People often ask if we are paid. No one on either side of this program receives a penny in payment for what they do for this program. The biggest "payment" we receive is deposited directly in our hearts, not our bank accounts. When we receive letters and photos from the deployed troops, or hugs from family members who say "Thank You for remembering them", that is worth more than you could imagine! We can't get enough of these great pics and letters.
Note: All photos referred to on this page can be found in our Photo Gallery.
Received by Randy Paterson from Canadian National Police.
Sir,
I would personally like to thank you for the shirt off your back. The support from Canadians has peaked in 2002 during my first tour in Kandahar Afghanistan and has continued to grow. I had the honour to serve with both my sons in 2006 when Canadian Troops returned to Kandahar. Once again I have returned this time to withdraw the equipment from Kandahar, my oldest son, Adam also returned for a second tour. (Ian is home in Canada making babies, he will be making us, Uncle and Grandpa in Oct) Once again I would like to thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Take Care,
Randie Potts Warrant Officer Assistant Foreman of Signals Mission Transition Task Force Head Quarters & Signal Squadron Rotation 5-11
~~**~~
Posted Dec/11/2010
Received by Karen Wilson AKA "The Petrolia Cookie Lady".
Karen,
My name is LCol Rob Carter and I am the Canadian Commander for all the Canadians who are working with the Afghan Air Force in their primary training centre in Kabul, Afghanistan. We travel outside the wire each day to/from the Afghan compound where we work, and upon arrival back at our base camp today, we were all surprised to see a number of boxes labelled for us from Hero to Hero. We very enthusiastically opened each box, and low and behold were some fabulous cookies waiting for us...from you! There is nothing like some cookies from back home, made with love, care, and attention, just asking to be eaten by some hungry Airmen and Airwomen upon returning from a long and hot day's work.
My crew of course dug in with enthusiam, and are all walking around with full bellies and smiles on their face. I would be remiss in not thanking you for investing your time, money, and energy into providing these for us, and for that I am very grateful. We are here to promote education and professionalism in the Afghan culture, and it is often hard to be spit at, have rocks thrown at you, or worse...from those you are here to help, and not wonder if it is all worth it. So when we get sent a reminder of home, it reminds us that it is all worth while, and that our investment of our national treasure into this struggling country is important, even if it will take time for those here to realize it. We do it for them not because it is easy, but because it is right, and the thoughts and prayers (and cookies) from our fellow Canadians makes all the difference in the world.
Keep baking those cookies, and never stop being part of the team!!!
LCol Rob Carter
Advisory to the Afghan Air Force PeH Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff 738 Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron
Canadian Team Lead - PeH
Kabul, Afghanistan
~~**~~
Posted Dec/10/2011
Received by Hero To Hero
I am writing to thank the kind stranger who sent the Welland Fire and Rescue t-shirt to us at Camp KAIA (Kabul International Airport) in Kabul, Afghanistan. I am part of a small group of Canadians that is assigned to IJC (ISAF Joint Command). I work for the C-IED (Counter - Improvised Explosive Devices) Branch recording, tracking, analyzing and reporting on all the CUOPS (Current Operations) IED incidents that take place each day throughout Afghanistan. I've been here since March and am finished in a few weeks. It has been an experience working in an environment like this but I am thankful that my time outside-the-wire has been eventless. I am a Reservist from Edmonton, Alberta that is trained in heavy equipment operating, truck driving and logistics. Most of my time now is spent managing human resources and operator courses. I have just about finished 19 years in the Forces, mostly part-time. I quit my civilian job to come here working for a trucking company managing their equipment ...... it will be nice to be home soon (to shovel snow). Again, thank-you for the shirt. I have only worn it once so far during PT. From all of us here, thank-you for keeping us in your thoughts.
WO Andrew Gordey (OR7)(Canadian Army)
C-IED Staff Assistant CUOPS Plans
~~**~~
Posted Dec/10/2011
Received by Old Toad Gil who donates 5000 music CD's to our troops every year. The CD's are composed of songs donated by various recording artists. He also encourages bands (like "The Blazers") to donate copies of their own CD's to our troops.
Good day,
I am writing to thank you for the Shirt from Hero to Hero and the CD from The Blazers. This was greatly appreciated.
Thank You once again for your supporting the troops.
Sgt Vitor Vieira
TacNet Sect Commander | Commandant de TacNet
Mission Transition Task Force Headquarters and Signal Squadron 5-11
La Force Opérationnelle Interarmées en Afghanistan QGET 5-11
~~**~~
Posted Dec/10/2011
Received by Catriona Belet......
Hello Catriona,
I am a french female Canadian soldier here in Kandahar and just received a T-Shirt that you and your family sent. It is awesome and I appreciate the time, effort and especially the emotions that reflect the words on the T-Shirt.
I will keep it preciously as Canadians from back home are our pride and joy in our hearts,
Sincerely,
Andrée
~~**~~
Posted May/24/2011
Received by Catriona Belet/Country 103.9 Radio (Sarnia)
Good day Ms. Belet,
I just received a t-shirt (your contact info was attached) from Hero to Hero Team Canada and would like to say a "big" thank you. I would also like to thank the two boys who signed the shirt (Teagan and Ryder). Support from Canadians such as you have displayed is always appreciated and reinforces the belief in what we are doing here.
Yours sincerely,
Roger
J.R.R. Crevier
Sergeant | Sergent
Task Force Afghanistan | force opérationel de l'afghanistan
**********
Dear Ms Belet, Today I received a "Heroes to Heroes" T-shirt with your contact information pinned to it. I would like to thank your colleagues and you for their thoughtfulness and support in sending that and other similar T-shirts to us. The thought behind these mementoes is well
appreciated by those of us serving in Afghanistan.
Have a great Easter.
All my best wishes.
Dr. Howard G. Coombs
Commander's Special Advisor
Task Force Kandahar
Kandahar Airfield
Afghanistan
~~**~~
Posted May/24/2011
Received by Hero To Hero Team Canada.
I recieved a gray t shirt, thank you for your support.
CPL Probert.
~~**~~
Posted May/24/2011
Received by Deputy Fire Chief Dana Pitts, Sarnia Fire Rescue Services
Good Day Dana,
I hope this email finds you well and healthy. I am writing you, as to say thank you for the T-Shirt, badge and pin -- it was much appreciated. I have been here since *** 2010 and will not be leaving until *** 2011. I am looking forward to my return home to my husband and kids in Ottawa, Ontario. But until than I will keep my head down and my eyes open.
I had to shrink the shirt but I do wear it as a work out shirt in the Gym. Orange is one of my favorite colours and even know that it represents fire on the shirt the colour makes me feel happy. I just wanted you to know that I someone has received your shirt and appreciates the gesture that it brings.
Thank you again..
Tanya MacCaul
TFK HQ Kandahar Airfield
~~**~~
Just a short note to thank you for your efforts on our behalf. It is a great idea for boosting troop morale. Thank STAN MITTON on my behalf as i received the shirt he sent. Today I start my 9th month of a 11 month tour.
Blessings to all
Grahame Thompson
Major
Chaplain
Headquarters Joint Task Force - Afghanistan
~~**~~
This letter was received by Moe Harmer, proprieter of Tree House Coffee Bar and Eatery in Sarnia, Ontario. Tree House hosted Operation Caffeination which gave people an opportunity to purchase a bag of coffee for a deployed troop. A special label was attached to each bag of coffee with a personal message from the donator.
~~**~~
~~**~~
~~**~~
Posted April/30/2011
E-mail received by Welland Fire Dept.
Hello Phil,
I am Sgt Rob Fekete with the Artillery on a 10 month tour in
Afghanistan. I wanted to send a quick email in appreciation for your
Welland Fire Department T-shirt and to say thank you for everything you
do back home. Please send our regards to the rest of the fire fighters
in Welland and to take care and stay safe.
The T-shirts will be worn with pride!
Thanks again
Gods Speed
Sgt R.Fekete
TFK ISTAR
Roto 5-10
~~**~~
Posted April/30/2011
E-mail received by Carol Whitson Canada Border Services
Carol,
Please allow me to introduce myself............. I took the shirt off of
your back.
I've got it at home and NO ONE is allowed to even look at it the wrong
way. I was the Battery Sgt-Maj for C Battery which provided the
artillery support for TF 3-09 Battle Group from Oct 09 to May 10. All of
us in the TAC HQ received shirts or ball caps compliments of the hard
work of Kevin McHarg and we modelled them for some pictures.
Unfortunately, the tag with your contact info fell off and I couldn't
get hold of you to thank you. However, it was a stroke of luck when some
friends of mine and my wife invited us to go with them on a warm winter
vacation and we were introduced to a few other couples that were invited
as well. It was a HUGE honour to be introduced to Liz & Brad Jackson and
Kevin & Sue McHarg. Liz and Kevin are MY heroes because of what they do
to support the troops that are deployed, in particular, MY soldiers that
were over there.
Anyway, I thanked Kevin for the shirts and started telling him about the
shirt I got but couldn't get hold of you to thank you. Well, lo and
behold, guess who just happens to have your contact info....
Carol, from the bottom of my heart, THANK-YOU for your support! Even us
crusty old bastards need a pat on the back every now and then to remind
us that we're doing everything that we can to get them little snots home
to their families in one piece. And THAT'S my proudest accomplishment
......... the Major and I went over with 166 and my proudest moment was
when I saw the 166th pair of boots hit the ground here in Shilo.
As you can tell by the signature block, they've pretty much put me out
to pasture now. I'm running the Training Center here in Shilo now.
Hope to hear from you soon. Take care and thanks again!
Just wanted to say thank you for giving up your t-shirt from the fire department and supporting us in our mission over here. My name is Johnny, i'm 26, from Halifax NS, and work out in the bush and live among the afghans doing my job as a combat engineer. My crew is responsible for ridding the area of anything that goes boom and keeping everyone safe outside the wire. Your support picked me up on one of the worst days and must say I wear it with pride out here when I work out so take care and keep in touch.
Take care,
Johnny O.
~~**~~
Posted April/30/2011
Received by York Regional Police
Steve,
I'd like to extend my gratitude for the blue hero shirts you've taken
the time to send us. I speak not only for myself, but for everyone
deployed from 400 Sqn. We all wear the shirts with pride (especially
to the gym, seeing as I picked up the athletic style shirt).
