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| Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2010 My Mom wore army boots...and so did my Grandma! The women in my family weren't war heroines by any stretch of the imagination. They served in the Finnish army and had the medals to prove it. My mother and her mother were stationed close to the enemy lines, fighting the below zero temperatures and harsh conditions of a northern winter. Their weapons of choice were a kitchen knife, a wooden spoon or two and a big black kettle. They wondered if they would ever eat anything other than pea or potato soup once the war was over. As a child, I heard the stories over and over again, and one in particular stuck with me. Now and again, when something catastrophic happens in my life, I compare my misery to that of my ancestors who fled from their homes in the dead of winter, every important belonging in a canvas knap sack, wearing heavy woollen clothing...listening for wolves or guns (which would kill them? the hungry animals or the enemy's bullets?) under the light of a full moon...never to return to their Karelian homeland again. Doors left unlocked. Cupboards ransacked. Whatever is happening in my life is miniscule compared to what my parents survived. These are grand stories of hope, survival, courage...live or die... here are the role models for appreciating our freedom and pride in the troops who keep us safe, who put their lives on the line in the air, on the ground or across the sea... while our days roll by in our own peace and war...oblivious?....How often do we stop to say "thank you"...silence...respect...1 minute of every 11/11?. YOU can do more! What would it take to put ourselves in combat boots for a few extra moments? How can you take the lead to honor the present? The men and women of the Canadian Forces have demonstrated time and again that they will rise to any challenge. Let your Canadian Forces members know you appreciate their service by sending a message using this monitored message board. http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Community/Messageboard/index_e.asp I Involve your family: send gifts and letters... Canada Post will continue program of free delivery to deployed troops. Christmas Mailing Guidelines: Mail intended for Christmas delivery to Canadian Forces personnel serving overseas and using the Belleville address must arrive at Belleville by 19 November 2010. PO BOX 5210 STN FORCES BELLEVILLE ON K8N 5W6 Christmas Shopping? Support Our Troops Merchandise here: https://www3.cfpsa.com/wyn2/en/sot/shoplist.aspx Remember the past on November 11. Salute the present... share the stories... make the "memory" in "remembrance". Take 11 minutes on 11/11... "peace begins with me". |
Showing posts with label Remembrance Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Remembrance Day. Show all posts
8.11.10
Remember Past & Present
10.11.09
The Power of Respect
Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2009
If we could create a wave of silent respect...
11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month...
Invisible soldiers finally become visible
Elders Voices says:
It is estimated that between 7,000 to 12,000 Aboriginal Peoples fought for Canada in the Korean War and in World Wars I and II. 35 per cent of those who were eligible to enlist did so—the highest among all ethnic and cultural groups in Canada.1 Because accurate records were not kept, the actual number of Aboriginal soldiers who fought in the wars will never be known.
For many of the young men, enlisting provided an opportunity to assert their manhood. For almost all, the overseas journey alone brought with it life-changing goals and challenges, from learning to speak English to dealing with culture-shock and discrimination.
It did not take long, however, for both the Canadian military and for enemy soldiers to discover that Canada’s Aboriginal troops were some of the finest there were. Their traditional hunting expertise and ability to move discretely and efficiently through land helped them carry out dangerous tasks with great proficiency. Many of the Aboriginal troops possessed precise aim and they were assigned to sniping— a task in which they excelled. They also fulfilled vital positions in reconnaissance missions, which involved slipping past enemy lines to determine the enemy’s location and weapon power and secretly relaying this information back to their side of the fighting lines.
Another important role, and often one that could only be filled by an Aboriginal soldier, was that of code-talker. Military messages were translated into Aboriginal languages such as Cree, which were unique to North America and which even the most skilled infiltrators had trouble decoding. A Cree soldier on the receiving end would translate the message back into English before passing it on to military officials.
The courage and the relentless spirit displayed on the front by the Aboriginal troops earned them a laudable reputation as well as numerous medals and commendations. Throughout the wars, thousands of letters from the battlefront were sent to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada commending Aboriginal soldiers.
