9/14/2009
No shortage of sun, or fun, during a farewell barbecue for the troops at CFB Edmonton yesterday.
Starting Tuesday, 2500 soldiers, most from the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, are due to depart for Kandahar.
Colonel Andre Corbould, the Commander of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group took to the stage, before a free concert from Ty Roberts and his country music band.
Colonel Corbould told the troops he had three messages. He said the soldiers were trained and more than prepared for the dangerous deployment. He told the families to take advantage of the "greater military family" while their loved-one is serving overseas. And, he thanked everyone in the Edmonton-area for their massive support, both moral and physical.
Travis Ewanyk, of the Edmonton Oil Kings, says he was honoured to be invited to the military family event. The 15-year-old says the so-called "Hockey Heroes" have nothing on these men and women, who quietly volunteer to leave their families behind and fight on our behalf.
The Oil Kings presented the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry with a signed team jersey. In return, they received an official squadron poster and a challenge to be in the "WHL play-off picture" nine months from now, when this mission to Afghanistan is over.
Maureen Eykelenboom was at the BBQ to remember her son, Corporal Andrew "Boomer" Eykelenboom, killed by a suicide bomber three years ago ...
Maureen set up "BoomersLegacy.ca" to raise funds to be spent where soldiers see the need. (ED, ccg)
On the Net:
BoomersLegacy.ca
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