Remember Our Canadian Troops

2012-02-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

It's a bright February sunny day. However if there is anything I've learned it's not to be deceived by the beauty of a sunball settling high on a cloudless day.

The Afghanistan war has been declared over by most countries. There are soldiers still left on the fields in order to help the Afghanistan people adjust to what we hope will be a peaceful transition.

The reason for this post is quite simple. Recently I received a Christmas card from Cpl. Gabriel Santonne of the Medical personnel on duty in Afghanistan. The goal is to "create and deliver sustainable medical programs in Kabul." These are her words along with a Merry Christmas wish.

For her to take the time to create a page with pictures of their Unit along with her inspiring words made me realize the importance of continuing to send letters and cards. The soldiers who gave up their Christmas to help restore some form of democracy is none short of being on the front field.

They gave up of being home with their families for the festive season so to them I say many, many thanks. Let us not forget those who are still on the fiields helping this world to become a safer, healthier and a better place for young and old alike. You all will be in my daily thoughts. Merci beaucoup!

D.Krusky
Canada
Writer/Author
The Many Faces of War -2011

Time Slips Away....

2010-08-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hello,

It looks like time has just slipped past this blogger therefore leaving no new updates. To be quite honest there's not much to report. The lazy days of summer have gotten hold of everyone. For some this includes goint to camp, others continue to work and still for others its vacations overseas for the summer holidays.

Many Canadians can be found enjoying their beautiful country. There's so much to learn and explore here in Canada, such as the mines of Northern Manitoba and Ontario, the various Science Centres spread across each province and let's not forget parks such as the Algonquin Park. It isone of many that stake claim to having visitors worldwide. It offers many trails where people can learn about Canada's wildlife.

This may sound like I'm plugging for Canada and yes, in a way that is true. Also, it is a reminder of what our troops give up to go overseas. It is hot, sandy, and dangerous. They leave the comforts of their family behind, the beauty of their country, all in the name of service. Some have witnessed tragic incidents that will forever be etched in their memory. For all our brave men and women Pocket Posties and all those involved wish to extend their heartfelt thanks. Merci beaucoup!

The Pocket Posties Crew
http://www.siscanbooks.com/

The Pocket Posties New
Bloggin' Trail

Update

2010-03-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

"The Many Faces of War," written by Dorothy Krusky has gone through recent changes. Now included at the back of the book are the names of ALL the troops who have died up to March 10th, 2010. Dorothy believes this book must remain current as it is a book to honour our Canadian troops and their familes.

Please remember those who have chosen a career to fight for our country. CANADA quite simply put "a wonderful place to live."

In Flanders Field

2009-11-11T11:54:00.000-08:00

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

- Lt. Col. John McCrae
Canadian Army Medical Corps, WW1

There is a museum in Guelph, Ontario Canda where once Lt. Col. John McCrae lived. Before he died on the battlefield in WW1 he wrote this short poem that now symbolizes the meaning of the poppy. To him and all the Veterans we dedicate this page.

Words from a Canadian Soldier

2009-10-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

Below is an e-mail sent to me from Mrs. Judy Preston who has been actively working on the signing of the little pocketposties. The words from a soldier in Afghanistan certainly explain their mission well. I believe the poem was sent to the trooper from the Major Pratt public school in Russell, Manitoba. There was no author's name given. Merci les amis! Thank you for all those who have continued to support the pocket posties campaign!!

Hello everyone,

Not sure who I am sending this e-mail to, but found a box containing quite a few Canada Flag cards with a note written on the back of each one to a Canadian Soldier. I took a few that had e-mail addresses on them and well, thought I would drop you a line. My name is Warrant Officer Dan Jessome, a member of the Canadian Forces currently deployed to Afghanistan as part of the International Security
Assistance Force. My career has provided me with many adventures from fighting fires in BC, floods in Manitoba, the Ice Storm in Quebec, overseas to Kosovo with NATO, Israel and Bosnia Peace Keeping with the United Nations and now here I am in Afghanistan.

This is my first tour to Afghanistan and from the moment I stepped off the plane, it has been one experience after another. We are doing lots of good for the people who live in this unstable Country from building schools for children, drilling wells for villagers who normally get their water out of the contaminated streams and rivers, to clearing fields of unexploded ordnance so that they can plant crops to eat.

