanderCanadian Expeditionary Force Command"

From Hero To Hero.... 

One of Capt. Cooke's troop morale efforts was the distribution of over 700 Hero To Hero first responder t-shirts to Canadian troops in April 2009. He insured that shirts were distributed to members of the Battle Group as they returned to Kandahar Airfield from Forward Operating Bases after spending up to 7 months living outside the wire at FOB's and in their armoured vehicles beyond the FOB's.

Hero To Hero congratulates Captain Robin Cooke on this well deserved award and we thank him for his ongoing support of our program.

To see the video that Capt. Cooke sent Hero To Hero from Afghanistan, click the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUO2Fx3Ksp0

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Posted November 15/2010

Reproduced from Wolf Talk Volume 2 - Issue 2 Nov 2010

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Posted November 15/2010

Reprinted from "The Maple Leaf"

 2010 REMEMBRANCE DAY  

By Cheryl MacLeod 

Growing up in a family where freedom  something that is not taken for 

granted, Matthew de Zoete put his appreciation on paper. He wrote a 

song entitled, “Remembrance Day”; it  appears on his second CD. 

The 27-year-old musician learned the importance of remembrance, and 

to appreciate the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers, from his parents – and more 

so from his grandparents, who were liberated from Nazi occupation of 

their homeland, The Netherlands, by Canadian troops during the Second 

World War. While visiting many of his family members living in The Netherlands, 

Mr. de Zoete saw firsthand how important our veterans are, and how 

strong the connection is between the Dutch people and Canadian veterans. 

“Dutch people still make a real point of teaching their children about this 

history,” Mr. de Zoete says. “It’s something that was ingrained into my head 

as child.” Having the opportunity to visit many memorials and cenotaphs across 

Canada and Europe, Vimy Ridge and Menin Gate helped this young historian 

put the events and people they commemorate into perspective. Visiting 

these memorials helped him gain some sense of the conditions these soldiers 

endured, he says. The Menin Gate is an arch commemorating the nearly 55,000 soldiers from 

the Commonwealth who fell in Belgium, most of them in the Ypres Salient, and 

whose final resting places are not known. Of these, 6940 are Canadians. 

“Menin Gate,” he says, “with all the names carved into the gate of soldiers 

who died and they have never found their remains, was pretty moving.” 

It wasn’t only the vastness of Vimy that touched Mr. de Zoete but also the 

trenches in which allies and enemy soldiers fought. “Vimy was very power- 

ful,” Mr. de Zoete says, “especially the front-line trenches, to see just how 

close they were. The distance was less than a backyard.” 

Writing and recording the song “Remembrance Day” was Mr. de Zoete’s 

way of keeping this day on people’s minds, and a way for him to say, 

“thank you”. “I feel it is important to remember physically on Remembrance Day, but I 

think it should be remembered more than just one day a year.” 

On Remembrance Day, Mr. de Zoete plans to attend a service and observe 

the two moments of silence as he thinks about his cousin who is serving 

in Afghanistan. He will also say, “thank you” to all our veterans. “I 

think everyone here, regardless of their politics or thoughts about 

Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan, appreciates what Canadian military 

people do,” Mr. de Zoete says. “And everyone I talked to still supports what 

the troops are doing and wishes them well and says, ‘thank you’.” 

View the “Remembrance Day”,video 

at www.matthewdezoete.com. 

~~**~~

Posted Nov/2/2010

HONOUR OUR VETERANS 

How will you celebrate Remembrance Day this year? If you intend to honour the 

day for what it is meant to be, you will attend a church service or gather at one of 

the monuments dedicated to our veterans. 

On Remembrance Day, we thank the thousands of Canadians who strengthened 

our country with their example of service and sacrifice. We not only honour the 

infantry, air force or sailors, but the cooks, drivers, mail clerks, medical group and 

engineers. We honour ALL veterans who have served. 

This Remembrance Day allows us to acknowledge our appreciation for their 

contributions to our countries’ security. The fact is that those who have served 

have sacrificed in many ways performing their duty. They leave behind loved 

ones and travel to foreign lands all in the name of freedom and pride in their 

country. 

We must make special effort to educate our young people about the sacrifices all 

the veterans have made, for the freedom they enjoy in our country is not free! 

Veterans walk amongst us everyday and are our neighbours and friends. 

To every veteran, Canada owes a debt we cannot forget, but we will always 

acknowledge. Remember our veterans and the price they have paid emotionally 

and physically to safeguard us. 

Remember our troops - Canada’s future veterans - who selflessly defend our 

freedom and strive to bring peace in unsettling countries around the globe.  

Peter Prakke 

Ancaster, Ontario 

~~**~~

Posted Nov/2/2010 

     N E W S  R E L E A S E                  C O M M U N I Q U  É 

Remembrance Week Memory Crosses 

Sarnia, Ontario – On Sunday November 7 at 12:30 p.m. there will be a Memory Cross placing at the Canadian Navy Centennial Stone and Oak Tree in Centennial Park. The public is invited to attend. 

As part of Remembrance Week a brief informal placing of Memory Crosses will take place. This will be a simple but solemn event, without speech or ceremony. The Canadian Navy Centennial Stone and Oak Tree commemorates the personnel of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) & Merchant Navy who were lost in the Battle of Atlantic during WWII.  There were 24 RCN ships lost during this time.  As the name of each ship is read aloud, a Memory Cross will be placed next to the

memorial stone. The crosses will remain there until Nov 12. 

The Canadian Navy Centennial Stone and Oak Tree is located in Centennial Park at the end of George Street next to the Rotary Gazebo. Media is invited and encouraged to attend. 

Note: News Directors/Editors: 

For further information please contact: 

Petty Officer 1st Class Murray Quinton, 

(519) 312-6550, mquinton@commissionaires.ca 

          ~~**~~

Posted September/28/2010

                 Julian Austin releases new song in support of Canadian troops

Hero To Hero Celebrity Ambassador Julian Austin has hit another home run in support of our troops. His newest song is about and is dedicated to our troops. It is the follow up to his anthem "The Red and White " This new song is  "The Red and White Brigade" and it is as powerful a song as the original.
The Red and White Brigade is only available for download on Julian's website "JulianAustin.com"  for only $1.00 and 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Sapper Mike McTeague Wounded Warrior Fund.
The song was first aired on Army News who added video to the song.

You can view the Army News video clip of The Red and White Brigade here.....  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFTRZu0dXYg
 

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Posted September 16/2010

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Posted September 16/2010

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Posted September 10/2010

Stockyards Saloon is located in Calgary, Alberta.

Hero To Hero Team Canada is very grateful for their support.

**~~**

Posted August/18/2010

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Posted August/12/2010

If you are going to be in Sarnia, Ontario on Friday August 20th, 2010,  please stop by the Southwest Regional Credit Union for lunch and show your support for our troops. 

~~**~~

Posted August/8/2010

The Travelling Flag Day Event  

Dedicated to All Soldiers, Remembrance of Our Fallen  

and in support of   

Allan’s Angels Camp  

A mother of a fallen soldier, is honoured to have the Travelling Flag come to Hamilton on August 29th,  

2010.  To view information and the blog about the Travelling Flag,  google "A Bond Never Broken ? Travelling  

Flag"   

Bay Front Park Hamilton  

 Sunday, August 29th, 2010       

11:00 a.m. ? 4:30 p.m.  

