A Soldier in Northwestern Ontario

As some associates already know I recently joined the best and most competent gang in the world – I became a member of Canadian Forces. My local unit – the 116th Independent Field Battery – is obviously a unit of the Royal Canadian Artillery.

There are certain things that don’t make sense to me about Canadians. For instance… the population of Kenora is about 16,500 – but our unit strength is not even 1% of Kenora’s population… let alone the combined total of Kenora and the surrounding areas of Dryden and Fort Frances that our unit serves too.

Considering how splendidly Canada beat the daylights out of Germany in both World Wars, why is it that Canadians (in Kenora) are not signing up to contribute to a greater society, to help those who can’t help themselves and to help stop the spread of evil?

I don’t understand why Canadians don’t place a higher priority on national defence. It might appear to some that saving innocent people across the globe from either human conflict or natural disaster isn’t as high a priority on many Canadians list as it ought to be.

The good news I’m hoping I’ll be able to make a difference soon as I start two days a week with our Unit’s Army Reserve Recruiter – Bombardier Lynn Danielson. If you’ve an interest in a career in the military… you should give Bombardier Danielson a call on her cell at: 807-466-3474.

To live and die in Kenora

A while ago I decided the best way I could serve Canada and it’s inhabitants is by enlisting in the army to help protect Canada and it’s interests.  Fresh off basic training and soldier qualification for the Canadian Forces I was driving back to Kenora and came across the photo below which has been photographed a million times and seen a billion times… the view of the town whilst driving past Huskie the Muskie.

I was shocked to realise again that I felt I was home. It was then I realised that unless something major happens to me, or I fall in love with a woman from somewhere far like Mozambique or Guyana… I will be living and dying in Kenora.

There may be a few things about this town I don’t agree with such as the overwhelming racist environment that my sister sensed all by herself without me mentioning it to her… and the fact that if you curse on one side of town people on the other side of town will find out about it almost before your mouth is closed. That aside… there’s many things I love about Kenora, even more than London. Everyone I know now is here… my mates and associates; and of course my two precious children.

Kenora… move here and you may find happiness!