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Topic: Cpl Albert Storm Memorial - 2008 (Read 334 times)
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Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
 Offline
Gender: 
Posts: 3965
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
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Warning order...
The Niagara Falls Branch of The Royal Canadian Regiment Association will be conducting a memorial service for Cpl Albert Storm on the 27th of November, 2008. Corporal Storm was killed in Afghanistan two years ago to the date.
The ceremony will be held inside the chapel at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens , Highway 20, Fonthill.
http://members.niagarafallsdirect.info/1-905-892-2611/
The Niagara Branch shall be meeting at RCL 479, Niagara Falls Ontario, at 1400 hrs. There will be a short briefing at 1415 then, in convoy, we shall travel to the cemetery in plenty of time for the 1500 hr ceremony. The chapel is a short distance from the grave site and, at the conclusion of the service, we shall march to the grave, lay our wreaths/poppies, say the regimental prayer then return back to 479 for refreshments.
I would invite all Royal Canadians who are interested in participating/attending Albert's memorial service to contact me a couple of days prior to the 27th in order that I may take care of the logistics and inform you of any final details.
Association members are encouraged to dress in Regimental blue blazers, gray flannels, RCR tie, beret. Please wear your medals. Of course, this is only a recommendation; please wear whatever you feel is appropriate because it is YOUR attendance that is important!
Pro Patria.
Mike
MLBlaisRCR@Gmail.com.
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1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
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Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 3965
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
|
Directions for those who intend on meeting us at the cemetery. The chapel has plenty of seats but I would have visitors reserve the two first rows for family, VIPs and members of the Niagara Branch, The Royal Canadian Regiment Association. More to follow...
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1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
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Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 3965
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
|
Just a wee reminder for those Royal Canadians, of who I hope there are many, who are considering attending Albert's service on THURSDAY, 27 Novemeber, 2008.
I have everything arranged to commence at 1500 hrs at the chapel at Pleasant View Memorial Gardens chapel. Please arrive slightly earlier in order to have time to meet your fellow royals and find a seat prior to the memorial. Naturally, I expect ;-) all Royal Canadians who can attend to do so, it is, my brothers, our duty to honour those who have fallen, let us do it in fine Royal fashion.
I have invited the Niagara Chapter of the Canadian Association of Veterans of United Nations Peacekeeping to join and they are sending a contingent with there colour party. On an FYI note, the CAVUNP is holding a meeting on the 6th, December, at the legion in Welland, Ontario. At this time, as I understand it, they will hold a vote to rename their local charter, with the Storm family’s permission, The Albert Storm Branch, CAVUNP. I am sure all Royal Canadians share my pleasure in this development. There will also be an opportunity to join if anybody is so inclined.
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1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
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Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Offline
Gender:
Posts: 3965
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
|
The Niagara Branch of the RCR Association conducted a memorial service for Albert Storm this afternoon and it is with great pride that I report to my fellow Royal Canadians how ell the event went off and how well it was attended. Several members of the CAVUNP presented themselves in their light blue jackets and attendance from the Niagara Branch exceeded expectations. Albert's father, brother, wife and children joined us as well as Justice Minister Rob Nicholson's emissary and Kim Kraitor, MPP Niagara.
Here is a copy of my speech and a picture. More photos to follow...
Memorial Service
Cpl Albert Storm, The Royal Canadian Regiment
27th November, 2008
Commencement Sgt Michael Blais CD (Ret).
President, Niagara Branch,
The RCR Association
MP Niagara On behalf of Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice
Mr. Richard Johnson
MPP Niagara Kim Kraitor
Memorial Reverend Duncan Lyon
Retreat Sgt Michael Blais CD (Ret)
President, Niagara Branch,
The RCR Association
The Royal Canadian Regiment’s Regimental Prayer
Almighty God; we humbly implore thy blessing on The Royal Canadian Regiment and all of us who serve therein. Help us to prove worthy to accept the high ideals and traditions of the past; to honour and revere the memory of those who have gone before us; to face our responsibilities in the future, in both peace and war, with courage, justice, love, honesty, and faithfulness. Remove all greed, hatred, selfishness, and envy from our thoughts that we may render true service to the Regiment and for Thee our God; for our fellow man; and "For Country".
Pro Patria
Reception at RCL Branch 479, Niagara Falls, Ontario, after memorial service.
The Royal Canadian Regiment
Roll of Honour
Afghanistan 2003-2008
Sergeant Robert Alan Short 2nd Oct.2003
Corporal Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger 2nd Oct.2003
Corporal Jamie Brendan Murphy 27th Jan. 2004
Private Braun Scott Woodfield 24th Nov. 2005
Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish 3rd Sept. 2006
Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan 3rd Sept. 2006
Private William Jonathon James Cushley 3rd Sept. 2006
Private Mark Anthony Graham 4th Sept. 2006
Private Josh Klukie 28th Sept. 2006
Sergeant Darcy Tedford 14th Oct. 2006
Private Blake Williamson 14th Oct. 2006
Regimental Sergeant Major Robert Girouard 27th Nov. 2006
Corporal Albert Storm 27th Nov. 2006
Sergeant Donald Lucas 8th Apr. 2007
Corporal Aaron E. Williams 8th Apr. 2007
Corporal Brent Poland 8th Apr. 2007
Private David Robert Greenslade 8th Apr. 2007
Private Kevin Vincent Kennedy 8th Apr. 2007
Pro Patria
Good afternoon.
My name is Michael Blais and I am the president of the Niagara Branch of The RCR Association. Allow me to welcome everyone on behalf of the Royal Canadian Regiment, the RCR Association and the Canadian Association of Veterans of United Nations Peacekeeping, whose members have joined us here to commemorate Albert’s life in very special way.