All proceed of the day will be donated to the Summer Camp for the Children of the Fallen  

“Allan’s Angels Camp”  

This camp was initiated by the daughter of Master Corporal Allan Stewart who was killed in action on April  

11, 2007.  Brittany and Sarah attended "Hero Camp" for the Military children.  Although they made many  

new friends and enjoyed the experience, they felt very out of place because they were the only two children  

there who had a parent who wouldn't be returning home from Afghanistan.  Brittany, now 15, realized that  

there are many other children in the same situation and, with the help of her mother, initiated the start of a  

summer camp for children of fallen soldiers.  This camp is run only by donations.  With a tremendous  

amount of help from the Petawawa Military Base, this camp ran for the first time this year during the week  

of July 17th to July 24th.  Brittany has named the camp “Allan's Angels Camp" in memory of her father.  

Activities  

• The Travelling Flag ? which can be signed by the public  

• Scroll ? The public can send messages to our troops ? it will be sent to Afghanistan after the event  

• Christa, Brittany, and Sarah  Stewart – Allan’s Angels Camp  

• Transport Cab ? Raynald Bouthillier, father of Trooper Jack Bouthillier, wrapped one of his transport  

cabs in memory of his son and all fallen soldiers  

• 1st CAV (Canadian Army Veteran's motorcycle group)  

• Canadian Heroes  

• Singer, Cory Cruise  

• Video slide show of our troops in Afghanistan  

• Merchandise items for sale supporting our troops, and much more  

RELEASE OF BALLOONS IN MEMORY OF OUR FALLEN 

 ~~**~~

Posted August/8/2010 

    Strength Behind the 

Uniform 

Charity Walk Run

Springbank Park?September 26, 

2010   

 London Military Family Resource Centre 

      5 or 8 km walk/run (timed runs) 

$25/person ($20 early bird by Aug. 13) 

       for run t-shirt, barbecue lunch. 

  Register at 519-660-5366 OR 

       www.runningroom.com 

Proceeds to programs for military families 

 ~~**~~ 

Posted July/26/2010

                                           BRAVERY PARK©
 
 
Spurred on by the many international conflicts in which Canada is involved, I am inspired to create a park to honour injured and fallen Canadians, as well as those who return safely to their homes. It is a tribute to their courage, their bravery, and their dedication to freedom, also recognizing the sacrifices they have made to make this a better world for all of us. A Bravery Park© can be created in any size village, town, city, or municipality and takes only a fraction of the effort that these Canadians have undertaken.
 
Visiting a Bravery Park© / Parc de la Bravoure, will provide relaxation and a shaded recreational area for those who enjoy the outdoors and wish to remember the families of these brave men and women that have fought tirelessly for our country.
 
The use of allergy-free Maple trees (Acer rubrum and Acer x freemanii selected species) will ensure that the Bravery Park© will be enjoyed and accessible to an increased number of Canadians and visitors to Canada.
 
Maple trees have been specifically selected because they represent beauty and are our national emblem. The Maple leaf is also shown on the ‘Medal of Bravery’ which was established on May 1, 1972 and is awarded by the Governor General of Canada.
 
Consider also that the Maple trees sequestration of CO2 contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gasses, thus improving our environment for future generations to come.
 
Landscape Ontario, Canada’s largest Horticultural Trades Association and
Ontario Parks Association enthusiastically supports the Bravery Park© project.
 
 
For more information, please contact Peter Prakke:
#24-810 Golf Links Road, Ancaster, Ontario, L9K 1J7
Telephone: 905-304-0828
 

~~**~~

Posted July/22/2010

 

 

 

 

Deceased Newbury fire fighter honoured

 

Lee Bubba Lawrence was a Newbury Firefighter who passed away in 2007. Shortly before his death, he expressed great enthusiasm for becoming a part of the Hero To Hero campaign. As a tribute to Lee, his shirt was sent to Afghanistan where it was signed by soldiers there, and then returned home. It will be framed and put on display at the Newbury Fire Hall. L-R: Kevin McHarg, Canadian ambassador for Hero To Hero, Greg Rankin, Newbury Fire Chief, and Sheila Lawrence, Lee s mother.

 

A framed shirt autographed by Canadian soldiers serving in Afghanistan will be put on display at the Newbury Fire Hall; a tribute to a firefighter who passed away.

 

Lee "Bubba" Lawrence joined the Newbury Fire Department in 2005. In November 2007, Lee attended a meeting at the Fire Hall for Hero To Hero, a campaign meant to increase morale of Canadian and U.S. troops deployed around the world. The idea of the campaign is to have "local heroes" (firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS, and others) donate the shirts off their backs and send them to the "heroes" who are overseas, hence "Hero To Hero". Kevin McHarg, the Canadian ambassador for Hero To Hero, said that Lee responded with great enthusiasm for the program; Lee took the shirt off his back at that very meeting so it could be donated, and he promoted the program to his fellow fire fighters.

"He was going to be the guy in this area that did something with it… I knew he was going to go a step above because of his enthusiasm," said McHarg.

Only weeks after the Hero To Hero meeting, in December 2007, Lee died in a vehicle accident while he was returning to Newbury from Strathroy. He was 25 years old.

McHarg still had Lee's shirt and sent it off to Afghanistan with a Canadian soldier who got members of his platoon to sign it. The shirt was sent back to Canada. On July 1, the shirt was presented to Newbury Fire Chief Greg Rankin, who says the shirt will be framed and displayed at the Fire Hall for all to see.

"Lee was so proud that night. He talked and he talked… He went out and changed his shirt and he got the few people that were there at the Fire Department to sign it," said Sheila Lawrence, Lee's mother. "Lee was so proud to be a fireman"

Along with the shirt, McHarg presented special Hero To Hero coins to the Fire Chief and Sheila Lawrence.

"In the military there is a tradition. Generals and officers have coins, and when a soldier does something outstanding, the general will give the coin to that individual to thank them for their efforts," said McHarg. "Even in the two hours I met him, he earned that coin."

Hero To Hero was founded by Liz Jackson in Tacoma Washington in 2003, and was started in Canada in September 2005 by Kevin McHarg. To learn more about Hero To Hero, visit www.HeroToHero.US.

~~**~~

Posted July/3/2010

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Posted July/2/2010

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Posted June 26, 2010    Old Navy Supports Canadian Troops     AJAX -- The Ajax, Ontario Old Navy outlet is joining stores across the country in a campaign to support Canada's troops overseas.   From June 25 to July 1, Old Navy stores are partnering with the Military Families Fund (MFF) to collect items for care packages to be sent to the troops.   Requested items include underwear, undershirts, T-shirts, socks and flip flops and they'll be sent overseas through MFF's Operation Santa Claus. Old Navy stores will have a display of those items for easy purchase and anyone who participates in donating will get 10 per cent off their entire purchase that day.   Canada flag T-shirts will be on a 'buy one, send one' special where Old Navy will send one overseas for every T-shirt purchased.   There will also be an opportunity write thank you notes and letters to the troops.

