The SITREP
“VOICE OF THE POINTSMAN ASSOCIATION”
Website: www.thepointsman.ca Inquiries:
And now “THE POINTSMAN ASSOCIATION”, “THE POINTSMAN PHOTO MEMORIES” and “RCAF/PROVOST PHOTO MEMORIES” are on Facebook & Twitter too!
December 2014 Christmas Edition
Joyeux Noel
Merry Christmas
&
Happy New Year
Bonne Annee
“T’was the Days before Christmas, Your Sitrep is Here…”
SO GRAB YOUSELF A COFFEE, A TODDY OR BEER!
Funny how when Christmas comes around we tend to look back at the past year and try and judge it whether it was a good year or bad, when actually we will not really know for certain until about 4-5 years. Yep. Years are like hockey trades, when it comes to this. What looks good right off the bat can turn “south” real quick if great care is not taken. Yep, that was 2014 all right.
Like always, the Pointsman Association executive had high hopes for 2014 and at first it showed lots of promise. However it was a year when the real world bit us in our collective backsides. Events and functions were cancelled as gas jumped to record levels, only now to be near prices not seen for five long years past because the glut finally caught up to the greed. Oh the difference today’s gas prices could and would have made some months back.
It was a year of sadness when it came to the number of empty chairs around our tables, and we lost so many good people this year. They will always remain in our memories, thoughts and prayers.
SO SURPRISE, This is all THE NEGATIVE PRESS That 2014 DESERVES. Nope, No Names, No pack Drill.
Now the positives, OH YEAH! The biggest was the Summerside Reunion. A record setting event in attendance, lobsters eaten and all around fun. The Pointsman Association grew to welcome in the Veterans of the RCMP, and the growth of our Website and Facebook sites. Our “DAMN” flag was everywhere! From the Prime Minister’s office, to being pictured on Canadian Forces Bases, planes, ships, LAVs, and standing proud together with the RCMP as it should be as per our history and traditions. Our kit shop is in need of re-supply , and our Pointsman Logo has become a recognized symbol of Canadian Military Police Veterans both in Canada and abroad (we have members in the United States, Great Britain, Australia and points around the globe.
SO WHAT’S AHEAD?
If I told you here then you wouldn’t have to read the Sitrep now would you? But the editorial is a must visit… So take another gulp and hopefully it’s a good read
…
As the new Christmas Season comes upon us, and another year comes to an end, I would like to take this time on behalf of The Pointsman Associations Executive and Committee, to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
The past year has seen many facets of the Associations motto "To Honour and Remember" brought forward. This was seen by the high visibility of our flag at various events, the turn out of members at MP Graduations, and large number of our members attending various Remembrance Day Services through out the Country.
I would like to take a minute and personally thank the Executive and Committee members who have worked diligently in assisting me and working on behalf of the members through out the year. To Mr Rick DeGruyl, many thanks for you strong desire to have The Pointsman Flag on display at the events and photo ops, and his dedicated work on The Pointsman Face Book page.
To the members who have paid their 2014 dues, thank you for your dedication. The new 2015 dues pin, will be the The Pointsman with MP 75 in the banner, representing the 75th Anniversary of the Military Police Trade. The new pin will be shown on the Association Web Page, and will only be available to members who pay their dues. To those of you that have other friends who have not joined our association, let’s try to get them on board, for the many events that are planned for the year ending 2015.
I wish all members and their families a very safe holiday season. Please remember not to drink and drive, always have an alternate way home.
Securitas
Russell L.E. Girden, President
Season Greetings From Col R.P. Delaney,
Canadian Forces Provost Marshall
Due to the format in which Col. Delaney’s Holiday message was received, we unfortunately had to alter it by removing the graphics. The original message appears on our “thepointsman.ca” webpage. The writing may appear small, We suggest you may wish to adjust the scale of your page (150-200%) We are sorry for the inconvenience.
POINTSMAN ATLANTIC
Mr. Rick DeGruyl
Good Day to all serving and retired Canadian Military Police from the East Coast.
