CFJSR Det Edmonton 2004

We returned to a different shop this summer after a much needed rest. MWOMcEvoy pulled up stakes and relocated to Line Training to be the new head honcho. Said he hated to go, but seemed to be in an awful rush, hmmmm, I wonder… Anyway, Sgt Troy Byrne, and MCpl Will Whitaker have gone to the “Mother Ship” in Kingston, (lucky them), Cpl Kevin Snyder to Winnipeg, Cpl Kevin Felts to Wainwright, and Cpl Bill Cunningham to Suffield. We now have the task of bringing MCpl Troy Polak, and Cpl Jason Abel up to the trade leading standards maintained here at Detachment Edmonton. After a few days of marshalling equipment, both crews were on the road. One crew was off to do some antenna maintenance in Cold Lake, the other to Yellowknife. The first crew of Sgt. “Moe” Morin, MCpl Billy Pronovost, Cpl’s Steph Proulx, Pat Hall, and Pte’s Sammy Septimo, and Mark Pelton, battled the brush with machete’s at the overgrown tower sites in the remote low-level comm. Sites in PLER, and everyone enjoyed a chopper ride or two. Pte Sammy Septimo doing maintenance in Cold Lake. The Crew of Sgt. Dale Sullivan, MCpl’s Will Whitaker, and Troy Polak, and Pte Ricki Gower were kept busy fighting with bugs, and an osprey that decided to build a nest on one of our tower tried to carry away Pte Gower (she probably thought one of her eggs had hatched). MCpl’s Polak, and Whitaker assisting Pte Gower in Yellowknife. Note the “Bug Hats” Not just practical, but fashionable too.
5/24
The western area C.A.F.L. campout was held this year at Seba Beach the 13-15 of August this year. Golfing, great food, great people, and even a few lies around the campfire ensured a good time for everyone this year. Les Bjerknes, Gary Welsch, Don McNair, Gord Heaton, Bill Escott, Moe Morin, Mark Pelton, Pat Hall, Billy Pronovost, Pete Fox missing. The Det has successfully completed DRT training this year, most of the lectures were very informative especially for the newer members. TOET’s followed by the range was exciting, we blasted off 1000 rounds, some members are being nominated for the JTF as they are exceptional marksmen (not). As for the map and compass training Pte Septimo is now changing his name to Magellan, I think he gets lost at the grocery store . Sgt Morin, Pte Pelton, Cpl Abel. Rock, paper, Scissors for “dat way” Even with all the “hard core” army training, we managed to have a few filler classes like: manhole entry, high angle rescue, and how to write PDR’s. Not to leave out the best part the BET, the expression “ it aint easy walking on water” has a completely new meaning (ouch blisters). Thanks allot to Sgt Lacasse and MCpl Jessome who came all the way from the mother ship in Kingston to teach us First Aid and NBCD. Much appreciated.
6/24
With the arrival of September, and about a foot of snow, the new Detachment Commander cleared in, MWO (Joe) Piovesan. Fortunately, he has been posted to Alberta in the past and was not overly surprised to see a ton of snow on Labour Day. Were all looking forward to completing a busy fall with projects in Cold Lake and Good old Wainwright, cant wait to get a big feed of deer and moose steaks. Followed of course, with a well-earned opportunity to spend time with families and getting some R & R during the Christmas break. After New years, some more refresher training, more on the trade side this time. Then its back on the road for the Grand Daddy of all projects, (put me in, coach) the BC Island swing. Hey, it’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it. All members of CFJSR Det Edmonton send warmest regards to all serving and retired Linemen and their friends and families. Written By: Cpl Patrick J Hall. AKA (Onion Head)