The Global Awards - Powerful women speak up against sexual abuse

I normally watch the global and Oscar awards. However this time I was looking forward to see who would wear black and who would not. I was amazed. There was a trinkle of women who did not and I do not even know who they were. I was pleased because these are powerful women in their own right. They are taking a stand because they can. They shall make a difference. They not only encourage women who have been abused to speak out, but they also financially support those who cannot afford to take action themselves. I normally and usually listen to people express themselves socially or at functions and sometimes I will be passionate with my responses and sometimes I will assess what I am hearing and who it is from. When I am not working as a therapist, for self care I refrain from anything too heavy socially and surround myself with people who are simply put - nice. In the academic world, I know that for the most part, there is an understanding that for growth to occur we must challenge, question, ask and research our hypothesis. In the outside world, we see things that may not be right and either educate, advocate or simply observe and report. It is not limited to this. These are merely options. During the Christmas season I was at one dinner party where one older man asked the question, “What do you think about what is happening in Hollywood with all the accusations against men?” An older woman did not hesitate to state how sick and tired she was about it all. I was quite aware that I was being watched by one of the men wanting me to speak up. I did not. He knew better and so did I. This was not a genuine question but a need to substantiate that men are not bad. I know that all men are not sexual abusers and harassers. I have had and continue to have great relationships with men. They have taught me so much and they have protected me. I have been fortunate. I have also had to deal with men, I would prefer not to for one reason or another. I know that with all my years of experience working in the service of others and as a therapist that many women and men have been abused sexually, financially, emotionally and physically. I know that with too many, they have been abused as children. I know that with all my experience I can honestly say that not one of the people who have come to me have initiated taking anyone to court for what has happened to them, though I have offered them that option. What I have learned is that some feel, especially if they were abused as children, that they do not want to ruin the person who hurt them. Others are hurt and embarrassed and shamed especially when it is a family member. Others cannot fathom the emotional turmoil they will have to deal with by having this brought out in public. Still others feel somewhat responsible for what has happened to them. What I suggest to people who read my blogs and like to bash the victim or survivor, to just think a moment. Is this the message you want to give to your daughter, your grand daughter, your niece, your neighbour etc…….Do you want them to remain silent because they are afraid to speak up because they will not be believed? Clothing has nothing to do with a person being sexually assaulted or not. I am amazed every time a person who is a celebrity or person in a position of power suggests anything so wrong. It is all about power. It is this mundane notion that needs to change. This only makes the victim/survivor in too many cases feel it was his or her fault and the perp only promotes this. “This is all your fault”, “I will ruin you if you tell anyone” “No one is going to believe you,” “I will kill your family” etc……Silence only promotes this behaviour. Perhaps our judicial system needs revamping. However, I also know that there are times when accusations are false. I know that there has been a woman or more, in Toronto a few years back knocking on apartment doors and approaching men telling them to pay up or they will report that they have been sexually assaulted. I have said that the police should be called, but it was felt that he would not be believed. I have not heard about this recently so perhaps she was caught. People are innocent until they are proven guilty and that is a human right. However, if it is true and in most cases I believe it is, there must be an easier way for people to start taking this very seriously so that change is possible. In therapy I normally work with both women and men to help them understand that what has happened is not their fault, that they have choices. Often there is a lot of work to be done to restore or have them see themselves as good people. Too many believe it was their fault. How is it their fault? I know that average intelligence is not all that high. Yes there has been research and as I told one researcher, “Did you really need research to figure that one out?” Of course I was not speaking as an academic. One thing I have learned is that what happens to a person who has been assaulted effects them in such a traumatic and terrible way. They need to learn that not all women or men are like that, they need to relearn to trust themselves, they need to learn how to find joy again or for the first time. They need to learn that no matter what society tells them, the culture tells them or the perp tells them, it is not their fault. Father in laws, brother in laws, sister in laws need to remind themselves that when they are sexually pursuing their in-laws, they are harming the family system. One thing that people who like to control others is bashing all the support one may be having. If you are in a relationship and you find that your partner is bashing your family members and friends be mindful that the aim may be to control you. Once you are isolated, you are prey. If you are assaulted, report it. You are probably not an isolated case, and remember no matter what they tell you, it is not your fault. This is them trying to control you. If you are a parent and your child tells you they have been abused, report it. It is your job to keep them safe and if you cannot do that then get help for yourself and your child. Shame and a sense of unworthiness is something I work with, with clients. I am happy that the females at the global awards are working united against any form of discrimination and assault. I am glad that men are supporting them. For every man and woman out there and child, I tell you this. It is not your fault. It is not your shame. It is the shame of every man and woman who has done this or has allowed this to happen. For every parent who is aware that their child has been molested, believe them. Let them know how much you love them and if the perp is your husband, wife, son, daughter, relative etc…..please do not allow this to continue. The devastation this causes is enormous. Society in general does not look kindly against people who cause harm to others. Keep in mind that sometimes good people do horrible things and they need help. We do not know their stories. Yes, there are sociopaths out there who have no remorse. Yes there are sadists who enjoy inflicting harm to animals and people. We have a morale responsibility to help everyone who needs it and only by keeping our biases in check, refocusing what is important in life, being responsible in our voting decisions, and each of us trying to make a positive difference no matter how small, can we break the silence and break the cycle. Let us begin with education because people seem to be so ill-informed even when they mean well. What do you think?

