Nothing Happens unless Something Moves
The official 50th Anniversary Flag of the Canadian Forces Logistics Service is in the hands of two 429 “Bison” Transport Squadron Loadmasters in the Middle East. For the next 15 months this flag will be passed among Logisticians around the world and across Canada to commemorate the Branch’s 50th Anniversary.
“This relay, featuring the Logistics Service flag and a 50th Anniversary rectangular pennant, acknowledges the professional contribution Logisticians have made to support operations since its formation on 1 February 1968,” said BGen Virginia Tattersall, National Committee Chair of the Logistics Service 50th Anniversary. “Canada’s 150th Birthday marks the beginning of the Flag’s international journey, while the Canada-based relay will begin on 1 February 2018.”
MCpl Jeff Clements and MCpl Bryan Hogg, both loadmasters with 429 (T) Squadron will be responsible for the Flag throughout the Middle East and into Europe.
“It’s an honour to be the first loadmasters to transport the Flag,” said MCpl Clements moments before his CC-177 Globemaster taxied for takeoff on 6 July, heading for the Middle East.
Maj Dwayne Demers, DCO 2 Air Movements Squadron, gave MCpl Clements the flag complete with a sturdy, weather resistant backpack that also contains a Logbook, detailed instructions and other paraphernalia with the intention that as many members as possible of the Logistics Service, serving and retired, may sign the Logbook stating where and when they saw the Flag.
“To hand our own Logistics Flag off on its journey is something that will stick with me for sometime,” Said Maj Demers. “As the saying goes, ‘nothing happens in the CAF until something moves’ and this is exactly what we are doing with the Logistics Service 50th Anniversary…kicking it off by moving this special flag around the world like we do in support of CAF Operations.”
The aim of the Flag Relay is to inspire unity among Logisticians. Logisticians have unique capabilities and occupations that will assist them in taking the flag around the world to CAF operations and then across Canada to Bases and Wings. The Logistics Service is calling all Logisticians to be involved.
“I encourage everyone to take pictures of the flag and send them to your Logistics colleagues wherever they may be,” said BGen Michael Rafter, Chief of Staff for the VCDS. “We need to get the word out that this flag is traveling around the world and across Canada. We need Loggies of all ranks to think of events, activities and places where this flag should be seen.”
The Flag will be passed from Logistician to Logistician at numerous posts outside of Canada. Early next year the Flag will begin its National relay including 8 Wing Trenton scheduled for the end of June 2018.
I, like many, look forward to seeing and hearing about all the adventures that the Flag will go on,” said Maj Demers. “It’s truly going to be a great 50th Anniversary for the Logistics Service.”