Many thanks again and we wish you all the best,
Season Greetings
Cheers
Cpl Jerry Reid - Flight Engineer
Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan
Home Unit: 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, Borden
~~**~~
Posted April/29/2011
Received by SOSG Municipal Enforcement
Mr. Menzie,
I wish to pass on my appreciation for the donations your organization
made to the Hero's to Hero's program. We received the packages and they
were an instant hit. Many of my men wear the Tee Shirts with pride when
they are working out. It is most comforting to know we have the support
of those who serve there communities back home!
Thank you on behalf of all the Men and Women of Canadian Helicopter
Force Afghanistan!
Glenn Rowlandson
WO
CHF(A) / Task Force Faucon
ASO - B
~~**~~
Posted April/29/2011
Hello Kevin!
We received your package the other day and are thrilled to have been a part of the program. Everyone looks great in their donated shirts and the coffee and pepperettes are a HUGE hit. I will work on collecting pictures as my team is often split up across the province. Please pass along to those involved that this program is very much appreciated and was a significant morale boost.
Thanks again,
Andrew
~~**~~
Good morning from rainy and cool Kandahar Afghanistan.
Thank you so very much for the T-shirts. They were a very welcome surprise for sure. As you will see from the names below some of us are volunteer fire fighters back at home. We do wear them with pride.
Sitting over here in the dust on the opposite of the world so from home, it is a great feeling knowing that there are those back at home that risk their lives daily to save those in their towns and cities and still care for those of us so far away.
In the photo from left to right we have;
Master Seaman Danny Moores, from Pilley's Island,
Newfoundland, currently posted to Halifax NS.
Master Corporal Krista Brake, from Torbay Newfoundland,
currently posted to Edmonton Ab.
Sargent Karen Mullen, is from Ottawa Ontario, currently
posted to Wainwright Ab, where she is a volunteer fire Fighter
with the Town of Wainwright.
Master Warrant Officer James Merritt, from Petawawa On.
Currently posted to Edmonton Ab. Previously a Volunteer Fire Fighter
with the Village of Petawawa On.
Please pass on to those who passed on the shirts, our many thanks and a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Years.
Jim
James A Merritt
MWO / Adjum
D/Food Svc's O / Chef Cuisinier
National Support Element / Element de soutien national
TF 3-09 / FO 3-09 edit
~~**~~
Posted April/29/2011
Received by a 911 dispatcher in Sarnia.
Good day Marion,
I just wanted to thank you for the great shirt that I got from you. I'm at home on leave in Greenwood, NS right now and in a few days I'll be heading back over to finish up my tour. Here is a little info about myself, I was in the infantry for 17 years then I changed over to a Construction Tech (carpenter) for the last 5 years I'm posted to CFB Greenwood, NS but I deployed with 2 CER in CFB Petawawa.This is my 7th tour and 2nd time to Afghanistan, first time as a carpenter but I'm doing infantry stuff again.Thank you for the great shirt and for the support. This is the first time in my 22 years in the forces that this has happened. This is a pic of our team. I'm on the far right side.
Thanks again and stay safe.
Eric Thesen
Cpl
CHIMO
~~**~~
Hello my name is Gunner Shane O'Quinn from the 2nd Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, I received an amazing London Ontario support shirt from Hero To Hero. I am from London (at least I call London home) and it totally made my tour over here getting something from home, being a long way from home this means a lot to me and I would like to say thank you very much. attached are a few photos my myself and my gun troop G15. Again, I can't express how much this means to me and thank you again. Perhaps when im back we can hit up Kubbys for some wings and a Pint!
~~**~~
Posted April/29/2011
Hey Kevin,
I just wanted to say thanks!
I got the packages yesterday, apparently they arrived 2 days after I left to go on leave so they sat in the room for about three weeks. All the guys got a shirt and Pep Sticks! Everyone has been wearing their shirts around! Its a really nice change from the Tan t shirts we all have. Anyways I'll get a picture up with all of us in our shirts so you can see!
Brock
~~**~~
Kevin
We arrived in Jebel Ali yesterday, and your boxes arrived.We distributed the T-Shirts and goodies to the sailors, and they were very well received.
I have to thank you for taking the time to do this.
It was a lot of fun going through all the shirts to see which fire fighters, police stations etc... donated them.It was outstanding when a guy would find a T-Shirt where he had a connection to the town.
My Combat Officer was very happy to get a shirt from Sarnia - his home town. And the cookies are outstanding. You have to get word to Karen Wilson that those heart shaped cookies are awesome.I hate to say it, especially after I have been working out this whole trip - and trying to eat the right things....that I probably ate about 12 of those cookies today!! They are great.
We got some pictures of the guys getting their shirts, and I will get them to you shortly. Again, we truly appreciate the support you provide all deployed Canadian Forces personnel - you are doing great work.
Many thanks, and I will talk to you soon.
Dan Charlebois
LCdr HMCS Fredericton
~~**~~
Hi Lorna /Kerry Horan
I am Sgt Sharon Harris and I am currently in Afghanistan working with ESS (Engineers Support Squadron).I am a Supply technician with 22 yrs of Regular Force service time and this is my third mission overseas. My first in Afghanistan. I provide supply support for 20 some troops who are working to improve the quality of life for other Canadian troops OTW (Outside the Wire). My unit is topped with Construction Engineers: Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, WFE (Water Purification), RM (Refridgeration Mechanics) and Fire fighters. I am not able to uplaod the pictures due to poor internet service but I will try while I am home on my leave.I have to say your t-shirt caught my eye with the hand written quote " This is your life, Live it. Get in Motion"..NICE.I do try to live life to the fullest when I am home. I love to hike, run, swim and just hang out with family and friends back home in Halifax NS. Being overseas does open your eyes to how rich we are in Canada. I wanted to thank you for your t-shirt donation and I wanted to let you know, I have distributed all of your shirts to the troops OTW. However, some of them do not have internet/email capability so they may not be able to respond. I can tell you from experience they will appreciate the shirts. When they receive parcels from home it is like Christmas. Any parcels from Canada are highly appreciated. Thank you for your support and kindness.
Sharon
~~**~~
Posted April/27/2011
Dear Messrs. Warriner & Grergory,
I just want to take this opportunity to send my sincere thanks to both the Bishop Carroll High School Community (BCHS) and Tuxedo Source for Sports, both in Calgary (where I was born!) for the kindness of all concerned in the donation of a signed jersey gift to someone deployed.Your kindness was received by a member here in theatre, and I can assure that we all thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness. It really means a lot. Thank you very much!
Best regards,
Sheldon
S.A. (Sheldon) Hart
Capt
~~**~~
Hello, my name is Pte. Oscar Coreas, I'm writing to say thank you to everyone at Bishop Carroll football team for the shirt and also for not forgetting about us over here. The shirt Couldn't fit any better :) although it's 40+ over here now so in another couple months it might be too big lol.
Well I'll tell you about myself. I'm 24 years old and I grew up in Winnipeg, I joined the military 4 years ago and now I'm posted to Edmonton. I love playing sports and I play soccer back home and here I play in my units hockey team in the KHL( Kandahar hockey league) oh and just the other day we were throwing around a football but it was blistering hot and with all our gear we only lasted about 15 min.
My experience here has been amazing and I've gotten to do a lot of things and also have come to appreciate a lot of things more than I used to. I have been here since November and now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with only a month and a half to go!!! So that's pretty cool.
I wanted to send some pictures of me and my unit and a little bit of what it's like over here but I have nothing to upload pictures onto here so I apologize for that. Again I would like to say thank you and it means a lot to us that people back home remember about us.
Oscar Coreas
~~**~~
Posted April/26/2011
Every shipment of first responder shirts Hero To Hero Team Canada sends to deployed Canadian troops contains fresh baked shortbread cookies from "The Petrolia Cookie Lady" aka Karen Wilson from Petrolia, Ontario. Below is a sampling of letters Karen has recently received from Afghanistan.
**************
Dear Karen,
I arrived on duty today to find a wonderful box of cookies with my name on it. What a great begining to a long night.
I did my family proud and opened the box to share with everyone.
There were smiles and sounds of mmmmmm from everyone.
Thank you so much for baking cookies that are obviously made with a lot of love. We appreciate the work you do and want to thank you from the bottom of our full bellies.
CPL Michele Block
Air Wing HQ
Afghanistan
*************
Good day Ms Wilson,
I just wanted to write and thank you for the incredible cookies that you made for the Hero to Hero program.We received them yesterday, Saturday 23 April, and immediately put the tin out for everyone to share.They were a massive hit! The food we normally eat here isn't the tastiest, so anything we get from home is always appreciated.But I have to say, they are addictive like crazy.It's a great treat, just in time for Easter.Thanks again for thinking of us and sending us your best. They were a great success!
David Penney
Captain/captaine
J1 Services
Joint Task Force (Afghanistan)
*************
We here at the TFK HQ Orderly Room would like to give a big thank you to you and all that support and took the time to give these donations, to our troops here in Kandahar, it is muchly appreciated by us and all the troops, moral is a vital ingredient here and this kind of giving and thoughfulness is just the ticket for that, again thank you.
T.C. Thompson
MCpl
OR Clerk
TFK HQ Orderly Room
*************
Good Morning Ma'am
I would like to thank you on behalf of all the soldiers that
have enjoyed your wonderful cookies. We appreciate the time, effort and
heart that you have put into providing us with a gift from back home.
Your thoughtfulness will not be forgotten. We hope this short e-mail
tells it all, and once again thank you.
Rachelle Garcia
Sgt
ECM Foreman
TFK SIGNAL SQUADRON
~~**~~
Posted April/29/2011
Received by Phil Dyson, Welland Fire Dept.
Hello Phil,
I just wanted to send a thank you for the t-shirt I recieved through the Hero-To-Hero program.
I'm Cpl Susanne Cameron, a combat engineer and I'm currently based out of FOB Masum Ghar in Afghanistan working as a member of EROC.
Our job is to drive out every day checking the roads for IED’s. It was really nice to come back after a long day to a big box of t-shirts from back home, we're all wearing them with pride.
I've attached a picture of all of us posing in front of one of our vehicles, a cougar. I'm the only girl in EROC, front row second from the left. My brother is a volunteer fire fighter in Antigonish, Nova Scotia so know that I have a lot of respect for what you all do. Thanks again to yourself and everyone from the Welland Fire Department.
Susanne
~~**~~
Posted Oct/31/2010
Received by "The Petrolia Cookie Lady"
Every shipment of Hero To Hero T-shirts now includes approximately 70 dozen fresh baked cookies from The Cookie Lady.
