IT HAS STARTED - THE DRIVE

I am going to write this blog in much the same format as my Book,"From Over The Fence." I will try to make it informative and fun to read. I will try and pass on as much information as I can so you can follow the drive, drive with me (in your own car/truck/bike...etc) or give your opinions to your MP, Veterans Group or just support the fine people at the Equitas Society, in their fight for; Justice, Fairness and Equity.

Both myself and my wife are ex-military. My wife, nicknamed,"the wife", for my heath reasons properly referred to as Lillian, retired as an RSM or Master Warrant Officer, of 30 years. I myself served 25 years. I retired a Captain. Lillian's trade was Supply and mine, Pilot.

Now try and imagine 55 years of military training, trying to plan organize and execute a cross Canada drive. It was not pretty. Actually, it was fun. A lot of marital jabs and rank related comments but, we got it done, kind of.

It is the night before our departure. Just need to load the truck and go. Simple. Not really. You see, a Supply Tech needs to know exactly where everything is. I on the other hand, see a lot of stuff and everything should be there. Departure was planned for 0700 hrs. That is military for, really early. The reason I say that is because of all the loading and last minute double checks, it will take about 2 hours to get gone.

At 0825 hours, standing in the driveway, I had a clue that we were not going to depart on time since we are already almost 1.5 hours, behind schedule. With my humour still intact, we carried on and smartly pulled out of the driveway right on time, at 0916 hrs. Bless her heart, my wife was desperately trying to ensure we did not forget anything. The night before while trying to fall asleep, I had mentioned two things, above all else, we must not forget. Having helped with all the packing and loading, taking care not to piss-off my RSM, as we pulled out of the driveway, I thought I should just ask if she had remembered to pack those two essential items. That was our first 180 back home. Luckly that was to be our last.

Twelve and a half hours later we arrive in Edmunston,NB. Tired but happy. I had looked at the forecast and the rain along our route was supposed to have moved south of our track but, it had other ideas. Mountains, rain and darkness was not a fun way to finish our first day but it was satisfying that we were finally on the road.

Day 2 was nice, relaxed and scenic. Departed at 0926 and arrived in Maramichi, NB at 1440 hrs. Spent the rest of the day with future planning and preparation and postings. Looking forward to showing Lillian PEI over the next 2 days.

01 and 02 Sep MAPS

DRIVING SONG 1 SEP

DRIVING SONG 2 SEP

IT IS TIME!

Tomorrows Map 31 Aug

Tomorrows Driving Song

I have been listening very carefully. I have heard many of your complaints and problems with VAC and the Government.

I was tired of listening and quite frankly, it is time to do something. Talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words. If you are not happy with the status quo, then do something about it.

If you need an excuse to make a move, use me. I am trying to lead by example. If you think you want change to happen too, then get out there with me. Take a little drive. Show your support for Equitas and their lawsuit. You don't have to do much, just show unity. As long as we are all a scattered bunch, that is how we will be treated, as individual cases.

So here is your chance to show unity. Call your MP. Come take a drive with me. One little truck is nothing. One hundred cars trucks and motorcycles, will get noticed. With more displays of unity and showing that we can unify again for the common good of all Veterans, then, IT IS TIME!

WE ARE ON OUR WAY - DAY 1 (30 August 2013)

DAY 1 PLAN MAP

MUSIC: Eastbound and Down

The Squadron's nickname was "Snowy Owl". Their motto was Pugnamus Finitum, Latin for 

"We Fight To The Finish"

No. 420 Squadron is no longer active.

THE SUN ARTICLE

Pictures were taken today. PR tomorrow on the Base in Trenton and at the local MP's Office. Buisness cards are done. Looks like were good to go. See you on the road.

