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ISSUE #8 February 12, 2011
MIRAMICHI CHAPTER
CANADIAN PEACEKEEPING VETERANS ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER List of Contents
1. Chapter President Message
2. CPVA National President Christmas Message
3. Editors Comments
4. Bridgeview Sobeys Store’s, Host Veterans Re-
membrance Day Dinner
5. Mrs. Susan Butler tribute to Veterans
6. Ed Oursien organized information session
7. Christmas Dinner evening Portage Restaurant
8. Organizer of events Remembrance week
9. Annual Christmas Concert hosted by Gerry
Cormier
10. Parade Marshal Ray Kokkonen
11. AGM Information & Luncheon
12. Memoriam, Sick Bay & Birthdays
13. Sheila Fraser to head New Veterans Charter
14. Important Information
15. Canadian Peacekeeping South Western , On
16. Form Membership
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Presidents Annual Message
It is difficult to comprehend sometimes but I am completing four (4) years as your President. It has been a
very fulfilling and rewarding experience. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have
supported me throughout this tenure. As our Annual General Meeting approaches now is the time to give
some serious consideration to whom you would like to be the executive to guide you into 2011 and beyond.
There are some great, experienced members out there who could add a lot to our Chapter. As this year
ends, we have 63 active members, many who attend on a regular basis. We are always seeking additional
members so if you know of any potential candidates, feel free to give them an application or bring them out
to one of our meetings. Once again, we had a very busy but successful year. Here are the activities and
events that we were involved in during the past 12 months. January - AGM and dinner for all members.
February - Valentine Dinner for members and guests. May - 305 Army Cadet Corps and 315 Air Cadet Squa-
dron closing Parade and Awards Ceremonies. National AGM conference call. June - D-Day Remembrance
Parade with 2 RNBR (NS) in Bathurst. July - Canada Day Parade in Miramichi West. August - National
Peacekeepers’ Day Parade and Luncheon. September - Ed Oursien organized a 2 hour boat ride up and
down the beautiful Miramichi on board the Max Atkin, captained by Azade Hache. October/November - As-
sisted Legions with their poppy campaigns, attended many schools in the area for their Remembrance Day
services, participated in Remembrance Day service in Miramichi West and Miramichi East, Sunny Corner,
Nelson, Loggieville, Rogersville, Richibucto, Neguac and Blackville. We were special guests at a Veterans’
Music evening and dinner hosted by Susan Butler in Miramichi. December - We were guests at the Mayor’s
annual Christmas Concert at St Mary’s Church, Miramichi. We had our annual Christmas Dinner Party for
members and guests on December 11th at the Portage Restaurant. As we move forward into 2011, I would
like to wish all members and their spouses and families a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Thanks again for your continued support to this chapter and hopefully it will continue.
Jim Muck
President
CPVA Miramichi Chapter
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CPVA National
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE CHRISTMAS 2010
As we wait for the annual highlight of Christmas, a celebration of peace and good will, we wonder why there is no
peace in the world. The 154th Canadian was killed in Afghanistan yesterday and the nation grieves once again and
sadly awaits the ritual on the Highway of Heroes. We who have the good fortune of having served without the unlim-
ited liability clause being invoked, and who will enjoy Christmas with family and friends, must very clearly remember
and honour those who did make the ultimate sacrifice. As well, we must not forget the wounded and our Canadian
troops who are serving, away from their families, in Afghanistan and other far-away missions all around the world.
