Page 1 Please note that our 13 September GCC meeting will be held at the Warrant Officers & Sergeants / Officers Messes Beaver Hall, Wolseley Barracks Meet and Greet 11:15 a.m. Lunch service begins at 11:30 a.m. Speaker12:00 p.m. September 2017 NEWSLETTER Meet & Greet: Regular Meeting: Speaker: 11:15 hrs Warrant Officers & Sergeants / Officers Messes, Beaver Hall, Wednesday, 13 September 2017 11:30 hrs lunch service begins (Please bring a guest) 12:00 hrs meeting starts Dan Badour, Director / Operations Branch, Canada Border Services Agency / Government of Canada (see page 2 for details) Lunch Menu: Chef s choices will include: o Soup and Salad; o Soup and Sandwich; o Hot Entrée; o Dessert
Page 2 Speaker: 13 September GCC Meeting at the WOS/OM: Speaker: Dan Badour, Director / Operations Branch, Canada Border Services Agency / Government of Canada Dan commenced his career as a Student Customs Officer in 1988 and was assigned to the Windsor Tunnel. In May 1989, Dan was appointed as a Customs Inspector and successfully completed the first intake of the 16-week Customs Inspector Recruit Training Program in Rigaud Quebec where upon his return to the Region, Dan was assigned to the Windsor Ambassador Bridge. A significant portion of Dan s career within the CBSA has focused on our enforcement and intelligence operations where between 1993 and 2001 he held the positions of Customs Enforcement Officer and Regional Intelligence Officer. During this time, he worked closely with CBSA s enforcement programs and domestic/international law enforcement and intelligence partners in various multi-agency projects and initiatives. Dan entered the management cadre in 2001 when he became the Regional Manager of Intelligence from 2001 to 2009. In 2010 and 2011, Dan was assigned to the Intelligence and Targeting Operations Directorate in headquarters as the Director of Intelligence Development and Field Support. In 2009, Dan was appointed to the executive ranks as District Director of the Windsor Detroit Tunnel Operations following developmental assignments as Chief of Operations and Director for the Windsor Ambassador Bridge. Dan recently acted as the Director of Corporate and Program Services for the Southern Ontario Region following assignments as the Executive Director and as the Regional Director General of the former Windor-St.Clair Region. In 2012, Dan was appointed Director of Enforcement and Intelligence Operations Division, the position he currently holds. Dan was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, is married and has three children. He is a 1989 graduate of Law and Security Administration program from St.Clair College. Dan is a former member of the Windsor Tanks and his son currently is serving with the Windsor Tank Regiment. GCC President s Comments I trust that everyone had an enjoyable summer. They still go by too quickly for my liking. First Vice-President Geoff has arranged an excellent line up of speakers for our Fall meetings. The dates are listed later in the Newsletter. Please add them to your calendars and prioritize attendance. We look forward to seeing you and your guests! Regards, Doug Acton President
Page 3 GCC Honoured Veteran, June 2017 CAPTAIN JANET SKOMOROWSKI, MMM Captain Janet Skomorowski is currently serving as Adjutant of 31 CBG HQ. Over the years she has served with the HQ she has worked in several Branches but predominantly within the G1 (Personnel Branch) and the Command Cell. She enrolled as a clerk with The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 1977 becoming Chief Clerk before she was seconded to Hamilton Militia District Headquarters in 1982. Desiring a return to unit life, and new challenges she transferred to 23 Field Ambulance (now 31 Field Ambulance) in 1988 and worked her way through basic medical training. She was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of 23 Field Ambulance as an MWO in 1989. In October of 1990, at the ripe old age of 31, she was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer. Following a 10 year tenure as RSM, she was posted to 31 CBG HQ and after a short time was invited by the Commanding Officer to commission. In recognition of her exceptional service as a Non-Commissioned Officer, she was invested as a member of the Order of Military Merit in October 2002. In 2006 Captain Skomorowski completed a nine month tour in Afghanistan where she was awarded the US Army Meritorious Service Medal for exemplary performance of duty in a Combat zone. The GCC thanks Captain Skomorowski for her service. GCC s June Meeting Speaker at WOS/OM Speaker: Dr. Alison Meek, Chair: Department of History, King's University College. Topic: The strong historical roots of forces that propelled Donald Trump to the White House. Dr. Meek gave a very interesting talk on the rise of Donald Trump with an assessment of the nature, development, and context of the Trump base.
