In 2025, members of the Lorne Scots along with members from other units within 4th Canadian Division will deploy to Latvia as part of Op Reassurance. This is currently the Canadian Armed Forces' (CAF) largest overseas mission, through which the CAF contributes to NATO deterrence and defence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. It is part of the biggest reinforcement of NATO collective defence since the 1990s.
In preparation for this deployment and future deployments of Lorne Scots, it has been decided to offer Family and Peer Support training for family and serving members. Those who deploy to Latvia will most likely be away for 8 months or more, when you include 2 to 3 months of pre-deployment training and a 6-month tour in Latvia. Deployments can be very stressful for both the member and their families.
Currently, the Family and Peer Support Committee consists of
Paul Hale – Chair
Chris Banks
Henry Verschuren
Gillian Federico
Rachel Nanan
Aaliya Tarachandra
Sherry Baptiste
We need a parent and wife of a serving Lorne Scots member on our committee so that they can represent families and their concerns. If interested, please contact Paul Hale 647-286-5592 or at paulhale3vp@yahoo.ca.
Our intent is to offer 3 days of training and discussions on Peer and Mental Health Support in October / November. This training will take place at the Regimental Museum in Brampton.
The Regiment and the Association have stood behind its troops every time they have deployed, and our upcoming deployments will be no different. The Regiment is more than the Command Team, it is up to every one of us to step up and support our members and their families. As the committee moves forward, we hope you will join us in supporting our members and their families while improving your own wellness.
Paul Hale, MSM, CD
AIR SON AR DUTHCHAIS
Short Bios of Committee members
Paul Hale
Passionate advocate for assisting Veterans and their families. Conducted nine Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Workshops between Jun 2017 to April 2021. Providing 190 individuals with the skills and confidence to help others and resulting in a peer support group across Canada.
Chris Banks
Deployed veteran, OSI/PTSD Survivor, can help members struggling with their mental health and Operational Stress Injuries.
Henry Verschuren
Extensive experience in advocating for Veterans on an individual Veteran basis and on a broader level regarding Veteran issues. He is qualified in Mental Health First Aid and has taken several training courses through The Canadian Mental Health Association-Toronto in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Gillian Federico
As a mother of six, of whom four are still in uniform, I have supported one son and his family through a deployment, and a daughter whose husband has deployed three times, and have learned very closely about the stresses thus incurred. I also supported many families as a member of the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service, at the local Reserve Unit level and as Senior Chaplain in Petawawa through 2008/2009.
Rachel Nanan
Aaliya Tarachandra
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