A New Year and a new start

This holiday season has been wonderful for me. Yes, I over indulged but I also finally got to rest and now I am slowly returning to a balanced life style. I was asked yesterday what my goals are for the future. Noticed I was not asked what my New Year resolution is. It is true I always have a goal but I usually think a lot about any changes. This year I intend to explore my city once again by visiting every museum, etc....I will post pictures of course somewhere on one of my sites. I intend to re-examine all my associations and drop one probably my specialist with Pastoral Counselling. The title has changed to Psycho Spiritual Therapist and call me old school but I do not feel comfortable with that title. So this will be my final year with them. Keep in mind that I do have a Masters in Ministry and Spirituality and I do feel that is enough for me. I will continue to provide my notes for you regarding psychotherapy, psychology, theology and spirituality. I have side stepped here and there because of other things getting in the way, but I have not forgotten my promise to you. As I record all my notes, I will have a typed copy and cut and paste and throw away the notebooks. I also intend to do some more painting. One friend of mine laughed when I said I had to paint because I actually have painted and repainted but only because there is a need for some reason or another. I only paint when in the small window of opportunity when the furnace or air is off which is in the spring and fall when nothing else is occurring. I also want to place more focus on selling my self published books. It is a rat race out there and mega stores have taken over the world of books. Big publishers don't even glance at you and if someone writes back it is a miracle. A friend asked me why I write if it is so difficult to sell the books. I replied by asking why does an artist paint, if it is difficult to have his work on display and sold? It is the passion to write. I have had it since I was a child writing stories for teachers who did not believe that I wrote them. Imagine having to tell the teacher, that he should call my mother and she would tell him. Of course he never did call my mother. This has been a wonderful holiday season because I have had the opportunity to spend time with people I really care about and who prompt me to think. It may be a casual question of why....and then I quickly respond, but the question nags at me until I offer it the consideration it requires. I want to thank you for reading my blogs. Even if only one person read my work or blogs or anything else I do, I would appreciate it. I take nothing for granted. I will gradualy get back into blogging once a week and my notes from conferences will take priority. I owe you a few from these last few months. I wish you well and I encourage you to know thyself. Take a good at your self and ask yourself who you are. You may quickly provide yourself an answer but I hope the questions stay with you to ponder for a bit, a nagging tug at you. Happy New year and thank you. Silva

Happy New Year World

Last night was so cold, we didn't go out. However, the fireworks in my neighbourhood were nice and could be viewed by the bay window. So nice.........Toasted with White Port, which is a first without my favourite Moet, however I had that last week to celebrate my office move. I wish you all a bright and happy New Year. Why not make today a positive day and just focus on the moment and take an opportunity what your city or town or village has to offer on this glorious first day for the rest of your days. Best Wishes for a wonderful year to each and every one of you!

