May 29 the people of Vancouver Island are invited to God’s Acre Cemetery in Esquimalt for a candlelight  tribute to honour the service and sacrifice of Canada’s armed forces. The Candlelight Tribute, which takes place every year, honours fallen military members and the sacrifices of military personnel throughout history. This year a special focus will be given to the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landing. “We want to pass on the torch,” says Bob Haldane, Vice President of the Esquimalt Legion, which hosts the event. “It’s important for kids to remember the people who came before them, who fought for everything they have now. “With this special anniversary, it’s especially important to remember the events through history which contributed to the sacrifices of these men and women.” Every year the event hosts guest speakers, musical acts, and presentations. The Victoria Children’s Choir will be in attendance this year performing “How Can I Keep From Singing”, “A Song for Peace”, and the popular Second World War ballad “(There’ll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover”. “Getting so many generations in one place to remember the efforts and values of the past is really the goal,” says Haldane. “We have to open our hearts and our minds and remember the values that all humanity shares in our pursuit of peace, safety, and happiness.” Guests of honour include members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Merchant Navy, Peacekeepers, and veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War. Mayor Barb Desjardins will also be in attendance as well as Capt(N) Luc Cassivi, Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt, and Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific. Following the presentations, those in attendance may place candles on the gravesites at God’s Acre. Last year over 1,000 candles were placed by the 1,000...

[caption id="attachment_6656" align="alignnone" width="300"] Capt (N) Luc Cassivi, Base Commander CFB Esquimalt is the Reviewing Officer for the 19 May 2014 Victoria Day Parade.[/caption] Capt (N) Luc Cassivi, Base Commander CFB Esquimalt is the Reviewing Officer for the 19 May 2014 Victoria Day Parade. CLICK HERE for more photos    

Victoria Day Parade 2014

[caption id="attachment_6630" align="alignnone" width="300"] MCpl Josh Wallace unloads a C-8 service rifle with other members of 3 PPCLI at Grafenwohr Training Area in Germany on May 15.[/caption] MCpl Josh Wallace unloads a C-8 service rifle with other members of 3 PPCLI at Grafenwohr Training Area in Germany on May 15.

[caption id="attachment_6626" align="alignnone" width="300"] SLt Michael Vanderveer (left) and Lt Navy Markian Haluszka on the bridge of HMCS Regina during a mine warfare training in the Mediterranean Sea on May 15, 2014.[/caption] SLt Michael Vanderveer (left) and Lt Navy Markian Haluszka on the bridge of HMCS Regina during a mine warfare training in the Mediterranean Sea on May 15, 2014.

[caption id="attachment_6621" align="alignnone" width="300"] Bill Stewart performs the Aboriginal Sunrise Drumming Ceremony for guests at Duntze Head on Thursday May 15th 2014.[/caption] Bill Stewart performs the Aboriginal Sunrise Drumming Ceremony for guests at Duntze Head on Thursday May 15th 2014.

[caption id="attachment_6617" align="alignnone" width="300"] Airbourne members of the Third Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment board a CC-130J Hercules for a night jump during Exercise Maple Resolve 1401, CFB Wainwright, May 16, 2014.[/caption] Airbourne members of the Third Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment board a CC-130J Hercules for a night jump during Exercise Maple Resolve 1401, CFB Wainwright, May 16, 2014.

[caption id="attachment_6613" align="alignnone" width="300"] Their Royal Highnesses, Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall present "Spirit of Military Family" coins to Shelley Hopkins, MFRC Daycare Director, during a visit to the Halifax & Region MFRC in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 19, 2014.[/caption] Their Royal Highnesses, present "Spirit of Military Family" coins to Shelley Hopkins, MFRC Daycare Director, during their visit in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 19, 2014.

[caption id="attachment_6607" align="alignnone" width="300"] A troop of the 1st (Halifax-Dartmouth) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA, fire a 21-gun salute from the Halifax Citadel in official welcome of the Royals to Canada.[/caption] A troop of the 1st (Halifax-Dartmouth) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA, fire a 21-gun salute from the Halifax Citadel in official welcome of the Royals to Canada.