Permit me to take this opportunity to introduce our guests and thank each of you personally for taking the time and making the effort to attend our service.
Albert’s father, his brother Mic and his wife Wendy and there family have joined us today and Niagara Falls MP, Minister of Justice Rob Nicholson, has sent an envoy to speak to us on his behalf. Niagara Falls MPP, Kim Kraitor, has joined us personally. I would note that Frank Pearce is snowed in Barrie and sends his regards while our friend, Hank Hareesma, is recuperating from illness and confined to his home. He to wished me to convey his regards.
We have assembled here today to memorialize one of our regimental brothers, Corporal Albert Storm. Albert was a valiant member of 1st battalion of the RCR and at the moment of his sacrifice, was deployed to Afghanistan as a member of The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, Joint Task Force Afghanistan. Albert was a senior corporal with the Regiment and due to his many years of service and experience had been chosen to drive the Bison APC of a Royal Canadian whom, unlike Albert, I knew and had the pleasure of serving with thirty years ago when the RCR maintained Cold War vigilance in what was then West Germany.
His name was Robert Girouard and at the time of his death he served as the 1st Battalion’s Regimental Sergeant Major. Knowing Bobby and the loyalty his presence instilled , I can see why Albert was so determined to deploy.
Albert Storm was thirty-six years old and a mere three years away from retirement when he and RSM Girouard were attacked by a Taliban suicide bomber on November 27, 2006. By this time, Albert Storm had become a seasoned veteran with The Royal Canadian Regiment, had been to Afghanistan once already and served two tours in Bosnia and one in Croatia.
Had he wished, Albert Storm could have been honourably excluded from the battalion’s deployment to Afghanistan. Albert had been injured prior to the scheduled deployment and there was little time to get back into fighting form before the First and Finest deployed.
Albert Storm did not wish!
Albert Storm was motivated by his allegiance to the regimental brotherhood and his devotion to this great nation to which he had selflessly served with distinction since 1990. Albert Storm, my friends, was going to Afghanistan one more time with The Royal Canadian Regiment.
On the morning of 27th of November, 2006, two years ago to this date, Corporal Albert Storm and RSM Robert Girouard were traveling on Highway 4 between Khandahar Air Field and Khandahar City. Operation Medusa, a combat mission wherein twelve Canadians would perish before the Taliban was vanquished from the field, was being fully implemented. This was a dangerous section of the road and the RCRs providing escort for the small convoy were tense and operating at the highest state of alert.
Albert was driving Regimental Sergeant Major Girouard’s Bison Light Armoured Vehicle, an eight-wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier laden with extra ammunition, water and rations destined for the battalion’s rifle companies as they advanced to contact engaging retreating Taliban forces through the Panjawai Valley. My friend, Regimental Sergeant Major Robert Girouard, was in the Bison’s commander’s hatch where he assisted Albert searching the road ahead for IEDS and kept a weary eye out for insurgents.
At approximately 0830 hrs, Afghani time, a Taliban suicide bomber approached the Canadian convoy and, driving a car crammed with explosives, detonated the massive bomb beside our brothers Armoured Personnel Carrier.
The consequences were catastrophic. Albert Storm and Robert Girouard, our regimental bothers in arms, did not survive this cowardly attack and would, to the Regiment’s profound dismay, become the 12th and 13th member of the Royal Canadian Regiment to die in Afghanistan.
Most of the members of the Niagara Branch of The RCR Association, those who have assembled here today to honour our brother, did not personally know Albert Storm. We are of another generation and in many instances our time on active duty with the Regiment preceded Albert’s by decades. Today there are Royal Canadians present who have served from the battle scarred hills of Korea, to Cyprus, the Middle East, Bosnia and Croatia. Oft times, our missions were conducted under vastly different conditions then our brothers in Khandahar now experience and were bereft of the extreme violence, terror, anarchy and turmoil we have borne witness to in Afghanistan since 2003.
Yet while we may have not known Albert Storm the man, we know in our hearts Albert Storm our brother. Albert Storm was a Royal Canadian, a fraternal member of a regimental family that has flourished for 125 years and contributed valiant young men very much like Albert Storm to every major conflict abroad since Queen Victoria waged war against the Boers at the turn of the last century.
Today, we have congregated beneath our regimental banner to honour our brother’s contribution to our family and to revere Corporal Albert Storm’s ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the Regiment, Canada and this nation’s honourable quest to bring peace and security to the destitute and oppressed people of Afghanistan.
Let us take this solemn opportunity to reflect upon our brother Albert’s service and, in his name, pray for the safety his many valiant friends, our regimental brothers, who currently fly the banner of freedom in Khandahar with 3rd battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
(At this time, the VIPs were invited to speak and Reverend Duncan Lyon conducted a memorial service)
There is one more prayer to be said before we conclude with our memorial service and I would like to recite it to you in name of our brother, Corporal Albert Storm. I would have you turn to the second page of your brochure and reflect not only upon our brother Albert’s sacrifice, but each of the eighteen valiant men who, since the RCR deployed to Afghanistan in 2003, have been added to our Regimental Roll of Honour.
We shall not forget.
Almighty God; we humbly implore thy blessing on The Royal Canadian Regiment and all of us who serve therein. Help us to prove worthy to accept the high ideals and traditions of the past; to honour and revere the memory of those who have gone before us; to face our responsibilities in the future, in both peace and war, with courage, justice, love, honesty, and faithfulness. Remove all greed, hatred, selfishness, and envy from our thoughts that we may render true service to the Regiment and for Thee our God; for our fellow man; and "For Country".
Pro Patria.
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1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
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Bill Norman
Veteran 200+ Member
Offline
Posts: 236
Pro Patria
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Very well said Michael. I knew both Albert & Bob, and they are both definately missed.
Bill
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