Medics Overseas?!?

[rwgill]

???  I am a CIC officer with an Army Cadet Corps affiliated to a Field Ambulance.  For the moment, we are unable to properly communicate with our affiliated unit, and I keep getting lost in cyber space.  Here is my question:

How many medics are in Afganistan presently?

Here is why:

I want the cadet corps to participate in something similiar to Operation Santa Clause.  My project would be more of an Operation Easter Bunny, where I hope to send some Canadian Maple Syrup to the medics.

Why only medics?  I am starting small.  My dream would be to send enough maple syrup for everyone overseas, including our allies, but I have to face reality.  The cadet corps only has 50 cadets.  They would have to raise over $10,000 to give every Canadian soldier with 1 can.

 

[old medic]

You can try contacting CFHS headquarters in Ottawa. Ask to speak with a public affairs officer,
Start with the same explaination you left here.  I will PM you with a phone number.

 

[rwgill]

Thanks for the info! ;D

 

[combatcamera]

You can also try contacting the Media Relations office at DND or the General Inquiries numbers here: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/operations/archer/index_e.asp 

Some background information on OP ARCHER here: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/operations/archer/index_e.asp 

The health and medical support is from  1 Field Ambulance (1 Fd Amb); from Edmonton.  The Media Relations/General Inquiries office can get you the number of Captain Francois Giroux, who is currently the PAO on the ground in Kandahar at the PRT (I don't have his number here as I'm currently on leave).  He'll be able to get you the up-to-date numbers for the medics on the ground in Afghanistan, and help you out with your project.

Cheers!

 

[GO!!!]

In my experience, most soldiers would appreciate some Canadian cigarettes/chewing tobacco, along with a phone card to call their loved ones, instead of a can of syrup.

I know you have good intentions, but when I was in Afghanistan we had to throw away alot of the stuff that people sent us (e.g.chocolate and +55 degree Celsius heat do not mix). Alot of it was opened, "aww, is'nt that sweet" write a thank you letter, and toss it. Space was also an issue, as is hygiene and insects in some camps.

I guess it's the thought that counts....

 

[Armymedic]

The health and medical support is from  1 Field Ambulance (1 Fd Amb); from Edmonton. 

Not correct. The PRT support is 1 Fd Amb. The remainder(and the majority) is from 2 Fd Amb from Petawawa.

After Feb the role 1 support will be from 1 Fd Amb (40) , and role 3 hospital will be 1 Cdn Fd Hosp (160).

Aug it will 2 Fd Amb (50) and 1 CFH again (120).

 

[combatcamera]

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[rwgill]

Thanks for more info, although cigarettes and chewing tobacco are out of the question.  That doesn't mix with the Cadet program and its policies.

As it seems that syrup is not the answer perhaps there is something more politically correct?!?  I will contact 2FD Amb to see what good will projects they have going on.  Your suggestions are also very welcome.

I have done a similiar project with the RCMP during the East Timor crisis.  The delivery time was much quicker than 4-6 weeks, but the poor RCMP officers could not have any syrup.  The packages had to go through Australian customs first, and for those who do not know.  It is very difficult to send anything organic into Australia.

I appreciate your input and the PMs.