From Col Dave Carney, (Ret'd) - National Director CMEA
On Thursday[ 18 Dec 14] I had the good fortune to attend an annual Christmas luncheon with over 250 of the best from the Geo world. A touching moment came when someone placed a large lap top computer on a pedestal and connected on-line and live with our two Geo Techs in Kuwait. They shared in the Christmas luncheon with their friends and colleagues and a long line up formed in front of the lap top as many spoke personally with the two soldiers.
Towards the end I took my turn and introduced myself, thanked them for their service to Canada, and asked if they knew about the CMEA Christmas gift boxes that we had sent.
They looked back at me with big grins and gave me Four Thumbs Up. Today I confirmed with [name and position removed, that all of our boxes had arrived and that our Engineers knew about them and that they would be delivered to each Engineer at 1300 hours on December 25. It was heDan who first brought forward the idea to the National Executive.
Merry Christmas and
CHIMOI
A short time ago, the CMEA received a request to provide a Christmas package to each of our 30-40 Engineer troops deployed in Kuwait. The idea was circulated around the National Executive and within 24 hours, the wheels were set in motion. The logistic effort concurrently started at CFSME to assemble suitable items from the Kit Shop, and at NDHQ to organise the transport and distribution of the packages. Although the contents are modest, they are a reflection of our best wishes to those serving away from home at this special time of year. With the continued support of our members and units, we hope to be continuing this tradition for years to come.
For all those other Engineers deployed overseas and in Alert and Inuvik, the CMEA has sent a Christmas greeting card. In future years it is the intention of the CMEA to put together a standard gift package for all Engineers on deployment and away from home and family over the holiday season. This year, given the late date of this initiative, we are only able to get a gift package to those in Kuwait and even that is not certain as there appear to be a number of stumbling blocks before we can actually get our packages aboard a flight.
Best wishes for the Christmas and New Year from us all.