The past few months have been interesting, with a few great photo shoots with some good folks. In September, Rick Mercer, (who is an Honorary Colonel at CFB Greenwood), was kind enough to sign The Pointsman Association flag and do a picture holding it to support our troops and to; “HONOUR & REMEMBER” our fallen, while filming a segment for The Mercer Report in Fredericton. Fredericton Firefighters, The NB Fire Marshall with staff member, Fredericton Police Service and CFB Gagetown Military Police were a welcome addition to the photo, thank you for your support.
L-R: Canadian Forces Military Police Sgt Steven O' Doherty, CBC Rick Mercer (Honorary Colonel), Atlantic Rep The Pointsman Association Rick de Gruyl, Fredericton Firefighter Tyler Mc Cready, Fredericton Firefighter & President of Fredericton Firefighters Association Glen Sullivan, Fredericton Firefighter Jay Stevenson, Fredericton Firefighter Daniel Murphy, New Brunswick Fire Marshall Douglas Browne, Office of the Fire Marshall Susan Gamble.
We also flew the flag at the Fredericton, NB Cenotaph 1 Nov 2014. At CFB Gagetown main entrance on the RED Friday the week that 2 CF Members were murdered on our own soil, (this was to show our respect & support of our Canadian Forces and to Honour: Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Office Patrice Vincent). At the Afghanistan Memorial cross country tour which stopped in NB. At a PTSD clinic on base hosted by retired Colonel Chris Linford & Wife in conjunction with his book “Warrior Rising”. The base Commander, Chris and Wife Kathryn held and signed flag here as well. At the Saint John Coast Guard on their rescue vessel with crew. At the Saint John, NB Cenotaph. And in support of the 2014 MPNMRR at CFB Gagetown. And at the Heroes are Human Tour for PTSD Awareness in First Responders and Military/ Veterans, tema.ca
And perhaps the most meaningful: a Pointsman Association flag presentation at “J” Division HQ, to NB RCMP CO; Assistant Commissioner Roger Brown in solidarity and support of our RCMP brothers & sisters in light of the recent 3 KIA members in Moncton. Roger expressed his and the NB RCMP members’ thanks and appreciation for standing with them during this devastating
.
Flag presentation at RCMP NB HQ. Assistant Commissioner Roger Brown accepting The Pointsman Association flag to "HONOUR & REMEMBER"; Constable David Ross, Constable Fabrice Georges Gevaudan and Constable Douglas James Larch. Who all gave their lives in the performance of their duty to Public Safety in Moncton.
The presentation was supported by members of The Canadian Forces Military Police, Members of The Fredericton Fire Department, and Members of The Pointsman Association. A thank you to my wife Marian for driving me to this event and for making the photos and video. Thanks Jack for driving down from Ottawa for this.
Oh, did I mention?? A video I made at the Remembrance Day Service features our/ your flag at the cenotaph with the entire parade marching past it with an eyes left. This was posted on The Pointsman Association face book page with over 80,000 hits!!!. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU….
AND FROM ALL OF THE POINTSMAN HERE IN THE MARITIMES…
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, & A PROSPEROUS AND SUCCESSFUL 2015!
Sincerely;
Rick de Gruyl
PS: A Thank You to our President and Friend Russ Girden for letting me admin the Facebook page. You have helped me take my mind off things/ pain by keeping busy at this. And Thanks to all who visit our/ your page, feel free to share pictures & stories.
FROM THE HOME STATION, CFMPA
SCHOOL CWO “Lew” JOHNSTONE
Doc:
It is my pleasure to work with and for the Vets. Many of them have done so much for me over the years it is only right. I wish you and all our Veterans the very best this holiday season and a very healthy and prosperous 2015.
Securitas!
Maj/maj A.B. Battista, CD CWO/adjuc L.H. Johnstone, CD, MMM
Happy Holidays
From the Canadian Forces Military Police Academy
On behalf of myself, Chief Warrant Officer Lew Johnstone, and all staff of the CFMPA, we wish all our colleagues, families and friends, and especially our deployed comrades a safe and prosperous holiday season and New Year. It is our sincere wish that this holiday season provides you the opportunity to spend time with friends and family and recharge for an exciting and prosperous 2015. Have a great holiday season and may you return refreshed and invigorated in the New Year.
