Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Stuart Cullum: Glad to be able to attend a meeting again. Updated news from RDP: there has been a substantial increase in enrollment and new programs have been launched. A new trade strategy has resulted n new trade programs being available to students. RDP is dealing with the challenges due to the changes in policies regarding international students.
Duane Evans: Was able to visit the French gravesite of his Uncle Paul who was killed during WW11. He was amazed at the record keeping that provided details regarding his uncle.
Diane McDonnell: Shared the picture of her father who was a navigator on the West Coast and had to abandon his plane but was rescued.
John Binder III: As a retired US Marine Corps Colonel, he shared the tale of how the corps was born- in a bar 350 years ago. He also shared that of the 114 in his officer class, only 14 are left after dying in combat, or due to mental challenges. He shared that soldiers continue to experience challenges as they fight for freedom and urged all to reflect on the sacrifices that are currently being made around the world.
Harvey Maskowitz: Shared that being friends with DG Manon and PDG Kurt resulted in his front table spot at the recent Black Tie Bingo. He was grateful to have won $1000 at Heads and Tails and donated half of it back.
Zainab Mohamoud: Shared news of upcoming ACCOCa garage fundraiser.
Dick McDonnell: Shared story of his uncle Harold who was killed at the age of 19 in WWI and of his father who was overseas for the first 5 years of his marriage.
Dawna Allard: Contributed grateful dollars for the service of her father in the Korean War and her father-in-law for serving in the Winnipeg Rifles
Bob Lampard: Happy to be back for this month, and then off on another adventure. He is the 3rd generation to have served in the military. We learned more about the origin of the poem "In Flanders Fields". Proud that during the 1st game of the World Series in Toronto that this daughter was one of the singers.
mental health concerns as individuals or as a family. Too often 1st responders are left to deal with struggles alone, fearing the stigma attached to admitting needing support. They are endeavouring to change organizational norms regarding need for support for those in these occupations and for their families. Darcy shared how trauma often affects families and careers. The trauma from events becomes cumulative with often dire consequences. 