~~**~~ 

Posted June/3/2010

Short notice!

This event will be held June 5th. 2010 and supports WoundedWarriors.ca.

http://www.heroshighwayride.com/

Let's Ride!

~~**~~

Posted May/21/2010

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Posted May/6/2010

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~~**~~ 

~~**~~ 

**From Liz:  You might have read the update to Hero To Hero in the States.  You are most welcome to participate in the message sending to the troops and have your hometown troop message posted on the official map, but please continue to send Kevin shirts for your Canadian troops.  NO changes for Team Canada!  **The following banner is a link that will take you directly to the Troop Message form.  lj

APRIL/1/2010 

IMPORTANT MESSAGE  

HERO TO HERO TEAM CANADA 

DEADLINE FOR T-SHIRT COLLECTION EXTENDED 

The normal cutoff date for collection of first responder t-shirts for our troops is Valentines Day each year. After that date we start accepting requests from troops for the t-shirts. They are then shipped to our Canadian troops deployed around the world. 

This spring troop rotations have been extended up to 6 weeks so we are waiting until the rotation is complete and troops have been deployed a while before we start shipping our shirts overseas. What this means is, you now have until June 1st. 2010 to send us your shirts and be included in this years packout. 

We recently sent shirts to the crew of HMCS Fredericton deployed off the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden. The shirts arrived safely and were greatly appreciated by the crew. This year we have collected approximately 1200 LESS SHIRTS than last year.                            

We hope that this extra collection time will help us meet our goal. 

We need first responders from across Canada to step up for our troops.   Without you we have no program.                                                                                    

Candian soldiers sailors and airmen/women have come to appreciate how we show our support for them. Let’s not disappoint them.

After 5 years of heading up this program in Canada, i have learned that the best way to tell people about our program and get their support is to talk to them face to face. Unfortunately this is a huge country and we cannot visit every city and town in Canada. That’s why we started the Team Canada website, to be able to get the word out as best we can, to as many people as we can, across Canada.                                                                                                  

In the past 16 months Hero To Hero Team Canada’s website has had 40,000 visitors! Unfortunately this has not resulted in an increase in the number of t-shirts we have received for the troops. 

Perhaps some people are thinking that with the announcement of Canada’s withdrawl from Afghanistan in 2011 there is no longer a need. NOT TRUE!                                                            

We don’t know for sure what will happen in Afghanistan in the future, but there are troops there now and for two more rotations. 

Regardless, this program is for all soldiers, sailors and airmen/women deployed in any of the 20 or so deployments that our troops are involved in at any given time around the world, including ships deployed at sea. 

We have sent shirts to troops in Sudan, Haiti, Israel, Afghanistan, two ships at sea, and we even personally delivered shirts and cans of Tim Hortons coffee to our troops serving with NORAD in Washington State. 

This program will continue as long as first responders step up to give the shirts off their backs. I hope that will be for many years to come.

Some people think that shirts have to be new and that they have to donate boxes of 

them....NOT TRUE!                                                                                               All we need from you is ONE gently worn t-shirt! Yup, that’s it. Go to your closet and find one t- shirt that you can part with. Any shirt with a Dept. logo or a hometown name on it. 

If you would like to collect a few shirts from your co-workers as well, even better. If you want to organize a shirt drive within your organization, great! 

It’s up to you, the level of participation, but every single shirt is important. 

Let’s keep the smiles on the faces of our troops and continue to boost their morale. 

Don’t forget to print your name and e-mail address legibly on a piece of paper and staple it to the collar of your shirt. 

Troops appreciate knowing who sent their shirt and you just may receive a reply! You can also write a message directly on your shirt using a Sharpie marker. Below is the address where you can send your shirts. My contact info is also there if you have any questions.

Sincerely, 

Kevin McHarg 

National Director 

Hero To Hero Team Canada 

1940 Avenue Rd. SS1 

Bright's Grove, Ontario 

Canada, N0N 1C0 

Home: 519-869-6940 

Cell: 519-464-2644 

e-mail: mchargs@xcelco.on.ca 

Websites: HeroToHeroTeamCanada.com 

                  HeroToHero.US 

Facebook: Hero To Hero 

Twitter:   H2HTeamCanada 

                 HeroToHero 

Support Our Troops...... Wear RED on Fridays

~~**~~

Posted April/16/2010

Lambton College Press Release

First Responder Students at Lambton College host Red Friday

to Show Support for Canadian Troops

Sarnia, ON, April 16, 2010 – Fire Science, Paramedic and Police Foundations students wear red at Lambton College today as they take over the cafeteria on campus in their attempt to create awareness and fundraise for the Hero to Hero and Soldier On Campaigns.  The events will be taking place until noon and will include fire science students making coffee alongside staff at Tim Horton’s, t-shirt sales, signature collections on a large banner and a fill-the-boot campaign where change is collected in size 14 fire boots.

“A decision to support this type of campaign is a no-brainer for me,” says Jim Daly, 3rd year Fire Science Student and event organizer.  “My fellow students and I consider our future as a first responder to be more than just a career, which is very similar to the job of the troops overseas.  We know that the troops don’t choose their battles any more than firefighters or police and that is why this is important for us to support.”

“This is the fifth year we have been able to count on the support of Lambton College emergency response students,” says Kevin McHarg, National Director, Hero to Hero Team Canada.  “It inspires me to keep going when we get this type of support from the future leaders of these professions.”

Hero to Hero Team Canada is a non-political organization of first responders who give the shirts off their back to Canadian troops deployed around the world in an attempt to boost morale. 

Soldier On will contribute to optimizing the functional independence of ill or injured Canadian Forces personnel or former personnel by delivering programs and services and facilitating and integrating opportunities that support their full and active participation in physical fitness, health promotion and sport.

For more information about Hero to Hero Team Canada, or the event today, contact Kevin McHarg 519-464-2644.

PEACEKEEPER PARK 

Middlesex County, Ontario 

Spring cleanup 2010 

April 9-11, 2010

Posted April/11/2010 

Photos and writeup courtesy of Chris Farrish. 

Please see the attached pictures from Peace Keeper Park work weekend.

Gene Smith has a phenomenal camp out there. 

You'll notice the photo of us in the Bad Ass pose taken on Friday. 

Along with Gene, the following missions are represented. Somalia, 

Yugoslavia/ Bosnia, Afghanistan. 

The volunteers that help him out are top notch. 

The large group photo shows the bulk of the volunteers that came out. 

They included family and friends. 

Additional missions represented were Golan Heights and Cyprus.                                                                                            

To learn more about Peacekeeper Park visit: wwwpeacekeeperpark.com 

~~**~~

Reprinted from Sarnia Police Services website

Sarnia, Ontario

~~**~~

Posted February 14th. 2010

There are 82 Canadian National (CN) Police Officers working from coast to coast across Canada and they have donated an incredible Four Hundred custom made t-shirts in support of our troops to Hero To Hero Team Canada. This effort was headed up by Constable Randy Paterson in Sarnia, Ontario. One hundred of the CN Police shirts were included in a shipment of 269 shirts and hats that were recently sent to the crew of HMCS Fredericton, presently deployed in the Gulf of Aden. Below is an article that recently appeared in CN's online National Newsletter and it is followed by an E-mail that Constable Paterson has already received from a sailor aboard HMCS Fredericton.

