February 23, 2011
Base honours troops,
families
by Vance Gutzman
The spring-like weather
on Friday couldn't have been more appropriate, as members of Task Force
1-10 were greeted with a warm homecoming ceremony at CFB Petawawa.
Close to 2,000 members of the task force were joined by their families
and dignitaries inside Dundonald Hall to be feted for their
accomplishments in Afghanistan.
"It seems like just yesterday we were in the Mojave desert, as you were
preparing for Afghanistan,” 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
commander Colonel Wayne Eyre told the assembled troops.
"Much has happened since then."
Truer words could not be spoken to the troops who spent the first few
months of 2010 training in California for their mission, prior to
deploying to Afghanistan in April and May.
And while the soldiers were gone for most of the year (the last of them
returned home on Christmas Eve), Eyre also had good things to say about
their families who kept the home fires burning during their absence.
"Life overseas is relatively simple compared to what you do back here,"
Eyre told those family members.
"You don't get a medal, but your job is just as tough."
Eyre also spoke to the troops who returned home scarred from the
mission.
"The adversity is not what defines the wounded warriors, but rather
it's how the wounded warriors rise to face that adversity," said Eyre.
"Your perseverance, strength of character and sheer guts are truly
inspirational."
And while the troops may be back home, Eyre recognized that some of
them will find it difficult to return to a normal lifestyle again,
after all they have witnessed in Afghanistan.
"For some, reintegration is not easy," he said.
"For some, it will be an issue, and I ask you to recognize this as
normal. Families, look out for each other, buddies too. If you need
help, get it. The fallen would like you to live life to the fullest."
Brigadier General Jonathan Vance was also on hand for the homecoming
ceremony, and he echoed his comrade's sentiments.
"For some families, the tour never ends," said Vance.
"I'd like to pay homage to all the families. We are nothing without the
love and support of our country, families and friends.”
Like Eyre, Vance urged the troops to make the most out of their lives
now that they're back on home soil.
“When we do what we do, we leave our families behind," he said.
"Let's all pledge that when we're home, we'll make our lives as rich
and rewarding as we can."
|
