VOCM welcomes home our local soilders who were serving in Afghanistan. Dorothy McGrath-Oliver, mother of Cpl. David Oliver, wrote about her experience as she greeted her son and his colleagues on the day of their arrival at the St. John’s International airport: On Friday, August 3rd, Paul Raynes and Claudette Barnes of the VOCM Morning Show announced the afternoon arrival from Afghanistan of Sgt. John Sloan, Cpl. David Oliver and Cpl. Jason Noseworthy - all members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.
As a mother, it was an emotional day for me. It seemed as though I was on a roller-coaster for my happiness was bittersweet - one minute so totally happy that my son was coming home and yet, I could not forget the mothers whose sons had died in Afghanistan, or the thousands of mothers whose sons were still over there.
After 6 months, the anxiety and stress which had weighed us down was finally lifting. Smiles and happy tears were the order of the day as families, members of the RNR, and friends gathered at the Airport anxiously awaiting the first glimpse of our loved ones. Much to our surprise, having heard the announcements on VOCM, many members of the general public had come forth to greet our returning soldiers. Reporters and TV cameras from the local TV and radio stations were everywhere. Once again, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians were proudly showing their support and loyalty for their own.
Sgt. Sloan, Cpl. Noseworthy and Cpl. Oliver came down the steps amid hoots and howls and a sea of yellow and red balloons, red Support Our Troops shirts, yellow ribbons and yellow Welcome Home posters. I don't know who wore the biggest smiles - our soldiers or their families. Yet, military to the core, they greeted their Commanding Officer and other members of the RNR before they were swept into the arms of their families and loved ones.
All you could hear and see was laughter and tears of happiness that 3 of our soldiers were back in Newfoundland. Other parents whose sons were still in Afghanistan had come to share in our happiness. Though it was not easy to come to the Airport, knowing that their sons were still over there, the arrival of Sloan, Oliver and Noseworthy made real for them the fact that their loved ones would soon be home.Provincial Government Minister Dianne Whalen warmly shook hands with each soldier bringing greetings on behalf of Premier Williams, the Government and the people of the Province.
Our soldiers were interviewed for TV and radio. They spoke proudly, yet humbly, of their beliefs in the accomplishments of our Canadian troops in the Afghan mission. As we listened to them speak, we were filled with pride that these well-spoken, confident soldiers were our loved ones.
My three grandsons, Tyler, Liam and Josh were also interviewed. Liam summed up our feelings exactly as he so aptly put it when asked how he felt about his Uncle David coming home "Good, really, really good!" Finally, we left the Airport to gather in our homes to further celebrate this wonderful day. As we went to pay for our parking, we told that there would be no charge as the St. John's Airport Authority also recognized the significance of the contributions of our Canadian soldiers. Since many of the Commissionaires are war vets, maybe they more than many of us, have a deeper understanding of our returning soldiers who are now also veterans of war.
Needless to say, August 3rd, 2007 will always be a memorable day for the families of Sgt. John Sloan, Cpl. Jason Noseworthy and Cpl. David Oliver.
We look forward to the return of each of our soldiers from Newfoundland and Labrador and more pictures will be available in the coming weeks.
Dorothy McGrath-Oliver
A lot can happen to a young man and his family in one year. Last year,he was known as Kyle, a graduate from Queen Elizabeth Regional High School in Conception Bay South. This year, he is known as Private Kyle Button, member of the Canadian Forces since August 2006, graduate of Basic Training in St. Jean, Quebec & Battle School Training in Meaford, Ontario and a soldier who has been serving in Afghanistan since June past.
"We are all so proud of him, miss him dearly and pray for his safe return as well as all the troops", says mom Michelle Murphy.
Along with his Mom Michelle and Dad Don, Kyle's girlfriend Janelle and his brothers Robert (14) and Jordan (10) have these messages for Kyle:
Kyles' Brothers: "We Love you, Kyle"
Kyle's Girlfriend: "Kyle, I love you and miss you,"
Kyle's Parents: "Kyle we are so proud of you and love you. We can't wait to see you."
Kyle's friends and family are counting down the days until he comes home.
His mom says when that day happens, the next picture we'll see will be Kyle's loved ones at the St. John's International airport giving Kyle lots of hugs and kisses!
