Name: Derek Oleynik
Rank: P-3/Pte (Private)
Branch: CAF (Canadian Armed Forces)
Regiment: 33rd Brigade/28th Service Battalion/CSS Company
Trade: MSC-OP
Years Active: Jan 2008 - Current
About Yourself: I joined the military January 24th, 2008. I started my application in late 2005. I faced many challenges during the process of enrollment due to my disorder (ADHD) which wasn't cleared the first time because of an inexperienced pyschologist. I was re-evaluated and was cleared the second time. I then was faced with a medical issue, Mono, and had to be officially cleared of it. The process took long because i didn't do so well on a test because i just wasn't prepared and so i took a year off the military enrollment to decide on what to do and if i should continue to push myself to do it. I came back a year later and passed the test the second time. Im currently Basic and Soldier qualified, and plan to do my QL3s very shortly. I am also doing a tasking in CFB Wainwright as an OPFOR for other soldiers training.
Also, i'd like to put my cousins name who died in Afghanistan 3 weeks ago.
Name: Andrew Grenon
Rank: CPL (Corporal)
Branch: Canadian Army
Regiment: PPCLI (Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry)
Died fighting with/for his country. Was KIA by RPG that struck his LAV which ignited the ammo inside the vehicle.
And also, i thank EVERYONE in support of all troops, no matter what country. Thank you very much for creating this thread.
What makes my job very tolerable is the supporters. I love just being walked up to and have your hand shook, or get hugged. I was just at Tim Hortons a little before midnight and some civilians bought me and my fellow troop coffees free of charge. They didn't bother to ask anything. We walked into the building in uniform and a woman was just purchasing her items and said "And get those troops something. Its on me." Its people like that that make me love my country.