Page 4 The questions/comments following Dr. Meek s talk were reflective of the height of interest triggered in the Membership. As her research centers on terrorism, extremism, cults, and the media, it would be interesting to hear her take on the recent white supremacy activity and controversy. GCC President Doug Acton expresses appreciation to Dr. Meek on behalf of the Membership. More from the June Meeting at WOS/OM GCC President Doug Acton welcomes new Member, Phil Dean.
Page 5 GCC Student Bursaries In appreciation for their service, Primary Reserve members serving in local Units (Elgin, Middlesex, Perth and Lambton Counties) may apply for a $1000. GCC Bursary. Applications are on the GCC website (www.gcclondon.ca ) as is the list of eligible Units. With the generous support of GCC membership fees and a $5,000. donation from General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, GCC will award up to $10,000 in student bursaries this year. The bursaries are for approved local unit members who are enrolled in a post-secondary educational program and may be used for any educational expense. Deadline for submission (via email only to garrisoncommunitycouncil@gmail.com ) of completed applications, including all support documentation, is Friday 13 October 2017. Commanding Officers sign off on each application indicating eligibility of the member to apply for the Bursary and that they have demonstrated leadership and teamwork in the Unit. The GCC Student Bursary Selection Committee consists of all past presidents available to participate with the immediate Past President serving as chairperson. A list of recommended applicants to be awarded a Student Bursary is presented to the Executive Committee and arrangements made for appropriate presentations to award recipients. Unit Updates: Most of our units have little to report right now as they have been on summer break, on course, and/or on Exercise. We anticipate updates from many units reflective of this in our next Newsletter. In the meantime, below are the badges/crests/logos from the units in the GCC footprint. How many can you name?
Page 6 HMCS Prevost Change of Command: The formal Change of Command Ceremony between Cdr Batte and LCdr Breese will occur on the 30 th of September at HMCS PREVOST. The parade will be from 15:00-16:30 followed by a BBQ Style dinner held on the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Grounds (weather permitting). More details regarding the dinner and tickets will be forthcoming to GCC when formal invitations go out towards the end of August.
Page 7 CLEARING THE WAY - COMBAT ENGINEERS IN KANDAHAR GCC Member Paul Culliton is the Producer/Director of this amazing documentary. He has approached GCC for support in promoting the World Premiere screening at the Forest City Film Festival. See details below and be sure to click on the CBC link and watch the trailer. WHAT: CLEARING THE WAY - COMBAT ENGINEERS IN KANDAHAR Feature Documentary: The story of 23 Field Squadron Canadian Combat Engineers in Kandahar, 06/07. Based on book by London native, Colonel Mark Gasparatto WHERE: FOREST CITY FILM FESTIVAL, LONDON, ONTARIO, October 26-29th, 2017 WHEN: Preview Night: Thursday, October 26th, 7p.m. Wolf Performance Hall, London, ON PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT WITH MOVIE TRAILER See CBC radio article, Clearing the Way trailer embedded. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/forrest-city-film-festival-1.4260894 5 Forest City Film Festival entries we're fired up about Back for a second year, London's film festival offers a rich mix of feature films, documentaries and short films. WEBSITE & TICKET INFORMATION https://www.forestcityfilmfest.ca GCC is consulting with Paul on promotion of the film at the Festival and in applications following. Tickets are on sale now and a sell-out is anticipated.
Page 8 Polish Veterans Association: With the outbreak of WW1 in 1914, the Polish community in Canada and the United States seriously began to consider ways to help Poland gain independence through military means. At the end of 1916, the Canadian military authorities agreed to form a training school in Canada. This year marked the 100 th anniversary for the opening of the Polish Army Training Camp Camp Kosciuszko, in 1917, at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Every year the Canadian Polish Congress Niagara Region, organizes a pilgrimage to a little plot in St. Vincent De Paul s cemetery, were 26 men attending the camp died of the Spanish flu. In total 22,000 men of Polish-Canadian, and Polish-American descent left for Europe to fight for the Polish Army in France called the Blue Army, commanded by General Jozef Haller. From France the now well-equipped army in the strength of 80,000 solders were transported by train through Germany to Poland. Members of the Polish Combatants Association, London Branch attended this years celebration along with many people from Canada, the United States and dignitaries from Poland and Canada.
