"This is from Renee, a Foreign Service officer who served a 14 month tour with Task Force Kandahar. I had the great privilege of being able to speak with Renee last night and through our conversation we realized we shared some very similar experiences in Afghanistan. I asked Renee to compose her thoughts and feelings in regards to her civilian employment towards Task Force Kandahar but also her hardships risked and endured while supporting the mission. Although Renee and I have pursued very different careers (Me=Infantry) we have both shared a very unique moment in time when you are not only proud to be a Canadian, but suffocated by the emotional distraught from having to honor your own upon your shoulders. It could be said it was one of the highest of the highs and lowest of the lows"
Please have a read, comment, and share this! (LW - Military Minds)
“Not many Canadians realize how the counterinsurgency environment meant that the Military and Civilian Corrections Officers, CSIS officials, Development, Foreign Service and Civilian Police officers stood side by side in theatre. We trained together at Exercise Maple Guardian, served together, shared convoys, frustrations and incremental but hard fought successes together. We were also hurt and died together.
All the while, the media - taking equal risk themselves - to bear witness. Remembrance Day will be tough for all of us. For a number of reasons, the attached photo is difficult to post. It was one of the worst days outside the wire for everyone during my time spent in Kandahar to include: (Canadian Forces, Foreign Service and the media). Canada lost Sgt. George Miok, Pte. Garrett Chidley, Sgt. Kirk Taylor and Cpl. Zach McCormack, and Canadian Journalist Michelle Lang. Countless others were hurt. Carrying Michelle’s casket during the ramp ceremony was the hardest thing I have ever done. Many of you have made that long walk at KAF as well, and know that the weight never leaves you.
I firmly believe that Remembrance Day gives us permission to share the weight with Canadians and that all of those ‘moments of silence’ across the country; whether private or at events and memorials - matter. On November 11 at 11:00, there will be a small but proud group of civilian friends standing with you as we have done so throughout the theatre of operations in Kandahar, sharing the weight and quietly honoring the contribution and sacrifice of those hurt and lost.”
Renee, (Task Force Kandahar June 2009-July 2010)
Please have a read, comment, and share this! (LW - Military Minds)
“Not many Canadians realize how the counterinsurgency environment meant that the Military and Civilian Corrections Officers, CSIS officials, Development, Foreign Service and Civilian Police officers stood side by side in theatre. We trained together at Exercise Maple Guardian, served together, shared convoys, frustrations and incremental but hard fought successes together. We were also hurt and died together.
All the while, the media - taking equal risk themselves - to bear witness. Remembrance Day will be tough for all of us. For a number of reasons, the attached photo is difficult to post. It was one of the worst days outside the wire for everyone during my time spent in Kandahar to include: (Canadian Forces, Foreign Service and the media). Canada lost Sgt. George Miok, Pte. Garrett Chidley, Sgt. Kirk Taylor and Cpl. Zach McCormack, and Canadian Journalist Michelle Lang. Countless others were hurt. Carrying Michelle’s casket during the ramp ceremony was the hardest thing I have ever done. Many of you have made that long walk at KAF as well, and know that the weight never leaves you.
I firmly believe that Remembrance Day gives us permission to share the weight with Canadians and that all of those ‘moments of silence’ across the country; whether private or at events and memorials - matter. On November 11 at 11:00, there will be a small but proud group of civilian friends standing with you as we have done so throughout the theatre of operations in Kandahar, sharing the weight and quietly honoring the contribution and sacrifice of those hurt and lost.”
Renee, (Task Force Kandahar June 2009-July 2010)
