For Love Of Country - Military Policewoman continues (Word on The Street, booth E24A, this weekend - Toronto)

“All Military Police of Land Force Command are joining their thoughts in wishing good luck and farewell to MCpl Silva Redigonda on her announced retirement following completion of twenty years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Forces and the Security Branch. It is always with great regret that we say goodbye to a highly professional and dedicated Military Policewoman. Hopefully we can stay in touch through the Canadian Military Police Association. The army wishes you, Silva, all the best in future endeavours whatever you choose to do. Have a nice mess dinner, good health and God speed. LCol Smith, Provost Marshall, Land Force Command Headquarters LCol Smith, a long way from the school… memories… . I looked at my two friends, Sandy and Rebecca, at a table at the far end of the room. I had only one other close friend, Chris, and he was unable to attend due to school exams. If I had told him about my retirement party, nothing would have kept him away, but his exams were too important for me to allow that to happen. I did not realize that Rebecca too had an exam the following day. Sandy and Rebecca appeared to be having a good time. Sandy loved parties and people, but for Rebecca, any function was a chore to be endured. Baby Sergeant was entertaining them. Once everyone had been seated, Bill and Baby Sergeant joined my two friends. It reminded me of high school dances where the boys would grin and move in for the kill. Silva, upon learning of your pending retirement from the Canadian Forces I had to stop and reflect at how old I am getting, since our days together in Germany. I remember many of the firsts within the trade which you were involved in: One of the first women in the Military Police, one of the first female Military Police in Europe and one of the first female Military Police with the Multinational Forces and Observers. Having survived Toronto for so long, I have no doubt that you will do well in retirement. MWO J. Williams The first in Europe… the first in the Middle East… not the first Military Policewoman… . We had been in for about a year already. Oh, Jim. You wanted to come up for a weekend and I was so busy with things to do; I must remember to call you.” Excerpt From: Silva Redigonda. “For love of country : military policewoman.” Apple Books.