[caption id="attachment_6588" align="alignnone" width="300"] Bill Stewart shakes hands with RAdm Bill Truelove, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, after receiving the Minister of National Defence/Chief of Defence Staff 2014 Management of Human Resources Employment Equity Award.[/caption] “Eagles tend to appear when I perform the Travelling Song,” says Bill Stewart, Technical Data Specialist at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton and member of the Ahousaht First Nation at a May 15 Sunrise Drumming event. “They embody the spirits of our ancestors, the “Old Ones”, who are keeping an eye on their people and watching over us,” he says. “I take it as a good sign.” During his early morning ceremony last Thursday, six eagles flew overhead, two coming within a few metres of the attendees. “They are always watching, showing us they care and are protecting us,” says Stewart, who was awarded the Minister of National Defence/Chief of Defence Staff 2014 Management of Human Resources Employment Equity Award. The award recognizes significant achievements by people who represent under-recognized groups in the Department of National Defence (DND) such as women, people with disabilities, Aboriginal people, and visible minorities. Stewart received the award due to his work as co-chair of the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG) and his efforts to promote cooperation and friendship between the First Nations and Defence communities. With a 90 per cent hearing impairment, Stewart has also worked with the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Group. “I was shocked when I found out I’d won the award. I don’t think it’s really even sunk in yet,” says Stewart. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done, and think we are all closer to understanding the values of one another. The work will continue for future generations.” Stewart’s advocacy work include a “Travelling Song” written and first performed by Stewart in 2008 in the traditional...

  [caption id="attachment_6585" align="alignnone" width="300"] PO1 Josh Barnes, Team Leader of the 2014 MARPAC Nijmegen team, raises funds during the team Boot Drive at the Dockyard Gate.[/caption] Lacing up his well-worn combat boots and hoisting his rucksack on his back, PO1 Josh Barnes is ready to take the 2014 Nijmegen March by its tulip-adorned horns.Having participated in the four-day 160 kilometre march three years in a row, PO1 Barnes is more than prepared to take on the role as this year’s Maritime Force Pacific (MARPAC) team leader. “It’s been an interesting experience seeing the team from this side of things,” says PO1 Barnes, who has acted as a marcher as well as 2IC for the team in the past. “I’m much more focused on the administration of the team - where we are in terms of training and seeing who among our candidates is ready for the march. Whereas the 2IC is focused on making sure everyone is happy, the team leader is making sure everyone is ready and being pushed to their limits.” PO1 Barnes takes over from CPO1 Chris Koblun, who participated in the Nijmegen March eight years in a row. “Last year, as 2IC, Chris acted as my mentor. I spent a lot of time talking to him about what it takes to lead a team,” says PO1 Barnes. “I’m so thankful for his experience. I picked up a lot of tricks and advice that has already proved invaluable.” Right now, PO1 Barnes is focused on narrowing down the potential candidates from the current pool of 26 hopefuls. With only nine positions available on the team everyone has their work cut out for them. “We started with 52 people, but once we got into marching 40 kilometres in our boots with a 35 pound pack people started...

[caption id="attachment_6579" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Miguelito Valdes played extensively at Club Tropicana, a world-renowned cabaret in Havana, with the house band.[/caption] Three decades ago, 10-year-old Miguelito Valdes held his first musical instrument, a used trumpet supplied by his school. When he held it to his lips and pushed forth a burst of air, the noise was anything but musical. But his lack of skill would not deter him. This was the instrument he would master. Now, 29 years later, the Cuban-born trumpeter is a Leading Seaman in the Royal Canadian Navy, and a pillar in the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. Behind the crisp black uniform and military style haircut, is a man with a rich musical history. “You start very young in Cuba,” he says, sitting amongst piled songbooks and sheet music, and surrounded by instruments in a small back room at the Naden Band headquarters. “It’s not like here where kids start lessons at 12 or 13 and play a few hours a week. In Cuba you play every day. It’s a part of your school day. If you were going into the arts it became a part of your life very quickly.” Formal training began at age 11 when he enrolled at the Paulita Conception Elementary School of Music, and ended at age 19 when he graduated from the Amadeo Roldan Provincial School of Music. “The arts are a way of life in Cuba,” he says. “I learned math, social studies, and all of the usual things you learn in school, but I was playing trumpet right alongside all of it.” Outside of school, he formed the group “Jelengue”, and at age 19 they recorded an album and toured for a number of years. He also played extensively at Club Tropicana, a world-renowned cabaret in...

  Parade Commander MGen Dean Milner (right) presents the baton carried by the 19-person Soldier On Afghanistan Relay team to Chief of the Defense Staff, General Tom Lawson (left), during National Day of Honour ceremonies on Parliament Hill, May 9, 2014.

  RCMP Inspector Richard Hayes leads the Soldier On Afghanistan Relay team past National Defence Headquarters on the last leg of the relay on May 8, 2014.

Cpl Andy Social gives high-fives to the students from Georges Vanier Catholic Elementary School during his leg of the Soldier On Afghanistan Relay in Kanata, Ontario on May 8, 2014.

