MEDIA RELEASE FOR DEPARTURE WESTBOUND

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

Follow the trip on my BLOG: michaelcole9112010.blogspot.com

 VETERANS SUPPORT DRIVE - MEDIA NEWS RELEASE

POINTS TO BE ADDRESSED

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. (Not currently).

c. Changing medical terminology from P.T.S.D (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) to P.T.S.I. (Post Traumatic Stress Injury)

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

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

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."

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!

DEPART PARLAMENT HILL 5:00 PM 19 September

Arrive Comox, British Columbia 03 October 2013

Itinerary on Blog Electronic Google Maps

Depart Parlament Hill 5:00 PM ernroute to Petawawa

20 Sep Depart 0900 arrive 1700 hrs

21 Sep Depart 0900 arrive 1700 hrs

22 Sep Depart 0900 arrive 1700 hrs

23 Sep Depart 0900 Arrive 1700 hrs

24 Sep Depart 0900 arrive 1300 hrs Stay in Winnipeg Depart 26 Sep

26 Sep depart 0900 arrive 1700 hrs

27 Sep Depart 0900 arrive 1900 hrs

28 Sep Depart 0900 arrive 1200 hrs Stay in Calgary Depart 30 Sep

30 Sep Depart 0900 arrive 1700 hrs

01 Oct Depart 0900 arrive 1900 hrs

02 Oct Depart 0900 arrive 1400 hrs

03 Oct Depart 0900 arrive 1800 hrs

-- 

RALLY POINT FOR SUNDAYS DEDICATION

Hello Everyone; Just to let you all know where and when I will be departing for the dedication.

PLACE: 401 EAST, ODESSA Enroute Gas Station ( just before Kingston)

DEPARTURE TIME: 10:00 AM

DESTINATION: 294 Cyr Ave, Vanier, Ottawa, Ontario

ARRIVAL TIME: 12:00 but NLT 12:30 PM

DRIVE SAFE - SEE YOU AT THE DEDICATION!

OTTAWA DEDICATION SUNDAY

I wish we never had to have a dedication of this type but it is honourable and sadly required. I was myself almost amongst those being honoured Sunday.

I delayed my Veteran Unity and Equitas Support Drive cross Canada, just so I could attend this very important day.

I look forward to meeting those I speak to on FB and it will be a good occasion to get the message out to the media.

GOVERNMENT - COST / BENEFIT EQUATION

EQUITAS SOCIETY SUPPORT and VETERAN's UNITY DRIVE 

CROSS CANADA

Remember when I talked about the general use of the term,"SOMEBODY?" It is used in the context of; "SOMEBODY should arrest that person! or SOMEBODY should stop the use of poison gas in Syria!" Yep, there is that pesky SOMEBODY we all talk about. The one who is supposed to do this or that, "FOR US," because god knows we would or could not do it. 

So to summarize the previous paragraph, let us substitute the word, "SOMEBODY" for the "FAMILY DOG". So we go away on a shopping trip downtown. We leave the family dog home to guard our house and possessions against thieves. We feel secure that the family dog will always defend our house and us if needed because that is what dogs do. That is why we spend so much on dog food and Veterinarian bills, because the dog is part of our family.

One day the dog starts acting strangely after you come home from shopping. You take a day off work to go to the Vet with the dog. Turns out, there is nothing really wrong with the dog except it is in tremendous pain because of a progressive hip problem. The Vet says that the dog can be helped but it will cost some money, and not just a little. How much you ask? could be a little but it could be a lot, unknown.

So now you have options. These are, put the dog down (cheapest), get drugs to help relieve some of the dog's pain or pay for the full cost of helping the dog back to health or as best as possible using modern medicine.

As a SOMEBODY (myself the dog in my example), I will change the characters back to the way it really is and let's see. The Government is now the homeowner who relied on the dog daily (military, RCMP) to protect the family and possessions (our Country and people as well as Global Interests) for the grand sum total of dog food and an annual trip to the Vet (for an ever shrinking middle class wage and a possible pension after serving many years faithfully). The dog (military or RCMP) now needs a sizable chunk of money to get healed. Cheaper options are available. Which does the Government choose?  

