Description
Mr. Borchert describes how when he left the military, he didn’t stop serving. He continued serving in a different way, fighting for Veterans rights.
Ed Borchert
Mr. Borchert was born in 1944, in Red Deer, Alberta. In 1964, Mr Borchert joined the Forces at Currie Barracks in Calgary and became a member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI).Throughout his 31 years of service, Mr. Borchert served overseas and in every province in Canada. He remains very proud of his service, and appreciative toward the Canadian military for the opportunities it provided him.Mr. Borchert ended his career as the Regimental Major of the PPCLI and began fighting for Veterans rights. Today he holds the position of president of the National Metis Veterans Association campaigning and working for his people to gain recognition and benefits for their military service to Canada.
Transcript
Interviewer: If you could speak to the young people today, about duty and obligations, what would you say to them? I would say to every young aboriginal person, every person who believes that he's a minority, every person who believes that there's nothing there for them, join the Canadian Forces. Be a soldier, be an airman, be what you want to be. Dream it, and it can happen. The Canadian Forces took, took a soldier with grade one page ten and I did more than I ever thought possible. I've retired as the regimental major for the Patricia's, a regiment that I dearly love. And I didn't do it because I was so smart, I didn't do it because I was so brave, I did it because every one around me told me I could. Join the Forces, and be whatever you want to be. I think one thing that should be said for our young people, be they Metis, First Nation, Inuit, our people served. We have a warriors spirit, not one to bring harm, but one to ensure peace within our Nations. And if you don't want to be a full time soldier, join the Bald Eagle program. Metis, Inuit, First Nation, join the Bald Eagle, join the Raven program with their Navy. Just see what you can be, and be a warrior for peace.