The main intent of this message is to be with you at this special time but it is also an opportunity to provide an update about CPVA matters. Organizational I am very happy to report that there has been considerable growth in the CPVA. Most importantly, a new South West Ontario Chapter was formed. The founder is Tom O’Keefe who deserves our sincere thanks for his tireless efforts to get the Chapter operational. Additionally, several appointments have been made by the National Executive to fill va-cant positions. The new key appointments are: National Vice President – Dougal Salmon (Vancouver) Vice President Research – Dr. John Eggenberger (Ottawa) National Special Projects Director – Garry Best (St. John’s), for the CPVA Cyprus tour 2011 New Regional Directors: NS – Bruce Grainger PE – Robby McRobb QC – Kenneth Ouellet AB – Tex Leugner SK – Grant Johnson Additionally, the Executive created new regional Service Officer positions and appointed members to fill them as fol-lows: Service Officers
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East – Bruce Grainger Quebec – Karl Morel Central – Tom O’Keefe West – Dave Munro Representation There have been numerous significant national events in which CPVA had representation. Larry Gollner and I at-tended meetings with the Veterans Ombudsman and the Minister of Veterans Affairs in Ottawa in September. At the annual Royal Canadian Legion veteran’s consultation meeting in October in Kanata, the CPVA representation was 2nd VP Larry Gray, VP Research John Eggenberger and myself. For Remembrance Day, Larry Gray and John Eggenberger laid a wreath on behalf of CPVA at the ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. John Eggenberger took part in a joint RMC/Queens University military and veterans health symposium in Kingston in November as a CPVA repre-sentative. As well, I attended a VAC regional meeting in Charlottetown earlier this month. Advocacy Our advocacy configuration has been somewhat modified. Marlowe Fraser remains our Advocacy Director and is the primary advisor on advocacy matters. However, as the load is considerable, both Larry Gollner, the CPVA Patron, and myself have shared some of the work. Tom Hoppe, our Past President, remains the Chair of the Veterans Ombuds-man’s Advisory Council. The CPVA has taken a public stand on three issues which are advocacy by nature. First, a let-ter was sent from CPVA expressing concern about the non-renewal of Patrick Stogran as the Veterans Ombudsman. We were the only veteran’s organization to do so. Second, the CPVA Executive made a public statement authorizing CPVA members to take part in the Veterans Assembly on 6 November 2010 in identifiable dress and insignia. Again, CPVA was alone in having the courage to make such a stand. Most recently, CPVA made a positive public quote about the government’s Bill C-55 which proposed several much needed amendments to the New Veterans Charter. In this case we were joined by the Legion. All of the foregoing cases were hard decisions to be made by the Executive and in all of them we received negative backlash but also support. I am very proud that CPVA had the confidence in its con-victions to publicly state its stand on veterans issues. Membership Wayne Kennedy, our Membership Director, continues to work extremely hard to recruit new members and to admin-ister various membership matters. He has been very pro-active in seeking people for national positions and provides valuable advice to Chapters. Everyone needs to work with Wayne, but particularly in the Chapters, to increase our membership numbers. In another context, the West Central Alberta Chapter with the leadership and hard work of Wayne Kennedy and Bob Salt raised money through a lottery. As a very kind and charitable act, the Chapter donated $500 to CPVA and $500 to the Cockrell House for homeless veterans in Victoria. Thank you very much Wayne and Bob. Communications The CPVA website keeps improving with the dedication of our Webmaster, Rodd Kennedy and the guidance of Karl Morel, Communications Director. Rodd has not served in the military but contributes his time as a volunteer to ad-minister the website. There has been some expansion on the internet; Wayne Kennedy has initiated a CPVA group on the Veterans of Canada website at www.veteransofcanada.ca. I believe the forum can be a real asset to CPVA for re-
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cruiting and I encourage members to join. Also, we hope that we will see the new edition of the Blue Beret soon. It is extremely important that our membership is kept abreast of happenings and developments in CPVA and about vari-ous veterans issues. I will do my best the ensure information is being provided and ask that the Chapters distribute it to their memberships. In most cases, breaking and current information will be sent out by Hugh and Karl. As always, on behalf of CPVA and all veterans, I give sincere thanks to Hugh Message for his absolutely untiring work of keeping veterans united with information by his regular communications through his Message Centre. Amalgama-tion Negotiations Status This matter has been going on for some time and I think we will soon reach a concrete deci-sion. There are now four organizations interested in some form of amalgamation – CAVUNP, GWVAC, NATO Veterans Organization and CPVA. The group includes all of the modern-day veterans organizations and the united organization clearly has the potential to eventually represent all of the post-Korean War veterans. I have met with Ron Griffis of CAVUNP, Al Glass of GWVAC, and Gord Jenkins of the NATO Veterans Organization several times and continue e-mail and telephone correspondence with them regularly. It appears that some form of union could happen early next year. Cyprus Tour Based on the very good success of the tour to Cyprus in May of this year, Garry Best has presented a plan for another tour next year. For details, please visit the CPVA website www.cpva.ca or contact Garry at (709) 834-1434 or [email protected]. Once again, thank you very much Garry for creating this great opportunity for Peacekeepers to return to Cyprus with old comrades and a chance to relive many old memories. Conclusion The time of Christmas is for enjoyment and relaxation but it is also an appropriate moment to thank the members of the Executive, the Chapter Presidents, Regional Chairs, appointed Officers and our members for their gift of hard, and often thankless, work for the membership and on behalf of CPVA and all veterans. In particular, I want to thank our Patron, Larry Gollner, for his kind, unstinting and steadfast guidance and support in everything. I wish all CPVA members a peaceful and very enjoyable Christmas and a healthy, happy and successful New Year 2011. Please enjoy the holidays safely. Respectfully,
Ray Kokkonen 20 December 2010 506-627-6437
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This year Sobeys Store in Bridgeview Mall Douglastown, NB hosted a dinner honoring those who have
made the supreme sacrifice in the defense of our country during war and peacekeeping missions. This
event was well planned and executed by the store manager and his staff. Participation by Veterans had
surpassed the numbers anticipated. This will become an annual event, it is hoped that more veterans will
take part in this popular event.