Recovering from Christmas Overload

Wow, it was nice and actually still is but it came fast and furious. Now I am taking a day or part of two to recover. This is my most favourite time of the year. We had lots of cold and snow and neighbours got together to help each other shovel. It is times like this when I take a breather and appreciate all that is important to me and I make the time to see everyone I like though I cannot always do it when they want. I appreciate everything and everyone in my life. I am working but only when I am needed. Isn't that what Christmas is all about? So, I should be back to normal next week. Who am I kidding? Soon...........Til then, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, A Happy Holiday and a wonderful New Year. Why not take this time of the year to do your own reflection. Who is important in your life? What is important to you? Have you done anything for anyone else? What do you think?

A Christmas Tale - Published

I found myself standing alone, as the snow fell gently, Creating a pure white blanket on the asphalt, I was standing on. Looking at the Christmas scene outside St Charles Church, I felt sad that I did not have enough money for Christmas to shop; that I still had to prepare for a four hour exam. As I looked at the empty cradle of Jesus, my sadness increased. “Oh Lord, we have made such a mess of things. Here it is Christmas approaching, and our planet is suffering from global warming, we still fight and kill, in the name of God. The middle class is disappearing and corporations are merging and becoming powerful. The rich are getting richer while our poor are getting poorer. Our governments are deserting us Lord. Please do not give up on us. Please forgive us.” “I am hungry miss?” I turned and found a beggar beside me. I wondered why I had not heard him approaching. He was big framed, with dirty long hair, a fat and heavily pimpled face and a foul smell that not even the cool air could dissipate. His face was so dirty that I could not determine his skin color. His mittens were black and he wore a long woolen brown coat that looked frayed but thankfully warm and he wore heavy worn boots that had seen too many winters. “I am hungry miss.” He repeated with patience. I was holding my submarine sandwich which I had just bought. I had decided to give myself a treat. After all, Christmas was approaching and I deserved something. I had just stopped to admire the Nativity scene. I looked into those sorrowful big brown eyes and saw more sorrow than I could ever bare being reflected back to me. I handed him my submarine and whispered “Merry Christmas.” I didn’t know if wishing him a Merry Christmas was politically correct, but I did not care this evening. I wanted to be free, in my seemingly democratic country to say “Merry Christmas.” What has happened to my city, to my country, to my world? I thought with sadness. I had lowered my head and looked up to see my hobo gone. He had taken my sandwich and I wished him well. I walked back to my old, rusted car in the Church parking lot and unlocked it. There was my submarine sandwich waiting for me. I looked back towards the nativity set and saw the boot prints on the snow from the Nativity area, I had just come from. There was only one set of boot prints this late night that marred the soft blanket of snow.

A Christmas Wish to Santa

Dear Santa, I know I am getting older and I am still writing to you but this year I was so busy I forgot to write and mail it in time. But with technology I can now just write to you here so you can immediately get it. I don’t think you will write back to me here but that is ok. I know how traditional you are. This year I am not asking anything for myself. God has already seen to that. I have everything I need. I have a warm bed to sleep on in a warm room. I have all the food I need plus more which my body is starting to talk to me about. I have my health which has allowed me to work in the service of others all my life. So, Santa, what I am asking for this year is for something for the entire world. I am asking that people become kinder and more aware of their responsibilities to the world. I am asking that poverty be abolished. I am asking that all the children in the world have food to fill their tummies. I am asking that all parents be good to their children and not belittle them, or hurt them in anyway. I am asking that these children grow up and do the same, thus stopping the cycle of abuse and neglect. I am asking that people vote wisely when they can and that bullies not be tolerated, thus eliminating dictatorship of any kind. I wish that we protect our dying planet and all the life within it. I wish that we respect the animals we are responsible to. I wish there will be a time, when animals no longer fear us because they sense our kindness. I wish we understand and are able to separate religion from extremists and culture and see the good in all fellow human beings. I know Santa that I am asking for a lot. I don’t expect you to grant all my wishes right now. I know it will take time. If perhaps you can whisper to each person to just do something nice for someone today, even if it is just a smile to someone who has no smiles in his or her life, than I am a very happy person. Thank you for taking the time to read this Santa, because I know you are very busy at this time of the year. I know that many people do not believe in you, but the children do and the children are our future. Perhaps they will remember you and know that just maybe their wish will come true because you see Santa, I still believe…………………………….