Cpl. Mark Forsey was born on June 29, 1982 in Grand Falls, Newfoundland. Like most boys, he showed an early interest in the military playing with G.I. Joes and toy boats. Would he follow the path of his grandfather and Great-grandfather into the navy or would his course follow that of his grandfather's five cousins in the land forces?
Mark grew up as a member of the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers. He loved the weekend camps and the comradeship it provided. He joined Karate at the age of nine and went on to receive his Black belt. During his junior and senior years in school his interests were
varied and diverse to say the least. Standing still in the Glee club to chasing down his opponent on the rugby pitch, Mark was active in it all. He even partook in a bit of acting.
When the opportunity came to join the Reserves, he jumped in with both feet. We knew that a tour overseas was what he wanted most after missing an opportunity to go to Bosnia in 2002 left him quite disappointed. From his first weekend of initiation Mark loved the Reserves. The training and the time spent with his buddies brought him immense joy. While his family was initially somewhat apprehensive on whether he had the self-discipline necessary to succeed with the reserves, it turned out that the structure and required willpower fit Mark’s personality perfectly. He has proved to many that he is a fine solider with many wonderful qualities.
His time spent in Afghanistan so far has broadened his mind with the knowledge on how another part of the world lives and wisdom to endure the conflict he faces each and every day. He and his comrades have taken on a great challenge and we hope that this will benefit both the people of Afghanistan and Mark, in preparing him for his future endeavors.
His sister Heather, while based in Houston, Texas has been keeping family and friends up to date on his adventures. The e-mails, phone calls and pictures have helped to keep us up to date on Mark’s life in Afghanistan and provide the reassurance that he is enjoying his tour.
Mom, Dad, Heather, Christopher, Grandma Brown along with his 33 cousins, 28 aunts and uncles and 5- 2nd Cousins and many other relatives and friends await his safe return and look forward to sharing his stories about the many adventures he’s encountered while overseas.
Mark, you have done this family proud and we love you dearly. We hope all Canadians would honour their troops in this way, as they try to rebuild this nation one day at a time.
Sgt. Norman William Lionheart the 3rd, a bunny given to Cpl Mark Brazil and his friend Cpl. David Oliver as an Easter gift by a local Afghani. He is sporting a helmet made out of a tennis ball. Sgt. Lionheart is the pride and joy of his Newfoundland Nannies, Dorothy Mcgrath-Oliver and Juanita Anderson who supply Sgt. Lionheart with water bottles and bunny treats.
(L-R) Cpl. David Oliver and Cpl. Mark Brazil, proud papas of Sgt. Norman William Lionheart.
Travis and two of his buddies taken in Afghanistan
(L-R) Richard Buckley, Frank Farrell, Travis
When we thought of writing a piece for Travis, we asked Natasha, his girlfriend to come up with something. She said, “I don’t know where to start. I can’t write something good enough to put on the VOCM Hot Link. What can I say?” We told her “just write from the heart” and we think she did just that:
Nothing could have prepared Carolyn and Len Smith for the deployment of their 24-year-old son and only child, Travis William Smith to Afghanistan on February 3rd, 2007. Cpl. Smith is an engineer and has trained hard for the past 8 months in Gagetown, NB and Wainwright, AB.
As a child, Travis had always shown characteristics of someday joining the Army. He was always a smart, brave, humorous child who loved his pellet guns and paintball guns, and always had to dress the part. Travis loved the outdoors; camping and hiking in particular. When he went for a hike with his buddies, he was always decked out in full camouflage. In his last year of high school Travis made a decision to join the Army Reserves for 56 Field Engineers, St. John’s, NL. Although he would hardly spend a summer at home, his parents knew that this was what their son loved; knew he was meant to be in the Army and respected his decision. In 2006, Travis made another life decision. He volunteered for Task Force 107 to Afghanistan, leaving family and friends uneasy of his choice. Deep down in everyone’s heart they knew that if anyone were meant for this job, to give it 110 percent, and to represent our country proudly, it would be Travis.
Travis has spent the last three months in several Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan in a seven-man “Engineer Reconnaissance Detachment”, of which he is second in command and the only Reservist. This “Recce” group is an attachment of “One Troup”, of 30 – 40 soldiers, responsible for patrolling for mines, IED’s (Improvised Explosive Devises), and detonating UXO’s (Unexploded Ordinates) construction of bridges, culverts, and general defensive emplacements around the FOBS. For the most part his Troup works side by side with the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police.
