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http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/webapp/sitepages/printable.asp?paper=www.thedailyobserver.ca&contentid=649311&annewspapername=Pembroke+Daily+Observer
Printed from www.thedailyobserver.ca web site Sunday, August 12, 2007 - © 2007 Pembroke Daily Observer
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Special Operations Regiment welcomes new members
STEPHEN UHLER
Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 07:00
Local News - Canada's latest weapon in the battle against terror looks to the past for inspiration as it prepares to tackle the future.
On Friday, the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) welcomed 27 new members of the unit, on a day which marked two anniversaries, the first year of the new special forces group and the 65th anniversary of the famed Devil's Brigade, the first special service force.
The joint U.S.-Canadian unit achieved legendary status for its activities against the Nazi forces in the Second World War. Being both highly trained and skilled, it represented the best of what both nations had to offer.
To recognize its predecessor, the CSOR invited a contingent of Devil's Brigade veterans to witness graduation ceremonies, which took place at the training area of CFB Petawawa.
Before a large crowd of family, friends, VIPs and supporters, members of the CSOR, along with their U.S. special forces brethren, demonstrated their skills as soldiers, including parachuting, rappelling from helicopters and repelling a mock assault with the application of .50 calibre machine guns and a well-timed air strike, courtesy of a pair of CF-18 Hornets from CFB Bagotville in Quebec.
The highlight of the day was when the 27 new members were officially welcomed into the special forces family by the Devil's Brigade veterans, who each presented the soldiers with a special coin traditionally handed out at this time.
Lt.-Col. Jamie Hammond, the CSOR's commander, said the regiment looks to the veterans of the 1 SSF for inspiration.
"You've heard a lot about their exploits," he said, addressing those assembled, describing them as legendary.
"They inspire every one of us today," and share a common bond in the sense both organizations are committed to excellence.
Lt.-Col. Hammond said it is these qualities within the original special forces of commitment, dedication, drive and elan they at CSOR are trying to replicate within their own unit, as they carry the legacy of 1 SSF forward.
One of the graduates, Eric - for security reasons CSOR members are identified by first name only - said he joined the unit to challenge himself. The captain said it is a pretty demanding life both physically and mentally, but it is one he wants to pursue.
"One of my goals in life is to do my share for my country," he said, which will lead him to Afghanistan, since Canada is committed there. The presence of the Devil's Brigade veterans made this day all the more special for the soldiers graduating, Eric said.
"It's a proud moment to see these guys come out," he said, and hand out the special forces coins to the new members as a way of welcoming the unit's contribution to the legacy started years before.
"You could see it in their eyes, they are really proud of us."
suhler@thedailyobserver.ca
Printed from www.thedailyobserver.ca web site Sunday, August 12, 2007 - © 2007 Pembroke Daily Observer
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Operations Regiment welcomes new members
STEPHEN UHLER
Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 07:00
Local News - Canada's latest weapon in the battle against terror looks to the past for inspiration as it prepares to tackle the future.
On Friday, the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) welcomed 27 new members of the unit, on a day which marked two anniversaries, the first year of the new special forces group and the 65th anniversary of the famed Devil's Brigade, the first special service force.
The joint U.S.-Canadian unit achieved legendary status for its activities against the Nazi forces in the Second World War. Being both highly trained and skilled, it represented the best of what both nations had to offer.
To recognize its predecessor, the CSOR invited a contingent of Devil's Brigade veterans to witness graduation ceremonies, which took place at the training area of CFB Petawawa.
Before a large crowd of family, friends, VIPs and supporters, members of the CSOR, along with their U.S. special forces brethren, demonstrated their skills as soldiers, including parachuting, rappelling from helicopters and repelling a mock assault with the application of .50 calibre machine guns and a well-timed air strike, courtesy of a pair of CF-18 Hornets from CFB Bagotville in Quebec.
The highlight of the day was when the 27 new members were officially welcomed into the special forces family by the Devil's Brigade veterans, who each presented the soldiers with a special coin traditionally handed out at this time.
Lt.-Col. Jamie Hammond, the CSOR's commander, said the regiment looks to the veterans of the 1 SSF for inspiration.
"You've heard a lot about their exploits," he said, addressing those assembled, describing them as legendary.
"They inspire every one of us today," and share a common bond in the sense both organizations are committed to excellence.
Lt.-Col. Hammond said it is these qualities within the original special forces of commitment, dedication, drive and elan they at CSOR are trying to replicate within their own unit, as they carry the legacy of 1 SSF forward.
One of the graduates, Eric - for security reasons CSOR members are identified by first name only - said he joined the unit to challenge himself. The captain said it is a pretty demanding life both physically and mentally, but it is one he wants to pursue.
"One of my goals in life is to do my share for my country," he said, which will lead him to Afghanistan, since Canada is committed there. The presence of the Devil's Brigade veterans made this day all the more special for the soldiers graduating, Eric said.
"It's a proud moment to see these guys come out," he said, and hand out the special forces coins to the new members as a way of welcoming the unit's contribution to the legacy started years before.
"You could see it in their eyes, they are really proud of us."
suhler@thedailyobserver.ca