I could not resist one more Owl Picture

MEDIA - INFORMATION DISPLAY/DISCUSSION

To all media, myself and Truck will be at two locations tomorrow. The locations are; Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario and the office of our local MP Rick Norlock. Hope to see you there. Topics to discuss are:

a. The CROSS CANADA TRIP and why in support of the Equitas Society.

b. That Mental Illness, whether job induced or naturally occurring is, "A DISABILITY" under the Charter.

c. The UNIONIZATION of the Canadian Military. Union is the only recourse against the New Vet Charter.

d. One Veteran - One Standard. A soldier sacrifice in Afganistan (or any other conflict zone) is the same as that experienced by WW2 and Korean Veterans. No more old and new Veterans Charters.

SYRIA

The global community is outraged at the possible use of chemical weapons on innocent civilians. The cry has gone out; SOMEBODY SHOULD DO SOMETHING TO STOP THIS MADNESS!

OH! Here is a "SOMEBODY" that could help. To help, though this "SOMEBODY" has to leave their friends, family and Country to do so. Remember, under the "New Veterans Charter," this SOMEBODY is not as valued as the WW2 or Korean Veterans. That is the choice for this "SOMEBODY". Inequality, or Class Action Lawsuit against this "SOMEBODY'S" own Government. For now, we should send in the GG to lead the Honourary Colonels' till this is sorted.

One last point. You really can't send in these soldiers because they are not fully qualified. I know this because when released from the military, they need to pay in excess of $200.00 to get their,"Firearms Safety Certificate." A Government money grab? YA THINK?!

ROLL UP THE RED CARPET ON THE GG TOO!

Governor General.

In military terms, (you may not be familiar with) I believe it is said,

"LEAD, FOLLOW or GET OUT OF MY WAY!"

 Equitas Society

 

Since the Government will not be sitting in September, I believe this would afford the Governor General, the military's, "Commander in Chief," to lead the drive West bound across Canada with me, in support of the Veterans. The Equitas Society would be very excited to receive his support. I'm sure the GG could make a quick call over to Dominion Command (The Legion) and have them join in too. This will all be very exciting.

He (the Governor General) of course, would be doing this with my tax money. He, from all I have witnessed, does not really do anything during a proroguing, but ........ no one is quite sure.

So, my plan is to go visit Rideau Hall and politely ask if he (the Governor General) would like to LEAD US. I am certain he will find it quite an honour. I have an extra Equitas Society T-Shirt for him so he can feel like part of our team. See you in Ottawa.

VETERANS SUPPORT DRIVE - MEDIA NEWS RELEASE

Doing What You Say, Not Just Saying What You Would Do!

There is no better way to make change than doing something. Wishing things were different does no one any good. As the old saying goes,"the road is paved with good intentions."

TRANSPORT

I personally will pave it with a little rubber from my tires. The members of the Equitas Society are taking on the Government over fair treatment of all Veterans. They are asking only to be equal, not special. They are asking for support and donations.

This is where I can do something. I have donated significant moneys from my own retirement funds to help and I will also be driving across Canada, to raise awareness for their cause. We all can do our part. I'm doing mine, and proud of it!

You can follow my journey cross country on my blog.

EQUITAS SOCIETY FACEBOOK

NEWS RELEASE J.I.M.I. (Job Induced Mental Illness) Attached

We started out, a Colony. Then a Dominion. Finally we are, a Country. As a Country we must work on pride in what it truly means;"to be Canadian."Things I believe as a Canadian. The Military and RCMP should never be loyal to any political party or ideology. Religion should be a personal choice but should never interfere with the running of a country or the making of laws. The free spending Senators, who are confused about forms and where they live and our Walmart Greeter, "The Governor General", must go. The Minister of Finance, wanting to pay for the Senators and GG with our hard earned cash has his hands so far down into my pocket: I am beginning to smile and blush. The money saved Mr. Finance Minister, would more than help our Veterans and our Country.

