Rick Hansen visits CFB Gagetown

CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick — Honour, inspiration and teamwork were key themes during Rick Hansen’s recent visit to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown.

Lieutenant-Colonel Tony Weber, the CFB Gagetown Chief of Staff, welcomed Rick Hansen and his relay team to the base in October to pay tribute to the leadership and courage he has demonstrated in living his life. The visit was also an opportunity to honour Canadian Forces (CF) personnel who often serve in harm’s way to make Canada and the world a better place.

Master Corporal Owen Kolasky, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment said he was honoured to be a part of the relay as the first of three from CFB Gagetown to bear the Rick Hansen Medal – a symbol of courage and determination.

Hansen noted that bringing the medal to the base was an appropriate way to honour Canada’s soldiers, whose work makes a difference at home and abroad.

MCpl Kolasky addressed the crowd with the story of his tour in Afghanistan last year when, as section commander of a light armoured vehicle crew, he was seriously injured by an improvised explosive device and lost his ability to walk. With surgeries and rehabilitation, he eventually regained his mobility.

The relay continued with Mike Galey, an administrative and finance assistant for the base’s food services, and Health Promotion Director Jessica Hood, members of CFB Gagetown’s team of “difference makers,” as Hansen calls CF members and National Defence employees.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the original Man in Motion tour, the recreated 12,000-kilometre, cross-Canada leg of the original relay is currently underway.

Article by Stéphanie Duchesne, Public Affairs Officer, CFB Gagetown
Photos by Sgt Carl Elson, Image Technician, CFB Gagetown