Dear Petrolia Cookie Lady.
My name is Bill Singer, my wife Debbie gave you my address here in Afghanistan for your delicious home made cookies. They were amazing! Thank you very much for putting the time and effort into making and sending those to us. You have no idea how much that little taste of home is appreciated. We were living in very austere conditions when they arrived and it meant the world to us to have something tasty and baked. You can only enjoy food out of a tin foil bag for so long before it becomes a little mundane. LOL.
I would also like to apologize to you for not getting in touch with you sooner but due to where we were stationed at the time it didn't really permit for us to get a lot of electronic messaging out. My men and I would just like to thank you again for taking the time to do this for us and all the other soldiers that have received you tasty treats.
I would like to start off by letting you know we received your packages you sent to my troops- more importantly we thank-you sincerely- we have started to distribute the package up into the squadron, also my Sergeant major has asked that I forward your contact info to him so he can send you a formal thank-you. We both feel that its 100% having such a superb support network back home with fellow Canadians that just like us put theirselves in harms way each and every day in the name of peace and good will- so please dont think that we dont think that "pats on the backs" and the "thank-you for what you dos" are one sided.
Im not sure if you have been to our regimental website? I would like to pass it along to you as well so you can keep track of what we are doing even after we leave the sandbox, and of course I will always use and monitor this email address. Well my friend I should sign off for now but I will chat with you soon- and until then I bid you farewell and again I thank-you from the bottom of my heart for the care energy and all the good you have done for us over here!
Sincerely- Shon
Sergeant Burwell
Royal Canadian Dragoons
Afghanistan
~~**~~
Posted October/27/2010
Received by Hero To Hero Team Canada
Hello
My name is Master Corporal Bryant Hynes with Canadian Helicopter Forces
Afghanistan.
My crew recently received a donation of hats and t-shirts from your
organization. We'd like to show our appreciation by sending a few photos
we took the other night after receiving your donation. The flecks in the
pics are not snow, but sand.
We are helicopter technicians working on the CH146 Griffon and CH147
Chinook helicopters. We are comprised of air force units from every base
and fleet from across Canada. I'm here from 408 Tactical Helicopter
Squadron, Edmonton. We provide 24/7 Operations covering troop/supply
transport, convoy over watch, and reconnaissance.
I want to thank you again for your support and the hats/t-shirts. They
are very much appreciated.
Sincerely
Bryant Hynes
MCpl
CHFA Maint Flt
ASO B Crew
~~**~~
Posted October/27/2010
Received by Hero To Hero Team Canada
A word of thanks, the packages came and everyones got something. Everyone was so grateful, a big thanks for everyone home.
Pictures will be on the way shortly.
Cheers
Bernie
~~**~~
Posted October/27/2010
Received by Hero To Hero Team Canada....
Just wanted u to know parcels came and we all were totally excited....the pepstix got divided up to the guys in our OUTPOSTS...these guys living in the dirt and could use a taste of home...We resupply them almost all the time so i decided not to keep them here at the UMS where we get fresh stuff and treats....So 1 RCR BRAVO COMPANY thanks you alot...to see the looks on the Medics faces when i delivered them out there cause i knew our fellow Medics would make sure everyone got a treat from Heros to Heros.....Banner is hanging proudly in our TV room and a lot of soldiers are wearing t shirts and hats from various departments...Kevin im so proud and delighted to be able to make this happen to the soldiers out here cause of YOU.....hope one day to meet and im sure our paths will
Again thank u so much from
Cpl Townson
~~**~~
Posted Oct/19/2010
Received by Hero To Hero Team Canada
Hello Kevin!
We received your package the other day and are thrilled to have been a part of the program. Everyone looks great in their donated shirts and the coffee and pepperettes are a HUGE hit. I will work on collecting pictures as my team is often split up across the province. Please pass along to those involved that this program is very much appreciated and was a significant morale boost.
Thanks again,
Andrew
Posted Oct/8/2010
The following 4 e-mails were received by John Verbeek from the Hamilton Fire Department.
Mr. Verbeek
I would like to thank you very much for the Hero's To Hero's shirt. I
received a long sleeve shirt from the Hamilton Fire Department. It came
at a perfect time as it is starting to get cool here at night (relative
to here) and I ride a bike to and from work. It will keep me nice and
warm on my ride in the early hours of the morning. I think we are going
to try and get a picture of some of us wearing the different shirts, if
so I will get it sent to you. Please pass on to your fellow firefighters
that I and the other members of the helicopter detachment here really
appreciate what you folks have done to recognize us over here. It is my
second tour here in the last 2 years and any touch of home is nice. Once
again thank you very much to all.
Cpl. Foster Kemplay
408 Tac Hel Sqn
************
Hello John
My name is Master Corporal Bryant Hynes, with Canadian Helicopter Forces
Afghanistan. I along with members of my aircraft maintenance crew were
lucky recipients of hats and t-shirts supplied by you through Hero to
Hero Team.
I would like to pass on much appreciation for your support on behalf of
my team. It feels good to know that Canadians support us even if they
have different feelings on the mission.
A little on what we do, we operate CH146 Griffon Helicopters, and CH147
Chinook Helicopters. We provide 24/7 Ops, consisting of troop transport,
re-supply, convoy over watch, and reconnaissance.
We started this rotation in ****, and expect to be relieved in *****.
The unit is Headquartered from CFB Valcartier, Qc, but comprised of air
technicians from almost every air base and fleet in Canada. I'm here
from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton.
Our crew took some photos the other evening after receiving your
donation. That's not snow flecks in the pics, but sand.
Thanks again for your support, and thank you for what you do, protecting
the citizens of Hamilton.
Sincerely
Bryant Hynes
MCpl
CHFA Maint Flt
ASO B Crew
***************
Hello,
I am a soldier currently serving in Afghanistan. I just recieved a Hamilton Firefighters T-Shirt from the Hero to Hero program. I was excited to see a shirt from my home town of Hamilton. Thank you very much for your support. Please pass on our thanks to all the firefighters from all of us over here in Afghanistan.
************
Sir,
My name is Sgt Adrian Boucher. I am a Reserve Medical Technician, based out of 23 Field Ambulance in Hamilton. I am a graduate of the Primary Care Paramedic Program from Conestoga College in June 2009 and I have successfully passed my A-EMCA that same month. I am currently serving in Afghanistan in a very busy Medical Station in the Kandahar province, where we receive many traumas on a regular basis. There was a recent video done by Reuters at our Medical Station (myself and another aspiring Paramedic, also a member of my unit can be seen in the video), involving one of the traumas we were covering that day.
On behalf of the members of our UMS I would like to thank you and all the members of Hamilton EMS for their support to our troops and for the shirts donated. We all very much appreciated them, especially the Hamilton EMS shirts. It always nice to see that our brothers and sisters in EMS support us. It even more pleasant and uplifting when that suuport comes from our home town.
Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to all the heros in Hamilton EMS (Paramedic, Fire & Police). Perhaps I may meet you down the road when I apply to your service.
Adrian Boucher
Sgt
RQL 6A Med Tech
A-EMCA
~~**~~
Posted Sept/30/2010
Dear Mr. Kevin McHarg
My name is Derek Hopper and I'm a sargent with the Royal Canadian Dragoon's reconnaissance squadron stationed in Afghanistan on my third combat tour. My patrol and I work and stay about 90% of our time out in the desert. Our Squadron Sargent Major took the long dangerous trip to deliver a shirt and hat to each and every soldier under his command. I'm writing you, to thank you and to show my appreciation. Clean laundry and the thought and effort of fellow Canadian is greatly apprecated. I personally received a Middlesex fire dept. shirt with no return email. It must of fell off during it's long trip. I'm under the understanding that you had sent out the large boxes of shirts and hats for the troops. Once again I would like to thank you. The thought and effort of the Hero to Hero is greatly appreciated and well received by all.
Derek Hopper
Recce Sqn 62F
~~**~~
Posted Sept/29/2010
Thanks from everyone here on the gunline, for the 2 packages with coffee, peperettes, shirts, hats etc.
Everyone was so exited when it came in, and loved having some fun posing with the shirts and the gifts sent.
THANKS AGAIN! Great morale boost.
Gnr McCabe
~~**~~
Posted Sept/27/2010
Mr. Stubbs and Mr. McHarg,
I am the Artillery Gun Troop Commander for A Troop, Delta Battery, 1 RCR Battle Group currently deployed and supporting operations in Kandahar, Afghanistan. I am in command of 32 mission-focused men and women from all across Canada and Ontario, including Reservist gunners from Brantford, Pembroke, Guelph, and Sault Ste Marie and Regular Force members based in Petawawa.
Today my troop received your package on a Combat Logistics Patrol with all of the t-shirts supplied by the various Law Enforcement organizations from across Ontario. On behalf of A Troop soldiers, I wanted to pass along our heartfelt thanks for your support. We have all heard of the Hero to Hero program, but never imagined it would make it all the way out to our little gun line.
I have attached a photo of us posing in front of one of our 155mm M777 Howitzers, taken mere minutes after the box was ripped open and everyone scrambled for a shirt from their local area. There are also a few shots of us firing in support of operations that I hope you enjoy.
Many thanks again for all of your support and we wish you all the best!
Rick
Lt RTD Parent
Troop Commander
A Troop
Delta Battery
1 RCR Battle Group
Task Force 1-10
~~**~~
Posted August/2/2010
E-mail received by Reed Holland from London Police Service.....
Reed, Thanks for the great t-shirt I'll wear it with pride and when I'm asked were I got it I'm going to say that it came from a new friend of mine. I was posted to London with 1RCR from 89 to late 90. I have 22years in this fall spending 17 years with the RCR's then I became a carpenter and was posted to CFB Greenwood, NS. I'm home on leave right now but heading back this week to finish up the tour.The picture is our team I'm on the far right The person beside the dog is the handler from Australia and the rest of the team is from Ontario. This is my 7th tour and my 2nd to Afghanistan the t-Shirts that we got from the Hero to Hero were a great hit with all the guys here at our Camp.Thanks again for your support and keeping the home front safe. Cpl Eric Thesen CHIMO
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Posted July/28/2010
E-mail received by Windsor, Ontario Fire Chief Dave Fields.