As a Veteran, I see a problem. The problem I see is that two organizations (the Military and RCMP) who have no political power or right to unionize, are being taken for granted. The one thing, that will never be in power, never have a voice to defend them. The one thing, they have sworn to lay their own lives down for. To defend at all cost, cannot help them. THEIR COUNTRY!

I myself, by myself, with no outside sponsorship, feel compelled to do something to effect change. The Equitas Society

 is going ahead with their class action lawsuit against the Government of Canada. They are doing this for non-self serving reasons. They have kindly asked for Canadians to help them right a wrong. I'm on my way.

I am going to answer their call for help and action. With my own retirement money and using my own time and vehicle, I will be crossing Canada in an effort to raise the awareness of this group and their cause. I will not be taking donations or gifts. You must send those to Equitas. If any person, corporation or party would like to provide basic necessities such as; food, gas or shelter, that would be appreciated.

This drive is not about me or for me. This drive is for all Veterans, serving RCMP / Military and First Responders (more about First Responders in later Blogs). Equitas is fighting for fairness and they need all the assistance,we as a Country can give them. I am going to do this and donate cash as well. This is my decision alone but, as I drive you are welcome to follow as long as you like, to show solidarity for their cause. From now till the day I depart, I will be passing on more information.

My job experience for this task is quite lengthy. 14 years of fighting the different government departments for fairness and justice.(not achieved yet). This includes Senior Officers violating Orders, making a Settlement through ADR. Losing the Settlement so I could not receive VAC pension right away. The Privacy Commission who thinks it is okay that DND lost the Settlement documents and file. Ethics that will not talk to me. GG who will not help. Senator and Local MP who will not help and Human Rights and their lack of understanding that a mentally injured Veteran wanting to bring a case against the Government, is disabled. (not the current status)

Finally: for VAC who I have dealt with extensively for the past 9 years. I know their Modus Operendi all to well and I think most NVC (New Veterans Charter) Veterans, know what I mean by that.

Much more to follow. I hope to see you all on the road Westbound or at least, financially assisting these Patriots in their efforts, for all of us.

TIME TO GET OUR CANARDS IN A LINEAR FASHION!

BE WITH THE TEAM, ONE MORE TIME

UNITED WE STAND.... ACTUALLY, 

THEY DON'T HAVE A CHANCE!

In support of the Class Action Lawsuit filed by Military Veterans.

The Equitas Society of BC.against the Government of Canada.

GET OUT THERE AND DRIVE WITH ME!

NFLD RIGGINS NO.3 Last Of The Funny Entries (Business Next)

In my continuing desire to blend into the lifestyle of the Province, I tried to select some more Danny William's approved,"Road Riggins."

As my departure date draws ever closer, I shall point out some items that may come in handy as I traverse this wonderful Province.

MY THIRD CHOICE WERE THESE ITEMS - SEE IF YOU CAN GUESS THEIR PURPOSE?

DON'T WORRY THEY ARE PLASTIC! 

I USE THESE AS A DETERRENT!

There is a song by Arlo Guthrie called, "Alice's Restaurant." It was written in the Vietnam era to expose the craziness of the military medical/draft procedures.

Please listen to the song. After hearing the whole song, you will understand, Group "W". You will know why you are put there and under what circumstances. I hope you enjoy the song. I realize it is a little dated but, the message about how out of control the military can get, still rings true.

Alice's Restaurant

NFLD RIGGINS - NO.2

In my continuing desire to blend into the lifestyle of the Province, I tried to select some more Danny William's approved,"Road Riggins."

GOT TO LOOK GOOD ON THE ROAD!

As my departure date draws ever closer, I shall point out some items that may come in handy as I traverse this wonderful Province.

MY SECOND CHOICE WAS THIS ITEM - SEE IF YOU CAN GUESS IT'S PURPOSE?

THE INTERNATIONAL FISHING RULES!

