Parliament Hill

Since I'm in Ottawa, here's my obligatory tourist picture of Parliament Hill.  #ottawa #parliamenthill #tourist

Canadian veteran honoured by Korean government

Here's a link to my 4-minute video.

Canadian Army veteran Stanley Ridsdale was honoured by the Korean government during a ceremony on January 10, 2017 at the Kipness Centre for Veterans in Edmonton.  Mr. Ridsdale, a Metis from Northern Alberta, was a soldier with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) during the Korean War.  In 1953, he was seriously wounded in combat. 

This medal was presented by the Korean government to Stanley Ridsdale.

 On behalf of the Korean government, James Yeom and Thomas Rho from the Edmonton Korean Canadian Association presented the “Ambassador For Peace” certificate and medal to Mr. Ridsdale.  The once proud warrior suffers from dementia and is confined to a wheelchair.  Soldiers from 3^rd battalion, PPCLI and numerous veterans joined with friends to celebrate the occasion.

James Yeom (left) and Thomas Rho (centre) present the award to Stanley Ridsdale.

John MacDonald, President of the Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta, nominated Mr. Ridsdale for the award in 2016 as a way to express appreciation for his military service to Canada.  

John MacDonald (far left) delivers a speech as PPCLI soldiers (centre) stand next to Stanely Ridsdale. (right) during the ceremony on January 10, 2017 at the Kipness Centre for Veterans in Edmonton.

Here's a link to my 4-minute video.

Grant Cree is an Edmonton-based photojournalist focusing on photo and video event coverage to help clients connect with their audiences. www.grantcree.ca  780-940-3228

Loyal Edmonton Regiment featured in Western Sentinel

Check out the Oct. 13, 2016 edition of the Western Sentinel military newspaper.  Army Reservists with  The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (LER) held two significant change of appointment parades on Sept. 28, 2016 in the Jefferson Armoury.   On page 5 in the Sentinel, you’ll find my photo and an article by Captain Rick Dumas, the LER Adjutant.

To read the article, visit the Edmonton Sun Special Sections via this link.

  

Paratroopers host women’s hockey team

My story featuring paratroopers challenging a women’s hockey team was published in the Oct. 11, 2016 edition of the Morinville Free Press. 

Soldiers of Third Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) hosted 27 hockey players on Oct. 1 at Edmonton Garrison.  Excited Athletes with the University of Alberta (U of A) Pandas Women’s Hockey Team gathered at 3 PPCLI headquarters that morning to experience military life for a few hours.

Paratroopers of 3 PPCLI with members of the University of Alberta Pandas Women's Hockey Team during the Soldier For A Day activity on Oct. 1, 2016 at Edmonton Garrison.  Photo by Grant Cree.

The Pandas participated in the Soldier For A Day (SFAD) program, a community relations activity conducted by Third Battalion. SFAD is about connecting with the civilian community to give them a glimpse of military life.   

Sergeant Jason Debourke (right) of 3 PPCLI helps an athlete with the University of Alberta Pandas Women's Hockey Team descend from the rappel tower during the Soldier For A Day activity on Oct. 1, 2016 at Edmonton Garrison. Photo by Grant Cree

To read my entire article, visit the Morinville Free Press at this link.