Good day Chief Fields,
My name is Sapper Trevor Kelly with the Canadian Forces over in Afghanistan. I'm a Combat Engineer working with EROC ( Expedient Route Opening Capability). I'm from New Brunswick originally and we moved in 1994 to LaSalle, just next door to Windsor. My father got the Fire Chiefs job, and that's why we moved. I would like to thank you and the member of Windsor Fire & Rescue for the t shirt, but above all the support.
I attached a picture of the EROC team and I am the blond haired guy in the front row sporting the Windsor Fire t shirt. I will try and get more pics sent to you as soon as possible.
Spr Kelly TR 640
OP Athena
1 RCR BG/ 23 Fd Sqn/ ERO
~~**~~
Posted July/24/2010
E-mail received by Hero To Hero
Hi Kevin, we ended up getting the package yesterday(23 July,2010). We want to thank you for all that you, Pillers, the cookie lady and all the departments who have donated. The EROC crew all appreciates what the Hero to Hero program does for the soldiers over here. We have a photo with the EROC crew with the Pillers and t shirts. Take care and thanks for everything. Spr Kelly TR
~~**~~
Posted March/21/2010
E-mail received by Hero To Hero
Good Day,
Just a quick note to thank all of you for sending us t-shirts while on deployment in the Gulf of Aden. I am a Supply Technician on bord HMCS Winnipeg and very touched to know that Heros like you think about us. It is an honor to wear the shirt of a hero. Thank you so much.
Juste une note pour vous remercier de nous avoir envoyé des gilets pendant notre deployement and le Golf d'Aden. Je suis un Technician en Approvisionnement sur le navire de Sa Majestée Winnipeg et je suis très touchée de savoir que les Héros pensent à nous. C'est un honneur de porter le gilet d'un Héro. Merci beaucoup.
G. Coulombe, OS
Supply Technician
HMCS Winnipeg
~~**~~
Posted March 19/2010
E-mail received by Deputy Chief Joe Bondy
Sarnia Fire Rescue Services
Hey Joe,
This morning I was given a T shirt with your departments crest on it . I really appreciate it. It was vey nice. I believe that you guys are the true heros, not us. Eveyone signs a contract .Yours was to fight fires, mine was to be in the Canadian Forces. I am not a hero I do what is expected of me.
I did teach firefighting for ships at our school for a year, so I know what you do is a lot tougher than what I do. I am an Marine Electrician. Easy job, lights stay on, I am happy. When we get back from this area, in Aug /Sept we are doing a Great Lakes trip .We do not know the ports yet but if I am in the area, your department is more than welcome to come see the ship and have a beer.
I thank you again for the shirt and the Thanks .
Jay Allen
~~**~~
Posted March/17/2010
Letter received by Hero To Hero Team Canada
~~**~~
Posted March/17/2010
E-mail received by Randy Paterson CN Police Sarnia, Ontario
Randy,
You are receiving this email as I am the recipient of your HeroToHero t-shirt while deployed overseas.
I am the Captain of HMCS FREDERICTON, one of twelve HALIFAX-class frigates in the Canadian Navy. We are currently deployed to the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea region, conducting counter-piracy and counter-terror operations. You may have noted articles in the media from time to time, noting the scourge of piracy in the area stemming from Somalia. FREDERICTON deployed from Halifax October 25th last year, conducted almost three months of counter-piracy patrols with a NATO task force off the coast of Somalia and very recently switched to a counter-terrorism mission off the coasts of Iran and Pakistan. We will be engaged in this activity for several weeks, searching for vessels carrying illicit cargo, before making our way back home to Halifax to arrive May 4th. Incidentally, that day is the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Naval Service of Canada, which we are celebrating across the country this year as the Navy's Centennial.
We have been to several ports of call in various countries on this deployment: Spain, Malta, Israel, Oman, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates thus far; India, Egypt, Turkey and Portugal are all planned for our return.
I note from your contact info you work and reside in Sarnia. One of the projects of the Canadian Centennial is to present commemorative plaques to those communities which had Canadian warships named after them. HMCS SARNIA, a Bangor-class minesweeper, proudly served from 1942-1945, earning Battle honours in the Atlantic and Gulf of St Lawrence. Of note, she saved 27 crewmembers from HMCS ESQUIMALT that was torpedoed and sunk by U-190 in the approaches to Halifax harbour on April 16th, 1945. Later in life she saw continued service with the Turkish Navy until the early 1970's. I believe the Naval Reserve unit in London, HMCS PREVOST, will make a presentation to the City of Sarnia very soon. You may recall that last fall, a sister-ship to FREDERICTON, HMCS VILLE de QUEBEC, visited Sarnia 9-11 September 2009. Finally, a bit of info on me - I was born in Petrolia and lived there for a few years before moving to Northern Ontario. I have been in the Navy for 20 years, and have several overseas deployments to my name…though nothing quite matches commanding a warship abroad!
At any rate, I wanted to thank you for your donation and let you know that every member of my crew - all 250 - also received t-shirts from other donors.
Below is a link to our ship's website for further info, and I've attached a couple of recent photos of the ship in the Gulf of Oman.
Steve Waddell Commander│capitaine de frégate
Captain│commandant
HMCS│NCSM FREDERICTON
Note from Hero To Hero: Hero To Hero was invited to participate in the welcoming committee for HMCS Ville de Quebec's visit to Sarnia.To see the photos from the visit to Sarnia check out the Photo Gallery on this website. KM
~~**~~
Posted March/17/2010 E-mail received by Randy Paterson CN Police Sarnia, Ontario
Hi Randy,
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 March/15/2010
Received by Kevin McHarg Sarnia Fire Rescue Services Sarnia, Ontario
Good Afternoon,
I am Master Seaman Christopher Smith from LaHave N.S. I am currently serving onboard the HMCS Fredericton in the Persian Golf. We have just received your shirts that all the men and woman from all across Canada set to us and I was lucky enough to receive yours. I am going to be giving it to my father when I get back home in three months he is a member of our local Voluntary Fire Hall Back in Lahave and I am sure that he will love it. Al the members of the ships company 250 personal received a shirt and we are all extremely appreciative for your support. I will tell you a little about me and what we are doing. I am a cook on board there is seven other cooks we have a crew of aprox 250 and we feed up to eight meals a day. Most people in the navy feel we have the hardest job on board but I disagree, it can't be that bad if you have this much fun is what I tell them. I am the third in command in the galley and after this trip shall be promoted to second in charge Petty Officer 2ed Class. I have been serving in the navy for the last nine years and am looking forward to the next eleven or so to come. The ship HMCS Fredericton is aprox 300 feet a crew of Canadian sailors and I do mean true Canadians. The crew covers all Canada, many fellow east coasters but still many from all over the rest of Canada. We have been away from home for the past three and a half months and have approx. three to go. We are going to arrive back in Halifax on the 4 of May and we can't wait. For the past three months we have been working with several other Countries trying to help out with all the Pirate attacks that have been happening over on this side of the world. And after a ten day stay in Dubai and short work period we well be moving on to ******* and drug stoppages as we come across them. Well that is about it I guess, if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask and thank you again for your support.
Your Truly,
MS Smith Galley Buffer
HMCS Fredericton
~~**~~
Posted March/11/2010
Postcard received by Paul Goodacre from Sarnia Legion Branch 62
~~**~~
Posted March/11/2010
E-mail received by Sandy Goodacre from Sarnia Legion Branch 62
Sandra,
I was the lucky recipient of the shirt that you kindly sent to
Afghanistan. I can't tell you how much it means to all of us here to know
that we are supported back home. To let you know a little about me, I am
the Chief of Operations for the Canadain Task Force over here and I was born
in Sarnia (and so was thrilled to represent the hood). I have enclosed a
picture of myself (on the left) along with my Fire Support Officer, Major
David Jones, who also received a shirt. Thanks again for thinking of us;
hope we continue to make you proud.
Kindest Regards,
Mike Patrick
Lieutenant Colonel
Chief of Operations
Task force Kandahar
~~***~~
Posted March/11/2010
Received by Toronto Firefighter Larry Lalonde.
Hello there . Im not to sure if you will get this email,but i would like to say thank you for taken the time and sending us a shirt in your name . I have been meaning to write you a thank you letter for a while now but it has been so busy out here in the FOB's. But when i come back from a long day of foot patroling and open our tent door and the first thing i see is the shirt hanging on our wall that you sent us thanking us for what we do, it makes it worth while, to know that people do appericate what we are trying to do here.
Once again I (we) would like to thank you for the shirt and your support.
CPL Williams.
~~**~~
Posted March 11/2010
Received by Derrick Tessier from Grip Safety and Rescue Systems in Sarnia, Onatrio.
Dear Derrick Tessier,
I Received a shirt and a message from HeroToHero.US with your contact information on it. Thanks a lot.
It's the support of people like you that make being away from home for six months, missing things like Christmas, my baby girl's first birthday, Easter and everything else bearable. We can do the job physically but it's the mental part of the job that you guys and our families really help with. I appreciate the gift as we all do and cannot express enough our grattitude for gestures like this. It came at a crucial time in the deployment and really lifted my spirits and reminded me that we still have a great support system out there. Thank you for your continued support and faith in me.
Joey Roberts
LS Roberts JD Nav Comm HMCS Fredericton
~~**~~
Posted Dec/6/2009
Received by Bill Beveridge, Head of Security at Bluewater Health, in Sarnia/Petrolia, Ontario....
Hello Mr. Beveridge,
I want to thank you and your staff for the t-shirt that you sent to Afghanistan. It was a very kind gesture and it is always nice to receive a gift when you are so far from home. It makes you feel like you have not been forgotten and appreciated.
Sorry for the delay in thanking you as my job in Afghanistan was very hectic and left me little time for correspondence.
Thank you,
Richard Ross
Corporal/ Cpl
Dental Tech/ Tech Dentaire
1 Dental Unit Det Halifax/Dét 1re Unité Dentaire Halifax
National Defence/Défense Nationale
Halifax, NS, Canada B3K 5X5
~~**~~
Posted Dec/6/2009
On behalf of Task Force 3-09 Battle Group I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the Hero-to-Hero t-shirts.
The following are some of the soldiers who have received a shirt in the Battle Group. Attached are a few photos (see photo gallery) and details of the names of the soldiers in the photos.