Asked to pass this along - To all Canadian Military Police retired or naught

The Sitrep “VOICE OF THE POINTSMAN ASSOCIATION” Website: www.thepointsman.ca Inquiries: admin@thepointsman.ca And now “THE POINTSMAN ASSOCIATION”, “THE POINTSMAN PHOTO MEMORIES” and “RCAF/PROVOST PHOTO MEMORIES” are on Facebook & Twitter too! December 2017 Christmas Edition Joyeux Noel Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Bonne Annee “WE DO LOVE TO EAT!” Breaking Bread Keeps The Communications Going In 2017 “Yep, we do love to eat…Guess if we didn’t then we would not be getting together like we do,” (this a quote from a participant at the latest London Luncheon.) In a year, 2017, really devoid of a Major Gettogether like a Reunion or an RV, Veterans and the ORG got together for Luncheons, Breakfasts, Brunches, coffees, and about any other reason to get together as long as they broke bread, quaff an ale or had a coffee, and providing dessert was available. Perhaps the easiest and cheapest way to get this bunch to get together. Kingston held two very successful get togethers, one in February and the other in November. Well attended, good food and conversation. Kingston also has a Breakfast Group that meets periodically. Good results whether it be scramble eggs or chicken wings. London has had five of their London Luncheons. Attendance was enough for a game of cards, though we haven’t broken out a deck yet. Yet the London Luncheons has had members drop in from Fergus, Whitby, and other points in the Southwestern Area. A good drive doesn’t hurt the digestion so we are told. There was an interest in having a Luncheon in Ottawa, and if so let us know because you would probably have a few sightseers and visitors drop on down. In 2018 there is the Ottawa Reunion, Organized by John “J.B.” Hosgrove for the third weekend in August. John has put in a good effort getting this together, and should be marked on a lot of calendars. Details are in the Sitrep and Pointsman Pages, and will be displayed on the CMPA website as well. If it is true that we love to eat, then 2108 will provide ample opportunities…. “O” GROUP With Russ Girden TPA President… As the year comes to an end, and a new Christmas Season comes upon us, I would like to take this time on behalf of The Pointsman Associations Executive and Committee, to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The past year has seen many facets of the Associations motto "To Honor and Remember" brought forward. This was seen by, the turn out of members at MP Graduations, and large number of our members attending various Luncheons in Remembrance of our fallen comrades. I would like to take a minute and personally thank the Executive and Committee members who have worked diligently in assisting me and working on behalf of the members throughout the year. To the members who have paid their 2017 dues, thank you for your dedication. The new 2018 dues pin, will be the Pointsman with 2018 in the banner. The new pin will be shown on the Association Web Page, and will only be available to members who pay their dues. To those of you that have other friends who have not joined our association, let’s try to get them on board, for the many events that are planned for the year ending 2018. I wish all members and their families a very safe and holiday season. Please remember not to drink and drive, always have an alternate way home. Strength through growth. Securitas Russell L.E. Girden, President FROM THE HOME STATION, CFMPA Greeting From the Canadian Forces Military Police Academy Hello once again from the home of the Branch! It has been almost a calendar year since the last submission so I will cover off what has been keeping us busy over that time. In January of this year we introduced our new mentorship program with our vets for our qualification level three (QL3) and the Military Police Officer Course (MPOC). The program pairs up an MP veteran with a platoon to motivate, provide guidance, and link the past to the future. Each platoon is named after their mentor. In January we were fortunate enough to have Ken Neilson become our first mentor veteran for the QL3s (Neilson platoon), and Paul Thobo-Carlsen (Thobo-Carlsen platoon) to be our MPOC mentor. To