8.22.2011

Wounded war hero marries injured comrades sister meeting hospital

A soldier injured in Afghanistan met his future wife as she visited her brother in hospital after he was hurt in the same gun battle.
Kingsman Harrison Greaves, 19, was wounded by gunfire when his platoon came under attack in Helmand province in May last year.
He suffered from injuries to his left arm but did not notice he had been hit and continued to fight for another 20 minutes.
His future brother-in-law Corporal Chris McInerney, 24, was shot minutes later in the same fire-fight.
Harrison Greaves proposed to his future wife a year to the day that he was shot
Harrison Greaves proposed to his future wife a year to the day that he was injured by the Taliban
It was when his sister Atonia Ifould, 21, came to visit him at Selly Oak Military Hospital in Birmingham that she met Mr Greaves.
 
'We went in to see Chris and I heard Harrison complaining about his earphones not working,' she explained.
'I saw him and I thought, "ooh he's alright". They were shot on the same day. They were in the same regiment but didn't really know each other before.
'They were injured in the same battle and were on the same helicopter out.'
She asked her brother about Mr Greaves, who was in the bed opposite, and discovered he helped wheel her brother into hospital.
Mr Greaves suffered from injuries to his left arm but did not notice he had been hit and continued to fight for another 20 minutes.
Mr Greaves suffered from injuries to his left arm but did not notice he had been hit and continued to fight for another 20 minutes.
She took a note of his name before contacting him on Facebook once she got home.
The care worker sent him a message praising his bravery and they started emailing and sending text messages to one another before arranging a first date two weeks later when he was discharged.
She said: 'I'm really happy now. Harrison and I think it's fate that he got shot because it allowed him to meet me.'
The pair tied the knot at a hotel in Darwen, Lancashire, and are planning their honeymoon before moving in together at Mr Greaves's UK military base.
Mrs Greaves wore a flowing white gown, with pink bridesmaids in tow, and Harrison, who has served in Canada and Cyprus, wore his military uniform for the civil ceremony in a Lancashire hotel.

She added: 'I'm excited to spend the rest of my life with him.'

Anorther Group Returns Home

http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/news-nouvelles/story-reportage-eng.asp?id=5352

7.29.2011

Memories

 (this story was sent to me by my Aunt through email - I thought I'd share it with the rest of you, enjoy)

Memories


Richard, my husband, never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam, other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.
A few years ago, Ann Margret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.
When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.
Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home. Ann Margret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.
He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, "I understand. I just wanted her to see it."
She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen."
With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.
Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears... "That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army." he said.
That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.
I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.
Author Unknown
Note: I have searched to find out if this story is true, and every indication, including a response from Ann Margret's representatives state that yes, this is a true story. Unfortunately I cannot confirm with certainty who the author is.

7.02.2011

Canada Day

Yesterday was a bitter sweet day for many - it was a celebration of new Canadians, of the birth of Canada but it was bitter in the sense that so many Servicemen and Servicewomen, past and present, had to fight for our country and many of them died doing just that. But we still give thanks to their amazing willingness to put their life on the line for those they don't even know! Thank-you to all those who have Fallen, to those who are Veterans and those who are still serving. COME HOME SOON ♥ ♥

6.13.2011

Our Fallen Hero's

I invite you all to take a moment and read the names and see the faces of the 156 Fallen Soldier's! These Soldier's dedicated their lives to our Country and to make Afghanistan a better place! They are all HERO'S and always will be. They'll always be appreciated and their sacrifice never forgotten! Thank-you to the families who, knowing the dangers of their child/sibling/extended family, that they still stood in Support of what that Soldier knew he/she had to do!!

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" John 15:13 NKJV

CBC News In Depth: Afghanistan

6.03.2011

The Funeral

Today was the funeral of Master Corporal Richard Curnow, PPCLI - Edmonton, Alberta. It was a great turn out of love and support for the family, friends and Brothers and Sisters in Arms! It's never easy losing someone we were close to. I will be writing a more advanced post about Richard as well as writing the note that was put into his memorial card. I learned a lot about him today and I honestly wish I had the honor of meeting this wonderful father, son, husband and Soldier! His memory will forever live on!!

(more to come...)

MilitaryPassion

5.30.2011

Soldier's family, peers puzzled over Afghanistan death - Canada - CBC News

With great sadness, we mourn the death of another Soldier who was serving in Afghanistan. Though he was not killed in action - he will still be greatly missed and the mystery will remain as to why he died. Lets come together in love and prayer for family and friends as we mourn his death and try to understand.

Soldier's family, peers puzzled over Afghanistan death - Canada - CBC News

Richard Curnow's Funeral

With great sadness, I'm announcing the following information;

Master Corporal Richard Curnow's funeral will be help on June 3, 2011 @ 1100hrs at CFB Edmonton
Public is welcome


Dear Curnow Family, 
We are all standing together with you through this time of grief and mourning. You are not alone and never will be. 
MCpl. Curnow - you will never be forgotten! Thank-you for all your service to our Country. You will be forever missed. 