  Cpl Pierre Gladu passes the baton to RCMP Inspector Richard Hayes upon completing his leg of the Soldier On Afghanistan Relay in Ottawa, Ontario on May 8, 2014.

AS Craig Gagnon uses the Long Range Acoustic Device during an exercise on the starboard bridge wing of HMCS Regina May 10, 2014 in the Red Sea.

Two F-18 (Hornet) fighter jets getting ready to take-off for a local familiarization flight of the region, during NATO reassurance measures on May 12, 2014 in Câmpia Turzii, Romania.

[caption id="attachment_6525" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Zachariah Stopa, MARPAC Imaging ServicesCapt(N) Bradley Peats explains the role of Orca class vessels to delegates of the NATO Assembly, during their visit to CFB Esquimalt on May 2.[/caption] Forty-five delegates from the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which provides an essential link between NATO and the parliaments of NATO nations, visited CFB Esquimalt on Friday, May 2 to discuss security developments in the Asia-Pacific region and their significance for Canada. The delegation was led by President Hugh Bailey from the United Kingdom and Sub-Committee Chair Neemo Knip from the Netherlands. It was hosted by Cheryl Gallant, Conservative MP for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, Chair of the Canadian NATO Parliamen-tary Association. The delegations’ visit to CFB Esquimalt began with presentations and discussions. Dr. Jim Boutilier, Special Advisor for International Engagement, led a discussion on the growing importance of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and the impact of strong navies in Japan, China and India on international foreign policy.  “The delegation members were suitably struck by the brittle maritime environment in East Asia waters,” Dr. Boutilier noted. “One of the challenges currently facing NATO is how to enhance ties and develop a stronger presence in Asia.”Since its creation in 1955, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly provides a specialized forum for members of parliament from across the Atlantic Alliance to discuss and influence decisions on Alliance security. The Assembly facilitates parliamentary awareness and understanding of the key issues affecting the security of the Euro-Atlantic area, and supports national parliamentary oversight over defence and security. As stated by our Prime Minister, Canada’s economy floats on salt water, hence the growing importance of the maritime security of this region. Following the morning’s discussions, the delegates boarded two Orca Patrol Craft Training (PCT) vessels, and the vessels’ capabilities were showcased during a tour of Esquimalt Harbour....

[caption id="attachment_6532" align="alignnone" width="300"] Boris Martine repairs a bike inside one of the Vélofix Mobile ProShop vehicles.[/caption] With Bike to Work Week just around the corner, cyclists at CFB Esquimalt can look forward to getting their ride some on-the-spot love and care. The Vélofix Mobile Bike ProShop will be onsite at the base’s Bike to Work Week breakfast May 26 from 6:15-8 a.m., offering bike adjustments to event participants. Vélofix features all the amenities of a professional bike shop in the back of a van. Going wherever they’re called, the Vélofix team offers professional tune-ups, repairs, and maintenance. Chris Guillement, who founded Vélofix with Davide Xausa and Boris Martin in Vancouver in 2013, says, “Vancouver is a very bike-friendly town and we realized a lot of people would need some mechanical help when they wouldn’t be able to get it.  With Vélofix, people can get bike work done when and where they need it.” Cyclists can make reservations online at www.velofix.com to have the bike shop come to them. All the customer’s mechanical needs are met at their location, or the bike is picked up and returned later. “There wasn’t really anything like Vélofix in Vancouver, or anywhere we could find so we knew we were onto something,” says Guillement. “It’s been great, and we’ve grown so much in the last few years.” Vélofix now has franchises open in Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island. The Victoria operation has attracted some prestige, being co-owned by Simon Whitfield, former professional triathlete and Olympic Gold and Silver medalist. “It’s great having someone like Simon involved in our little enterprise,” says Guillement. “Obviously, he’s a big proponent of cycling and having his name and passion behind Vélofix has been amazing.” Guillement says he’s excited to have Vélofix showcasing its services at CFB Esquimalt’s Bike to Work Week Breakfast, which will take place in Naden’s CANEX parking lot. “We love supporting events like Bike to Work Week because it promotes the sport and...