say the roll out of the concept was a success would be an understatement, both the mentors and the students embraced the opportunity to enhance each other’s lives and learn from each other, thus a solid link was created between the past and the future. We are now into our second session with this program seeing three platoons in house which will be graduating on 13 Dec. Claude Blake, Bob Thomas; and Pat MacMullen are mentoring our future Military Police. The feedback from all has been a resounding success, and as a result this mentorship program has now become part of our curriculum and has also been adopted by the RCAF schools on Base. If you live close enough to the CFMPA and feel like you are interested in mentoring a platoon of new Military Police members, please provide your name to Bob Smith, Bob Thomas, or Wayne Kendall. Thobo-Carlsen platoon (on the left) and Neilson platoon (on the right) pose for a group photo after a Friday Commandant’s PT session, Feb 2017 Throughout the past year we have been quite busy; we developed and graduated 88 brand new QL3 Military Police and added them to our lines along with graduating 16 MPOC officers. We’ve put through three QL5 courses, one 6A, and a 6B course. On top of our qualification courses we also ran three Close Protection Operator courses, one in Meaford, one in Borden, and the last in Virginia, the majority of these students left the academy doors and headed straight onto deployment. A Use of Force instructor’s course was held along with a Military Police Investigator course. The CFMPA further supported numerous assessment centres for MP, MPO, and CPO; and also supported an OPP led Sexual Assault Investigator course. Needless to say our halls never go empty nor are our members short of work. In all we have instructed over 600 students in one training capacity or another at CFMPA this year. EVENTS On the 15 Jun, all staff and students celebrated the Branch birthday by playing in a softball tournament, devouring some pizza, and receiving a history lesson from Sgt Beswick on the roots of the Military Police. CHANGE OF COMMAND 21 Jul 17 saw a change of leadership where we said goodbye to our departing Commandant, LCol Adam Battista and welcomed in LCol Brian Nekurak. This CoC parade was presided over by our very own BGen Rob Delaney. There were a few tears shed when LCol Battista was escorted off the parade while being serenaded by the troops under the song Miss American Pie. LCol Nekurak brought to the Academy numerous years of excellent leadership and academic knowledge. We all wish Adam the best of luck at his new adventures with the OPP, we know he will bring a new style of leadership to civilian policing. DONATION 2 Aug 17, the Academy had the honour and privilege of being the recipients of an original hand painted oil portrait of Lt Peter Seddon Oliver from his nephew Peter Clark and his wife Marilyn. The Oliver trophy is presented to the top QL3 student of the calendar year; this year’s winner was Cpl MacIntoch who is now posted to CFB Esquimalt. The exceptional gift is now proudly displayed along with the trophy in the main entrance of our building. We thank the family for trusting us will this invaluable piece of history. Women in Force Program Sgt N. Laidlaw, Sgt S. Kirby and MCpl N. Charest provided candidates on the Women in Force Program (WFP) with a realistic job preview of the Military Police Trade on 22 Oct 17. The WFP is a new initiative to give women who have the potential, but might not consider the CAF as an employer, the chance to speak with members who have the experience and information to encourage their enrollment. SUMMARY Besides being extremely busy supporting the Military Police Branch in developing our members; our staff and students have supported the community in numerous events over the year. We attended the Ontario Police Memorial Parade held in Toronto on 7 May 2017, held our Day of Remembrance service with our vets and community in Stewart Square in front of the Cairn on the 3rd of May. Under the creativity of Sgt McGall and Sgt Laidlaw the CFMPA hosted the MPNMR riders and raised funds though an awesomely planned pig roast which saw well over 300 people attend and over $3200.00 raised. CFMPA