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The
Daily News – August 26, 2007 |
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I had the privilege of traveling to Afghanistan with General Hillier and members of the NHL Alumni to meet with and perform for our troops. What an eye-opener the trip proved to be! First of all, I was deeply moved and inspired by all of the Canadian men and women serving at Camp Mirage and in Afghanistan. I was expecting to meet lots of young people, which I did, but I was surprised to meet many women and men who are in their forties and fifties. They joined The Canadian Forces later in life because they have a desire to share the gifts of freedom and education etc., that have been given to them by the vets and fallen soldiers who have gone before them, with the citizens of Afghanistan. I was particularly struck when I came to the realization that our peace makers are not in Afghanistan to impose our way of life on the Afghanistan people. They are not striving to create another Canada or some other western-style country. They are there to stop the Taliban from forcing a way of life on the citizens of Afghanistan that they absolutely do not want! More importantly, our service men and women are working with the government of Afghanistan to provide the tools and skills to build and solidify an infrastructure to enable the Afghans to empower themselves, and then make their own decisions regarding the future of their country! The guns are only one component of the whole picture. As fifty-two year old George Hounsell, who joined The Force in his mid-forties said to me, "Although I know I could be taken out at any time by one of the hundreds of delivery vehicles that come to the gate of the base every day, I am grateful that I have had a wonderful fulfilling life, thanks to the soldiers who stood for my country and me in the past. And besides, we Canadians are growing the trust of the men, women and children of Afghanistan through hearts, minds and handshakes. It's important that the people back home come to know that." So, I will do what I can to help those of you here at home come to know why George and thousands of others like him are putting themselves in harm's way. They simply want others who are less fortunate than we are in other places in the world, such as Afghanistan, to be able to live, to love and raise their families as we do. And so, they give of themselves, selflessly. Thanks for dropping by and please come by again, as I will look in again myself in a week or so to share some of what's on the go. Wherever you may be, wherever your life's journey may take you, safe home! All the best Terry |
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Stanley Cup Journal – May 2007 |
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P.O. Box 8391 Stn. A, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3K 5M1 Email: tkpro@terry-kelly.com www.terry-kelly.com Tel: (902) 423-8434 |