Of course it was a huge culture shock for him but his family can tell he's all right when his humour shines through as he calls his mom to ask for fake spiders to be sent over so he can play jokes on his buddies. He tells us, “ the days are very hot going to over 50 degrees, with 70 pounds of kit not helping. The sand storms feel like fog, until you open your mouth and feel the grit in your teeth”. Living outside “the wire” is a far cry from the simple comforts back at KAF, but he looks forward to care packages being sent by family and friends containing his favorite foods and silly things to boost his moral and remind him of home and all the people who love him.
Even though Travis has put himself in what could be a very dangerous position, he’s doing what he believes in and is very humble about his many achievements.
Travis’s family and friends are all eagerly awaiting his safe return. Travis’s selfless decision has proven what everyone has already known; that he is one brave and courageous man, with a terrific personality and a wonderful sense of humour. Travis has so many loving people praying for him, supporting him, respecting him and making us all so very proud. Each day that passes is another day closer to having our Travis back home.
Mom Carolyn, Dad Len, Family Pet Chloe (also decked in red), and Girlfriend Natasha
Eastern School District Support Staff Supports the Troops
Travis on Patrol
Engineer Recce Detachment (Travis, center front) (This is a prop that Travis made as a joke for “combing the desert”)
A break with the Afghan National Police
Travis at a vehicle check point
This past Wednesday, The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, along with former NHL players and the Stanley Cup arrived in Afghanistan.
General Rick Hillier and Captain Rick Nolan
VOCM remembers Sergeant Donald Lucas of St. John’s and Private Kevin Kennedy of St Lawrence .The Department of National Defence reports that these soldiers were among 6 killed after a roadside bomb exploded near their vehicle on Easter Sunday, approximately 75 km west of Kandahar City, Afghanistan
Our thoughts & prayers are with the families of these local heroes.
Proud Newfoundlanders serving in Afghanistan
Corp. Gregory Bragg has been an Infantryman with the 1st. Battalion Royal Newfoundland Regiment for four years.
Immediately after his trip to Flanders, commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel, he signed up for a six month tour. Following his training in Gagetown, Petawawa and Wainwright, Gregory is now deployed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, since early February 2007.
Gregory is currently serving with the National Support Element, driving the vehicle, Nyala, in the many convoys bringing supplies to the troops in outlying areas.
Gregory will be back home on leave in late June to take part in the wedding ceremony of his brother Bradley.
What makes a young man volunteer to go to war? I have been asking myself that since our son James Ryan decided to go to Afghanistan. There must be some sense of adventure, some sense of duty, some sense that you can make a positive difference in someone else’s life. Maybe, it’s all of these and more.
James is a reservist and a Corporal in the 56 Field Squadron of the Royal Canadian Engineers here in St. John’s. Since he volunteered for active duty in Afghanistan, he was attached to the 42nd Engineering Squadron in Gagetown, N.B..
James is the youngest of our four children. We also have three daughters, Sandy O’Reilly, Erin Kearsey and Jennifer Ryan.
James’ girlfriend, Paula Floyd, lives in Halifax. James contacts either Paula or us every few days by phone or e-mail. Paula lets us know when he calls her and we do likewise.
James went to school at Cowan Heights Elementary, I. J. Samson Junior High and Bishops College. He grew up on Trinity St. in St John’s, but now his home is in Mount Pearl.
James went through Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers with me as one of his scout leaders. He always liked the camping trips and outings. This week when he called, I asked him how he was doing and what it was like. He said “I’m doing fine Dad. It’s great here; it’s just like camping only with bombs and bullets”.
Since James' arrival in Afghanistan he has been "outside the wire" - meaning that he has been out in the deserts and mountains of Afghanistan. During his first week James was in a LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle) that was involved in a crash; he was bounced around and received some bumps and bruises, but nothing too serious"
Part of an Engineers job is to “deal with” IED’s (Improvised Explosive Devices).
When they go out on patrol, they don’t always send all the engineers. One particular patrol James was the only engineer that went, on that patrol James was the first into a building that they had to check out; as he peaked around the door he spotted a bag in the middle of the floor. It was his responsibility to see if this was a booby trap, bomb or IED. He enters and bends down to inspect the bag, as soon as he touches it, there is artillery fire outside!! James said he nearly had to change his underwear that day.