On 6 November2010, Mrs. Susan Butler organized and hosted a tribute to all Veterans “War Memories in Song” dinner/entertainment evening at the Kin Center. This event was sold out and all in attendance en-joyed a nice meal and fine entertainment. There were some special guests from CFB Gagetown in atten-dance. John Forbes & Eldon Rogers Introduced the Peacekeepers and provided a powerful speech to the audience. They received a well-deserved standing ovation. Well done John & Eldon. One of the highlights of the evening was when a Sgt. Robert Simmons from the CF Base Gagetown played and sang a song he com-piled & produced. THANK YOU and all of our military for their gallant efforts, our prayers and thoughts are with you.
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Above Photo’s taken On 20 November, 2010
Ed Oursien organized a brunch/information meeting at the Portage Restaurant.
The after brunch topic was on Survivor benefits and how to obtain information on claims and support issues. It was a successful morning, those that attended said it was helpful and suggested that more session be available in the near future.
Photo’s above are of members , spouses and friends gathered for a Christmas Dinner
At the Portage Restaurant, on the 11th December 2010.
Door prizes, 50/50 draw, & gifts were distributed to winners of tickets sold as the evening pro-
gressed. Overall those that attended had a great time & many comments on how they enjoyed
themselves. Overall it was a great success.. A big thank you to all who donated prizes., Ed & Helene
Oursien, Paul & Bobbie Cross, Mel & Marg McGraw, Roy & Bunnie Matheson and from the manage-
ment of the portage restaurant donated a gift certificate. Thank you to the Committee for an enter-
taining evening!
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Comments by Ed Oursien
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Organizer of the events for Remembrance Week.
On behalf of the CPVA Miramichi Chapter Executive we want to thank all members who gave so freely of their
time to help in the Poppy Campaign and the various Remembrance Day Activities around the area. The Poppy
campaign was in my opinion a success, with the exception of the last three days we had our time slots filled.
Your participation in the various School Remembrance Day Activities is very much appreciated by the staff
and students. We must not let these students forget the sacrifice of our veterans. Some day the duties and re-
sponsibilities of protecting our country will be there’s. Visit’s to the Miramichi Seniors Home and at the Re-
gion 7 Hospital much appreciated by the staff and Veterans that reside there. Our participation helped to
make their day. Once again thank you for keeping their memory and sacrifices alive
Pictured above, Ray Kokkonen & Roy Matheson pinning a poppy on a happy customer who donated money to the
poppy fund. Thank you Ed for organizing the various activities that the Membership where involved, it was very
much appreciated!!!
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We will remember them!