Read on.....

 Here is one of several letters Constable Paterson received from a crew member of HMCS Fredericton....

My name is Petty Officer 2nd Class Paul Côté and I'm currently serving aboard HMCS FREDERICTON in the Gulf of Aden area on a counter piracy and counter terrorism mission.  We left Halifax on 25 Oct 2009 and won't be returning home until early May 2010.  I would like to thank you for the T-Shirt of the CNR Police Association that you sent on behalf of the Hero to Hero program, it's very much appreciated.  The reason I picked that T-Shirt over the others we received is because I'm a volunteer Auxiliary Constable with the RCMP program back in Halifax for the last 2 years.

Take care and thanks again.

Paul Cote, PO2 
Snr Pay Writer 
Resource Management Support Clerk | Commis de Soutien à la Gestion des Ressources 
Her Majesty's Canadian Ship FREDERICTON | Navire Canadien de Sa Majesté FREDERICTON 

~~**~~

Posted Feb/9/2010

Jake Rademacher, Director/Producer of the documentary movie Brothers At War has teamed up with Dave Murphy of ThankASoldier.net to support HeroToHero.US and Operation Gratitude. Below is Dave Murphy's announcement as posted on his ThankASoldier.net blog.

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT - Brothers At War Movie

Posted by Dave Murphy 

 I watched BrothersatWarmovie.com a few nights ago and I have to say of every documentary I have ever watched about our military this one was one of the best I’ve seen. It is the story of Jake Rademacher whose two brothers are serving with the US Army in Iraq. From the moment this film starts I could clearly see how proud he is of both of them and also the desire to see what it was that they go through.

This documentary also shows the family side and what they go through when a loved one is deployed. One seen in the film when Jakes brother comes home from deployment and his young daughter doesn’t know who he his really pulls at your heart strings. I strongly recommend having a box of Kleenex near you when you watch this.

There are also some real funny moments in this film such as the scenes with the US ARMY advisers training the IRAQ troops and soldiers discussing The OC but for the two hours I watched this film it actually makes you feel like you are there (More so than picking up a copy of Call of Duty) this is not a Hollywood Movie, this is real. You get a glimpse inside look at what our men and women are doing over there and what their families go through at home.

I’ve seen many movies about war from all eras, and I’m not going to slam any of them, but the big difference is THIS is not a movie, this movie allows you to walk in the shoes of our heroes as we watch Jake take his cameras outside the wire. The biggest thing I notice is how proud these guys are to have him there, how they don’t treat him any different and take him on as if he was fresh out of army training. These men and women want their story told and this film did an amazing job of doing that.

I have been speaking with Jake Rademacher on Face Book and if you order the DVD off the Brothers at War site http://www.brothersatwarmovie.com/ and put in the code “thankasoldier’’ (NOTE : Code is entered on the order screen after you put in your shipping information) you will received 10% of the DVD. From this 10% off 1.00 from each sale will go to :

Operation Gratitude :
http://www.opgratitude.com/

HerotoHero.us:
http://www.herotohero.us/Home.html

If you order two DVDs the shipping is free.

You can view the trailer for this amazing story below:
http://www.youtube.com/user/BrothersA...

""Brothers At War" was one of the hardest yet most healing movies I have ever watched. I had hoped it would give me insight to what my son had experienced in Iraq. I hoped it would tell me some of my son's war stories he never got to come home to share. I did not expect this film to also tell some of my story also. This film is about how war and deployments affect an entire family.I owe Jake Rademacher a debt of gratitude for making this film. I hope some day to thank him in person..."
Angelia Phillips - Gold Star Mom

“Brothers at War celebrates the courage and integrity of the American Soldier and the American military family. It is also a film about a man's love and respect for his two brothers and his dedication to telling their story. A great film that I am proud to be a part of.”
Gary Sinise, Actor, Presidential Citizens Medal Recipient

Synopsis:
BrothersatWarmovie.com is an intimate portrait of an American family during a turbulent time. Jake Rademacher sets out to understand the experience, sacrifice, and motivation of his two brothers serving in Iraq. The film follows Jake’s exploits as he risks everything—including his life—to tell his brothers’ story. Often humorous, but sometimes downright lethal, BROTHERS AT WAR is a remarkable journey where Jake embeds with four combat units in Iraq. Unprecedented access to U.S. and Iraqi combat units take him behind the camouflage curtain with secretreconnaissance troops on the Syrian border, into sniper “Hide Sites” in the Sunni Triangle, through raging machine gun battles with the Iraqi Army. Ultimately, the film follows his brothers home where separations and life-threatening work ripple through their parents, siblings, wives and children. BROTHERS AT WAR provides a rare look at the bonds and service of our soldiers on the frontlines and the profound effects their service has on the loved ones they leave "

Site: http://www.brothersatwarmovie.com/

Our Blog Write up: http://thankasoldier.wordpress.com/ Click Brothers At War Movie Link

Dave Murphy
Cause Creator

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Posted Feb/7-2010

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 Thankasoldier.net

THE GRATITUDE PROJECT

For the last year i have been watching the amazing things being done in support of our troops by a gentleman named Dave Murphy who lives in Calgary Alberta. Dave is the driving force behind Thankasoldier.net.                                          

In October 2009 when i was in Calgary visiting family, i made a point to meet with Dave so that i could present him with a HeroToHero Director's coin on behalf of our Founder/Director Liz Jackson and also give him the shirt off my back (Sarnia Fire Rescue Services) as a show of respect for all his troop morale efforts.

Dave is the most down to earth person you will ever meet and Hero To Hero wholeheartedly endorses every project that Dave has initiated. We are also thrilled that Dave believes in what we are doing at Hero To Hero to support our men and women in uniform.

Below is the ThankaSoldier.net press release in regards to their newest troop morale project "The Gratitude Project" which is about to take the world by storm. Following the press release is the KISS fan page writeup about the Gratitude project. Gene Simmons of KISS and his wife Shannon Tweed are supporting this troop morale effort.

This is a simple effort that requires nothing more than a piece of cardboard and a marker. Make yourself a little (or big) sign that says "THANK YOU" and then take a picture of yourself, friends, family or co-workers with the sign. 

Hero To Hero is encouraging first responders to get creative and send us your photos. You can send your photos to Thankasoldier at the address below. All the photos will be made into You Tube videos for our troops around the world to see.

Gratitude Project Press Release

January 19th. 2010

Thankasoldier.net is very excited to announce The Gratitude Project, a
series of YouTube videos showing a collage of images from supporters of
our men and women in uniform from all countries of the coalition.  Thank A
Soldier started as a ‘Cause’ page on Facebook and in just over a year has
surpassed 3.4 Million members from all over the world.

Too often you hear “If you support the troops, you support the war”, but
this couldn’t be further from the truth, it is about our men and women
from all branches of the force and from all allied nations doing their
job.  This project is for our troops assisting with disaster relief in
Haiti, assisting with the fight against piracy in Somalia, on guard here
at home ready to go when needed.