1. No sabotaging catches

2. Help with catch

3. Longest fish wins (Nose to tip of tail)

4. Cheating is good

5. 24 HR long illness / injury not included

6. Must fish together

7. Must catch your own fish

8. Must actively fish in known fishing areas

9. Equal time for favorite fishing spots

10. No distractions while catching fish

More Tomorrow

NEWFOUNDLAND RIGGIN'S! - GOT TO HAVE'UM

In my desire to blend into the lifestyle of the Province, I tried to select some Danny William's approved,"Road Riggins."

As my departure date draws ever closer, I shall point out some items that may come in handy as I traverse this wonderful Province.

MY FIRST CHOICE WAS THIS ITEM - SEE IF YOU CAN GUESS IT'S PURPOSE?

ALL ITEMS FITTED FOR MY TRUCK

ANY WORD FROM THOSE BIKER GUYS/GALS FROM CAV??

FOR THRILLS - MY FORMATION LEAD BY; "ARMY ONE"

The Countdown Has Begun

I meet with SUN Media tomorrow. As the days move closer to my departure, more and more information will become available to the public. The one thing we all fought for was,"freedom of speech". How about we all give it a try together.

Very kind well wishes from a very kind and caring supporter of Veteran's issues regarding mental health. You may know her from the Olympics, Clara Hughes.

With All Of Us Together - We Can Make Change Happen!

LETTER TO CLARA HUGHES

Hi Clara; I told you that I would not bother you unless I had some important news. I will be

starting a drive across Canada in support of two things.

First, as a gesture of support for those in the Equitas Society who are in a Class Action 

Lawsuit against the treatment of Veterans. 

Secondly, I will be bringing awareness to the plight of First Responders. Military, 

Police, EMS and Rescue personnel. I am trying to make the employers of these people 

understand that, mental issues will come up due to their exposure to traumatic events and 

this is to be anticipated. Just the nature of their work, these people need talk time and 

professional help without the fear of losing their job or have a stigma attached to them for 

saying, on occasion, I NEED HELP! 


I leave St John's on the 5th of September. I hope to meet you 

somewhere along my travels. Take care. Michael.

THE POWER OF A DOLLAR

Senate reform, what is the problem? I do not see a problem. The position of Senator should be one of Honour,  Dignity and Pride.

Currently it appears that Senators can't understand forms. They can't figure out where they live. I'm sure that not all Senators are bad or confused but there obviously are some. I know this is going to be a stretch for most of you but; I HIGHLY DOUBT THAT SENATORS ARE FROM THE LOWER or MIDDLE CLASS WAGE EARNERS! They are all rich in our; "The average Canadian's" eye. Why are the poor or middle class people paying for this? The final question that should be asked by us as citizens is, if Senators are confused about where they live and do not know what a legitimate expense is then, maybe they should seek medical help and their Security Clearance should be lifted.


"The power of a dollar". They are already rich. They should look at being a Senator as a position of Honour and work for 1 (one) dollar a year. This would solve the governments Constitution problems / questions. We could as a country again, be re-assured that the Senate and Senators are working for the best interest of our Country. Their pay of 1 (one) dollar would make Canadians happy. The Finance department would save millions or our taxpayer dollars and we would not have to pay auditors money to come in and look at expenses. Isn't this what the Auditor General is for? We already pay for that person. More money wasted.

Might as well through in the "Walmart Greeter", The Commander in Chief while we are at it. For all the help he has provided suffering Veterans, I think 1 (one) dollar is too rich!

DRIVE INVITE & THE CAV

I put out an email yesterday to CAVHQ (Trapper). I would like to put out a general invitation to all on 2 or 4 wheels to drive along with me for as long as you wish. The company would be great. If anyone needs to know timings, I can give you rough ones now but I will be doing a daily Blog post enroute and you will have exact times then. Let's have a little fun before the Summer is gone and support those from the Equitas Society at the same time. NQNS

IT SEEMS MY FORWARD LOOKING NVG'S 

ARE A LITTLE ANXIOUS TO GET GOING