Editors Comments:
From 29 October up to 11 November, members of CPVA Miramichi Chapter were heavily involved in numerous activities in and around the area. We were asked to provide assistance in the distributing of poppies, assist in the various school activities and participate in the Remembrance Day Services held at Region 7 hospital and the senior’s home. We accepted this request with pride and eagerness. Again, this year our members arrived in parade dress, at the appointed time and place ready to do their part in supporting these important activities. The Poppy campaign was very successful again this year and all who took part deserve a well deserved pat on the back for their efforts. Thank you for a job well done. As part of the school’s remembrance day services CPVA had members participate in the following schools, Millerton, Harkins, Croft, Nelson, Carrefour Beausoleil and Blackville. The staff and parents were very appreciative of our participation in their activities. The students were very respectful, this was apparent in the presentations at the various services. Two of our members Bud Walsh and Ed Oursien had the opportunity of going to the Millerton School prior to the official Remembrance Day services just to speak with the students about our peacekeeping experiences. They showed photographs and explaining to the students what it was like for the children in the countries they were in. The students and staff showed a great interested in our medals and how we received them. This was scheduled to be a 45 minute presentation however it lasted for approx-imately three hours. CPVA members Howie MacEachern, Bud Walsh, John Forbes and Ed Oursien at-tend the Region 7 Hospital Memorial service. It was an Honor to meet with and speak to the Veter-ans of the Second World War and to meet with some of their families. Entertainment was provided by Susan Butler and friends. Various Legion’s and CPVA Members attended a moving ceremony at the Veterans wing at the Miramichi Seniors home. It was great to see so many War Veterans and their families taking part in the ceremony. On 11 November, 2010 the annual Remembrance Day Parade was held at the Civic Center. The parade was under the direction of the Parade Marshal Ray Kokkonen. Members from Branch #10 Peacekeepers, 2RNBR (NS) Miramichi Police , Fire Depart-ment, the department of Public Safety Honor Guard, Miramichi Timber Wolves and the Scouts and Guides were lead into the Civic Center by the Air Cadet Band. The stands were full with grateful spectators as they paid tribute to our fallen Veterans as well as those still serving. Rev. Dean Law-rence was the Chaplin for this event. Following the Remembrance Day Parade approximately 12 CPVA members and their spouse’s enjoyed a meal at the Portage restaurant. Some members attended the Legion function following the parade.
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The Annual Christmas Concert hosted by Mayor Gerry Cormier was held at
St Mary’s Catholic Church 20 November 2010
The concert began at 19:00 hrs. We gather in the church basement by 18:30 hrs. We were asked to parade up to the main floor of the church and seated by 18:55. Refreshments fol-lowed the concert. The fee for this concert is a free will offering with all proceeds going to variety charities around the city, over $2000 was collected.
CPVA Members & their wives 2009 at the annual St Mary’s RC Church
Concert.
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Ray Kokkonen was the parade marshal for remembrance day, 11 Nov
2010 at the Civic Center, Newcastle, NB
You make us proud Ray; the Parade was outstanding.
Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association for South Western Ontario
Chapter was formed by Tom O'Keefe former member of CPVA Miramichi Chapter
On October 12th, 2010 - CPVA, National Headquarters, authorized the formation of a Cana-
dian Peacekeeping Veterans Association for South Western Ontario. Email:
[email protected], Tele- (519)267-2751, or write to Tom O'Keefe, 17 Rosewood Court,
Cambridge, On., N1R 2Z1 – Congratulation Tom, all the best with your new chapter, we wish
you well in the future!
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The Chapter AGM for 2011
Held at the Portage Restaurant
Date: 27 January 2011
Time’s 1.Meeting - 17:00hrs
2.Dinner - 19:00hrs
Dress Parade dress
The Dinner following the AGM will be for (Paid up members only)
A max of $15.00 will be paid by the Chapter
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To Dean Lawrence and Family
We send our heartfelt Condolences for your loss!
Sadly Heather Allyson Lawrence passed away at the Moncton City Hospital, Sat Nov 27th
2010. On 30 Nov 2010 a Service of Remembrance, was held at St James United Church in
Newcastle with many attending. The Family invited all for a time of fellowship and re-
freshments after the service.
*************************************************************************************
Sick Bay
Nick Haars recently had minor surgery he is now at home doing fine. Bob Doucette is
home under Doctors care, we wish him and his family well. Mrs. Crystal Thompson
recently had knee surgery and is now back home resting and recovering.