It appears the Government, after relying on these people to guard and defend us, our families and possessions will pay hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of YOUR TAX DOLLARS to fight in BC court the very people that, YOU, the taxpayer, relied upon to defend your Country, homes and families instead of use these millions of YOUR TAX DOLLARS to HELP those that guarded you.

The Government, the elected officials, the ones that defend overspending, false claiming Senators, are the ones that will spend millions of YOUR TAX MONEY, (what's left after the Senate has got to it), to fight those who have truly given their lives to defend you and yours. WHAT???????

YOUR TO DO LIST!

1.   Use your VOTING PEN to FIRE THEM and HIRE SOMEONE with ETHICS and MORALS!

2. WRITE YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT and DEMAND!! THEY STOP WASTING YOUR TAX DOLLARS on a COURT CASE AGAINST RETIRED VETERANS AND RCMP!

3. Bring SHAME UPON THEM. The GOVERNOR GENERAL can PROROGUE PARLIAMENT and CAN STOP THIS COURT CASE if he wants to. He works for the QUEEN and this is OUR COUNTRY and OUR VETERAN'S and RCMP! Don't ask anymore, TELL HIM! AS A PROUD CANADIAN; what you want DONE WITH YOUR TAX MONEY.

To him (the Governor General) and our MP'S; SHAME!!!SHAME ON YOU!!!

NEWFOUNDLAND WEST 07 SEP

MAP TO OTTAWA FYNES DEDICATION 15 SEP

DRIVING SONG

A CALL TO DUTY

Ms. Fynes has requested my presents at a ceremony to honour those:

S.O.S. TREE/PLAQUE FOR SOLDIERS OF SUICIDE

Ms Fynes; I am in Gander Newfoundland at the moment. I am doing a cross Canada drive trying to high light Equitas, PTSD and Job Related Mental Illness. It would be inappropriate if I did not attend. Thank you for the invitation. I see it as a great honour and privilege to be there to support you.

S.O.S

GANDER NFLD - 06/07 Sep 2013

EQUITAS SOCIETY SUPPORT and VETERAN's UNITY DRIVE 

CROSS CANADA

Senator VS Honesty (Who Wins?)

DRIVING SONG NO.1

DRIVING SONG NO.2

DRIVING SONG NO.3

Well hello again road warriors. There is so much to tell you it is hard to find a spot to begin. Well let us go back to North Sydney. There is not much going on in North Sydney other than the weather. The people, as always are kind and friendly. As instructed, we arrived at the ferry loading area 2 1/2 hours before scheduled departure.

My Truck with all of it's flags, stickers and signs is hardly noticeable. None the less, people did notice it and wow, did I get a reception. The first gentleman who came over to talk was kind of shy at first. He was interested in Equitas and it's mission. He then proceeded to tell me a story of his son. His name is Trevor (I believe Dad, I got that right). He wanted to be sure I got his son's name right because you see, I have a picture of a different Trever on my Truck. This Tever had a poem written as a memorial for him and people with PTSD. I found it so moving I put it on the Truck so everyone could understand how someone with PTSD feels.

Back to Trevor's Dad. He began to tell me the story of how his son was injured in Afganistan. He told me, his son was in a negotiation with the Talliban when someone came in with an axe and struck him in the head. The details of his injury I will leave out for those with a sensitive stomach but, suffice to say, getting hit hard in the head with an axe is not good. His brain trauma was extensive. His Father, who I was talking to was visibly shaken but composed. He was so proud of his son and proud of the Veterans that were out there, such as myself, helping pave the way for the inevitable new group of Veterans in the future. We discussed the problems with the New Veterans Charter (NVC) and our mutual disappointment in our Government. We talked about the shame brought on this country when it's own Veterans have to take their own Government to court for fair treatment.

We talked about politics for a bit then I asked him for a favor. I asked if he could give his son something for me. He asked, what would you like me to give him? I popped open one of the many plastic containers in the box of my Truck and pulled out a Equitas T-Shirt for him. I said, "please give him this and tell him that we have not forgotten and are still doing what we can as Veterans to right this wrong (NVC)". He said his son would be thrilled and he took a picture of me and the T-Shirt I was to give him. We exchanged emails and he was off. By this time others were interested in the cause. They too had seen the T-Shirt, and asked for one. They wanted to know how much I was selling them for? I pulled out some shirts, shook their hands and said they are free from me as long as you promise me you will donate to the Equitas Society directly. They promised on their word and I gave them a shirt.

