Holiday Message from the 4 CDSG Commander and Formation Sergeant Major

With the holiday season fast approaching, the Formation Sergeant Major and I wanted to take this opportunity to extend our best wishes to the Defence Team, their families and to our great neighbours in the Upper Ottawa Valley and Pontiac, Quebec.

2021 has certainly proven to be another challenging year. Rest assured we are proud of your individual accomplishments and as a Formation as we collectively supported all dependencies within Garrison Petawawa. Your support to enable numerous international deployments, and both pre-deployment and annual training enabled the absolute success of the 4th Canadian Division. It is not lost on any of us that your efforts have been significant.

We have learned to navigate our way through unchartered waters and the many fluctuations that COVID-19 brought to us both this year and last. Members of Garrison Petawawa continue to show their dedication in the fight against the Pandemic. The uptake rate of the vaccine for both members in uniform and the public service has been very high with over 90 percent of those eligible receiving both their doses. For those who are unable to be vaccinated we are working with those members individually to continue to protect the broader health of the Force and the public by reducing the risk of COVID-19.

We were shaken both as individuals and institutionally following multiple news reports this year involving some of our Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) leadership. Because of this, many of you have expressed a loss of trust in leadership. Culture change is needed and the CAF is taking important steps to address the systemic issues and re-build the trust. Every member of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence team is entitled to work in an environment of mutual respect, dignity and inclusion, where they have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

As one of Canada’s largest operational bases and the fact that you, our Defence Team Members, have willingly stepped up to the plate in an unprecedented environment, I believe that you have all demonstrated to your fellow Canadians that you can be relied upon to look out for their safety and welfare regardless of the challenges that must be overcome. For that, we thank you! I would also like to thank the many contractors on Garrison Petawawa who continue to work extremely hard, day in and day out, ensuring that our major capital projects continue to progress and our existing infrastructure is maintained.

While it is difficult to know what the future holds we all need to be considerate of the provincial and regional health protocols that are in place as we prepare for block leave for this holiday season. Everyone’s situation and holiday traditions are somewhat different, so regardless of your normal, I would urge you all to take advantage of online resources and tools to stay connected with family and friends if you cannot be with them physically. For some, the holidays can be a very difficult time. We urge you to reach out to those you think might need a buddy check. Be aware of the multiple resources that are available if you, or a loved one, needs assistance. Strengthening the Forces, CAF Connection, Life Speak and other resources are support services for members. The families of CAF members can access similar support services through CFMAP, the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre and the Family Information Line. If you or one of your family members feels the need to make a call, please do it!

To the surrounding communities, please accept our most sincere “thank-you”! Your kindness, inclusiveness, support and friendship are all extremely important factors that contribute to making Petawawa such a special place to work and live.

In closing we would like to wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season.

- Colonel J.D.V. Vass, Commander 4 CDSG

- Chief Warrant Officer A.J. Durnford, Formation Sergeant Major 4 CDSG