Our prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery go out to all of our members
*************************************************************************************
Birthday wishes go out too the following in 2010-2011
Reg Savoie 31 Dec 2010, Jim Muck 26 Dec, 1948.Leonard Pitre 28 Dec, 1925, George Rutledge 17 Feb,
1938, Bud Walsh 17 Feb, 1939, Peter Losier 24 Feb. 1937, Moe Morrison 28 Feb 1946, Pat Nolan 10
Feb 1943
If anyone know of an event please call or e-mail Mel McGraw
506-773-3724 or [email protected]
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Sheila Fraser to audit New Veterans Charter
Auditor General Sheila Fraser appears at Commons public accounts committee hearing on Par-
liament Hill in Ottawa, Tuesday Dec. 7, 2010. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Date: Wednesday Dec. 8, 2010 10:30 PM ET
The auditor general of Canada has agreed to launch an investigation into the controversial New Veterans Charter, CTV News has learned.
In January, Charlottetown Sen. Percy Downe requested that Sheila Fraser launch an audit into the implementation of the charter.
"The transition from the old system of veterans' benefits to the New Veterans Charter is a tremendous undertaking and requires serious attention," the Liberal senator said in his request to Fraser. "I hope you will recognize the importance of this issue and agree to audit the implementation of the New Veterans Charter in order to determine if Canadian veterans and their families are receiving improved benefits and services that adequately respond to their individual needs."
In a response to Downe this week, Fraser agreed to the request and said her audit team responsible for Veterans Affairs "is planning to conduct an audit that will examine aspects of the (New Veterans) Charter." She said the report on that audit is planned for the fall of 2012. Fraser added that the issue of veterans' affairs "is an important one for this office."
The New Veterans Charter was introduced by Paul Martin's Liberal government in the spring of 2005. Back then, it passed with all-party support, but the changes did not come into effect until the following April when it was enacted by the Conservative government.
An independent study commissioned by the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman took aim at the lump-sum payment system, which is part of the new charter. Many veterans have complained that it gave less money to soldiers wounded in Afghanistan than older vets have been entitled to.
Stung by criticism from Canadian Forces vets, Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn announced in September a series of measures to address some of their concerns, including an additional $200 million over the next five years for those unable to work because of injuries.
Last month, Blackburn increased benefits for disabled military veterans with a $2-billion support package that includes a minimum, pre-tax income of $40,000 a year for those who can no longer work and for those in rehabilitation. The changes would also allow vets a choice in spreading out their lump-sum disability award from Veterans Affairs over however many years they'd like.
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Important information
What is the National Do Not Call List?
The National Do Not Call List (DNCL) gives consumers a choice about whether to receive telemar-keting calls. The National DNCL Rules introduce new responsibilities for Canada’s telemarketers.
If you are a consumer you can choose to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive by registering your residential, wireless, fax or VoIP telephone number on the National DNCL. You can also check your registration, find out how to remove your number from the National DNCL, and file a complaint about telemarketing calls. Please consult our frequently asked questions sec-tion to find out more about the National DNCL.
The National Do Not Call List (DNCL) introduces new responsibilities for Canada’s telemarketers. If you are a telemarketer you can use this Web site to register your business information, obtain and buy a subscription to the National DNCL, and download or query the National DNCL. You can also find out about subscription rates, file formats and other information in the Telemarketer sec-tion of this Web site.
www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca
Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST)
credit
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/gsthst/menu-eng.html
Seniors and retirement
I will retire soon. When do I apply for my retirement pension?
The Government of Canada provides different kinds of retirement income, including the
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension and the Old Age Security (OAS)
pension. To receive your pension as quickly as possible, you should submit your
application six months before you turn 65 years old. You can print the CPP application
kit and the OAS pension application kit from the Web, or you can contact Service Canada to request an application form by mail.
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/faq/index.shtml#seniors
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Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association, Miramichi Chapter
Membership Renewal for 2011
Dear Member
We value your membership. Your support is vital to ensure that CPVA remains a
viable national organization, in recognizing Peacekeeping Veterans. Please take
a few moments now to renew your membership and ensure that you continue
to be kept informed about issues and events that affect CPVA Members
Please renew my membership
Make Cheque or money order payable to, CPVA, MIRAMICHI CHAPTER
Regular Membership $20.00
Associate Membership $25.00
Membership Number __________
Name ______________________
Please indicate any changes in Address
E-Mail address _______________________
Please send a Cheque or Money Order to Reginald Savoie
Membership Chairman, 110 Vancouver Crest, Miramichi, NB E1N 2E5
Should you decide not to renew please inform us.