The contributions of the Aboriginal Peoples to the war effort were not limited to the fields of Europe. On the home front, Aboriginal farmers increased production, while women organized Red Cross and Salvation Army societies and gathered provisions to send overseas. Bands offered financial aid by purchasing war certificates or donating a portion of their annual treaty payments to the national treasury. Many generously gave up reserve land to be used as defence posts, airports, and rifle ranges.
Sadly, it took more than fifty years for the government to recognize the wartime contributions of the Aboriginal Peoples, on the home front and battlefront alike. Overseas, Aboriginal soldiers fought proudly alongside Canadian men of many other races, fuelled by a shared purpose and pride. Upon their return to Canadian soil, however, many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis soldiers found that this equality no longer held. They received no warm welcome. In fact, many came back to find that their land had been taken away or divvied up among non-Aboriginal farmers to increase wartime crop production, never to be theirs again. They also found that they would not share in the same benefits that other members of the Canadian forces enjoyed, including educational and vocational training, employment offers, and housing.
Only during this last decade!...
For years, Aboriginal veterans dealt with the harsh memories of war, all the while struggling with the painful realization that their wartime efforts seemed to be of little worth to the Canadian government. In 2002, almost six decades after the end of World War II, First Nations veterans and their spouses were offered settlements of $20,000. However, this deal overlooked both non-status First Nations and Métis veterans. In response, the National Métis Veterans Association launched a class action law suit against the federal government in August 2002. They also filed a claim to the United Nations Human Rights Commission against Canada stating that the actions of the Canadian government was in violation of two articles in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The federal government has responded to these requests by providing some funding through existing programs and allocating more funds to recognize the Métis veteran’s contribution during the wars.
In November 2004, the federal government provided $50,000 for the Métis Veterans Outreach Program, which will act to bring information to Métis veterans about the benefits now available to them. The federal government provided an additional $50,000 for the National Métis Veterans Association to produce a report on the state of Métis veterans and to create a documentary about the military contributions of Métis veterans and their experiences upon returning to Canada.
For US, A Moment of Silence. 11/11/11
Imagine waiting decades for respect...
11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month...
Invisible soldiers finally become visible
Elders Voices says:
It is estimated that between 7,000 to 12,000 Aboriginal Peoples fought for Canada in the Korean War and in World Wars I and II. 35 per cent of those who were eligible to enlist did so—the highest among all ethnic and cultural groups in Canada.1 Because accurate records were not kept, the actual number of Aboriginal soldiers who fought in the wars will never be known.
For many of the young men, enlisting provided an opportunity to assert their manhood. For almost all, the overseas journey alone brought with it life-changing goals and challenges, from learning to speak English to dealing with culture-shock and discrimination.
It did not take long, however, for both the Canadian military and for enemy soldiers to discover that Canada’s Aboriginal troops were some of the finest there were. Their traditional hunting expertise and ability to move discretely and efficiently through land helped them carry out dangerous tasks with great proficiency. Many of the Aboriginal troops possessed precise aim and they were assigned to sniping— a task in which they excelled. They also fulfilled vital positions in reconnaissance missions, which involved slipping past enemy lines to determine the enemy’s location and weapon power and secretly relaying this information back to their side of the fighting lines.
Another important role, and often one that could only be filled by an Aboriginal soldier, was that of code-talker. Military messages were translated into Aboriginal languages such as Cree, which were unique to North America and which even the most skilled infiltrators had trouble decoding. A Cree soldier on the receiving end would translate the message back into English before passing it on to military officials.
The courage and the relentless spirit displayed on the front by the Aboriginal troops earned them a laudable reputation as well as numerous medals and commendations. Throughout the wars, thousands of letters from the battlefront were sent to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada commending Aboriginal soldiers.
The contributions of the Aboriginal Peoples to the war effort were not limited to the fields of Europe. On the home front, Aboriginal farmers increased production, while women organized Red Cross and Salvation Army societies and gathered provisions to send overseas. Bands offered financial aid by purchasing war certificates or donating a portion of their annual treaty payments to the national treasury. Many generously gave up reserve land to be used as defence posts, airports, and rifle ranges.