-MilitaryPassion






Soldier's family, peers puzzled over Afghanistan death - Canada - CBC News

Soldier's family, peers puzzled over Afghanistan death - Canada - CBC News

5.28.2011

Soldier's death accidental drowning | Alberta | News | Calgary Sun

Soldier's death accidental drowning | Alberta | News | Calgary Sun

Canadians lead by example in Afghanistan: general

Canadians lead by example in Afghanistan: general

Curnow Family Memorial Fund (Unofficial)

(This is "unofficial" in the sense that I'm not opening a memorial fund bank account for this - I'm going to collect the money personally and then take it to Justine next time I'm in Edmonton)

I'm here to announce that I'm taking in donations for the Curnow family. If you haven't heard, MCpl. Curnow's body was found in Redwater, Alberta, a small town just 1 hour North East of Edmonton (64.4km NE). Autopsy confirmed his death was not criminal. 

As the family go through this hard time, I'd like to take up donations for his wife Justine and their daughter (3) Audrey. Even in the best of times finances can be tight - lets come together and help this family deal with the loss of a loved husband, father and son! Whatever money I collect will be 100% given to the family! I want to help them in this way because finances can be a huge stress, especially after losing a loved one. You can donate by cash, cheque or email transfer. If you would like to help out, please contact me at militarypassion@gmail.com and I'll give you information needed to send me your donation. Notes/cards for the family will be accepted as well - everyone needs someone, lets be the Curnow family's someone! 

Thank-you in advance for your generosity and loving heart! The family will be forever grateful! 

Sincerely,
MilitaryPassion

5.27.2011

Rest In Peace

Rest In Peace MCpl. Richard Curnow

Richard's body was found on Sunday in Redwater, Alberta - about an hour and a half north of Edmontn. 
The cause of death was not criminal - his cause of death will not be released to the public. 

Please help me by keeping the Curnow Famly and his Military Family in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with this time of grief. 

I still want to try and organize a donation event for the Curnow family. Justine and their daughter need our love and support at this time! If you'd like to make a donation of any kind (even items for Justine and/or her daughter) please email me @ militarypassion@gmail.com 
Thank-you for your love, support and prayers during this last month of not knowing where he went or what happened, the family and friends of Richard really appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Military Passion

5.25.2011

HELP FIND RICHARD CURNOW

One of our own Canadian Soldier has gone missing in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada! 
Master Corporal Richard Curnow went missing Thursday May 5th, 2011 in the Emily Murphy Park and Hawrlak Park are of the North Saskatchewan River. 

DESCRIPTION:
He was last seen at 7:30 a.m. wearing a black UnderArmor long sleeve shirt with black fleece pants and white Asics runners with black and red detail.
Richard is 25 years old, stands 5'11", weighs 210lbs containing an athletic build. He's got brown hair and brown eyes. 

Master Corporal Curnow is described as a very reliable and level-headed Canadian Soldier and dedicated father in peak physical condition and his inexplicable disappearance is extremely worrisome.

If found call 911
If you have ANY information on Richards whereabouts, please call the Edmonton Police Department at 780-423-4567
The Curnow Family really appreciates any and all help from you! Please help this family bring their loved one home!

Ready To Be Passionate!

Welcome to Military Passion!!
Through the years, I've been wanting to do something for our Canadian Military and also other Military around the world! Everyone deserves to have someone and our Soldiers are amazing men & women! They fight for your country so that you can live in freedom!! As they try to make other countries in the world better they also need to know that there are people out there who care & want to help if the need arises.

Military Passion is a branch of Operation Cpl. Teddy that was founded in 2009. I'm the founder (Jenn) of this organization. I came up with this idea when my cousin Cpl. Brian Hawes based at Shiloh, Manitoba was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan for a 6 month tour in October 2009. Before Brian was deployed, my family had gone to see him while he was at CFB Edmonton playing in a Military Ball Hockey Tournament. Anyways, while they were there they went to the store on base at Edmonton Military Family Resource Center and purchased 3 Soldier Bears (mine being named Cpl. Teddy Hawes). With this bear, I found peace in him while Brian was in Kandahar. Cpl. Teddy Hawes went with me everywhere - especially when I traveled. It sounds silly to some but not to many that I found comfort in my bear. He gave me the strength I need to get through those 6 months. Therefore, the start of Operation Cpl. Teddy was created.

Through Operation Cpl. Teddy we did a 3 month project of collecting items for Soldiers serving in Afghanistan from October 2010-June 2011 and getting a Canadian Flag signed by various people around Alberta - including the Calgary Police Service, Ensign Energy (in Calgary) and the Calgary Military Family Resource Center Staff & Soldiers that were at CFB Calgary at the time I was there. A few people from Edmonton also signed the flag. We ended up with 2 large paper boxes full of items to be sent over to the Soldiers! Their last Tour of Duty before the operational change was made a little more enjoyable because of strangers who know that Soldiers are humans too!

Military Passion will have various things posted, things from Army News to any Military News from around the world. We'll also have different fundraisers/events to raise awareness of our Soldiers and their families on a new level! They do so much for us - lets do something(s) for them!

Stay posted on a fundraiser/event that will be happening to help a family of a missing Canadian Soldier from Edmonton, Alberta. There will be more information posted on the missing Soldier himself and what we want to do and will be doing to help in the search for him as well as helping his family!! This is a very emotional and stressful time for family and friends - lets work together to try and make their days a little brighter!

"The only thing harder than being a Soldier, is loving one"

Keep Smiling,
Military Passion

--Operation Cpl. Teddy--