We have received tremendous support with this project too, most recently
Rock Legend Gene Simmons and his wife; Shannon Tweed submitted a photo
holding a "Thank You" sign with Gene saluting.  Other organizations that
support our troops in various ways have come onboard as well, such as
Operation Gratitude and HerotoHero.US  & Hero To Hero Team Canada.

Showing gratitude to our men and women doesn't cost a penny.  All you have
to do is take a photo that says "Thank You" and people can interpret that
however they wish.  Once you take the photo we ask that you send it to
thankyou@thankasoldier.net and it will be featured in the video.

We have received photos from all over the world, United States, Canada,
Britain, Australia, and even Argentina and Turkey, truly amazing!  Also as
a nice surprise, we have received over 40 photos from Soldiers in
Afghanistan and Iraq who have heard about this project and are sending us
"Thank You for the support" photos.

 Our promotional video on YouTube had over 7000 views the first week and
its picking up steam fast, to view the video search YouTube for "The
Gratitude Project - Presented by Thank A Soldier" or go to the direct
link.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCDseAUV6oc

Brief history of my Support Our Troops efforts:
2007 - Tim Horton’s for our troops was started and have sent over 40,000
cups of free coffee to soldiers
2007 - Operation Pen Pal launched and to date have paired over 7000 people
with soldiers as pen pals
2008 - Petitioned to Canada post for a support our troops stamp and it was
released in Oct 2009
2008 - Support & networking site launched for families of military personal
2009 - Thank A Soldier cause launched and has 3.4 Million members to date
2009 - www.thankasoldlier.net designed and donated by Chris Shave of
mister six studios
2009 - Thankasoldier.net remains advertising free & donation free
2010 - The Gratitude Project Launched
For more details contact: info@thankasoldier.net

Thank You

Dave Murphy – Calgary, Alberta –  Thankasoldier.net Founder
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/thankasoldier
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thankasoldier
Blog Page : http://thankasoldier.wordpress.com
Website : Http://www.thankasoldier.net

THE FOLLOWING IS REPRODUCED FROM FROM KISS WORLD 

  Tuesday, January 19 - 1:24 PM

Gene Simmons & Shannon Tweed Join The Gratitude Project

 

 

thankasoldier.wordpress.com

Thankasoldier.net is happy to announce that Rock Legend Gene Simmons has come on board with The Gratitude Project. Gene Has always been a great supporter of our troops and I remember watching a press conference when he was a race marshal at a race in Edmonton where he sent the following message to Canadian Troops.

“Hi guys, it’s Gene Simmons. We know you’re in Afghanistan, we know it’s a tough one, I just want you to know from my heart we love you. I like the fact that there’s a bit of civility when the Canadian flag goes up and your national anthem is sung, everybody quietens down a bit. You don’t have to salute, no one’s forcing you to do anything, but just for a few minutes you shut your mouth and give it the respect it demands. I think that’s part of our lives that’s been tossed aside. Culture has become cynical and we don’t even respect what we should.” – Gene Simmons from Toronto Star.

Thanks to who his wife Shannon Tweed who I met on Twitter, I showed her The Gratitude Project video and she assure me she would show gene. A few days later I were so amazing to see gene saluting with a “Thank You” Sign” = Dave Murphy Creator of Thankasoldier.net

This week The Gratitude Project was also featured on the maximum fighting home page, which is very similar to The UFC in the states and we are very happy to have them on board.

 

Operation Gratitude, HeroToHero.US & Team Canada, Brett Wilson from The Dragons Den have all come on board to help us get the word out about this project which is quickly picking up some serious steam and I am proud to be a part of it.

This project is not about political messages or just about Iraq & Afghanistan. This is for all troops in various operations around the world. When people here “Support Our Troops” some instantly think about those two operations. Well coalition forces now have over 20,000 troops assisting in Haiti with the recovery and relief effort. There are Navy ships in Somalia helping with the pirate situation and many more locations other than those too. We have our reservists in Canada and National Guard in the states who are always ready to assist in the times of natural disasters or when needed.

Photos can be emailed to thankyou@thankasoldier.net and you can search “The Gratitude Project” on YouTube for more information.
For more information click HERE.

 ~~**~~

Posted Dec/16/2009.... Press Release

Waterloo Wolves Midget AAA Hockey Team Supports the Troops

The Waterloo Wolves are teaming up with Hero to Hero.  Hero to Hero matches emergency services personnel and sports teams with Canadian troops serving overseas.   The personnel or teams from Canada send autographed shirts and other special items to the troops, showing their support for the members of the Canadian Armed Forces..

The mission of the Waterloo Wolves is to provide the youth of Waterloo with a first class major midget hockey program.   With the best available coaching, training and facilities, we have built a centre of excellence which enables our players to excel in a program which instils team values and a sense of community.

Here’s how the Wolves (16 to 17 years of age) will be involved:

Sandi Henning

Marketing & Media

Waterloo Wolves Midget AAA Operating Committee

Email:  tymflys@yahoo.com

Phone:  519-634-8661

Website:  http://waterloowolvesaaa.wordpress.com/  

 ~~**~~

Support the Hamilton Burn Unit & Outpatient Clinic

November 7th. 2009

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Beauties and Beasts to Support  Wounded Warriors

Greetings all,

I need your help in getting the word out on the streets to encourage Canadians to assist in a very special program. Starting this Sunday on CBC 04 Oct 2009 you will be treated to a most unique Canadian display of "Beauties and Beasts". The CBC has assembled 8 pairs of the most unlikely NHL types with some very successful female figure skaters. Basically it is a "So you think you can dance" Canadian version on ice. Some of the players include Probert, Domi and LeMieux, imagine Bob Probert and Domi in figure skates. The idea is that each pair skates for their chosen charity. The good news is Bob Probert and Kristina Lenko  are skating for the troops. While all are worthy charities, clearly as Founder and President of www.woundedwarriors.ca I am biased as I hope you are too. It works basically like "American Idol" he with the most votes wins.....so we need to get out the vote.

For more details like getting an account early, to vote and how to vote now to show your support to the Probert/Lenko team click on to  http://www.cbc.ca/battleand log in and vote for Probert and Lenko and tell everyone you know to. 

What I need you to do is send this email forward and ask all your friends and associates to do the same and so on and so on. What we need to do is create a grass roots movement that sends out the message a vote for Probert/Lenko is a vote to show real and concrete support to the troops. The deal here is while we are guaranteed $25K there is $100K on the table. While the money is great the longer we keep them on skates the better the media coverage the more folks understand the issues surrounding the wounded. That kind of funding will go a long way to fund programs to assist wounded CF members. In the event you were not sure who and what www.woundedwarriors.ca does allow me to articulate as follows;

"WoundedWarriors.ca is an independent not-for-profit registered charity that supports CF members wounded (both visible and non visible wounds). It is primarily a fundraising mechanism that supports existing programs that tends to wounded CF members."

I normally do not send emails of this type however on this one I need you all to step up to the plate and get behind this. I know you all believe passionately in giving our troops the best we can. Please encourage your friends to tell two friends and get a really strong grass roots movement going.