Page 9 Significant Military Dates- September The list of significant military dates each month serves as background for the GCC s Honouring Veterans Initiative. The list is not conclusive and is for reference only. Sept. 1, 1944 WWII Dieppe is occupied by Canadian troops Sept. 2, 1918 WWI Sergeant Arthur Knight of the 10th Battalion, C.E.F., at Villers-lez-Cagincourt, France, bayoneted several of the enemy, killed an officer and two non-commissioned officers, captured 20 other ranks, and forced others to retreat in confusion to earn the Victoria Cross. Sept. 9, 1950 Korean War The Canadian regular forces are placed on active service for service in Korea. Sept 10, 1941 WWII HMCS Chambly and HMCS Moose Jaw sink the German submarine U-501 off the coast of Greenland. This is the first U-boat kill made by the Royal Canadian Navy. Sept 11, 1951 Korean War The 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade takes part in an advance made by the 1st Commonwealth Division across the Imjin River in Korea. Sept. 13, 1759 Seven Year s War Battle of the Plains of Abraham. British forces led by General Wolfe defeat French forces led by General Montcalm. Both Wolfe and Montcalm are killed. Sept. 13, 1915 WWI The Canadian Corps is formed in France, consisting of the 1st and 2nd Canadian Divisions and Corps Troops (including the Canadian Cavalry Brigade). Sept. 14, 1990 Gulf War The Government of Canada offers a CF-18 squadron with several hundred military personnel for use in the Gulf. Sept. 15, 1993 UNPROFOR, Bosnia A fierce firefight between 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia s Canadian Light Infantry and Croat forces in the Medak Pocket, Croatia (15-16 Sep). Sept. 16, 1814 War of 1812-1814 The British warship ST LAWRENCE with 104 guns is launched from the Point Frederick shipyards, Kingston Sept. 16, 1914 WWI The Canadian Aviation Corps, Canada's first military aircraft formation, is authorized by the Minister of Militia and Defence. Sept. 23, 1965 Cold War HMCS OJIBWA (submarine) commissioned at Chatham, U. K., the first submarine built to RCN order.
Page 10 GCC Meeting Dates- 2017/2018 Program planning for 2017/2018 is ongoing. Suggestions from members are always welcome. Please contact any member of the executive with ideas. Below are the dates to June 2018. 13 September 11 October 08 November December no meeting 10 January 14 February 14 March 11 April 09 May 13 June GCC EXECUTIVE President: Doug Acton Treasurer: Barry Graham 1st Vice President: Geoff Hutton 3rd Vice President: Vacant Past President: Gerry Treble Secretary: Beth Sayler 2nd Vice President: Doug McAndless Garrison Advisor: LCol Dave Fearon Next Meeting:13 September at the Warrant Officers &Sergeants / Officers Messes, Beaver Hall, Wolseley Barracks. Bar service at 11:15 a.m. with lunch service beginning at 11:30 a.m., and speaker at 12:00 p.m. Speaker: Dan Badour, Director / Operations Branch, Canada Border Services Agency / Government of Canada
FCFF UPDATES: Preview Night and Opening Night tickets now available Two compelling, special nights of film are now on sale Preview Night at the Forest City Film Festival 2017 We are proud to present the world premiere of the compelling documentary "Clearing The Way," about Canadian military engineers in Kandahar, Afghanistan, 2006-07. Based on the book published by London native Colonel Mark Gasparotto, it was made by London filmmaker Paul Culliton. It's an unvarnished story of the roll of the Canadian engineers on the front lines in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, one of the most dangerous places on earth. Accompanied by a powerful, short documentary about the story of a Syrian refugee in London and our most serious animation about becoming a victim of war. We will be joined by Fanshawe College president and retired General Peter Devlin, who will open the night for us. This is a very special night of global stories with many regional touch points.