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New Brunswick

May 17-18, 2007

New Brunswick -- I spent May 17 and 18 traveling in New Brunswick and meeting with government leaders and military personnel. One of the duties that I find most rewarding -- and perhaps one of the most important -- is reaching out to Canadian military personnel who serve so valiantly in Afghanistan. The work that the Canadian military performs is crucial to the people of Afghanistan and to the NATO mission there. But the ties between our two militaries go far beyond that one mission. No two militaries are more closely united than those of the United States and Canada. Our forces work and train together all over the world. They also operate NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which assures our aerospace defense and sovereignty. Canada and the United States added a maritime warning mission to the Command in 2006 when our two governments extended NORAD indefinitely. The United States is deeply, deeply appreciative of this partnership.

Meet Ambassador David H. Wilkins

And so, it was a privilege for me to visit Canadian Forces Base Gagetown on May 18, and to meet with Canadian troops who are supporting their colleagues currently deployed to Afghanistan. We recognize that many of your sons and daughters have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom there. Thanking in person the men and women at Gagetown was an honor. While there, I had a chance to meet with Col. Ryan Jestin, Commander of the 3 Area Support Group Gagetown, and his staff, as well as with two exchange officers from the U.S. Army. Colonel Jestin, who had just returned from visiting Afghanistan, gave me an aerial tour of the training area at CFB Gagetown from the 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron. The professionalism and dedication of the Canadian Forces is truly remarkable and I took the opportunity to extend a message of thanks from my country for the cooperation and collegiality which they show to U.S. troops who work with them side-by-side at Gagetown.

It's also important to note that the families of your troops are also making a sacrifice. Their generosity and patriotism must be recognized. My last stop on this leg of the trip was Oromocto High School. Approximately 40 percent of the students in this school come from military families. I had the opportunity to speak to an assembly of students, teachers and administrators and to acknowledge the sacrifices that they make in the service of your country. I know from talking to the troops themselves that the love and support that they receive from the homefront are vital to them. The service of these families should never be forgotten.

My official meetings in New Brunswick included calls on Premier Shawn Graham and on Lorne Mitton, Mayor of Moncton. I also served as keynote speaker at the launch of the Salvation Army's annual Red Shield fund raising campaign. The tireless efforts of these volunteers to help others in their community is commendable. I was gratified to see so many people from Moncton turn out in support of this very worthy organization that does so much for the communities in which it operates. In St. Andrews, I attended the Energy Hub Workshop, which brought together leaders in this important sector. I was impressed with the vision that Premier Graham articulated for capitalizing on New Brunswick's existing energy assets and proximity to major markets to develop an economically strong and vibrant province by the year 2020. I was also impressed with the commitment to environmental stewardship exhibited by many in the energy sector.

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