Cpl Stimpson - Hamilton Fire Service
Cpl Dureau - Red Deer
Pte Burns - Toronto Fire Service
Cpl Cave - Hamilton Fire Service
MCpl Pacholuk - Ottawa
Cpl Hjalmarson - London Police
Maj Friesen - Fire Rescue
MWO McPherson - ON Power Generation Security
MCpl Horan - Hamilton
Cpl Weedmark - Hamilton
Cpl Weedmark - Ottawa HAT
Spr Guraliuk - Hamiton LAT
Cpl Hosken - Hamiton FF
Sgt Joseph - Toronto Fire Service
L.B Angell
Captain | captaine
Public Affairs Officer | officier d'affaires publiques
Task Force 3-09 Battle Group | Groupement tactique, Force opérationnelle interarmées Afghanistan 3-09
Operational Mentor Liaison Team | Équipe de liaison et de mentorat opérationnelle
~~**~~
Posted Dec/6/2009
Received by Shawn Davidson with Kamloops Fire Rescue
Hi Shawn,
My name is Aaron Ouellette. I’m a Cpl based out of CFB Petawawa and my regiment is The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD’s).I was on the last tour that went over, we went over in late September of 2008. I received your little note along with the shirt that I picked out from the many other shirts that were displayed for us to choose from. I’m sorry that it’s taken me so long to e-mail you, but since I got back from Afghanistan at the beginning of May, I have been very busy. I just wanted to thank you for your support and tell you that I enjoy wearing the shirt you sent. I actually am taking a few courses to be a firefighter in the Air Force. That or just a civilian firefighter. What is your position where you work, how long have you been a firefighter?
Well I thank you again along with my many friends that went over with me.
Sincerely,
Aaron Ouellette
~~**~~
Posted Dec/1/2009
Hey Kevin (Hero To Hero Team Canada),
I got the shirts. I came back from leave and my spot in the tent was
taken over by boxes! Thank you so much, everyone here was overwhelmed
when I told them about Hero to Hero and saw all the shirts. Everyone
here really appreciates the support, it really helps out a lot. I'm
going to get some pictures as soon as I can, I'll have to wait for a
day off. I've been handing out the email address for everyone to send
some of their own pictures to you as well.
Thanks for everything.
The T-shirts and other items are a great hit here. They certainly are the preferred off-duty attire!
Robin
G. R. Cooke
Capt
A/ Adjt 3RCR BGHQ Roto 6
Afghanistan
~~**~~
Posted Dec/1/2009
Kevin, I know Capt Cooke, He is distributing the shirts and what not to the guys when they fly out. All of the guys are very happy with everything and are pretty impressed with what they are getting. I'm sure Capt Cooke has thanked you already. But I'll say my own thank you to you from the guys. Everyone of them have been impressed and happy with what they recieved from your team. Thanks again for all the support.
Cpl Ian Hamilton
3 RCR N-Coy
Tpt 2 i/c
~~**~~
Posted Nov/30/2009 Hi Guys,
Thank you very much for you T Shirts Be save and all the Best in the Future.
Blue Hackle Security Panjaway Afghanistan.
In Support of all British, Canadian and American and all troop in Afghan
God Speed !
Thank’s Again !!
Regards,
Mick Hendry
SSM
OP Canebora
Afghanistan
~~**~~
Posted Nov/30/2009
Received by Niagara Falls Paramedic Leila Paugh....
Leila,
Just a quick note to say thanks for the shirt and the letter of
encouragement. It's always nice to see that we have great support all
around Canada and especially Ontario. From your letter it seems like
you make quite a difference yourself within your own community so just
like the note says from one hero to another, thank you for your support
and the great shirt it will be worn proudly.
Keep up the great work.
Your friend Steve
Steve Laforge
Warrant Officer / Adjudant Engr Tp WO TF 1-09 3 Tp National Defence / Defence Nationale
~~**~~
Posted Nov/30/2009
Received by Hero To Hero Team Canada....
On behalf of my staff and I, we would like to thank you very much for
your donation of t-shirts and hats from Hero to Hero Team Canada. Our
section is the Contract Management Cell and we are a section of the
National Support Element, Task Force Afghanistan. We are currently in
our second month of our six month tour and are very proud to be serving
our country. Thank you all for your continued support, we are all one
team, brothers and sisters at arms.
In the photo (see photo gallery) L-R are as follows:
Capt Erin Marissen AETE Cold Lake, Alberta
MS Michael Boyes HMCS York Toronto, Ontario
Cpl Phillip Wong ASU Chilliwack, British Columbia
WO Angela Moffatt CFB Halifax, Nova Scotia
MWO Cindy Osborne DGAEPM Ottawa, Ontario
C.D. Osborne
MWO
CSM CMC Snr
TTA CANCAP QA
2269
~~**~~
Posted Nov/30/2009
Received by Hero To Hero Team Canada.....
Good day Sir,
My name is Captain Cynthia Larue and I am the public affairs officer at the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (KPRT) in Kandahar, Roto 8. The KPRT is composed of over 500 Canadians that combines the expertise of diplomats, corrections specialists, development experts, Canadian police, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the military. The KPRT supports key initiatives in the province and carries out a broad range of mentorship roles such as training police officers and strengthening local governance capacity, in line with Canada's priorities in Afghanistan.
We received a box full of H2H t-shirts at the KPRT and wanted to take a few moments to thank you and the H2H organization for thinking of sending this our way. All the t-shirts were distributed among our troops and a few pictures were taken (attached).
We really appreciate the initiative and the "t-shirt donors" should be receiving news from our soldiers in the near future.
Thank you for supporting the troops,
Cynthia
Cynthia Larue
Capitaine / Captain
Officier des affaires publiques / Public Affairs Officer
Équipe provinciale de reconstruction Kandahar / Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team
~~**~~
PostedNov/27/2009
Message received by Hero To Hero Canadian Director Kevin McHarg.....
Dear Kevin,
1. My name is Major Chris Lunney and am currently deployed to
Afghanistan with Stabilization Company Alpha, Kandahar Provincial
Reconstruction Team (KPRT), Task Force 3-09. I currently have the
privilege of commanding a composite force of Regular and Reserve Force
soldiers from across Western Canada. I just wanted to drop you a quick
note to pass on my humble thanks on behalf of myself and soldiers for
the H2H program. When I first heard of this program, I must admit I had
a bit of a chuckle as I thought this must be a long and round about
manner by which a few police officers and EMS in ON could get their
laundry done!?! Joking aside, very few other professionals can
understand the dangers military personnel experience day-to-day.
Collectively, we answer a calling that is greater than ourselves in
support of our communities fully aware of the inherent dangers involved.
That means something to me as I suspect it does for you.
2. Last year, I had the professional obligation to bury six
Canadian Soldiers killed in Afghanistan while the Officer Commanding
Rear Party for the Second Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light
Infantry (2 PPCLI) stationed in Canadian Forces Base Shilo, MB. In each
case, I and each funeral party received what can only be described as
outstanding support from the respective police, fire and EMS services in
the home town/city of our Fallen Soldiers. From our initial
coordination, through full rehearsals to the execution of the funeral
proceedings, we consistently received full and unquestioned support.
This was most clearly exemplified with Cpl Grenon's funeral in Windsor,
Ont on 12 Sep 09 where thousands of municipal, provincial and federal
police, fire and EMS personnel line the 17 kilometre route from the
Funeral Chapel to the cemetery. I was moved to tears many times
throughout this procession based on the amazing dedication and
outpouring of support that I witnessed. It was truly humbling.
3. Hero 2 Hero sounds and feels awkward. But like all people we
believe to be Heroes, they'll tell you they were just doing what they're
trained to do or they were just doing the right thing. So in that light
I guess H2H works.
4. On behalf of myself and my soldiers, pls pass on our greatest
appreciation and humble thanks to all those that participated in the H2H
program, as well as, all other police, fire and EMS brethren you're in
contact with across the country. Each day we make a difference in the
communities within which we work and that's important.
Cheers!
Chris Lunney
C.D. Lunney
Major
OC Stab A, KPRT
TF 3-09
~~**~~
Posted Nov/27/2009
To all the Police, Fire Departments and EMS units in Ontario thank-you for you support. It means so much.
My name is Capt Andrew Smith and I am a CH146 Griffon pilot in Afghanistan. I recently received a shirt from the Oakville Fire Dept. as a part of the Hero to Hero campaign. It was a very nice gesture and I can tell you that it lifted my spirits to feel that level of support from back home.
Keep up the great work you do and thank you very much for supporting the troops.
Best Regards,
Andrew
**~~**
Posted: Nov/17/2009
E-mail received by Scott Marks, Toronto Firefighters Association President........
Hi Scott,
Your name and e-mail address were on three T-Shirts we received, and I
wanted to thank you very much, on behalf of all the recipients. You probably
think that we are in Afghanistan because that place is always in the news, but we are not.
There are 24 Canadian officers serving as UNMOs (UN Military Observers) in South
Sudan. We, along with UNMOs from many nations, are responsible for
patrolling and keeping the peace here in Sudan. This war ended in 2005
after nearly 50 years, so there is a lot to do.
I am in Yambio, so if you are curious-get a map of the world, go to
Africa, find Sudan, and then go to its border with the Democratic
Republic of Congo (Zaire is the old name), and you will find Yambio
about 30 kms from the border. We are really spread out-the nearest
Canadians are in Juba (250 miles away), and we get there by chopper
only.
So once again, thank you, and keep up your good work in Toronto (I
lived in the Beaches area for a few years in the early 90s-it is a
beautiful city you are protecting).
Virginia Schonhoffer
Capt
~~**~~
Posted: Nov/17/2009
To the fire fighters of Toronto,
Hello, my name is Warrant Officer Gerry Shaw I was one of the fortunate soldiers who received a shirt off one of your fire fighters back. I just wanted to take the opportunity and let you know how much we as soldiers appreciate the support you continue to give to the CF. The job here is often difficult and I don’t think it would be possible without true support from people like you. It is a true blessing knowing that when we must send a soldier down the highway of heroes they get a well respected and deserved welcome home. Not something that is easy at this end or yours. However you continue to line the highways and overpasses regardless of weather conditions and set the example for all Canadians to follow. The Hero to Hero campaign is appreciated at all levels, you all truly deserve a huge pat on the back for everything you do and stand for. Again I thank for your continued support to this mission, I will wear this shirt with pride.
~~**~~
Posted: Nov/17/2009
Hello from Afghanistan
Just wanted to pass on my heart-felt thanks to everyone involved
in the Hero-to-Hero programme. I can't overstate exactly how much it
means for all of us to know that we are supported. For everyone
visiting the site, from the bottom of our hearts - thank you.
