From Greg Mitchell, Vice-President, Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association
Dear Members and friends of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association (CPVA). On behalf of our President, I am pleased to provide you with this brief information update.
Communications
Our recently updated Association website is now active, at CPVA.ca. Our second, educational website also remains active at PK75.ca It hosts a wealth of ever-expanding learning resources, to complement our Anthology, Stories of Canadian Peacekeepers, to which many of you contributed. The CPVA Facebook page provides updates on current CPVA activities.
Our LinkedIn page highlights historic peacekeeping events, commemorates Canadian fatalities, and introduces our Members and their peacekeeping experiences. The latest edition of our journal, The Blue Beret is available on the CPVA website, along with all past editions. For now, they are only available in English, but we are currently producing a French version of the latest edition.
King Charles III Coronation Medal
If you are among the deserving individuals who receive this honour, please send us a photo of the presentation, with caption, by the end of March, so that we can send out a special celebration communiqué highlighting all our CPVA recipients.
PK80 – 80 Years of Peacekeeping
Building upon our very successful PK75 project, we are now preparing for PK80 in 2028. We are requesting the Minister of Veterans Affairs to declare it officially as “The Year of the Peacekeeping Veteran”, and we plan to pursue additional methods of national recognition. PK80 plans we are working on include celebrations, commemorations, educational and outreach activities throughout the year. Your ideas and suggestions are most welcome, and we encourage local initiatives.
Volunteering
Help us to ensure PK80 project success by convincing at least one Peacekeeping Veteran - military, police, or civilian, serving or retired - to contribute his or her anecdote, biography, and photos for inclusion in the Anthology. Send us the name and contact information, and we will connect directly with them to do the rest. We also welcome articles on Peacekeeping-related topics from Academics and Subject Matter experts for inclusion in the Anthology. You can also help by volunteering to work on the project, regardless of how much or how little time and effort you have to offer, as we can tailor your role and tasks to match your availability, interests, and expertise. And If you would like to be even more active and make a difference within CPVA’s governance structure, consider taking on a position within the National Chapter or on the National Board of Directors. Contact me and I would be happy to discuss with you, without obligation, your potential contribution.
Membership Dues
Once a year we collect Membership dues, and we encourage you to submit them as soon as possible before the end of April 2025. To do so, please forward your Interac transfer of CDN $20 to Treasurer@CPVA.ca and don’t forget to include your name and the note ‘membership dues’ in the information box so we know who sent it and why. No security questions and responses are required, as transfers are deposited automatically. If you prefer to pay by cheque, please make it out to CPVA and mail it to CPVA, Suite 503, 745 Highway 15, Kingston, ON K7K 0J6.
Recruiting New Members
To reinforce the steady growth in CPVA membership, please spread the word and encourage your friends and colleagues to join. Direct them to the Membership page on CPVA.ca which includes an application form that can be completed and submitted online.
In conclusion
Thank you for your steadfast support, and we look forward to your continued engagement in the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association, where we “Champion Peace & Honour Veterans”.
Best regards,
Greg Mitchell
Vice-President, Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association
Email: PK80@CPVA.ca
Phone: 705-930-9230