Fort Henry National Historic Site and the Fort Henry Guard Club of Canada are partnering to launch a mentorship program for this year’s summer staff.  COVID severely impacted the hiring system Fort Henry relies on, where student staff have time to progress naturally through leadership positions and learn different aspects of Senior Guard responsibilities prior to being in those roles.

The aim of this program is to utilize former Senior Guard to help mentor and coach this season’s Senior Guard through a challenging transition from the rank-and-file to young leaders of the Fort Henry Guard. 

More information about how we see this program operating, what the expectations of a mentor are, and a basic guide to mentoring in general, can be found in this PDF.

Some notes:

• The Fort Henry Guard is always changing, growing, and evolving. While not required, preference will be given to those who have worked at the Fort in the last 20 to 25 years to ensure mentors are up to date on current practices.
• We are also seeking female mentors as we anticipate there being many female mentees.
• Mentors do not have to live in the Kingston area to participate. A completely virtual mentorship can be facilitated.

If you are interested in applying, please complete this Google Form.  The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 23, 2022.

Please contact camsmith@trentu.ca with any questions or if you have trouble accessing the Google form.

Thank you!

Into the Dragon’s Jaws

A Canadian Combat Surgeon in The Vietnam War

Dr. Garry L. Willard

Foreword by:  Brigadier-General (Ret.) William J. Patterson (FHG 211) 

Congratulations to Dr. Garry Willard, FHG 381, (Guard of 1958-1960), whose recently- published book, Into the Dragon’s Jaws, provides an intensely personal and detailed narrative of his 1968 experiences as a trauma surgeon during the most severe fighting in the Vietnam War.  The book offers an account of the pain, as well as the acts of kindness, created by war and reveals a piece of Canadian and military history that is not widely known.

Dr. Willard’s book is available on Amazon, Chapters and Barnes & Noble websites in e-book (Kindle, Kobo, Nook), Paperback and Hardcover print formats.  The author is currently connecting with many Associations such as The American College of Surgeons, The Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, The Royal Canadian Air Force Association, Eastern Command Naval Association, Vietnam Combat Veterans, Military Veterans of Canada, USMC – Vietnam Veterans, Vietnam Veterans Photo Club, Veterans Affairs – Canada Remembers, Vietnam War History Organization and Vietnam War Book & Film Club that are backing his desire to donate part of the royalties for PTSD Research and Treatment of PTSD in our Military and Veterans.  Of interest is the fact that the e-book generates as much royalty as the print version, so even if less expensive, it is still significant as to the donations Dr. Willard will be able to make for PTSD Research and Treatment.

It is Truth and Reconciliation Week in Canada. This week offers the opportunity for us to reflect on the dark and difficult parts of our shared history with Indigenous people. This Thursday, September 30 is Orange Shirt Day in recognition of a movement that originated with Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor – and it is also the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

As we observe this day, Senator Murray Sinclair, Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, challenges all Canadians to “read the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Report and pick one that you can work on, that you understand and make it happen. This is not a spectator sport. We need you, to bring reconciliation to a reality in this country.”  

We encourage everyone to participate in recognizing the legacy and ongoing effects of colonization and residential schools through a meaningful way whether it be through quiet reflection, participating in in-person or online events, or engaging in conversation.

 Here are some resources to support our reflection:  

• Download the mobile app – Reconciliation: A Starting Point    
• Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 calls to action
• Read the 231 calls to action in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 
• Read reports related to residential schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Aboriginal Healing Reports and more 
• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has developed a Residential School timeline.
• The CBC has created an interactive map that allows you to see how close you live or work to a former Residential School site.

Alex McLean

President, Fort Henry Guard Club of Canada

Thursday’s AGM was the last meeting for Michelle Foxton (FHG 1670) as President of the Fort Henry Guard Club.  Michelle has been a passionate and tireless supporter of the Guard, and the Club has flourished under her leadership over the past five years.  We offer our sincere thanks for all of her hard work, and wish her the best as she pursues some exciting new opportunities in the weeks and months ahead.

Michelle will remain on the board as Past President, which means that previous Past President Steve Mecredy (FHG 950) has stepped down after many years of dedicated service.  Michael Murphy (FHG 2231) also stepped down from the Board at the end of a two-year term, but will continue his great work putting together issues of The Guardsman.

The Club’s new President is Alex McLean (FHG 2100).  Alex, who started with the Guard in 2009 and later worked for several years as the Fort’s Curator & Program Support Officer, brings a wealth of experience and connections to his new role.  We are also pleased to welcome Cameron Smith (FHG 2358) to the Board.  You can find the full list of Board members here.

Thanks to all of the Guard Club members who participated in our virtual AGM for their thoughtful questions and messages of support.

As part of the government’s recent move to Step One of its Roadmap to Reopen Ontario plan, Fort Henry has announced that it will officially open for the 2021 season on Saturday, June 19, 2021.

As was the case last summer, the Fort will be offering modified outdoor programming with self-guided tours, and rifle firing, music and artillery demonstrations.  Members of the Fort Henry Guard will also be stationed throughout the Fort to offer interpretation experiences.

Fort Henry Guard Club members will receive a reduced admission fee of $12.00 when purchasing in-person tickets at the Fort Henry admission booth upon presentation of their membership card.  Advance tickets can also be purchased online at the usual price of $15 each.

More details about this year’s programming, hours of operation, and health and safety measures can be found on Fort Henry’s website.