Kindest Regards
Mike Patrick
Lieutenant Colonel
Chief of Operations
Task force Afghanistan
~~**~~
The following e-mail was received by Kevin McHarg,the National Director ofHero to Hero Team Canada and Bill Beveridge, Head of Security at Bluewater Health in Sarnia/Petrolia, Ontario.....
16 August 2009
Many thanks from the staff
role 3 multi national medical unit
Good day from Kandahar Afghanistan. Today, when I came in the hospital, I was taking a new American Army Nurse, whom just arrived in Kandahar a few days ago, to the linen room where we keep are scrubs top. It was her first day and I was going to introduce her to the nursing staff to start her orientation. I a little surprise and looked a little foolish when I saw that the supply of scrubs: 2 small, 1 med and 1 large top. Luckily she fitted in the medium one. I took her to the nurse’s lounge for the rapport.
I guess you can see where I am going to with my story. Anyway, I then went around to the ICU to see if the patient board was updated and I was then taken aside by the nurse in charge asking me why there were 8 boxes of clothes in the corner of the ICU. She was a little tic-off. The ICU being very small and crowded it was definitely in the way. You see, we often receive donation for patients and have some storage at the back of the hospital in a container. So, I told her I would take care of it after rapport. However, she had a look on the notice on one off the boxes and read that it was from a program call Hero to Hero. Curious, I check the first boxes.
Well, what a surprise. I told the nurse, this is not for patient. It is cloths off the back of firefighters and paramedics donated to us the staff. We started digging a little further and found the nurses uniforms. Wow, it was like Christmas, more nurses gathered around us wanting to have a colourful scrub.
You guys definitely brightened our day that morning. Since, the nurse’s scrubs are washed in bulk; everyone will be wearing many of the different scrubs sent since it really augmented the linen room.
Only one physician took a lab coat, however the Kandahar Regional Military Hospital (KRMH) which is one of are closest partner – our nurses go weekly to do mentorship – are using a lot those so I gave the rest of the lab coats to them. They were very pleased. One of the permanent mentors, an American nurse got a Scooby doo scrub top, she was delighted.
As for the t-shirts you sent us, the Hospital Sergeant-Major, will ensure a controlled distribution of them to all the members of the Role 3 MMU which is actually comprised of Canadian, American, Dutch, British, New-Zealand and Danish medical personnel. I will be sending you pictures of staff wearing the shirts and the scrubs in a future e-mail.
Our warmest thanks again from my crew and me at the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit also known as the Kandahar Airfield Hospital.
Dan Dupuis
Daniel Dupuis, BSN,CCRN
Major
Officer In-Charge In-patient Services (aka Head Nurse)
Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit
~~**~~
The following e-mail was received by Sue McHarg, a Rehab Nurse from Bluewater Health in Sarnia, Ontario...
16 August 2009
Many thanks from the staff
role 3 multi national medical unit
Good day from Kandahar Afghanistan. Sue, I also wanted to send you a response from the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit. You will see I am sure the letter I send to Kevin as I noticed both of you have the same address.
I can assure you that you made a lot of nurses happy on this day. And I am sure on the days to come, since only a small number of them have seen the scrubs. Most of the Canadian (most nations) Med Techs, doctors and Nurses here have been wearing the same gloomy OR scrubs day after day for the last 3 to 4 months. They were delighted to received so colourful uniforms. As for the Americans, they have scrubs top same color of their uniform so they are also very happy to be allowed to wear the one you guys sent.
I will be sending you pictures of the staff wearing the scrubs later. Please pass on to the staff at the Bluewater Health hospitals in Lampton County (Sarnia & Petrolia), especially the rehab and ICU units are dearest thanks. I am certain this morale boost to the nurses will be transferred to the soldiers we care for: “High staff morale = higher quality care”.
Our warmest thanks again from my crew and me at the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit also known as the Kandahar Airfield Hospital.
Dan Dupuis
Daniel Dupuis, BSN,CCRN
Major
Officer In-Charge In-patient Services (aka Head Nurse)
Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit
“Proud to be a Canadian Soldier”
~~**~~
March/28/2009
Received from Capt. Robin Cooke/Task Force Afghanistan......
I took some pictures of our first real night of T-shirt distribution.
They were really well appreciated. One guy in 9er Tac who has been
tasked to handle distribution picked a blue cotton shirt with fire dept
patches on both arms. He's been wearing it everywhere when in civ
clothes. Folks here can't get over the quality and assortment of items
sent. I have them locked up in a seacan near the OR. When the outgoing
people finish with the admin stuff, they visit the two large tables and
pick something out. One of the few track suits went to our LCA - local
cultural advisor. He's been here for over a year and a half working
with successive battle groups providing invaluable services as a
translator, and local national cultural advice. He's an Afghan born
Canadian citizen. Graun as he is called here will return home in May.
I've invited him and his family to come to our home. He is seen as a
valued, fellow battle group member and shares the same dangers and sites
as any of us.
~~**~~
Sir, I wanted to take some time to thank you for your support for us soldier's and the gesture of the Hero to Heros t-shirts. I recieved mine not too long ago and have enclosed a picture for you.
My name is James Pickering. I am a Medical Technician and Paramedic from Kingston, Ont. and am very shortly wrapping up 7 months in Afghanistan as a Bison (Armoured) Ambulance Medic and occasional Dismounted Medic. WE as a crew spent our time in theatre in the Zhari and Panjwai regions. FYI, those are the regions that have seen the most "actions." As you know it's been a little rough around here the last few days, we were actually on scene for the first incident on Friday, and have been present for others as well.
I am sure you are aware that in the medical field, if we are busy, usually some one else is having a bad day, and we have been quite busy the last 7 months. Know that your generosity has uplifted our spirits upon reciept of the t-shirts.
Thanks for the support!!
Leading Seaman James (Rick) Pickering
HSS Role 1 Bison Medic
TF 3-08 Roto 6
~~**~~
This letter was received by the Forest, Ontario Fire Department.......
Hi!!
My name is Natalie LeBlanc !!
I am a Supply Technician and joined the Canadian Forces in January 2001. I love my career and find it rewarding , from the everyday routine tasks to helping out where we can within the community.
Thank you so much for your support and encouragement for myself and fellow soldiers here in Afghanistan. As you see, I wear the shirt proudly !! You are the heroes at home, saving lives everyday, so I would like to say Thank You for doing what you do; you make a difference !!!
Best wishes to all of Forest Fire Hall’s elite team and feel free to keep in contact if you would like to !!!
Sincerely,
Natalie LeBlanc, Cpl
RC(S) HQ Sup Tp
~~**~~
I'm sending you this e-mail to thank you for the shirt you sent through the Inter-National Hero To Hero campaign.
A little about myself, my name is Sgt Don MacDougall, in the CF for 21yrs. Posted to CFB Gagetown, 4th Air Defence Regt.(Arty). Arrived in Afghanistan Sept 08, deployed with the CU 161-Sperwer TUAV Flt. (Tactical Uninhabited Air Vehicle).
It is a remote-controlled aircraft equipped with onboard cameras. Used in reconnaissance and surveillance, allowing troops to survey the surrounding terrain, eliminating the need to expose themselves to potentially dangerous situations. The vehicle is launched by catapult and is propelled in the air by your basic snowmobile Rotax engine, with some modifications. Attached are a few pictures of myself and the AV. Once again thanks for the shirt and God Bless.
Sgt D.A. MacDougall
TUAV AV Prep Lead
~~**~~
I am very proud to wear your shirt, because for me, you guys and girls are the real hero.
Master Caporal Jacques Vehicule tech from Borden Ontario
MCpl Jacques MSN
TUAV-EME
JTF-AFGHANISTAN
~~**~~
Thank you for the shirt, it was a welcome gift. It will be worn around Kandahar air field while I am still hear. Then I'll be wearing it at home in Comox, B.C.
Thank you, CPL De Genova,
T.U.A.V. Maint./ Launcher Maint.
~~**~~
I would like to say thank you for the T-shirt. Mine was from London, Ontario and all it's service and support organizations. After 5 months here in Afghanistan it becomes a good reminder of the efforts that are put into every day from the boys and girls of our fellow Canadian and U.S. Service groups. Your messages of support are well received.
Thank you. J.F. (Hank) Coffin
MWO
TUAV ROTO 6
AMEO/SP TP COMD
Senior Maintenance Manager
OP ATHENA
Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan
'PERCUSSURI VIGILES '
~~**~~
Kevin: I just thought that you might like to know that Andrew has received the shirts. They apparently came into the “middle of nowhere” with a resupply train that arrived today. He said that he received a couple of large boxes and that they contained both shirts and hats (even a pair of shorts). He said that he gave things out, and the guys were like “kids in a candy store”. They swapped shirts to find ones that fit, went through the boxes looking for ones from their home towns, etc. Apparently, a picture was taken right away, so I hope it will come to me pretty soon. It seems that they were pretty pleased. He passed out about 35 shirts and hats in total in the small area that he is in. The rest of the gear will be heading on to FOB Massingar tomorrow with one of the Sergeants (and a note giving my e-mail address and asking for pictures, names and units). He told the Sergeant that if pictures were sent, they would end up on the Hero to Hero website.
Janice
~~**~~
This was received by Ken McHarg from Montreal........
Good day sir, My name is Cpl Roxanne Noseworthy and I'm serving with the TUAV here in Afghanistan. My 6 month tour is almost up and it will soon be time to go back home to Gagetown, NB with my family.
Just a little note to say thank you for such a thoughtful gift. It's always nice to know that people, other then family members are thinking about us. The world is a funny place, we do this job for 6 - 9 months and are considered hero's, in my opinion, the hero's are the men and woman that do the job everyday, YOU GUYS! So again, Thanks. I will email a picture of me wearing the t shirt in the near future.
Roxanne
Cpl R Noseworthy
3-08 Roto 6
TUAV QM
Loc 2110
SERVITIUM NULLI SECUNDUS
~~**~~
The following letter was received by the mom of a deployed troop from Sarnia, Ontario.
Mrs MacSwain, My name is Shawn Mercer and I am the SSM of D Sqn (Recce), Royal Canadian Dragoons, in Afghanistan. We are presently in Fob Frontenac, and from time to time we see your son come through these parts.
He left me a banner from the Hero To Hero program to place in our Camp.
He felt that it would be better looked after here than in his present location.
That said, it is with great honour that we hang your banner of support
in our mess hall (kitchen). The soldiers have yet to see it, as I just put it up.
We have a some soldiers that live in that area, so I know there will be
many questions at supper tonight.
