Supporting military families

Canadians have always had a proud history of engaging in operations worldwide. Whether it was at Vimy, Dieppe, Korea, the Battle of the Atlantic, or the Battle for Britain, to name a few, Canadian Forces' sailors, soldiers and airmen and women have served with distinction and helped bring about the positive reputation that Canada enjoys today.

Currently, more than 2,600 military personnel are serving abroad on missions in areas such as Afghanistan, the Balkans, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa. In the United Nations sanctioned, NATO-led operations in Afghanistan, we have suffered more than 54 casualties in six years. As noted by General Rick Hillier, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), "When our families call out for help, we must be able to answer that call immediately and substantially. The military life places significant demands on our loved ones. They did not volunteer for service - but serve they do, and with great distinction. It is our turn to be there for our families."

Recently, General Hillier announced the creation of a foundation to help support the families of Canadian military personnel. The CDS Military Families Foundation has been set up to augment existing government programs that aid families and provide funding in grey areas where no funding currently exists. One of the areas where General Hillier believes the program can be of assistance is the creation of a scholarship program for children whose fathers or mothers are killed in the line of duty.

Since the creation of the foundation a couple weeks ago, individuals and corporations have given over $500,000. For inquiries about the foundation, please contact 1-877- 445-6444 or visit http://www.cfpsa.com/supportourtroops. This is just one of the ways that one can show support for our troops and their families.

Paul Hong

Caledon