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Star light, Star bright: A reservist year in review

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Community Relations: Star light, Star bright: A reservist year in review

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By Petty Officer 2^nd Class Lisa Nimchuk

HAMILTON, Ont.-- It’s hard to believe that the end of the reserve unit training year is just around the corner in May. Before we look forward to the end of year banyan and Battle of Atlantic parade in May, we take a look back at the accomplishments and journey of the 2006-2007 training year.

Credit: PO2 Nimchuk

HMCS Star ship’s company pose outside their headquarters in Hamilton, Ont. Before participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure.

Not only have the members of HMCS Star participated in plenty of training opportunities, they have also had the pleasure of enjoying many social and community related activities.

Credit: PO2 Nimchuk

Members of HMCS Star reserve unit clean the roadside of their adopted road.

In September, 20 unit members spent a sunny Saturday morning cleaning litter from our adopted road. It was worth it when we were appreciated with the honking of horns and thank-you’s from passers-bys. Participants, consisting of members from all three messes, were especially delighted to see posted signs on either end of our 6km route stating that HMCS Star had adopted the road.

Later in September, over 70 Star members joined 300 other reservists for the Veterans Memorial Parade in downtown Toronto. The march started from the Fort York Armouries and ended with the unveiling of a memorial on the front lawn of Queens Park. The memorial honours those who have served or are currently serving in the Canadian Forces.

The month of September closed with a significant change to the ship’s company of HMCS Star and the Naval Reserve as a whole. On Sept. 23, we bid farewell to a treasured sailor. Chief Petty Officer 2^nd Class Ron Seager retired in fine form at a massive celebration attended by over one hundred guests.

Star unit members participated for the third time in the CIBC Run for the Cure. HMCS Star registered 30 participants for the 5km race. For some it was a leisurely walk and others a personal challenge. Leading Seaman Jody Dans posted the fastest Star time at 21 min 47 sec, but all participants can say they finished the 5km route proud. There were many personal connections to the participation in the race, one which sponsors the support of raising funds for breast cancer research and medical assistance. It has become an annual commitment from Star ship’s company.

Throughout the year, HMCS Star has been participating in the CF-wide Operation “Roll Up Your Sleeves” blood drive. Our first visit back, after a summer hiatus, was mid-October 2006 and has continued to deliver donors to the clinic every Tuesday prior to the training evening since. Naval Cadet Greig received a star on the wall as she donated for her 50^th time, while Lieutenant-Commander Bell is setting the example with over 150 donations!

In December, just as we were getting ready to close for the Christmas leave period, Star ship’s company supported seven families through St. Matthews House. Star took on St. Matthew’s House as their charity of choice in Fall 2004 and has continued to assist in the provision of Christmas hampers packed with food, clothing and gifts for the children.

January and February has continued to be full of training and community. March provided HMCS Star the opportunity to participate for the second time in the McMaster Children’s Hospital radio-a-thon to raise money for their hospital and equipment. April will follow with another road clean-up just in time for the May flowers and the second telethon on behalf of the McMaster Children’s Hospital.

Star has been giving back to the community on a monthly basis and is reaping the rewards. The reward is a higher level of morale among the ship’s company, with more desire to participate and be involved in training and social unit events. Bravo Zulu Star, continue to shine bright.

PO2 Nimchuk is a unit information officer with HMCS Star.

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