[caption id="attachment_6518" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lt(N) Kristina Gray, LS Gregory Fillmore and CPO Mick Golby (RN) (left to right). stand in front of USS NEW MEXICO not long after she surfaced beside Camp Nautilus.[/caption] Floating on a chunk of ice in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, United States Navy (USN) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel learned that Mother Nature doesn’t always accommodate military schedules.From the waterborne “Camp Nautilus”, about 100 kilometres north of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, groups of USN and CAF personnel monitored submarine manoeuvering, surfacing, and logistics exercises from Mar. 17-27 during Submarine Laboratory Ice Exercise 2014 (ICEX14). “It was a very surreal experience working out on a huge piece of ice,” says Lt(N) Kristina Gray of Canadian Submarine Force Sustainment, an organization dealing with logistics and long-term planning for Canada’s submarine force, with a headquarters based at CFB Esquimalt. “When I got there all you could see was ice in every direction and a camp made out of plastic and plywood. It was strange.” During her time at Camp Nautilus, Lt(N) Gray worked as a Range Safety Officer, monitoring submarine movement beneath the arctic ice of their camp. Using a hydrophone suspended from the flow through holes in the 9-foot-thick ice, sensors tracked movement by USN submarines USS New Mexico and USS Hampton as they manoeuvred in the arctic waters. “The subs are moving together and conducting surfacing exercises so part of that is making sure their separation space is sufficient and everything is moving like it’s supposed to,” she says. “For things to go smoothly we had to make sure everyone was directed to the appropriate waterspace at all times. Without that information, things could get really bad.” While doing their work with ICEX14, Lt(N) Gray and her Assistant Range Safety Officer MS Gregory Fillmore of...

National Day of Honour was May 9, 214. The 40,000 who fought mission in Afghanistan and the 158 who fell are be honoured during one-time event

Title: Bike to Work Breakfast Location: CANEX parking lot - NadenDescription: Bike to Work Breakfast CANEX parking lot - Naden PSP invites you to the 16th Annual Bike to Work Breakfast. Join us for snacks and coffee to kick start your day. FREE! 6:15am - 8:00am Bike to Work WeekMay 26-June 1The bicycle is the most energy-efficient form of travel ever devised. Commuting to work by bike is within easy reach of people of any level of fitness. With the rate of cycling numbers approaching that for transit and walking, Victoria is not only the ‘Fittest City’ and ‘Cycling Capital of Canada,’ - it is the fi rst city in the country in which cycling has become a ‘mainstream’ travel mode. Support this year’s BTWW by riding your bike to work! CFB Esquimalt is no exception, with over 1,000 bicyclists recorded!

Title: Deployment DinnerLocation: Location: St. Peter and St. Paul’s Anglican Parish (1379 Esquimalt Road)Link out: Click hereDescription: Deployment Dinners Is your military member away on a deployment, course, Afghanistan or other work related separation? Is your member deploying soon? Come out, enjoy a great dinner and meet others like yourself. Free childminding available. RSVP 5 days before event. This event is for friends and families of military members currently experiencing or soon to experience a deployment. Newcomers are also welcome. Call the MFRC 24–Hour Information Line at 250–363–2640 to register (toll free: 1–800–353–3329). Location: St. Peter and St. Paul’s Anglican Parish (1379 Esquimalt Road) [MAP] Wednesday May 28, June 25, July 23 6-8:30pm Suggested Donation $2 per person or $5 per family Start Time: 18:00Date: 2014-05-28End Time: 20:30

Title: Father Day's BBQLocation: at Goldstream ParkDescription: Father Day's BBQ at Goldstream Park MFRC event page Come out and celebrate this special day even if you have a member away. Watch for the Unit’s Banners in the general picnic area of Goldstream Park. Walk to the Nature House or explore other trails with military families from your community. The MFRC and the CANEX provide beverages, hotdogs and all the fix'ens plus s'more making supplies. Register by June 7 by calling the MFRC at 250-363-2640. Location: Goldstream Park MFRC 641 Saturday June 14 Lunch: Noon-1:30pm Walk to the Nature House: 1:30-3pm Start Time: 12:00Date: 2014-06-14End Time: 13:30

Title: Deployment Coffee NightLocation: CPACDescription: Title: Deployment Coffee Night Location: CPAC Description: Is your military member away or planning to be away soon? Would you like to meet others dealing with a deployment? Would you like to make some new connections before you member goes away? Would you like to “take a child-free break” with others like yourself? These evenings are an opportunity for people to connect and share over a cup of coffee! MFRC staff will be on hand to provide information. Share your tips about dealing with military deployments. Come and learn from those who have done it all before. You are not alone. Free child care provided if registered in advance. Registration for this program is required for all participants at least 5 days in advance of session dates. Call the MFRC at 250-363-2640 to register. Location: CPAC MFRC 621 Wednesday September 13 6:30-8:30pm FreeStart Time: 18:30Date: 2014-09-13End Time: 20:30

Title: Boatsmen Family BarbecueLocation: Saanich Heritage Society ParkDescription: Boatsmen Family Barbecue Sept. 21, 2014, at the Saanich Heritage Society ParkDate: 2014-09-21