A little while later, a rather large man with a cane came over to me. He smiled stuck out his hand in friendship and said only,"thank you for your service." Of course, as any gentleman would, he said the same to my wife, a Veteran herself of 30 years. This man with the cane just happened to be a fellow by the name of, "Trapper." He is the Head of CAV (Canadian Army Veterans) and 1 CAV. Canada is divided into three different areas for the CAV. 1 CAV is central Canada. 2 CAV is eastern Canada and 3 CAV is Western Canada. We had a great talk and made plans for the future.

You know there are some days that just warm your heart so much and give you that little spring back in your step. Well the morning of the 5th of September was that day for me. I had just arrived in Newfoundland. It was windy, foggy, cold and of course wet. With all that said, I rolled off the Ferry and who was waiting to escort myself and my little truck? None other than the Heads of 1 CAV 2 CAV and the former head of CAV. I would never want to miss an opportunity to thank all the spouses of Veterans and of course Trappers Wife was right there with him and the other leaders of CAV. As I drove along towards St. John's, escorted by the CAV leaders, the wind blowing, rain and wind ever present, I was proud. I said to myself, I need to remember the example of leadership that is being shown to me and keep those and meld them into my own person. Lead by example.

I departed St. John's, Signal Hill at 1:00 pm or 1300 hrs to begin my drive in support of Equitas. A wonderful start. An example of leadership I will never forget and a father's smile as I gave his son that shirt. I got promises of donations to Equitas.

All in all. A damn good start. I will be departing Gander 07 Sep for the west coast ferry back to Nova Scotia, departing on the 9th.

NFLD - Here We Come 05 SEP 2013

05 SEP MAP

DRIVE TUNE 05 SEP

EQUITAS SOCIETY SUPPORT and VETERAN's UNITY DRIVE 

CROSS CANADA

As a great big thank you to Robin Brentnall, I included the song he suggested as our first one for the actual drive.

Our timings are as follows;

Dept N. Sydney 1700

Arrive Argentia Approx. 1030

Arrive Signal Hill St John's 12 - 1230

Arrive Gambo (Joey's) 1600

Overnight in Gander

Must Dept NFLD 09 Sep for return to N. Sydney.

Feelin' the Love!

ANGELS

03 SEP MAP

DRIVING MUSIC

Left Marimachi on the 1st and had a nice quiet drive through Shediac, NB. After Shediac, we decided to go visit my old house I talked so much about in my book. It was a beautiful summer day. The sun was shinning. The soil was so red and everything was so green. It sure brought back nice memories. Memories of a simpler time in my life. New neighbors had moved in next door. They were from Quebec City and were so nice and kind to talk with. They invited us in but we had to keep moving. Went on to Cavendish, Green Gables and finally Charlottetown. We were tired but needed a portion of that fresh East Coast Lobster. Beautiful dinner and a great time.

When I got back, there was an email waiting  for me. A person by the name of Charlene wanted to see me the next day. She works at the MFRC (Military Family Resource Centre). There is a Christmas Movie called "Miracle on 34th Street." In this Movie, one of the actors says that every time you hear a bell ring, another Angel receives their wings.

Well let me tell you, the bells in Charlottetown have rung loud and clear for Charlene. If you could bottle what she has as a natural gift of making you feel welcome and at ease, she would have the corner on the market for sure. If I was in anyway sad or depressed when I went in to see her, I sure as hell was not when I left. Funny, bright, intelligent and wise, it was easy for me to see why she is so valuable as a support person.

We talked, laughed, planned and schemed on what could be done to bring all Veterans groups together and support the Equitas Society at the same time. If 1/10th of what we discussed comes forth, my next pass through the Island will be a very memorable one.

Thanks Charlene for refilling my tank with love and caring. I felt so good, happy and at peace that she was really going to help us make things happen. My drive to Antigonish, NS was nice and uneventful. The Cabot Trail tomorrow then.......on to "THE ROCK". Arrival 05 Sep. My next post will be from NFLD.

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!