As a Canadian Soldier I hadn't a true appreciation as to how well respected we actually were as a Military until arriving here. Our Soldiers are among some of the best trained, best equipped and above all else, strongly supported by the people back home. I stand out among the 30+ Countries here in support of this mission because I wear our flag on my right shoulder. That fact alone, each and every Canadian can take great pride in.

As Remembrance Day draws closer, I can't help but remember back as a child, my Dad taking my brother, sister and me to the local Ceremony in my home town of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. I recall standing there watching all these men and women who paraded by and wondering what stories they could tell. Here I am so many years later thinking I am now one of those people that I once stood and watched.

This past Summer I was in Germany attending a course on some specific equipment here in Theatre. While there, I was fortunate to have visited two of the Canadian War Memorials, one in Vimy, France (WWI), and the other in Nijmegen, Holland (WWII). As I walked the Canadian War Cemeteries in both those locations, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Learning about the history of these places going through school, I hadn't put a whole lot of thought to what they actually stood for. To physically be there and experience the ambiance of that environment, I quickly realized why I do what I do. We are and always have been a Country who has stood up for what was right and did everything we could to assist others to experience the freedoms that we have as Canadians. Although there are many dangers here in Afghanistan, I am honoured to carry the torch as those who have gone before me.

So, to close thank you for the support. I looked for an e-mail address for the Major Pratt School in Russell, MB but came up empty handed. If any of you live close, could you please pass this along to the Principal on my behalf?

Poem - A Soldier

I was that which others did not want to be
I went where others feared to go and did what others failed to do
I asked nothing from those who gave nothing and reluctantly
accepted the thought of eternal loneliness, should I fail
I have seen the face of terror
Felt the stinging cold of fear and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love.
I have cried, pained and hoped .....
But most of all I have lived times others would say were best forgotten
At least some day I will be able to say
That I was proud of what I was ......
A SOLDIER

Sincerely, thank you for the support and encouragement. Although it is just a short note and I was the one to be fortunate enough to read it, when you wrote it, you had us all in mind.

Daniel Jessome
Warrant Officer / Adjudant
Ancil Pl Comd, Maint Coy / Cmdt Pon Aux, Cie Maint
Joint Task Force Afghanistan
Force opérationnelle interarmées
National Defence / Défense Nationale
Op ATHENA Roto 8
Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Canada 3

Please take time to go to http://www.woundedwarriors.ca/
As you will see what they are doing to help our many fine men and women who served our country.
Also be sure to go to http://www.siscanbooks.com/ if you are interested in purchasing "The Many Faces of War" and remember we will be making a two dollar donation for every book sold. Thank you.
Please contact preston@mts.net
or dkmisy@sympatico if you wish to participate in the "pocketposties" campaign. There have been over 10, 000 posties signed by citizens of Canada for our troops overseas. Merci/thank you.

Our Soldiers Need Us to Remember

2009-10-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

November 11th is fast approaching and it is a time where all the world remembers what should be no more. Please take the time to think of our soldiers fighting today. It doesn't matter your view on war or your political stand. What does matter is that our human spirits link together for peace.

In todays' world we need to give strength to one another more than ever before. We need to extend beyond our own little domain and be a caring world, LEST WE FORGET.
http://www.siscanbooks.com/

PocketPosties are getting the recognition they so deserve as each Canadian who has signed can be re-assured. One soldier wrote a most heart felt e-mail that I hope he will permit us to post for all to read. What a wonderful journey these little posties go on before reaching our soldiers!!!!
Please contact Judy Preston or Dorothy Krusky if you are interested in helping to send smiles to those overseas.

Troops giving back to one of their own who was injured while on tour of duty. 2009

Books are in Transition

2009-10-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Well, after almost 2 years I have finally completed the book titled "The Many Faces of War." It could not have been done without the help of Canadians from coast to coast. I thank each one who wanted to share a little of their war time history/event. Everyone's involvement has made this book a success. The books are self - published so we ask you bear with us as we fill each order. A special note; for every book sold there will be a donation of two dollars given to http://www.woundedwarriors.ca/
or if there is some need we feel should be given financial attention, we will certainly try to reach out in helping our fine Canadian troops.

Wounded Warriors was my choice to give as when you see support from someone like Mr. Don Cherry (our hockey night in Canada commentator), one can't help but notice the reputation this registered foundation has through out Canada. Upon speaking to the Director of this fine organization it became apparent that his heart is for those in combat. He had mentioned how they are aiming to branch out in helping the troops who suffer from PTSD, the unseen injury that many soldiers carry on their backs. Families are greatly affected by the post traumatic stress and for children it can become most fearful. We hope to be able to contribute in the counselling of familes and the troops.

