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.

~~**~~ 

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.

~~**~~

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.

Kevin McFarlane

F82 782 989 Cpl McFarlane K.J.
2R22R BG 51 Engr Sqn
EROC TF 1-09 OP Athena

~~**~~

Posted Dec/1/2009 

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 

~~**~~  

Posted Nov/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.

Thank-you.

Tim Rosa
Sergeant | Sergent
CIMIC Operator (Kandahar City) | Opérateur COCIM (Kandahar City)
K-PRT | EPR-K - Roto 8 - TF 3-09 | FO 3-09 

**~~**

Posted Nov/27/2009

Received by an Oakville, Ontario firefighter.....

Mr. Lee,
 
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 of Hero 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!!!