I would like to thank you and all those who signed the banner for your
support back home. Our Sqn has faced some difficult days over here, and
we have carried on. We can do this because we know, back home, wonderful
people like you and the many others that signed that banner support these young men and women. I consider it an honour to serve my Country, and I have been continuously touched by the true magnitude of support that exists for us.
Thank you.
God Bless and Sleep Warm
Shawn
MWO Mercer SA
D Sqn RCD
Afghanistan
~~**~~
Attached you will find a picture of myself with the Commanding Officer, the Executive Officer and the senior Chief from the UN Bengladesh support vessel stationed in Malakal, South Sudan. The vessel was tasked to investigate looting and attacks on the Sobat river, between Malakal and Nasser.
I would like to thank HeroTo Hero for supporting the troops abroad. While on my 6 month UN tour in South Sudan, I would often wear my Hero to Hero T-shirt from Sarnia Ontario, which would give some reconfort in a very different country, supporting the Sudanese Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
Thank you.
Commander Roger Girard
Senior Canadian UNMO for UNMIS, Roto 6 .
~~**~~
The following was received by Tom Marshal, Fire Prevention Officer with Sarnia Fire Rescue Services.....
Hi Tom,
My name is Captain Jeff Gauger. I am currently serving as part of the United Nations Mission in Sudan.
I wanted to send this letter to thank you for sending me the shirt. I have enclosed a couple photos. I proudly wore the shirt for the day. I must say some of the local Sudanese asked me what a Sarnia was.I had to let them know it was a Canadian city.
In the photos you will see me with our Zambian Force Protection Team.As i am a Military Observer we are unarmed when we go on patrol, however, because we are currently operating within a disputed area, we are required to travel with a Force Protection team.
The other group photo is me with my Military Observer colleagues. From left to right: Markus (Germany), Me (Canada), Ahmed (Yemen), Millot (Bangladesh), and a Sudanese National Monitor.
I have been in the mission area for one month and have found it a very rewarding experience, the people are friendly and it amazes me after 22 years of conflict how they are still able to smile.
One big limitation we have here is transportation. the roads are very crude and often impassable.I have included a couple of photos.
Thanks again for participating in this program, it was very nice to receive a piece of Canada here in Sudan.
Regards,
Jeff
UPDATE: August 31/2009
I have been back to Canada for a few months now and I was still proudly wearing my Sarnia Fire Rescue t-shirt. I was going into Home Deport and a guy asked me if I was in the Sarnia FD, he was a firefighter from a nearby town. I told him no, and explained to him how I came to get the t-shirt, he was very aware of the program.
Keep up the great work!!!
~~**~~
Good Day
I am Currently Serving in Kandahar Afghanistan and have recieved one of the Hero to Hero shirts so generously donated.
I would like to send out a specific thanks to your organization for putting together such a fine tribute and solidarity amongst those who serve no matter what line of work they are in.
The logo itself shows it all the soldiers the fire departments the police from both Canada and the United states standing together united.
I am proud to say that I have recieved a shirt from a Canadian Firefighter and would like to ensure that he is approprately thanked for his support.
The Shirt I recieved came from Mr. Launie Fletcher the District Fire Chief for The Township of Middlesex centre-Coldtream Station and the support is greatly appreciated.
My support and best wishes go to him and his firefighters and a thank you for all that they do to protect the citizens of his community and surrounding areas on a daily basis.
United we Stand together making a difference for all those we serve
Enclosed is a picture of me wearing the shirt that was donated.
Thanks again for the support,
Warrant Officer Steve Merry
S.V. Merry
WO
CQMS Force Protection Company
Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team
Camp Nathan Smith
~~**~~
HEY....Get a load of this!!!
The shirts have arrived!!!!
I got a call over lunch from a Pvt in the Royal Canadian Regt. From Kandahar thanking me for the CCGA sweater, it makes it all worthwhile.
Jack KRUGER,
RCMP, "G" Div SAR Coordinator,
Canadian Coast Guard Base
Hay River, NWT
~~**~~
The following two e-mails were received by a member of Canadian Border Services at the Bluewater Bridge in Point Edward, Ontario.....
Hello Laurie,
We have just received your package, with shirts and hats, and I found your card inside. I would like to thank you personally very much for the show of support. Things like this make all the difference in the world to us. It brings morale up, and lets us know that people appreciate what we are doing and are supporting us. The hats and t-shirts are defiantly much needed as the temp hits 43 degrees by 10:00 am.
So again thank you.
Chris Thompson, CC Thompson Cpl BG 42 SQN A/TQ SQMS Joint Task Force Afghanistan
Hello again Laurie,
Chris here, I just finished reading the Hero to Hero campaign pam. I think that is a great idea. I ve never heard of it before, this package now has all the more meaning that it came from people personally.
Thanks again Laurie
Chris Thompson
~~**~~
This was the very first response we ever received from a deployed troop.
Hey,
My name is Travis Smith. I am currently doing a tour in Afghanistan with the Canadian Military Engineers. Thanks alot for the shirt, Ill wear it with pride!
Thank you much.
Travis
Hey,
All the boys liked there shirts!! Ill try to set up a big photo of all of us wearing them!
Thanks again
Travis
~~**~~
Hi Dear HERO TO HERO, i'm a cpl in the Canadian army and i've received your gift in Ghowrak in Afghanistan. I was really happy because this is the only warm cloth that i have at this moment, so, thank you i appreciate a lot.
Bye and continue your good work.
Cpl Gill signals Canadian army.
~~**~~
The following was received by Deputy Fire Chief Joe Bondy of Sarnia Fire Rescue Services......
Joseph and the folks at HeroShirts,
I have received your T-shirt gift in mid-May when I was in Khartoum on leave. It was an unexpected and touching gift. Shortly thereafter I returned to my post in Southern Sudan to the town of Aweil. The basic task of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) is to monitor the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SPLM/A) which in 2005 ended (we hope) the civil war. Our task is to observe and report the status of
military forces (in addition to "other armed groups") in our area of responsibility as well as the status of the local population. We do this by Air Patrols, long range land patrols and village visits. We also do some civil-military cooperation tasks with the Non-Governmental Agencies (MSF, Cordaid, Tearfund, WFP, UNICEF, etc) doing such things as Internal Displaced Persons escort and distribution of census materiel (in preparation of the big referendum coming up in 2011). This is a chapter 6 mission, which means that we are unarmed save for the accompanying force protection group. This is a great mission to be on (if you can put up with the UN's insane bureaucracy).
The delay in my response to your kind gift is due to the fact that internet connection at my team site is not the best and consequently sending out pictures is cumbersome, if at all possible. Thus, I waited until now to send this to you, since I now have access to
decent internet. I am now finished my tour and doing my out-clearances from the mission, and spending my last days back in Khartoum before returning to Winnipeg (CANADA) at my home unit, 1Canadian Air Division Headquarters (yes, I'm in the Air Force. Some of us are also in the Navy in addition to Army). At our team site, we are 35 UNMO's (UN Military Observers) from the following countries: Canada, Germany, Denmark, Romania, China, Ecuador, Russia, Paraguay, Guatemala, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Uganda, Mali, Benin, Gabon, Guinea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, India and Kenya. We also have UNPOL (UN Police), they look after security and I also believe
that they provide some instruction to the local authorities (I'm not an expert in what their mandate is).
As requested, here is a picture of me in the T-shirt, posing in front of the Kenyan force protection camp. The other picture is me in Arid Canadian Disruptive Pattern (CADPAT) uniform posing with a UN Nissan Patrol 4x4, the workhorse of this mission. We pack this vehicle with all our camping gear, drinking water and food for long range patrols of about three days at a time.
Should you want to know more about my mission, simply type UNMIS in Wikipedia.com, the article there is not bad. You can also surf un.org if you want the official stuff.
Thanks again for the T-shirt!
Christian
C.R. RENE
Captain
~~**~~
This letter was received by Fire Chief Walt Anderson in West Perth, Ontario......
Good Morning Walt
Thank you for the shirt that you sent over here to Camp Kandahar...I like the shirt...have not worn it yet however. Funny that I should recieve one just as I am watching all the Seasons of Rescue Me..I love that show.
I now have a huge respect for the job firefighters do after watching so many episodes. I know the story line is a little off the wall sometimes but it keeps me watching.
I used to live in Petawawa next door to a Firefighter working at ACL in Chalk River...Jack LaPierre. Perhaps you know him? I just moved to Kingston in July, and got sent over here
Feb-Nov 08.
Once again thank you for the shirt
Debbie Bessette
~~**~~
I received this e-mail from a local soldier who's mom i had met at our Packout in Sarnia.
He knew we were organizing a Red Friday Rally and he requestedthatwementionthe
sacrifices of the families of our troops. Instead we asked him if he would like us to read something from him directly.
His letter that we read is below.
Mr. McHarg,
Its been busy here and I'm sorry i havent got a chance to thank you for the shirts you sent to the Company. They were a well appreciated item at that point in the tour and even now the guys still wear them with pride around camp. I understand that you recieved a thank you from my CQ (Company Quartermaster) and Im glad you recieved it. I am also thanking you and I would like to let you know that pictures are coming, esspecially from the guys that recieved Sarnia firefighters shirts. They want to do one up just for you guys!!
Also all kinds of other pictures and the thank-you's should be going out to the people who sent contact information.
But like the title says, this is in regards to the Red Friday Rally. I wish i could attend, but ill be here, and that got me thinking. Maybe at the Rally it could be mentioned that not only is the rally showing support for the soldiers who signed on to do this job, but it is also showing support to the wives and family members that didnt sign on to do this job. They have endured as much if not more than the soldiers and if you could mention them i would be forever grateful to you.
With thanks and Appreciation,
Cpl. John Little
Force Protection Company 5 Platoon
Letter read at Red Friday Rally in Sarnia, June 5/2008........
Good day from Kandahar, and thank you all for comming to support the troops.
Without a doubt I can say that all the troops appreciate the support shown to us, not just from Sarnians, but from across Canada. It is amazing when we get to attend Red Friday Rallys with my home unit in Edmonton, and I only wish that I could be there to attend this one in my home town, with my family.
It is with family in mind that I remind everyone at this rally that, by being here, and by wearing Red on fridays you are not only supporting the troops, but more importantly you are supporting the families of those troops. The one thing every soldier has in common, is that they all have a loved one back home right now, that is worried about them.
