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Show Tour in Afghanistan
By Karine Vachon, Deployment Operations Coordinator/Training Officer,
Deployed Operations, PSP/CFPSA, Ottawa,
(613) 996-8319 vachonk@forces.gc.ca
 Dave Broadfoot |
Eighteen people chose to set comforts aside and take part in a show tour that would turn out to be a professional and personal life-changing event. Roger Gauthier, Recreation Director at the St-Jean Garrison, and I, had the pleasure of leading 15 artists and three technicians into the heart of one of the most difficult missions of the Canadian Forces : Operation ATHENA in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Of all the services offered by CFPSA, the CF Show Tours are by far the ones that have the most comforting effect. And for good reason: 20 new faces, many of which are well known (humorist Dave Broadfoot, country signer Adam Gregory and signer Shaun Verrault of the group Wide Mouth Mason were part of the tour) could be seen in the endless sea of green tents and tanks - quite a break in the monotony!
Two conclusions can be drawn from this experience. First, it must be said that the seven shows, although of an exceptional visual and sound quality, were not the sole contributors in boosting the morale of the troops. It was fascinating to see the positive effect that a horde of artists can have on the morale of our valorous soldiers, through simple acts such lively conversation in the kitchens or taking part in impromptu jam sessions with music club members.
 Escort Officer Karine Vachon |
Secondly, the artists were pleasantly surprised to discover that, at the end of the journey, they had without a doubt gained more from this experience than they had ever imagined. In fact, their vision of the country and its poverty, but especially their understanding of the Canadian military's mandate on Afghan soil, became very clear and they will bring back with them to Canada their experiences and precious memories of the landscape. This group of 18 returned to Canada as proud ambassadors of the heroic work that our CF members accomplish everyday in Afghanistan. 