Sadly, it took more than fifty years for the government to recognize the wartime contributions of the Aboriginal Peoples, on the home front and battlefront alike. Overseas, Aboriginal soldiers fought proudly alongside Canadian men of many other races, fuelled by a shared purpose and pride. Upon their return to Canadian soil, however, many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis soldiers found that this equality no longer held. They received no warm welcome. In fact, many came back to find that their land had been taken away or divvied up among non-Aboriginal farmers to increase wartime crop production, never to be theirs again. They also found that they would not share in the same benefits that other members of the Canadian forces enjoyed, including educational and vocational training, employment offers, and housing.
Only during this last decade!...
For years, Aboriginal veterans dealt with the harsh memories of war, all the while struggling with the painful realization that their wartime efforts seemed to be of little worth to the Canadian government. In 2002, almost six decades after the end of World War II, First Nations veterans and their spouses were offered settlements of $20,000. However, this deal overlooked both non-status First Nations and Métis veterans. In response, the National Métis Veterans Association launched a class action law suit against the federal government in August 2002. They also filed a claim to the United Nations Human Rights Commission against Canada stating that the actions of the Canadian government was in violation of two articles in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The federal government has responded to these requests by providing some funding through existing programs and allocating more funds to recognize the Métis veteran’s contribution during the wars.
In November 2004, the federal government provided $50,000 for the Métis Veterans Outreach Program, which will act to bring information to Métis veterans about the benefits now available to them. The federal government provided an additional $50,000 for the National Métis Veterans Association to produce a report on the state of Métis veterans and to create a documentary about the military contributions of Métis veterans and their experiences upon returning to Canada.
For US, A Moment of Silence. 11/11/11
Imagine waiting decades for respect...
http://www.sharingculture.ca/medicinewheeltest.php
10.11.08
Morale By Message Board
Photo Credit: Floating Window by Richard Chicoine. iCopyright 2008Morale by Message Board !
11. 11. What does it take to put ourselves in combat boots for a few extra moments?
The men and women of the Canadian Forces have demonstrated time and again that they will rise to any challenge. Let your Canadian Forces members know you appreciate their service by sending a message using this monitored message board.
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Community/Messageboard/index_e.asp
Canada Post will continue program of free delivery to deployed troops. Christmas Mailing Guidelines: Mail intended for Christmas delivery to Canadian Forces personnel serving overseas and using the Belleville address must arrive at Belleville by 24 November 2008.
PO BOX 5210 STN FORCES BELLEVILLE ON K8N 5W6
Christmas Shopping? Support Our Troops Merchandise here:
https://www3.cfpsa.com/wyn2/en/sot/shoplist.aspx
We’re On Our Way to BOMBARDIER Next - November 20
An Excerpt from
Strategy 6: Build A Culture of Excellence
By Dr. Brad McRae, “The Seven Strategies of Master Leaders”
Harvard’s Rosabeth Moss Kanter is one of the most respected experts on leadership and organizations. In her book, Confidence: How Winning Streaks & Losing Streaks Begin & End, she states, “getting good habits in place takes a lot longer than eliminating bad practices; it takes the long march of culture change in which many individuals change their behavior in order to head in the same direction.”
Just as the Michelin Manufacturing Way has contributed to Michelin being a world class tire manufacturing company, the Bombardier Manufacturing System has contributed to Bombardier being a world class recreational vehicle, train and plane manufacturing organization.
Bombardier Manufacturing System
Like the Michelin Manufacturing Way, the Bombardier Manufacturing System is not just a way to doing things; it is a way of thinking that has become part of Bombardier’s culture.
