November is an important month here at CFB Kingston. November 11th allows us a pause from our busy lives to remember all those who served, especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Remembrance Day this year marked the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, another important time in history for Canadians to reflect on the terrible cost of war, and on the sacrifices made for our freedom. My thanks to all who volunteered to speak at schools and community groups. Sharing our stories of service helps us to maintain our close connection with other Canadians, and helps ensure that those who have gone before are not forgotten.
Also in November, the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) comes to an end. The GCWCC helps fund essential services in our local community; services that our members and their families draw upon. Many of you have donated generously and units across the Base have stepped up with great enthusiasm. It’s not too late to make a difference even now. Please join us for the annual Eggs Benedict Breakfast on 13 November from 0630-0830hrs at the Fort Frontenac Officers’ Mess and the Touchdown BBQ on 22 November from 12-1400hrs at Thompson Drill Hall.
Your security and safety remains a priority for me, and we continue to improve our force protection posture. The Base Auxiliary Security Force regularly conducts training to ensure they can respond to a range of potential scenarios. Also, CFB Kingston’s web-based mass notification system (MNS) is currently being developed to ensure that all base personnel are informed in the event of a critical incident, such as an active aggressor or a bomb threat. You should expect to receive an email from the MNS in the coming weeks requiring you to activate your account. It may be marked as SUSPECTED SPAM by the DWAN. Let me assure you that it is not. Please read the article, Be Aware of a Crisis, in the August 2019 newsletter for more information.
Lastly, I want to remind all that winter conditions will soon be here if they are not already. Please make sure your car and your driving habits are ready for freezing rain and snow.