Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Linda Jardine
Current Location: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Two years after serving with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), I went on a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping tour. With these two similar acronyms there were times when I forgot who I was serving with and would say I was with NATO when I meant the UN. Being in the Middle East was such an eye-opener but it is not a posting that I will ever regret. It was wonderful, educational, and scary all at the same time.
Our contingent arrived in Tel Aviv on 27 November 1994. The two-to-three-hour drive to our Camp from the airport seemed never-ending. We were all tired since we had been travelling for about 24 hours at this point. Our welcome to the camp was amazing. Everyone was out waiting for us to arrive and to welcome us. They carried our luggage to our barrack rooms and trailers. They made us feel like family. Three months later it was our turn to welcome new arrivals the same way.
Other than dealing with different currencies such as Israeli, Syrian, American, and Canadian, my job as a Finance Clerk was no different in the Golan than in Canada. Of course, the different exchange rates could mess you up, just like when I was working in Europe. It was the secondary duties that were so different. I was part of the Auxiliary Fire Department. In late February 1995, we were called out to assist with a fire in an open field. This field had unexploded mines so we could only surround it to ensure that it did not spread. That was a concern as it was relatively close to a storage location that contained fuel and other flammable items. The only fun time of this duty was when we gave our Camp a demonstration of how a fire truck works. I messed up with the force of the water spray tap, and the members holding the hose had difficulty controlling it at first. This cost me a few coffees.
For a reason that I no longer remember, I had made a bet with one of the Corporals in the mess hall. I won the bet and to honour it he arranged for a very special meal for me, complete with wine, something that had to be approved by the Camp Regimental Sergeant-Major (RSM). It was specifically made just for me, and I had my own table. On his day off, this young man cooked the meal, dressed in a suit and served me my lunch. The picture does not show all the laughs we had that day. To my shame and regret, I cannot remember his name as I did not write it down, but the wonderful memory still makes me smile.
Another great memory was going to a civilian hairdresser in Tiberius. What a night that first visit was. Four of us had booked appointments. The first one was at 4pm and we did not leave that salon until midnight. The owner only spoke a few words of English. Fortunately, his wife was more fluent. They ordered pizzas for us. It was my first party in a hair salon. He gave me what he called my “Marine hair-cut”. It was definitely shorter than quite a few of the men’s cuts. I loved it and it was the easiest haircut to care for that I have ever had, but I was concerned about what the RSM would say when he saw it. At that time females could not have haircuts “so short as to give a male appearance”. His only comment was on the colour.
I have always considered myself fortunate to be on this tour as I was not originally slated to go. I filled in for a coworker who was unable to leave Canada. I will never forget the sights of Israel and Syria, the friendliness of some Syrian business owners, the difficulties of being a Western woman in a Muslim country, and most of all how fabulous Canada is. I no longer take for granted the little things of being a Canadian.
Biography
I was born in Saskatoon, SK. In early 1967, I was talking with a friend's father about joining the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). He suggested I join the Reserves to see if it was what I really wanted and then I could always transfer to the Regular Force. So, in September 1967 I joined the Naval Reserves — specifically Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Unicorn. By December 1968 I did a component transfer to the Regular Force. Basic Training started in January 1969 at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Cornwallis. That was the start of my journey across Canada.
After completing Finance Clerk trade training, off I went to CFB Esquimalt for my first posting. Canadi-an Forces Supply Depot (CFSD) Toronto was next and gave me experience in another aspect of my trade. I went on to National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) in Ottawa before returning to CFB Cornwallis as an instructor at the Recruit School. I couldn't neglect the Prairies, so I went to both CFB Edmonton and CFB Winnipeg. I started my international experience with a posting to CFB Baden in Germany. Coming home from Europe meant being posted to CFB Winnipeg again. During this second time in Winnipeg, I was given the opportunity to go on a tour as a Peacekeeper in the Golan Heights.
I have always maintained that my posting to the Recruit School in Cornwallis was the one where I learned the most. I learned the techniques of classroom instruction, teaching drill, plus so many other skills and, most importantly to me, how much I loved being on the ranges firing the old FNC1 rifle (but I am convinced that pistols have teeth). Experiences in Germany and surrounding European countries were wonderful. In 1991, I participated in the International Four Day Marches in Nijmegan in the Netherlands. I was part of a team of 21 women, all of us wives of Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) members. It was unforgettable. I still have the medal.
During my career, I received the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD) with 2 clasps; the Special Service Medal (SSM) for service with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); the United Nations Peacekeeping medal for service with United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights; and the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM).
I retired from the Regular Force as a Petty Officer 2nd Class but continued with the Supplementary Ready Reserve List. Once again, I joined a Reserve Unit at 1 Canadian Air Division until reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (CRA) when I finally hung up my boots. I ended my career in the Reserves, the same way I started it, but with a lifetime of priceless memories. My husband and I stayed in Winnipeg upon my retirement. My career in the Canadian Armed Forces allowed me to travel all over Canada, to live overseas, to see the Middle East, and to make lifelong friends. I wore the Canadian Armed Forces uniform for 34 years and now I am a proud Canadian Veteran.
My special lunch.
Ribbons.