The soldiers over here, appreciate everything that you have done for them, From: A package sent here full of models and accessories, to Hero to Hero sending over shirts. And, thanks to everyone that got involved in the packing. My Company recieved quite a number, and a few months into the tour, it couldnt have come at a better time. The shirts are worn proudly on the back of the men and women everyday.
But above sending anything over, the most important thing you can do to show support for the troops costs nothing. And that is simply to continue wearing red on Fridays and showing support for our families while we're away. They didnt sign up for this job, but the: Husbands and Wives, Mothers and Fathers, and, Brothers and Sisters; of all soldiers over here sure do face the same amount of pain and struggles. They deserve your support, and I'd like to thank you all for comming out and doing so.
Thanks you for you time,
Cpl. John Little,
Don't Worry MOM, I'll be fine,
I love you!!
~~**~~
Received by Walt Anderson, Fire Chief of West Perth, Ontario
Hello Walt!
My name is Josh Muir, i am a reservist from Vancouver. i am currently attached to B company, 1 PPCLI, here as the force protection company for the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team(KPRT), in, as you can tell, Kandahar province, Afghanistan!
I got your shirt and contact info last night after a long partol, and wanted to thank you and your boys as quickly as possible.
We must have got a lot of shirts from the program, as today you could barely see a man who wasnt in uniform not wearing the shirt of some fire company or another, from all over the continent!
They are very popular, and everyone who got one is proud to be wearing it, especially here!
Thank you guys for thanking us, and we are just as prouud of you guys! A great idea, a big morale boost! Much appreciated.
i will send a post card to your station as soon as i can get a good one, and when we have access to faster email connection, look for a pic with as many of the company as i can get wearing your shirt, of course, and as many other ones as i can muster!
Again, good job, and thanks!
Yours truly,
Josh Muir
~~**~~
Mr. Kevin McHarg,
Hello, My name is Cpl Kurtis Williams I am serving with 1 PPCLI in Afghanistan. I have just recieved a t-shirt sent from you from Hero to Hero program. I just wanted to thank you for your support and the t-shirt.
Thanks Again,
Cpl Kurtis Williams
~~**~~
Thank you all from all of the Canadian military members here at OP PROTEUS for your donation of the nine First Responder T-shirts and the Ontario Hockey League shirts that were donated by the London Ontario Police Officers Association and the ball caps.
OPERATION PROTEUS is part of the United States Security Coordinator mission which is a United States led mission that advises, assists, and monitors Palestinian Authority efforts, as well as coordinates international assistance, to consolidate and restructure the Palestinian security sector to one that is trained and appropriately equipped, effective in combating terrorism, legitimate, and accountable to civil authority. This mission has been supporting the Palestinian Security Forces since 2005.
Canada has been supporting the U.S. Security Coordinator Mission now for more than two years, and continues to thrive. In fact, we have been so busy that in the next few months we will be adding two more members. Right now we have a total of eight members. These include: Col Mike Pearson (Army) from Ottawa, Lt Col Mike English (Army) from Ottawa, LCdr Scott Martin (Navy) from British Columbia, Major Gino Savard (Army) from Quebec, Major Glenn Watters (Air Force) from Prince Edward Island, LT(N) Wafa Dabbagh (Navy) from Ontario, Warrant Officer Andrew Quinn (Army) from Ottawa, and Chip Bowness (Army Retired Col) from British Columbia.
Again, we pass our sincere gratitude on to you for your donations and your continued support. Without you, our mission would not succeed.
Wafa
Lt(N) Dabbagh, Wafa
Office of the US Security Coordinator
US Consolate General
~~**~~
Received by a Lambton County O.P.P.Officer.
Constable Brian Sullivan,
My name is David Peckham, I am stationed in Afghanistan. My troop recieved many shirts from back home for the HERO to HERO campaign. The shirt I recieved had your card inside, I just wanted to let you know that the shirts were a great idea, it made the troops here very happy. We took a picture with all the troop wearing the shirts, when i get back to Canada I can email you a copy of the picture if you like.
Again thanks for the support, all of the troops here are grateful for the many supporters in Canada.
Lt Peckham
3Tp Comd
12 Fd Sqn
2 VP BG
TF 1-08
~~**~~
Dear Mr. Fillion,
Thank you so very much for the T-shirt that was delivered by UN helicopter to my Team Site this week. I was truly touched to know that you and the Sarnia District Labour Council were thinking of me all the way over here.
So far, I have survived my in-clearance inKhartoum and have now also survived 6 months in Julud, a remote team Site in Soutern Kordofan, Sudan (I dare you to try and find it on a map).
Overall, this place is absolutely stunning (right in the middle of the Nuba Mountains) with only one problem.... there is no food. If you go into town, and visit the market there are only some rotten tomatoes, rotten onions, some rice (that I am not too sure is for humans) and of course..... warm diet Pepsi is available from a freezer that has no power;). The nearest paved road is over two hours away and we have to go to another small town called Dilling for bottled water every two weeks or so but even then there is not to much on the shelves.
We had an interesting Christmas Eve here a while back that I have to share with you. There are only a few of us Christians but all of the other religions all got together and set up some lights and cooked a meal for us (some badly butchered goat, rotten tomatoes and rotten onions). Neither the Australian, James or I could actually eat very much of it and the local dogs ate very well that night but it was the thought that counts and we truly appreciated it. The high point was when we tried to teach them all to sing 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer'... it wasn't pretty but we made it through to the end.
I also had a heck of a time trying to explain Christmas to the Muslims. As soon as I told them that we celebrated the birth of our savior with an old man in a red suit and a white beard who drove around in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer with a red nose and that he left presents under a pine tree for children, I could see the look in their eyes that said..... 'You poor Christians.... you are so messed up'.
Other than that, the local people here are awesome (there is no anger or begging like I saw in the Congo, just some very conservative and proud Black Muslims) and I love the remote team site and the patrolling. The Joint Intregrated Unit's (JIU's), Sudanse People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and the Sudenese Armed Forces (SAF) are located here in some very remote locations in some very difficult terrain and I truly feel for them. The other team members on the other hand provide hours of amusement (there are two Australians, two Germans, two Russians, two Philipino's, two Brazilians, two Canadians and one Zambian).
The guys are starting to get used to me as the Team Site Leader (at least no one has burned down my accommodations yet) and I have been able to get almost all of them to bathe and show up on time for the daily O Gp (this is a big deal here).
In case you want to know, its a freezing 22 degrees C and I am searching for extra clothes and a sleeping bag because I am really feeling it. I hope that you guys are not suffering as much as I am ;). On the bright side, its starting to warm up and we expect that it will be + 45 degrees in only a few days. I hope that you are enjoying the winter snow as much as I am enjoying my new suntan ;)
I have to say that I have only one regret over here.... and that is I may spend my entire time on this tour North of the 1-1-56 line and never get to see South Sudan .... Otherwise, life is great !
I would like to thank you once again for all of your thoughts and prayers and can only hope that I can return the favour one day .
All the best,
Mike
Mike Fejes
Major (CANADA)
Team Site Leader JULUD
South Kordofan, Sudan
5550
P.S. Did I mention that I only have 8 more days left?
~~**~~
Received by Deputy Fire Chief Tom Boone, Mooretown, Ontario......
Tom,
Thanks for the T-Shirt. I didn't even know the program existed until one of my Corporals told me he had a box of T-shirts to be handed out. I think it's a great program, and judging by how often I see other Hero to Hero shirts being worn around the camp, I am not alone. Your shirt ended up with the Officer Commanding the Force Protection Company of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team. I have sent along a picture as
requested, but the quality is not great. We are limited in the size of attachments we can send via email. The vehicle behind me is a LAV III - an outstanding fighting vehicle, and my company's mode of transport.
Thanks for your support, and stay safe in the job you do everyday for
everyone at home.
Richard
R Raymond
Maj
OC B Coy
FP Coy KPRT
CNS 4350
~~**~~
Received by Sarnia Fire Rescue Services Deputy Chief Joe Bondy......
Good day Joe. My name is Andy. I'm the commanders signaler of RC South in Afghanistan. I'm doing a 9 months tour and I've done 3 months now. Everything's good so far. It's not easy but time goes realy fast because we working 7 days a week. I would like to thank you very much for your shirt. It's realy nice to know that we have support from you guys. Every little things that we receive here means so much for us. Thank you again and have a good day.
Pte Andy Davidson
Commanders Tactical Team
RC South
~~**~~
Received by Hero To Hero Team Canada......
Attached you will find a picture of myself with the Commanding Officer, the Executive Officer and the senior Chief from the UN Bengladesh support vessel stationed in Malakal, South Sudan. The vessel was tasked to investigate looting and attacks on the Sobat river, between Malakal and Nasser.
I would like to thank HeroTo Hero for supporting the troops abroad. While on my 6 month UN tour in South Sudan, I would odfen wear my Hero to Hero T-shirt from Sarnia Ontario, which would give some reconfort in a very different country, supporting the Sudanese Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
Thank you.
Commander Roger Girard
Senior Canadian UNMO for UNMIS, Roto 6.
~~**~~
Received by Hero To Hero Team Canada by the mom of a deployed troop......
Hi, Kevin, Just wanted to thank you one more time for the shirts, but also for the efforts you have put in, for all of our military people. It is hard for people to have any understanding of what it is like for these men, and their families. I felt that you have come to that understanding. I am sending you a couple of short video's and a few pictures that he had sent to me.
Thanks, once again.
Brenda Spencer
~~**~~
I'm warrant officer Yves Martel, Canadian, based out of CFB KINGSTON ON and i'm deployed to Kandahar, Afganistan for 9 months as part Regional Command South, RC(S).
My section has 32 personnel in it. We all received shirts from various organizations in Ontario though the Hero to Hero. What a great support! you guys fight fires and save lives everyday, and we are here fighting different kinds of fires, but with a goal of improving the lives of local Afghans and saving the future generations from hardships as witnessed in the past.
I would like to express my utmost gratitude and honour of receiving one of your shirts from Hero to Hero campaign. I was extremely impressed by the idea of the shirt off the back of a Hero for this, and am very proud of the support we receive from all of you inter-national Hero to Hero US and Canadian.
I have worn the shirt with pride and have included a picture of me for all of you. Thanks agains for all of the unwavering support you have shown us, as it is truly appreciated.
Yves Martel
WORC(South)
SP/TP.
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"Troops Don't Choose Their Battles Any More Than Firefighters Or Police" ~HeroToHero.US
