Pte. Jonathan Couturier

It seems far too often that I make repatriation entries, but once again we gathered to welcome home a hero. This being a Sunday the turn out was fairly large, from the CAV as well as civilian, including a soldier that had been wounded by an IED. He told stories of his missions and how on his last day outside the wire they got hit by an IED, losing two of his comrades and sending him into two months of morphine and a long road to recovery. At the MFRC, after he was introduced to the entire group, we all had the opportunity to thank this soldier, but just as important we had the opportunity to speak with his wife. This young lady, just as brave as the soldier himself, stood tall and proud and in support. As I hugged this young lady and thanked her for her strength I told her that if there was anything she needed and didn't know where to go, if she saw a CAV crest, help was just an ask away. I know that anyone in the CAV would drop all to help her or anyone in her position. I again have to thank each and every member for making me proud to be part of the CAV.

R.I.P Pte. Jonathan Couturier

STAND DOWN SOLDIER
WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
YOU ARE NOW HOMEWARD BOUND

Juno Presidents Ride

Yesterday 19 bikes and 26 riders departed Trenton, under the leadership of Broo, on a 230km trek through northern Ontario. The day started a little bit cool but got nice real quick. The ride was leisurely through some turns and twisties, the scenery was beautiful and the company was great. Thanks go out to Skip and Cynthia for organizing this great event and for their hospitality for hosting the chili fest afterwards. Newf - you need to practice drawing cards for next year!

Thanks to all for another successful day.

Condolences to Cynthia and family, who couldn't make the event due to a loss in her family.

Pte. Patrick Lormand

Here it is, Wednesday, and only a week after the last repatriation. Except for a moment of silence I couldn't break away from work last week, but today, managing to get some time off I paid my respects in person. As I walked around and looked at all the various types of people, military, civilian, civil servants, media, and any that I may have missed, I was stopped by a young lady (in her retirement years). she asked me to pass along a message "Thank you for what you do, I think it's great what you do". I admit, I felt warm inside as we parted, but later I thought, I should have corrected her, it should have been me thanking her! We as military persons, or spouses and friends of military persons, we have close ties to the repatriations. But what about her, civilian and elderly. The effort on her part, and all like her, is extraordinary! For every one's effort, going to repatriations or just keeping our heroes in your thoughts as you work, for this I would like to thank each and everyone of you.

R.I.P Pte. Patrick Lormand

STAND DOWN SOLDIER
WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
YOU ARE NOW HOMEWARD BOUND

4th Annual Veteran's Highway Memorial Ride

On Saturday Sept. 12 a group of Juno members, joined by some members of Kapyong, departed from Trenton at 6:30am. The group picked up more Juno members in Belleville and headed east down the 401. Picking up more members of various units along the way, we stopped in Kingston to meet members from Vimy. We then headed further east along the 401 to 416, stopping at Angelo's Truck Stop.
Here we met many more CAV members from other units but special mentions go to - Trapper - standing, waiting, for everyone to arrive. A pillar of strength and honor. Next, Popeye, the OPI on this ride, well organized, communicated and executed. Popeye and the Cambria gang , Thanks.
We departed Angelo's at 10:10 and headed to the Cenotaph, now 60 bikes strong we rumble towards the memorial. At the cenotaph the memorial service was again well organized and executed.
From the Cenotaph, most went on into Perly for a BBQ, some of us that needed to get back home split off and travelled some back roads back to Belleville/Trenton. Thanks Rottie for organizing the trip up for Juno and Ultraman for the trip back home. Once again I had a blast amongst friends!