CFPFSS gratefully acknowledges the mission support services provided by Tim Hortons, Uniglobe Travel International LP and International Datacasting Corporation
Canadian Civilian Support Staff Return From Afghanistan
EDMONTON, - In July, Canada ended its UN-mandated, NATO-led combat mission in Afghanistan's Kandahar province. As our military personnel transitioned out of Kandahar Air Field, a few dedicated Canadians remained behind to literally close up shop. On December 6th, Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services (CFPFSS) will welcome 37 of its deployed civilian Personnel Support Program (PSP) members back to Canada.
"Since 2005, over 1000 Canadians from all walks of life have taken time out of their lives to Serve those who serve," remarked Brigadier-General F.G. Bigelow, Director General Personnel and Family Support Services (DGPFSS). "The PSP staff provided a sense of normalcy to the lives of our troops and their dedication to service should be commended."
For most Canadians, grabbing a coffee and going to the gym are everyday activities. For Canadian Forces personnel on deployment in Kandahar, CFPFSS employees ensured that access to everything from Tim Hortons coffee, fitness training, haircuts, retail shopping and leave travel planning remained available in support of our troops.
"We have truly exceptional people working to support Canadian Forces deployments," says Jim Peverley, PSP Director Deployment Support, CFPFSS. "Some staff members are personally connected to the military, as former members or as military family members. Others were simply looking for a life altering adventure while lending a helping hand. For a few people, they have appreciated the experience so much that they've come home from working on a deployment and joined the Canadian Forces."
The mission in Afghanistan has been the most high-profile deployment for CFPFSS staff, but it is certainly not the first. CFPFSS actually began deploying personnel in 2000 first to support the mission in Bosnia, later adding Afghanistan, Haiti and Cyprus to the list of locations receiving support. Staff members have also begun working in Kuwait, and most recently in Kabul, providing Home Leave Travel Assistance (HLTA) services.
Serving in Canada's mission in Kandahar was made just a little easier thanks to the care and commitment of these returnees.
CFPFSS gratefully acknowledges the mission support services provided by Tim Hortons, Uniglobe Travel International LP and International Datacasting Corporation.
Jim Peverley, PSP Director Deployment Support, CFPFSS and Gord Wells, PSP Deployment Operations Manager will be on hand at the Shell Aerocentre in Edmonton, Alberta on 6 December 2011 to welcome the team home.
About the Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services (CFPFSS)
With over 6,000 staff on bases, wings, units, Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services (CFPFSS) delivers support to the Canadian Forces Regular and Reserve Force members, retired and former members, and military families. CFPFSS is responsible for administering Non-Public Property as well as for delivering selected public morale and welfare programs, services and activities on behalf of the Chief of Military Personnel. CFPFSS delivers its programs and services through four operational divisions - DCSM, CANEX, SISIP Financial Services and PSP.