also participated in the Remembrance Day Parade held in Collingwood on 11 Nov 17, after which we attended the Collingwood Legion where 50 members, comprised of staff and students attended the Collingwood Nursing Home to visit the residents which proved to be an enriching experience for all. To sum up, this year has been a whirlwind at the CFMPA. We are looking forward to our Christmas break, only to dive right back in come January 2018. We look forward to seeing you stop by your home the Academy, in the New Year and would be honoured to give you a tour of our beautiful facility. On behalf of LCol Nekurak, and all CFMPA staff we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and nothing but the best for 2018. Securitas CWO Crystal Krammer CFMPA CWO As the old song goes… “Should Auld Acquaintance be forgot, And Never Brought to Mind… Should Auld Acquaintance be forgot, And Days of Auld Lang Syne” For Auld Lang Syne, My Dear, For Auld Lang Syne We Will Take a Cup Of Kindness Yet, For Days of Auld Lang Syne… For When Sunsets Past Outweigh Sunrises To Come Their Faces May Fade in Our Memory, And Names That Were Once So Ready To Know Are No Longer Quick to Recall We Still Shall Gather Together, My Friends Our Memories Joined As One And We Shall Miss Them;  “THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD, AS WE WHO ARE LEFT GROW OLD AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM, NOR YEARS CONDEMN AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN… WE WILL REMEMBER THEM INFORMATION POST Sitrep To Be Available Quarterly in 2018…Plus 1 The Sitrep is going to be publish Quarterly in 2018. Starting March 7th of 2018, the Sitrep will be available June 7th, September 7th and December 7th. There will be an additional one available should there be an event like a Reunion or RV in that year. The special edition will focus on that event. The reason for the change in the Sitrep comes from those that write the Sitrep, which is becoming more difficult to put together… and those that submit. The CFMP Academy for one. Running a school and finding time to submit an article do not always mesh. CWO Kramer has a lot to do as the School RSM as well as being the Branch CWO. Though she has quite a workload The CWO does not want to disappoint the Veterans by not passing along information on what the Academy is doing. This should help those writing the Academy submissions. Academy Seeking Veterans to Help Mentor Young MPs One of the suggestions that came out of RV75 was to see Veterans take an active part of assisting the MP Students, when necessary, in a Mentor Program. There is a Mentor Program in place at the Academy now, and is open to Veterans who wish to help out. You must live within a reasonable distance from Base Borden, have the time required should your assistance be needed, and you must commit to the student platoon for a number of visits as we as attend their Graduation Festivities. Further information is available by contacting the Academy. Ride For Heroes to Hold “Reunion” in Wingham October 2018. If you were part of the two initial “Ride For Heroes” Motorcycle Rides between London and Wingham, you are invited to a get together to be held in Wingham this October. Though doing another MC Ride is beyond our ability at this time, having a Luncheon with the proceeds going to the Scholarship Fund is not. Further details will be released in the next March Sitrep. SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING 2018 EVENTS START POINTS: Date Event Location February 25th Kingston Luncheon TBD March 10th London Luncheon Kelsey’s Roadhouse June 9th London Luncheon Kelsey’s Roadhouse August 16-19 Ottawa Reunion Hylands Golf and Country Club September 15th London Luncheon Kelsey’s Roadhouse October TBA Wingham Ride4Heroes TBD Reunion November 17th Kingston Honour And TBD Remembrance Luncheon December 8th London Christmas Luncheon Kelsey’s Road Ottawa Reunion 2018 OTTAWA ONTARIO DATES: 17, 18, 19 August 2018 HOTEL: Hilton Garden Inn Airport, Ottawa Address: 2400 Alert Rd, Gloucester, ON K1V 1S1 Phone: (613) 288-9001 LOCATION: Hylands Golf and Country Club (HGCC) 2101 Alert Road, Ottawa, ON Canada, K1V 1J9 Telephone: (613) 521-1842, Fax: (613) 521-3694 