What's New

What’s New – 07 April 2008

As the celebrations for Alert’s 50th draw nearer, some of the planning is beginning to take shape.

On the accommodations page there are now some details regarding camp grounds that some folks might like to use.

Activities on site in Alert are still very sketchy, and will probably remain that way for some time yet. The aircraft that’s been tentatively scheduled to transport personnel for the Alert celebrations between 02 – 05 September is still sitting there on the books, but could obviously be cancelled at any time for a wide variety of reasons. The request for approval of “Alert Vets” to be permitted on that tentative flight is still working its way through the chain of command. So too is the paperwork to see who will be the dignitary presiding over events at CFS Alert

The committee does have a little more control over events that will be held at CFS Leitrim. We have an approved budget and have begun to spend some of those funds.

On Friday 12 September 2008, the festivities will be kicked off by a welcoming address by a yet-to-be-determined dignitary. That will be followed by a meet and greet for all past Alert personnel, air crew who flew in and out of Alert, and construction and engineering members who helped build and maintain the site. Numbers continue to climb on the attendees page, so it looks like it’s going to be quite a party. To handle the large amount of people we plan on using the mess, the gym, and a large tent beside the mess. A light supper will be served.

On Saturday 13 September 2008, things will get underway in the afternoon with tours of the operations building of the Canadian Forces SIGINT Operations Center here at Leitrim. HAM operators will be broadcasting on site both Friday and Saturday. We’re hoping to have a medals parade for those who have not yet received their Special Service Medal with Alert bar. (Take a peek at the “Alert Medal” page on this website to see if you qualify for one. If you do and would like to have it pinned on at the reunion, follow the instructions on the page. Quickly!) There will be an unveiling of a commemorative plaque, a twin of one that will be placed in Alert. A light supper in the form of a barbecue will be served.

When you arrive at the door to the mess, you’ll be charged $20 per person to get in. With that single entrance fee you’ll be welcome for both Friday and Saturday. You’ll be presented with a copy of the souvenir book of photos that being created, and the choice of a CFS Alert 50th anniversary coin or lapel pin. We’ll also feed you both nights.

On Sunday 14 September 2008, a brunch will be served at the Greely Legion Branch 627, approximately 15 minutes south of Leitrim. The cost for that is yet to be determined. On the agenda will be the annual dedication of the Supplementary Radio System cairn, and a brief closing ceremony by a yet to be named dignitary.

We’re still looking for photos of Alert, especially photos of personnel, so if you have some you’re willing to share be sure to get them to us. We must have them prior to 01 June 2008 in order to get them into the book

The same date of 01 June 2008 will be used as the cut off date for getting your name in for consideration for the possible flight back to Alert. There has not yet been a decision made regarding how the fortunate few will be chosen – assuming authority is granted for “Alert Vets” to participate. Stay tuned here and details will be provided once decisions have been made.