To all those media types I have sent this to please feel free to contact me and I would be glad to arrange an interview with Probert/Lenko

Thank you for your time and consideration

Wayne

Captain Wayne Johnston
J1 Casualty Admin O/Admin pertes
Joint Task Force Central/Land Force Central Area Headquarters | Quartier général de la Force opérationelle interarmée Centre/Secteur Centre de la Force terrestre
Lieutenant-Colonel George Taylor Denison III Armoury | Manège militaire Lieutenant-colonel George Taylor Denison III
1 Yukon Lane, Toronto, Ontario M3K 0A1 | 1 Ruelle Yukon, Toronto, Ontario M3K 0A1
george.johnston3@forces.gc.ca
Telephone | Téléphone 416-633-6200 ext 5151
BBerry 647-221-3334
Fax | Télécopieur: 416-634-5341
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada

~~**~~

~~**~~

National Peacekeepers Day

Summer of '74 a dark time for our peacekeepers.

Toronto Star

Aug 09, 2009 

Robert Smol

The summer of 1974 was violent and trying for the Canadian Forces, a season that took 15 lives and for more than three decades was known as the deadliest period for this country's military.

It was a summer in which peacekeeping operations went wrong in Cyprus and the Middle East. But unlike the current war in Afghanistan, the Canadian public paid little attention to either the high casualty count or to the military conflicts faced that year by our forces.

"It was not like today, when if there is a casualty in Afghanistan the Highway of Heroes is always packed with people on the bridges and overpasses paying their respects," says Hamilton resident John MacFarlane, who served as a traffic technician with the Forces in the Middle East in 1974.

Thirty-five years ago today the Canadian military endured its darkest day since the Korean War when a Canadian military aircraft was shot down by Syrian forces. All nine passengers and crew on board died. (Last year the federal government declared Aug. 9 to be National Peacekeepers Day in commemoration of that event.)

That summer, Canada was contributing peacekeepers to three UN missions in the troubled eastern Mediterranean region. The Canadian Airborne Regiment had more than 400 commandos deployed in Cyprus (a contingent that would double by that August). Canadian troops were also deployed on the Golan Heights between Israel and Syria and along the then border between Israel and Egypt.

Among the units specifically formed to support Canada's UN commitments was 116 Air Transport Unit, which provided air logistics support to the peacekeepers in the region. "These flights were continuous," recalled former pilot Bill Vermue, who was serving with 116 ATU in 1974. "We had three airplanes, and all of our crews and support crews, to do daily runs to Beirut to pick up supplies for the entire contingent.

"That could be anything from food to barbed wire, to a load of toilet paper to a load of whatever was needed, and then to transport people from back and forth between Cyprus, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Damascus and Beirut." The Canadian military transports had to adhere strictly to flight paths and overflight clearances arranged with the host nations. Occasionally they would be flying through a gauntlet of anti-aircraft weapons that could, at any time, open fire.

"The one thing I distinctly recall on the east side of the Suez Canal are the SAM (surface-to-air missile) sites that we flew over," said Vermue. "You had to make absolutely certain that you adhered to your route and your altitude but you could still see the SAMs actually track you as we went outbound over the Mediterranean."It was just such a routine flight, UN Flight 51, that took off from Beirut on Aug. 9, 1974, with five crew and four military passengers on board, headed for Damascus.

As always, the aircraft notified Damascus air traffic control of its approach as it neared the Syrian border. Shortly thereafter the last recorded transmission from the doomed aircraft came from the first officer, Capt. Keith Mirau: "Roger, we are cleared to Damascus VOR to maintain 8000 cross Mike Echo Zulu at 10,000 or above."

It will never be known if there was any further communication between Flight 51 and Damascus air traffic control. The next few minutes of flight control tape were erased before Canadian and UN investigators could gain access to it. A U.S. serviceman on the ground later said he saw three missiles fired at the aircraft as Mirau and the pilot, Capt. Garry Foster, attempted a controlled descent.

Don Fish, a 116 ATU pilot sent to investigate the crash site, saw clear evidence supporting the eyewitness account. "I believe they fired three SAM6 at the aircraft," Fish said. "The first one blew the right tail cone, the second one flamed the left engine, and the third went through the floorboards into the aircraft itself." According to Fish, the Canadian investigators were hampered by the Syrians. They were not allowed to take pictures, and a camera was confiscated, he said.

Both the Canadian and UN investigations eventually concluded the plane was downed by anti-aircraft fire. The Syrian investigation, according to retired lieutenant colonel Peter Francis, who flew with 116 ATU in 1974, claimed the plane crashed into an unused SAM site.

Back home, the attack – and the arrival soon after of nine military coffins – attracted little or no attention from either the public or the Trudeau government. It was, in part, according to Francis, overshadowed by historic news coming out of the United States the very same day: Richard Nixon, faced with impeachment over his role in the Watergate scandal, had resigned as the U.S. president.

Meanwhile, Canadian ground troops were embroiled in an all-out war that had engulfed Cyprus after long-simmering tensions between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots finally turned violent. At the time, there already was a UN peacekeeping force on the Mediterranean island. Canada was contributing about 400 commandos from the Canadian Airborne Regiment to what was, till then, a relatively quiet rotation.

That mission suddenly became very serious when, on July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded after the Greek Cypriot National Guard overthrew the island's president. Over the next few days the Airborne commandos struggled to hold their ground between the two belligerents, a challenge made worse by the fact that some of the other UN contingents began pulling back. They also grappled with confining regulations.

"Unless you were shot at, you weren't allowed to use any type of weapon," recalled retired major-general Alain Forand, who was a young captain with the regiment at that time. Caught in the middle, the Airborne, as well as reinforcements arriving from Canada, had to return fire on more than one occasion.

Once Forand had to rescue two wounded Airborne soldiers, who were still drawing fire from the warring factions. "As I went to get these guys, I placed two machine-guns and told them that if I am fired upon I will give you the order to fire," he recalled. "As I went down to get the first one, I was fired upon. So I gave the order to fire back."

Tensions heightened with word that the Turks planned to occupy the airport, a vital position being guarded by the Canadians. "The commander of the Airborne battery drew a line virtually on the road and said, `You cross that line and we will open fire,'" said retired major general Cameron Ross, who in 1974 was a lieutenant leading a troop of armoured reconnaissance vehicles backing up the Airborne.

Over the next few hours the lightly armed and outnumbered Canadians, without the support of battle tanks or heavy artillery, dug in and waited for an entire Turkish brigade, supported by tanks, to advance on their positions. As it turned out, the Turks backed down on their threat, thus avoiding what could have become an all-out battle between NATO allies. "We would not have had much to protect ourselves if they had come to get us with their tanks," said Forand. "But we surely would have put up a good fight."

As the summer and the fighting drew to a close, two Airborne soldiers were to die in Cyprus. Another 30 were injured. Four additional servicemen were to die in the line of duty mainly from operational and training accidents. On Oct. 18, a further five Canadian servicemen, mostly from 450 Transport Helicopter Squadron, were killed while on duty. Military historian Jack Granatstein, a fellow at the Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute, believes the 1974 deaths are little remembered because they "fly in the face of Canadians' perception of what peacekeeping is and therefore we do not talk about it.

"Canadians assume that there are no dead in peacekeeping and that is why they like it."

