Home just in time for the holidays
Cheerful reunions as Canadian Forces members return from overseas deployment
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/12/2022 (1042 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
BRANDON — Mya Hebert had the best surprise gift for Christmas this year.
The eight-year-old’s father, Master Cpl. Pierre-Luc Hebert, is a member of the 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, which has been stationed in Latvia for the last six months.
Mya hadn’t seen him since September, when he was briefly home for leave.
Tim Smith / Brandon Sun
Cpl. Michael Lesperance embraces his son Maverick, 3, after returning to CFB Shilo from Latvia late Thursday night.
08122022 Cpl Michael Lesperance hugs his son Maverick, three, after arriving back to CFB Shilo from Latvia late Thursday night along with fellow troops from 2PPCLI and the 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery following a six month deployment as part of Operation Reassurance. Over 500 troops have been returning home from Shilo over the past few weeks with approximately 120 arriving home Thursday. Other troops from Shilo deployed to Latvia in recent days as part of the ongoing operation. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)
Her mother, Amber Smith, telling a little fib, had told her Hebert was returning home Friday. On Thursday night, they were just going to Kapyong Barracks at CFB Shilo to pick up some of his things ahead of time.
To Mya’s surprise, her dad walked into the building.
“I knew that we were going to pick up his luggage, and then he was just here,” Mya said. “It feels awesome.”
Mya gave her dad a big hug, her eyes wet with tears. Hebert picked his girl up in his arms and Mya, smiling, pressed her cheek to his, as Smith looked on with a smile.
“I’m the calm, cool, collected one,” Smith said. “I’m kind of holding everybody else together, and I will feel things later.”
The scene was one of several happy reunions to take place in the hallway of Kapyong as 120 members of 1RCHA and 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry arrived home from their overseas deployment shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday.
In total, 500 members of those regiments were deployed as part of Operation Reassurance, having departed in June. Besides those who returned Thursday, others came home about a week ago, and more are expected next week.
On Tuesday, another 100 members of the CFB Shilo-based regiments left for Latvia for their six-month deployment.
The purpose of Operation Reassurance, which began in 2014, is to support NATO’s presence, deterrence and defence in Eastern and Central Europe. That mission has taken on added significance given the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Hebert, a vehicle technician, agreed the operation came with some anxiety.
“A little bit, because you’re always wondering what’s next, especially with the world situation these days,” Hebert said, adding now that he’s home, his first task is to relax with family.
Tim Smith / Brandon Sun
Six-year-old Hudson Sparks carries his dad’s backpack. Master Cpl. Rory Sparks with 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, returned to CFB Shilo from Latvia Thursday night.
Down the hall, weapons technician Master Cpl. Martin Boileau said it was “wonderful” to be home for Christmas, as he was welcomed by his wife and children.
“Especially these two little ones,” Boileau said, referring to his youngest sons, ages five and seven. “They want me there, so it’s really important for me to be there.”
Melissa Boileau said it was good to have her husband home, instead of talking over a video call. After spending time with their five children, the couple will head to Winnipeg for some together time.
“We’re going Christmas shopping next weekend, just the two of us, to reconnect,” she said.
Master Cpl. Adam Cole was greeted by fiancé Cat Cellucci.
“Super happy” to be back, Cole said, adding he looked forward to time with Cellucci, his dog and some good food.
— Brandon Sun