We have also set up a BLOG site that James can post information when he gets to a computer in Afghanistan. Here are a couple of his recent posts:
So far I’m enjoying it over here, being an engineer, we head out on pretty much every patrol so I’ve walked all over the Panjawi district, and I went up on a recce (reconnaissance) the other day, the farthest north ISAF (International Security assistance Force) has been yet in Kandahar province. It was incredibly beautiful. A complete contrast to the cities down here; It reminded me of what I would think the alps would be like, green mountains with forests, waterfalls and nice blue rivers… its where the Taliban live and train, let me tell you they know how to pick the spots.
Other than that not too much to report on; I have had a few tense moments crawling up on suspected IED’s and walking through minefields. There have been a few bombings so far as well but our vehicles are taking them well, blowing off a couple of tires and what not, but no-ones getting killed… There’s also a fair bit of small arms and RPG’s (Rocket Propelled Grenades) flying around. but I think the longest gun battle so far has only been 4 or 5 hours so far, which isn’t that bad considering we rock them with the 25 mm. Things will probably pick up later on but for now that’s it.
One thing that frustrates me is the confusion people have between the war in Iraq and the work that the International Security Assistance Force is doing in Afghanistan. The United Nations have sanctioned the work that is being done by 37 different countries in Afghanistan. We hear all the worst news from Afghanistan because Canada has taken a lead role in one of the most dangerous parts of that country. We don’t hear enough about all the good work that is being done, the digging of wells, construction of roads, building of schools and much more.
The excellent reputation that Canada has around the world is not because of its tourists, or Politician’s but because of its policies and the work that our Armed Forces have done and do every day.
As parents, Helen and I are petrified every day for our son’s safety but we are very proud of him and have the greatest respect for him because of the work that he has chosen to do.
Please support our Troops
Jim and Helen Ryan
My nineteen old son Cpl Geoffrey Mark Brazil is currently serving in Khandahar, Afghanistan. He is a reservist with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and volunteered for this deployment. He is with the infantry as a gunner and will be doing security for the convoys bringing supplies out to the troops on the frontline. He is very dedicated to his job and is very proud to wear the uniform of the Canadian military and is over there doing something he believes in. Mark has always been a kind, compassionate person putting the needs of others first above himself. We keep in touch through phone calls and e-mails when he gets the chance. Being a single mom raising three sons and added worry with my nineteen year old serving in Afghanistan, I have to look on the positive side that everything will be okay. We have a lot of support from family, friends and of course our MFRC (Military Family Resource Centre). Newfoundlanders wishing to send support to Mark can write to him at :
R45 084 047
Cpl.Brazil G.M.
Task force Afghanistan Roto 3
National Support Element Headquarters,
Orderly Room,
PO Box 5058 STN Forces
Belleville, Ontario
K8N 5W6.
Juanita Anderson
The Governor’s Palace in Kandahar City. The Canadian Muslim Padre was inside for prayers
with the Governor and his religious leaders from Kandahar City. Outside, there are Government
employees; two interpreters, a groundskeeper and a driver along with Capt. Rick Nolan.
The locals are very friendly and open and they love having their picture taken with digital cameras and seeing the image on the camera right away.
A Soldier’s Story
On a good day I do not like to fly. When the flight includes tactical boots, tan camouflage uniform, Kavlar helmet, tan fragmentation vest, tan tactical vest, ballistic eye wear and thirty pounds of steel ballistic plates on my chest and back…. I enjoy the flight even less. There was a general consensus of relief amongst the one hundred and twenty troops on my flight when the mighty C-130 Hercules safely touched its wheels down on the hot desert tarmac. We departed the airfield around 10pm local, once again wrapped in the belly of a steel beast. It sported a magnificent twenty-five millimeter chain cannon and several high velocity heavy machine guns (speak nothing of the arsenal strapped to each individual soldier). We arrived at our destination safely, cleared all weapons and got assigned a temporary room (tin can) for the night. When I went to bed it was midnight local time, but my body was telling my brain it was only four o’clock in the evening; not a lot of sleep was had on my first night in country.