In closing I urge as many Canadians as possible to join us in serving our country in such a small way. As I see it there are close to 34 million citizens, so if only 1% of the nation purchases the book at a given two dollar donation well, that would be quite a sum. Please remember our troops who volunteer to serve and protect Canadians back home. Merci/ thank you.

Also, if you wish to obtain unsigned "Pocket Posties" please feel free to contact us.

http://www.siscanbooks.com/

Working .....

2009-10-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

to fix the issues with this blog. Perhaps our Campaign Manager from Russell, Manitoba will have better luck. Go at 'er Judy....this took way too long....sorry folks!

Always in our Thoughts

2009-03-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hello, yes the troops are always in the minds of those who have taken up the cause to show support for our troops. It is not the governments or their stand on war that we support, no rather it's quite simply our brave men and women. We cannot begin to understand what they go through while on tour of duty, we just know they are there serving our country.

Oh, many will say it is a useless war. Is it? Is it useless when a child has the freedom to walk to school? Is it useless when a family is spared being killed just because they fight for a more democratic society? Is it useless when fine men and women from all over the world fought and gave their lives while on tour?

All one has to do is sit down face to face with a Mother who lost her young son to the war in Afghanistan, or to the Grandfather who served in the Second World War to understand the answer to the above questions. It is not for us to judge why these fine soldiers have chosen a career in the Army. At this time what we can do is be thankful that there are people willing to risk their lives for our country.

We urge you to take a stand and show our fellow Canadians overseas that you care. Yes, you do care enough to take the time to write a small message of encouragement to the soldier who is weary, tired yet remains brave while on duty. Pocket posties are free, all you are required to do is write a few words. It may be those few words that make a huge difference in the life of a soldier.

Please contact Judy Preston at prestons@mts.net or dkrusky56@gmail.com

Thank you!

War is an ugly word, not one to be taken lightly. I remember a time when Canada had Peacekeepers through out the world. Oh, I'm certain there still are some troops who are on this sort of mission however for the most part it has been a combat position our soldiers have had to take.

Time Gone By

2009-03-08T10:39:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

How quickly the time goes by these days. I am certain many of you are caught up in your daily living. Unfortunately it took the announcing of three more soldiers being killed by a roadside bomb to bring our thoughts back. I am guilty of this to a certain extent, however on the other hand I am very busy working on the completion of a book that is dedicated to all our troops past and present. Also a sum of every book's proceeds will be donated to help out our injured soldiers.

This book has been in the works for almost if not more than two years. Many nights I would go to bed with thoughts swirling about as to how our soldiers of past wars survived such conditions. On other evenings it would be to think about a title for the book. I am most thankful for all the citizens across Canada who have contributed. I have taken great time to place each photo accordingly in the hopes it will do your loved one justice. This is one book I have lived and breathed each and every day. I do have to thank my friends for helping me along by respecting my "office hours." This has helped immensely in my being able to concentrate on the work at hand.

Our posties are still moving along. As someone requests them they are sent out asap. We know the troops are getting worn down and now with the recent deaths of three more brave soldiers they could use a morale booster. Please join us in giving a smile, a happy thought or even some comfort to the men and women who make up our Armed Forces. Without them we would be an easy target from any country. Thank a soldier for his/her commitment to our country today and may God be with the families of the three fallen soldiers.

Pocket Posties Crew

Across the Land

2009-02-09T18:21:00.000-08:00

In quiet little communities from East to West and North to South there are Canadians working on creating/signing pocketposties. Mail carriers have no idea that in their mail bag sit the most valuable pieces of mail. These small business size cards are being sent to Canadians who are seeking to do something for our Canadian troops.

We encourage anyone who wishes to show support for our fine men and women to hop on board. It costs nothing but your time. We would like to introduce sending packages to families of troops so they may get family members to sign the little cards and give them to their loved one before he/she leaves to go on tour. It would be a great boost for the soldier especially when the days are long and difficult. If you are interested or know of a family that will be seeing their son/daughter, husband/wife, etc. off to Afghanistan let them know these cards are available to them. Once again it costs nothing to them.

Let's keep the Canadian Flag flying over the ocean to our soldiers. Thank you to all who are working quietly behind the scenes. It is most appreciated.

