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.

Friendly soldiers mentor civilians

As a photojournalist, it’s always rewarding to see my news stories published.  Here’s a copy of the Sept. 29, 2016 edition of the Western Sentinel military newspaper.  I had the privilege of covering soldiers from Frist Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI) hosting a group of civilians participating in the Soldier For A Day program. 

The community relations activity took place on Aug. 27 at Edmonton Garrison, and was well received by all the visitors.   The Soldier For A Day program is designed to expose civilians to military culture, demonstrate soldier’s capabilities, and create an environment to build team esprit de corps. 

To see my photo gallery of the entire event, visit the PPCLI Facebook page

Tommy Banks performs

Canadian musician Tommy Banks was a star attraction during a fundraiser on the evening of Thursday, September 29, 2016 at the St. Albert Inn.  Approximately 150 guests attended the event hosted by the Sturgeon Foundation.  This was the Foundation’s first fundraiser, and included a number of elected officials and local dignitaries. 

Tommy Banks settles in to perform on the piano.

 Montreal magician Brent Cairns strolled about the room to entertain guests with a variety of tricks.  The laughter he evoked set the tone for an enjoyable evening.  Master of Ceremonies Matt Day introduced several speakers to the podium to share their thoughts on the importance of supporting the Sturgeon Foundation initiatives.

Magician Brent Cairns wows guests with his magic tricks.

They were the Honourable Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Seniors and Housing; Mayor Mel Smith of Redwater; Councillor Wes Broadhead, City of St. Albert; Councillor Susan Evans of Sturgeon County; and Dennis Magnusson, Sturgeon Foundation Executive Director. 

All speakers told the audience why the fundraiser was organized: to purchase amenities for a new building to accommodate seniors.  They also invited members of the public to make donations, and reminded everybody that they will be seniors who will appreciate living in dignity.

Following a buffet dinner, the audience settled in to enjoy a performance by Tommy Banks.  He performed a variety of original and popular tunes on a Petrof piano, then accepted requests from the audience.  The banquet hall was still as beautiful melodies floated through the air. 

Tommy Banks performs 'Hey Jude', a popular song by the Beatles.

The master doing what he loves.

Master of Ceremonies Matt Day and Tommy Banks perform 'Fly Me To The Moon', a popular tune by Frank Sinatra.

The event concluded with MC Matt Day encouraging everyone to open their hearts and wallets to support the Sturgeon Foundation.  The Foundation is a non-profit management organization that provides subsidized housing for seniors.  The personalized care by all staff has resulted in a family environment that allows seniors to enjoy independent or supportive living and an affordable home.

To make a donation, visit:  www.sturgeonfoundation.ca