~~**~~

July 30, 2009

If you live in or near Saskatoon, Saulte Ste-Marie or Calgary, you need to check out our Red Friday page for information about upcoming troop support events in those areas.

Are you planning a troop support event? Let us know, we'll help spread the word.

~~**~~

Jack Babcock celebrates his 109th. Birthday

July 23/2009

Hero To Hero Founder and Director Liz Jackson had the priviledge of spending today with Jack Babcock on the occasion of his 109th. birthday. Jack is Canada's only remaining World War One Veteran. We are especially honoured to have Jack as a Celebrity Hero Ambassador for our program.

Jack and his wife Dorothy hosted a party at Rosauers restaurant in Spokane Washington for family, friends and a few special guests. Liz presented Jack with video birthday greetings from across Canada and the United States on behalf of the Hero To Hero Troop Morale Campaign.

Below are links to 4 videos that Liz has compiled for Jack.

Happy 109th. Birthday Jack Part 1 www.youtube.com/watch

Happy Birthday, eh Jack  www.youtube.com/watch

More Birthday Greetings for Jack www.youtube.com/watch

Oh Look! Even More Messages for Jack's 109th. Birthday www.youtube.com/watch

Canada's last surviving WWI vet turns 109 today

Posted By JESSICA CUNHA, FOR SUN MEDIA

Posted 10 hours ago

Jack Babcock, Canada's last remaining First World War veteran, turned 109 today.

Babcock celebrated his birthday with lunch yesterday at his favourite restaurant, Rosauers at the Y, with friends, family and the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Greg Thompson.

Born July 23, 1900, in Holleford, north of Kingston, Babcock has lived in Spokane, Wash., with his second wife, Dorothy, since 1976.

He enlisted when he was only 15 years old, lying about his age in order to join the 146th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, in Sydenham.

By the time he arrived in England to begin his training, his young age was discovered and he was transferred in 1917 to the Boys Battalion -- also known as the Young Soldiers Battalion -- where he waited to come of age to go to the front lines. But the war ended first, only a few months after he turned 18.

Babcock said he remembers how the officers who had been on the front lines used to come into the canteen and drink a lot of beer and tell horrible stories. All of the young men would gather around and listen.

It would get their blood going and made them want to get out and do their part.

"I feel guilty because I'm not a war hero," Babcock said. "I didn't get to accomplish what I set out to do."

In the 1920s, Mr. Babcock headed for the United States to find work. He joined the U. S. army shortly thereafter, where he served for three years. When the U. S. entered the Second World War, he tried to enlist but was told he was too old and that he needed citizenship in order to fight.

In 1946, he became a naturalized U. S. citizen, giving up his Canadian ties, but in 2008, Babcock wrote a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, explaining he would like his Canadian citizenship back. His request was honoured.

"I was so pleased about getting my Canadian citizenship again because I have such fond memories of my childhood," he said. "I always felt I was Canadian at heart, but the U. S. has also been good to me."

                                                         ~~**~~

Hero To Hero Team Canada is pleased to announce that the Emergency Services Adventure Race (ESAR) has chosen to support Canadian troops through the Hero To Hero Troop Morale Campaign.

ESAR is a one-day adventure race for Emergency Service personnel and Civilian teams.

Over 100 teams of three will compete in different disciplines as well as various special tasks in a race to be the first team across the finish line.  This is a non-stop 5-8 hour event that tests the skills and physical abilities of these police, fire, paramedic, military and civilian personnel.  Disciplines include: mountain biking, canoeing, trekking, navigation, teamwork and special tasks.

The Emergency Services Adventure Race (ESAR) is a race specifically designed for emergency service personnel. The categories consist of 911 male, 911 female, 911 Co-ed and 911 Veterans.  In order to be a 911 team you must have 2 of the 3 participants in police, fire, or the emergency medical service field.  There is a 911 veteran’s category for a team with their combined age over 120 years.  The race is limited to the first 100 teams of three.

Finishing is not a choice – It’s a duty.  

The Emergency Services Adventure Race was created in 2003 by Mark Arnold a member of the emergency services who came up with the idea to create an adventure race for Police, Fire and Paramedics. With the help of Heather Korol, an entrepreneur and avid adventure racer, the inaugural ESAR was run on June 5th 2003. ESAR has gained a reputation for being a well organized race course that is demanding, yet still rewarding. Many race ESAR strictly to finish while others compete against other teams that they know. Regardless the post race party is not to be missed! ESAR was the largest adventure race in 2006 and has been steadily growing over the years.

 The race will be held on Saturday June 13th.2009 at CFB Borden / Camp Blackdown in Simcoe County just West of Barrie Ontario.

Hero To Hero wishes all contestants the best of luck and we look forward to seeing you at the event.

 ~~**~~

~~**~~ 

International Day of Mourning
April 28th. 2009 

Each year on April 28th. workers, their families, friends, social justice advocates and concerned citizens including first responders and military families attend a Remembrance Ceremony for those who have died in the workplace and lend support to those who have been injured.

The National Day of Mourning was fixed as April 28th. to commemorate Third Reading in the Ontario Legislature of the first comprehensive Workers Compensation Act in Canada in 1914. In 1984 the Canadian Labour Congress declared a National Day of Mourning for workers killed and injured on the job.

Twenty Five years later, with Canada leading the way, this years Day of Mourning was recognized in more than 100 countries.
Although certain groups of workers seem more vulnerable than others, any one of us could be the next to suffer an injury or be diagnosed with an occupational disease.

Special respect was paid to members of the Canadian Armed Forces this year with the laying of a wreath by the Sarnia and District Labour Council.

The Day of Mourning serves the prime purpose of creating safer workplaces so workers can end their working lives in dignity and health - not premature death, disease and disfigurement.
If your community holds a Day of Mourning we encourage you and your family to attend.
Check with your local Labour Council.
In Sarnia, Ontario we hold an hour long ceremony down at our waterfront each year where a permanent Memorial has been built to honour our workers.
To see photo's of this years event click on our photo gallery.

~~**~~

Hero To Hero Team Canada
 Packout 2009

Date: Friday February 27th. 2009
Time: 1:30 pm till 3 pm
Location: Wolseley Barracks
Royal School Building located just inside the gates off 701 Oxford St.
London, Ontario
  All are welcome!

Come join us for coffee with First Responders & Troops from London Ontario and points beyond. 
We'll put you to work boxing up some of the over 1400 T-shirts and hats that have been donated by Police, Fire, EMS, Border Services, Coast Guard personnel and many other First Responders destined for our Canadian troops deployed around the world.
We are even anticipating a special delivery of t-shirts by military helicopter to arrive during the Packout.

Hero To Hero Team Canada would like to thank all the troops that took the time to send the above pictures (we know you have more important things to do).
Many more pictures and e-mails from troops can be found on the HeroToHero.US website.

