by Nigel Summers, PSP Manager

So you are lucky enough to be posted to 9 Wing Gander on the island of Newfoundland. What can the CFPSA provide for you and your family?

On your first day you will probably clear-in to the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), maybe sign up the kids for the teen club, first aid classes or book out a video camera from the lending library. After a full day of wandering around the base you will most likely feel the need to visit the All Ranks Mess, which is managed by Personnel Support Programs (PSP). If you are lucky you might be there for one of the regular social nights or even better, a Screech-in (ask any Newfoundlander for an explanation or better still a demonstration!).

After a sociable time in the mess you can step next door to the Mess hall where the Non-Public Fund (NPF) kitchen helpers and cooks are working hard to serve you a variety of tasty home-cooked meals. If you stayed in the mess a bit longer than planned and have got the munchies check your pocket for change and grab something from the various vending services machines operated by PSP.

As a fit and active CF member you will probably head down to the Recreation Centre first thing next morning to attend the circuit training class, maybe mix it up at the ball hockey game in the gym or work out in the cardio room, and follow with a sauna. If you prefer lunch-time activities you can play ice hockey at the Gander arena or swim a few laps in the Rec Centre pool. After work there are 7 Wing sports and a SCUBA diving or auto hobby club to keep you occupied. Or you cna bring your family to the base to enjoy their free Rec Centre membership, register for Red Cross swimming lessons and maybe join in with the daily aerobics sessions.

The first week is always an adjustment, and you may want some quiet time with the family. You can reserve one of the canoes from the Rec Centre and head out to the Wilderness Cabin run by PSP or to the fully equipped open water cabin supported by the NPF Wing Fund.

Maybe your spouse worked for NPF at your last base and is interested in employment or your kids are interested in a weekend job at the Rec centre. Visit the PSP manager/NPF human resources manager for information.

If you want to plan for your future and need advice about insurance or your financial needs, talk to the SISIP counsellor, who is only a phone call away.

So what does CFPSA do for you and your family at 9 Wing? Whatever we can to help you and your family enjoy a posting to 9 Wing Gander.