The next morning brought with it a beautiful sunrise over a majestic mountain range that would take your breath away. I started my day with a barrage of briefings and ended with several hours on the small arms ranges ensuring my personal weapons were zeroed accurately. This included day shoots with my rifle and pistol, and a night-shoot with my night vision goggles (NVG’s) and my laser pointer. Sadly I am a much better shot with my laser and NVG’s than I have ever been lying in the dirt looking through my optical sight. Day two entailed many more briefings covering everything from nasty improvised explosive devices (IED’s) to some truly amazing James Bond top-secret stuff. Two nights of restless sleep and a Benadryl helped me nod off into what I hoped would be a restful eight hours of sleep. Unfortunately my mind and body failed to include my bladder in that equation. Day three was spent shadowing mentors and being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work and the intricacies of the processes, which we were very soon expected to master. Day four was much of the same, but already we had begun to assume command of tasks and duties that only yesterday were as foreign as the soil we stood upon.
So what do I do? I am a Projects Officer for the Provincial Reconstruction Team and point-of-contact for the local civilian population to come to for anything they want or need. This could include things such as grievances for damaged property or live stock due to military vehicles or personnel. It could include requests for rebuilding damaged schools, religious establishments, homes and shelters. It could include infrastructure requests such as power, water, sewer or roadway installation or repair. I could go on but I am running out of paper. Needless to say the list is just about anything you can think of, in any number of situations from domestic ice storms to international disasters to war.
So why am I here? If I can be the smallest piece in the machine that eventually churns out the solution that gets my fellow soldiers home for good, that ends oppression and random acts of violence, that deals a vicious blow to terrorists and to terrorism, well I think that would be worth a hell of a lot. It would be worth the lonely nights spent away from the arms of my beautiful wife. It would be worth the sadness that comes with knowing your loved ones are so far away and will be far away for an awful long time. It would be worth the absolute agony and tears and the crushing chest pain that can be overwhelming when I think of my boy walking for the first time and I don’t see it, waking up crying and I can’t rock him back to sleep, falling and I can’t catch him, calling out daddy and I can’t hear him. It may even be worth that damn plane ride. I can not say for certain why the John Sloan’s and Rhonda Matthew’s and the Geoff Marshall’s or the Kent MacRae’s do it, or why any of the other couple thousand of Canada’s finest men and women do it, but I can say this; When I stand next to them I am as proud to be apart of what is going on here as I am of my son, as I am of my family, as I am of my power tool collection and as I am of myself.
Captain Richard John Nolan
If you’d like to send a letter of support to Rick, you may reach him at the following address:
Capt Rick Nolan 254
Op Athena, PRT CIMIC (Camp Nathan Smith)
P.O. Box 5058, Stn Forces
Belleville, Ont
K8N 5W6
Private Jeremy Burton
St. John’s
Randy & Beulah Burton’s most precious commodity happens to be their cell phone. They take it everywhere. Afterall, it’s their only link to their son Jeremy. For almost a month, 24 year old Private Jeremy Burton has been living and serving in a forward operating base, which has few amenities, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He is a member of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
Right now, it is relatively warm during the day… getting colder at night .There’s an eight hour time difference between Afghanistan and Newfoundland and that means when his mom and dad are getting up, he’s going to bed…or a version of it…made from sandbags and wires.
He could call at any time.
Every now and then Private Burton will travel to the main base for a little comfort.
But for the most part, his living conditions are a far cry from those he experienced at home. Baby wipes replace showers. Dry rations replace hot meals, save once a week when his hot meal consists of a foot long sub with a hot dog weiner and two strips of bacon.
Mud that mimics quicksand replace paved roads.
While Private Burton is eagerly awaiting to come home to his family, we Newfoundlanders & Labradorians can show our support. We can write to Jeremy at the following address:
OP Archer (5058)
Pte., Burton, JRJ
2RCR, I-COY,7PL
P.O. Box 5058
Stn. Forces
Belleview, Ontario
K8N 5W6
As well, like many soldiers, Private Burton is gratefully accepting Tim Horton’s
gift certificates. For security purposes, all gifts for military personnel must be addressed to a specific soldier, like Jeremy. They can be dropped off at the St. John’s Military Family Resource Centre and will be shipped free of charge every Wednesday.
(L-R) Mom Beulah, Sister Jenny and Dad Randy enjoying a family vacation in Hollywood.