Sincerely,
Dorothy and the PocketPosties Crew

Behind the Scenes

2009-01-22T07:39:00.000-08:00

Hello to all Canadians and other guests. We thank you for dropping by to see what a small group of people are doing behind the scenes.

Most often you will find various organizations working to support our troops overseas. It's wonderful. When it is from schools it is especially encouraging as they are the future of our country. We thank all the principals, teachers and students for participating alongside these fine organizations. It is you and the parents who are making a difference in the lives of a soldier overseas.

Pocketposties is quietly working behind the scenes creating and distributing the cards through out the year. It amazes me every time I send out a signed package of posties to our campaign leader as I know I am sending off encouraging notes and smiles that will eventually reach a tired soldier lonely for his/her family back in Canada. It's great to do some small part even if it's only a little business size card with a few words written on the back.

We can all do a part in the supporting of our troops and I encourage you to do so. This small gesture makes one feel like the Canadian Forces are always there for you as we are for them. Have a great day!

Our Canadian Troops, Our Family

2009-01-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

Another year, another soldier leaves us while doing his job. I'm not one to be a counting person and I will not label this man as the media do. Yes, it is their job to get the news across to us and for this we are thankful. I hope they will put the human factor first before any head number count etc. Most of the reporters are very good at this and do try to get the human side across as to what the soldier was like in his family life. For this we thank them as the brave troops are husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, uncles, aunts, grandchildren and friends first.

They will remain committed to the job at hand just as a miner risks his life every time he gets on the elevator and goes deep down below the surface every shift. Like the teacher who deals with the violence that seems to be becoming something of the norm, or the farmer who is out in the fields working on the big combine machines. The store clerks, bank clerks, bus drivers and truck drivers are just a few who also have remained committed to their job no matter how safe or dangerous it may be. Someone has to do the job and those who sign up in the army understand all too well what they are signing up for. We thank those past, present and future soldiers for being so brave to take on the task. God bless.

Anyone interested in sending our troops a smile or note of encouragement we ask that you please do not hesitate to contact us. We will send you packets of pocketposties at no cost but just your time. A great idea is to send off with your loved ones a packet of 10-20 signed pocketpostes that he/she can keep close to his/her heart. Perhaps relatives would like to sign a few of these little cards. Our troops need Canada's support today. Please join us. Merci/thank you!

dkrusky56@gmail.com

Two Different Worlds

2009-01-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

A new day dawns. In a lazy manner we get out of bed and shuffle our way into the kitchen. There the aroma of freshly perked coffee and cinnamom toast hits out sense of smell. The children are chattering on about what they are going to do today. You look around and think, what a wonderful way to begin the day.

Worlds away a soldier arises his back aching from the heavy load he carried yesterday. The little bunks leave barely enough room for a man/woman to turn around on. He quickly gets out of bed washes and dresses then strolls over to the mess hall. The smells of burnt toast and coffee waft under his nostrils. The noise level in the morning is like a constant hum the soldiers hunker over their breakfast plates and eat heartily. He stops at the door. For a brief moment the sadness of home creeps upon him. He shakes it off. He thinks of what he will be doing today.

Yes, the contrast is so visible. We Canadians must be most thankful for our fine men and women who have chosen to heed the call to go overseas. This is not an easy desicion. I am certain there are soldiers who have grappled over it as they know what the end result may be. However, they go as it is their calling. THANK YOU SOLDIER!

Please, thank a soldier by joining us in getting as many little "pocketposties" signed and delivered to our fine men and women overseas. They are there until 2011. Let us remind them that we are thinking of them back home. It costs you nothing except a bit of time to go and get these small cards signed and sent out to our campaign manager. We are non - partisan, volunteer group who believe in sending good wishes to our brave troops. Thank you!

dkrusky56@gmail.com
prestons@mts.net

Send this link on to as many people as you can. Let's stand up for the backbone of Canada, our Canadian troops!
http://rememberourcanadiantroops.blogspot.com/

In Remembrance of Our Canadian Troops

2009-01-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

ONE MORE MOMENT
Dorothy Krusky

As the new
year begins take time to reflect on your life, your family, your living conditions, your daily blessings – then remember…

The soldier who sits tall in his wheelchair his life damaged by the acts of war.