Any questions?  Feel free to contact me at the e-mail or phone # below

Kevin McHarg
Hero To Hero Team Canada
1940 Avenue Rd. SS1
Bright's Grove, Ontario
Canada
N0N 1C0
Home: 519-869-6940
Cell: 519-464-2644
e-mail: mchargs@xcelco.on.ca

Support Our Troops...... Wear RED on Fridays

~~**~~

~ Sarnia Sting Remembrance Day tribute to Veterans/Troops ~  

On Saturday November 8th. 2008 the Sarnia Sting Hockey Club of the Ontario Hockey League held a Remembrance Day / Red Friday Rally/ tribute to our troops/ pre game ceremony at the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Complex (SSEC) in Sarnia Ontario.
The Sting hold an annual Remembrance Day ceremony before their game played closest to Remembrance Day each year. This year the Sting invited Hero To Hero Team Canada and the Lambton County Military Family Supprt Group to participate in the planning of their tribute. The intent was to honour our Veterans as well as currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families.

We had several special guests fly in for this event including Liz Jackson, the Founder and Director of HeroToHero.US, from Lakewood Washington.

Canadian country singer and HeroToHero Celebrity Ambassador Julian Austin also donated his time to come and sing for our troops at this event.

The evening began with the following troops being called onto the ice surface...

Master Corporal Chris Farrish representing our troops in Afghanistan.
Chris is a member of the Royal Canadian Regiment and served in Afghanistan in 2007.

Major Chris Brown Represented all those who have served, and are serving in Peacekeeping Missions throughout the world.
Major Brown has recently returned from a six month deployment to the UN Missions in South Sudan and Darfur.  
He is currently the Officer Commanding, ‘C’ Squadron First Hussars in Sarnia Ontario.

Jason Bosker served our country in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1989 until 2005. As a member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Jason was deployed for 3 tours of duty in the war torn former Yugoslavia.
Jason is now a Firefighter with Sarnia Fire Rescue Services.
 
Mr. Jack Lachance Represented our Korean War veterans. Jack served as a member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.  Jack has been instrumental in the creation of the Korean War Memorial in Brampton and has written the poem that is engraved on that memorial wall.

Mr.Jack Graham Represented our World War II veterans. Jack served as a member of the Essex Scottish Regiment who on 19 August, 1942 participated in the Dieppe Raid where he became a Prisoner of War for the next 3 years.

 At this point fans were directed to the Jumbotron for a recorded message from Canada's last World War One veteran, Jack Babcock.

Jack Babcock represented the 620,000 Canadian soldiers who volunteered to serve in World War One.
60,000 were killed in action and another 170,000 were wounded during this great war.Liz Jackson arranged for Jacks video message and Jack is now officially a HeroToHero.US/Team Canada Celebrity Ambassador.
More about Jack to follow.

The next to be introduced were the familes of our fallen.

Liz Jackson represented her cousin Jake Herring, a member of the U.S. Army Stryker Brigade who was killed in action in Iraq on April 24th. 2004.

Errol Cushley represented his son, Pte. William Cushley, a member of the 1st. Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment who was killed in action in Afghanistan on September 3 2006.

Don Poland represented his son Brent Poland, a member of the 2nd. Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment. Brent was killed in action in Afghanistan on April 8th. 2007.

Next, Canadian country singer Julian Austin performed his patriotic song The Red and White. He sang from the heart as he looked into the eyes of our Veterans and the families of our fallen.
After a moment of silence Julian then sang O Canada.
This was followed by a ceremonial puck drop by Mrs. Jackson, Mr. Cushley and Mr. Poland.
Everyone then left the ice surface while Bagpiper William Belet played.

We will be uploading a copy of the complete ceremony to You Tube in the near future. In the mean time, my daughter, who videotaped part of the event from ice level has posted a video of Julian Austin singing The Red and White and Oh Canada at the game. There is also a tribute to our fallen.

ca.youtube.com/watch

You can see all the photo's of the event on our H2H photo album...

herotohero.smugmug.com/CANADA%20-%20REMEMBRANCE%20VISIT%20NOVEMBER%202008

Liz Jackson arrived in Sarnia 2 days before the game so on the thursday she arrived we visited with our friends and Hero To Hero supporters out at Lambton College Fire School.
We also stopped in to visit our friend Warrant Officer Tim Park at the Major George Stirrett Armoury.That night we attended the Sarnia Legionaires hockey game where there was a Rememberance Day ceremony before this game, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62.
Members of the Sarnia Sting were handing out poppies to all fans in attendance (Legionaire players reciprocated and handed out poppies at the Sting game on saturday).

Julian Austin arrived in Sarnia on Friday morning and we kept him hopping from the minute he got off his plane at 10:30 am till late into the evening.
As soon as he arrived we whisked him off to a Remembrance Day ceremony being held at the Strangway Centre at the invite of Mayor Mike Bradley.
Members of our Royal Canadian Legion and other dignitaries spoke and kids from a local elementary school recited "In Flanders Fields".
After the ceremony was over Julian asked if he could sing for those in attendance. Needless to say people were thrilled.
From there we headed up to city hall for an official welcome by "Mayor Mike" and the signing of the City of Sarnia guest book by Liz and Julian.

From there we grabbed lunch at the Ole Country Diner (Hero To Hero supporters) with the Mayor, several First Responders and Linda Smith of the Lambton Military Family Supprt Group.

After that it was off to the local radio station to participate in a live half hour broadcast to promote the upcoming Sting Remembrance Day ceremony.

Next was a stop that Julian had requested, a chance to visit the main Sarnia firehall just to thank the firefighters for the job they do.
Julian enjoyed sliding down the firepole a lot more than his ride in the bucket of the 100' ladder truck.
He then spent a half hour drivng around the city in the ladder truck chattting with the firefighters. Julian makes friends pretty easily. He is probably the most personable guy i have ever met.

After a quick stop at the house we headed downtown to join some firefighters, members of the Legion and assorted friends for dinner and a visit to the Cheeky Monkey record store as part of Sarnia's first friday walkabout.
The Cheeky Monkey is our last independantly owned record store and i wanted Julian to meet Mary Anne and Roland, the owners.
They are a big part of Sarnia's dowtown revival bringing in musicians, artists, film makers and others on the first friday of each month.  They are also troop supporters.
It was 10 pm by the time we got home and Julian was able to finally unpack his bags.

Saturday morning we stopped in to the SSEC so Julian could meet with Dean Collver and Mark Glavin of the Sting to finalize preparations for that night's game.  
We then visited the Armoury where troops from the 1st. Hussars were training for the weekend. Liz, Julian and i had an opportunity to speak about the HeroToHero program and the value of the program was reinforced when the Commanding Officer spoke up and told us that he had received a Hero To Hero t-shirt while he was deployed in Sudan...sweet!
After the troops signed our banners and we played with their weapons it was back to the SSEC for sound check and dinner with members of our Armed Forces and their families, hosted by the Lambton County Military Family Support Group.

After the hockey game we were invited back to the Armoury where troops were staying overnight.
Julian performed for the troops and a few songs were captured on video.
Check out Julian Austin singing his new song "Still Over There" for the 1st' Hussars...

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q18mq3ZMF-E

It was an incredible weekend with many special moments, many connections were made between some very special people.

I want to thank the Sarnia Sting for allowing HeroToHero.US/Hero To Hero Team Canada to be a part of this Remembrance Day tribute to our troops.

Oh yeah! There was even a hockey game and the Sting won.....Go Sting. You guys rock!