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Adventure Bound
By Brigitte Smiley
 Marie DeMarbre (left) and Linda Beaudry left for Kabul at the beginning of February. |
This time the tables are turned on Marie DeMarbre. While it’s usually Marie who hires personnel for the deployed ops program, this time she’s experiencing deployment first hand, with a six-month tour of her own.
She’ll be joined by Linda Beaudry, AA/Exec VP PSP, PSP Ottawa, who will fill the position of Administration Coordinator. Here are Marie and Linda’s observations as they prepare for their upcoming adventure.
What will be your job in Kabul?
Marie: My job will be Welfare Manager. I’ve been in theatre several times, both in Bosnia and for Op ATHENA, but I’ve never managed an entire Roto. The civilians that are going with me are a fantastic group of people.
Linda: I will be the Administration Coordinator, responsible for coordinating the CFPSA administration and HR activities in Camp Julien. The distribution and provision of magazines, newspapers, CFRT schedules and DVD movies will fall under my purview. I will also don the hat of “Special Events Coordinator,” and assist with the CF Show Tour, Canada Day and special holiday/activities.
How do you feel about going there for six months?
Marie: I am a little philosophical about this assignment. I realize that I will return to my regular job with an entirely new perspective. I will never view what I do in the same light again. We have a high-energy team with creative ideas on how to keep our customers active and busy. They believe in “Serving Those Who Serve.”
Linda: It is a privilege and an honour to deploy with the CFPSA/Deployed Ops team and the troops from CFB Petawawa. From a professional perspective, I believe that being part of Roto 3 will let me see first hand how we, as CFPSA/PSP are contributing to the morale and welfare of the troops. On a personal level, it will allow me to grow as an individual and gain a renewed appreciation for the life of a peacekeeper.
Who will be replacing you here?
Marie: Gord Wells, the Deputy Deployed Operations Manager will be replacing me. It is reassuring to know that the entire Deployed Operations team: Gord, Karine, Shirley, Chantal and Keith will be supporting us back home, a mere phone call away.
Linda: Daniel Pion, PSP Admin Supervisor will be replacing me. Louise Ryan also joined the PSP Admin Cell on January 26 as the Admin Assistant to the Exec VP PSP.