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday: Fred Rogers Memorial Golf Tournament (The Pointsman Association. Doc Aldridge Co-ordinator) 18 Holes of Golf finishing with a steak dinner. HGCC Reunion Meet & Greet, Hors d'oeuvres Golf Awards - HGCC Saturday: Welcome Buffet Breakfast HGCC AM: Town Hall Meeting with the Provost Marshall (CMPA) Lunch at HGCC PM: Afternoon Activities To Be Determined Dinner Dance with DJ HGCC Sunday: Departure Buffet Breakfast HGCC Costs not finalized Further Details as Available. Picture: Kingston Reunion 2007 Summerside Reunion 2014 “OH! To Be Young At Heart” Maybe Your Birth Certificate Is WRONG? You know what is so damned good about attending these Luncheons, and Reunions, and RVs and all the other stuff that people like Jean Pellerin, John Hosegrove, Paul Melanson and yes, Mr. George Elliott go to… These people know how to laugh. Ever watch George attend a Kingston Luncheon? From the moment he walks in the room all eyes turn toward him. Those eyes of his get that twinkle. That Smile brighten the room. The back straightens and the step quickens. He makes a bee line for people. Shaking hands, laughing…and Gawde he could run for Prime Minister and WIN! Mr George Elliott @RV75 “The Silver Fox” Joe Hubert @ London Christmas Luncheon For years now Joe Hubert, residing in Whitby comes down to break bread and enjoy the comradery of the London Luncheons. He is a regular, and he brings with him stories, and memories and a knack for others to laugh and the servers to blush… (all except Becky who thinks Joe is harmless. Silly Girl 😉 ). Joe’s nickname is the “Silver Fox”, earned from the colour of his motorcycle. A veteran of approximately 5 National Military Police Rides, he isn’t slowing down either. Neither of them are. The scary part is that were in the service before I was even born, and both are in their very young 80s! (BTW I just turned 60 this year). I know I have sung this song before. To ask that our members think about getting out to an event or function at least once this coming year. To break bread, quaff and ale and tell some lies. A couple of hours that is all. Yet unfortunately I also hear the chorus… “I am not feeling well. I have things to do. Too far to drive. Too much, and besides I simply don’t want to, I want to let go of the past”. Strange I remember some members out there secretly confessing (and yes me included), that they are so thankful that we did not serve in the era of the cell phone. Oh! The fun that would have caused! Have some of us apparently gotten so old… so fast? Always at the end of the year, at the point in the Sitrep where We “Honour and Remember” I usually do not include names. I write a tribute and allow the reader to stop for a moment and remember friends, comrades, good times and maybe a less happier memory. Empty Chairs…and sadly they get emptier as time passes. This year I received over 35 notices that were posted on the Pointsman and various other websites. Lives that were once shared under the Provost, RCAF Police, and the Thunderbird. We Will Remember Them. So as the old year passes, We will raise a Cup of Kindness yet, and the Days of Long Ago. Take one moment Look at yourself in a mirror and see that young, full of piss and vinegar, person that served so proudly! Take a moment to think about those who you have missed, those who have passed, and those who just maybe on a particular day… at a particular time… you might just look across the table from you, and see living memories looking back from their chair! Toast! Laugh! Quaff an Ale! Tell Some Lies! And Especially Be Young Again! To The Graduating and All Students of the Canadian Military Police Academy From Those Whom You Honour By Wearing the Red Beret “God Bless” Almighty God By Whose Grace We Are Called To The Position Of Responsibility and Trust, We Ask for Your Blessing upon All Who Serve in the Military Police Branch of the Canadian Forces, at Home and Abroad, Inspire Us with Courage and Wisdom, Courtesy and Faithfulness, Give Us the True Knowledge of Your Will that We may give Proper Guidance to Our Comrades, That by Serving other Honourably and with Justice we may Serve You Well and become more Worthy of Our Military Police Calling. Amen