Joyeuses Fêtes de la part d’École de la Police militaires
des Forces canadiennes
L’adjudant-chef Lew Johnstone et tout le personnel de l”EPMFC se joignent à moi pour souhaiter à nos collègues, amis et surtout nos confrères et consœurs déployés, une agréable saison des fêtes et un nouvel an florissant. Notre souhait le plus sincère est que vous ayez la possibilité de passer du temps avec vos amis et famille et de recharger pour que l’année 2015 soit passionnante et prospère. Passez des bonnes vacances et revenez en pleine forme pour la nouvelle année.
Major A.B. Battista
“The Best Way to Honour our Fallen and our Veterans is to
Live Your Life To The Fullest…
For Their Blood, Toil, Sweat and Tears paid for it and their sacrifices should not have been made in vain.”
Carmina Elliott
It is said that:
“Behind every successful man is a good woman,
Who Made Him That Way”…
It is known that:
“Beside every Blessed Man Walks a Woman
Whom Gave Him Her Life and Essence and Heart,
and He in return Gave Her His Soul”
Rest in Peace.
“TO HONOUR AND REMEMBER”
INFO POST
“After faithfully serving as CMPA president over the last three years, Colonel (ret’d) Donovan stepped down from his post 8 November. The incoming CMPA president is Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) Sylvie Beaudry.”
The Pointsman Association Executive and Membership wish to thank Col Donovan for his service to the CMPA, and know he will still be very active amongst the CMPA and MP Veterans alike.
We would also like to extend our congratulations to the incoming CMPA President Lt-Col Beaudry. We look forward to continuing our good working relationship with the CMPA for the benefit of the Branch, serving members and all MP Veterans.
75th Anniversary “MP Veterans Historical Platoon”
Duncan Leggett Honoured To Be Named OPI
Pointsman Vice President Mr Duncan Leggett of Peterborough has taken on the responsibility of being the “Lead Dog” in getting the Historical Platoon off the ground and running for the 75th Anniversary of the Military Police Branch. In the Peterborough area, Duncan has been a quite active with the High Schools in his area every year teaching the students what it was like back then, World War I, Korea etc. Duncan also has been working with old Provosts Peter Marshall and Dell Blakney in restoring vintage military vehicles.
Those interested in working with Duncan and his 75th Anniversary Historical Veterans Platoon, may write Duncan an e-mail at . Duncan will contact you and together this Salute to our History & Heritage will be a reality.
POINTSMAN ASSOCIATION
MEMBERSHIPS
to be carefull with who we admit as a member. Lately being a veteran appears to be an “IN” thing, and some “posers” that have not gone through the committment to serve play dress up. Please be assured that all applications and the process will be conducted will great respect and care for the member’s dignity.
It is also a fact of life that the dues will be going up as well. Initial year is now $70 dollars (still receive a wallet, membership card, coin, and a small token from the Executive. Last year it was an embroidered crest that some used on hats... and some members used as a blazer crest. We were told that a lot of favourable comments were received when it was used as a blazer crest. Something to think about). Yearly dues after your first year is $25.00. Something that has been brought up is look at a Lifetime Membership fee. This is being looked into, but admittingly and being honest we are not sold on this concept quite yet.
Those wishing to be POINTSMAN ASSOCIATION MEMBERS or renew their membership can send us an application on line to
or send by Canada Post to:
The Pointsman Association
PO Box 33023 Bellwood Post Office
London ON N5Y 1A0
(Please include you particulars, e-mail address, and past Badge Number if appilcable)
ASSOCIATION KIT SHOP!
The Pointsman Association has long been an organization where we work for our money, and returned (after paying the bills) money to those causes which are close to the Military Police Causes and Traditions. We have never received handouts, and today is no exception. Our funds come through our memberships, events/functions, and especially our Kit Shop. Thus it is why we have to constantly be coming up with new ideas and “peddling our wares”.