When you awaken and gaze out at the pristine white snow a new day offers you wonders of such beauty, the silence of the dawn – then remember…

The soldiers’ children they will not see. She scribbled on a notepad a few words, “I love you. Mommy will come home soon.” She’s paid the ultimate price and returned in a flag draped wooden box.

When you drive the streets take time to note our freedom, our democracy and the safe place we live. Our children play without fear etched on their faces – then remember…

The people who live in fear of their lives for the night raids give them no chance to seek shelter. A man returns to no family, not one is left alive.

When you sit down to dinner look at those loved ones around you. Thank God for the gift of your life shared with family – then remember…
The trooper who wears a brave face laughing with his buddies, yet inside him the seed of fear grows with each passing day. He knows he’s lost friends to a war that often makes no sense to him. He serves because it’s his calling.

When you kiss your children goodnight or read a bedtime story hug them a little tighter let them know how much they are loved - then remember…
To pray for peace, pray for every soldier through out the world that they would have just one more moment to live.

Copyright 2008©
All Rights Reserved – Dorothy Krusky

Dedication to Our Troops

2008-12-30T11:15:00.000-08:00

This video is dedicated to all the fine men and women who are currently serving in Afghanistan. Also, this dedication extends to our troops who gave of their lives in service and for those who have been on tour overseas.

We would like to thank each and every one of the families who have lost a loved one. It is most difficult for all of you and we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will remember.

Sincerely,
The Pocketposties Crew

P.S. For our Judy in Russell, MAN

Close to Home

2008-12-29T18:12:00.000-08:00

Our region has become closer to the war in Afghanistan. You see Warrant Officer Gaeten Roberge was serving overseas as he wanted to get the full understanding of what to teach the young up and coming troops. Sadly, he will not be returning to share this knowledge. He was killed December 27th, 2oo8.

During the month of December the Canadian Army has lost 9 soldiers. This is nine of our fine soldiers who willingly gave of their lives for their country. To the familes we our send condolences. Every soldier lost is a family member gone. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families.

This is definitely a time where the troops need our support. The morale has to be down at this time, afterall how could it not be? Let's keep sending good wishes to our troops in any way that we can. Please remember if it were not for these brave men and women the innocent Afghan people would not be drinking fresh water, children getting an education, medical help available and our troops training Afghan troops to protect themselves. To the troops I say keep pressing on!

Until the next time.........remember our Canadian troops.

DKrusky

Remembering Our Canadian Troops

2008-12-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

There are a little group of Canadians working behind their computer screens and into their communities. This small group of Canadians are gathering signed "pocketposties" for the Canadian troops who are presently serving in Afghanistan.

You ask just what are "pocketposties"? I'm going to tell you and it is hoped you will hop on board in delivering good cheer to our fine men and women serving overseas. These little business sized cards were created because of a television interview with someone from overseas. He commented on how much the troops appreciate cards of support. He also mentioned something about making cards small enough to fit in the troops pockets. This is how it all began.

The video below best describes how the little posties are made. We hope you enjoy the beginnings of many smiles sent to our Canadian troops since May, 2007.

Many thanks goes out to our campaigners from Newfoundland, Manitoba and Ontario. When a few people decided to join in creating and send out the cards it was such a delight for me. The dream of sending smiles to our weary worn troops was certainly becoming a reality.

In northern Ontario we contacted a reporter from CTV News and set up an interview to share with others the purpose of these little cards. The story ran at four different times. Also, the local mall was able to witness the interview and share their stories with the northern campaign leader. Now that's spreading the word for sure.

It was most exciting to feel the eagerness of our good folks from down East. From New Harbour not only did they manage to get one of the local papers to do a story on the pocket posties, our campaign leader was also able to get a CTV television interview. It was a most impressive interview that clearly stated the purpose of these little cards.

Then the pocket posties became known in both Winnipeg and Russell Manitoba. Two local newspapers ran the stories giving yet more exposure. It was great to know people were so excited to get the posties out to the public. Just recently in Russell, MAN the campaign leader for the West was finally able to get an interview set up with the CTV News out there. Not bad for a group of people all working behind the screens of their computers!

We encourage you to come join us as we send smiles to the troops overseas. None of us likes war and we definitely are a non-partisan group. Our goal is to brighten the days for the troops as they continue on their tour, giving up so much to help restore democracy to a country in dire need of it.

MANY THANKS TO OUR FINE CANADIAN SOLDIERS - WE WILL REMEMBER!!

Canadian Pocket Posties Crew

dk.m@hotmail.com