BMS is based on Kaizen or continuous quality improvement, total quality management, and just-in-time-delivery. At Bombardier, these things are not fads ─ they are a fact of everyday life. Another part of the BMS is that different departments don’t engage in tribal warfare because they are jointly accountable for the success of their product lines. An example of tribal warfare is the sales department calling the credit department ─ “the non sales department”. However, if the credit department ceased to exist ─ the company would cease to exist because there would not be a department to process and collect outstanding bills. Without proper funding, sales would have nothing to sell.
Therefore, when Bombardier decided to develop a new product ─ like the C Series jetliner ─ they made sure that design, manufacturing, marketing and procurement work closely together from the initial starting phases of design to ensure that Bombardier can produce the right plane at the right cost and at the right time.
One of the best practices that Bombardier uses is Six Sigma. Six Sigma was developed by Motorola in 1986. The goal of Six Sigma is to improve both customer satisfaction and profitability by using advanced measuring and statistical analyses to reduce and eliminate defects. Every aspect of the product cycle from design, procurement, manufacturing costs, product quality, defect rates and scheduling are measured and benchmarked. Six Sigma stands for six standard deviations from the mean. Therefore reducing defects by six standard deviations mean 3.4 or fewer defective parts per million. As of 2006, it is estimated, that since its inception, Six Sigma has saved Motorola $17 billion.
[Six Sigma’s] ultimate performance target is virtually defect-free processes and products… The Six Sigma methodology, consisting of the steps “Define - Measure - Analyze - Improve - Control,” is the roadmap to achieving this goal. Within this improvement framework, it is the responsibility of the improvement team to identify the process, the definition of defect, and the corresponding measurements.Using Six Sigma also resulted in large savings at Bombardier.
Six Sigma shaved $242 million off costs in fiscal 2001. One example of the successful application of Six Sigma techniques involved the paint shop in the aerospace group. After five years of trying to solve a problem with paint peeling off freshly minted regional jets, a Six Sigma team was asked to take a look. It was a knotty conundrum because there were at least 10 possible causes, all interacting with each other. Within five months, however, the group discovered that the solution laid in changing the thickness of the undercoat.
How They Do It at Bombardier:
Commitment Management
McClelland’s research on the psychology of high achievers demonstrated that high achievers :
Want more,
Expect more,
Do more, and
Get more.
An example of true commitment is Bombardier’s July 2008 decision to produce the new C Series regional jet. At the time this decision was made, almost all of the world’s airlines were losing massive amounts of money because the price of jet fuel doubled. On the surface this would seem to be the worst time to invest in building a new multi-million dollar plane. Bombardier, on the contrary, thought it was the best time because they would build the new C Series with lighter composite materials and with a newly designed more fuel efficient jet engine that will lower fuel consumption by 20%.
Not only is this a very difficult time for the airlines, there is intense competition from Bombardier’s fierce rival Embraer of Brazil, and the Chinese and Japanese also have their eyes on this market as well. In fact, this could be a make or break the company decision according to Bombardier’s president, Pierre Beaudoin.
And a BIG PS Announcement:
Mark January 15 on your calendar for Dr. Brad's session with the current class AND an alumni organized public event in the evening. An Executive level breakfast presentation is already almost sold out for the morning of January 16. All sessions are at the Airlane Travelodge.
Watch your email for more info and the poster. We need your help in finding sponsors and filling the Airlane Travelodge for these events.
Most of all, since Brad has promised customized sessions - no duplication of stories - I encourage each of you to attend. What about purchasing a table of 8 for your CAP team, and inviting leaders from the host organization to join you at your table? Bring your spouse to meet your LTB colleagues... heck, bring your mom!
1. Brad's Class Presentation: The 7 Strategies of Master Leaders - Lifelong Learning free for our class on January 15.
2. Evening Public/Alumni: "Living Your Legacy". $ 50.00 with dinner. Register with Kari asap.
3. Executive Breakfast: "The Three Circles: Where leadership, negotiation and presentation skills intersect". $ 100.00 with breakfast. Maximum 25. Register with Kari asap.
This week...
Let us pray for peace....take a moment on Remembrance Day to write our troops...support one another in our leadership learning...
Maggie
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