Trained and Experienced

Some of the Indigenous people who volunteered to serve in Korea were members of the active force of the Canadian Army, and therefore already trained and accustomed to military service. Additionally, many volunteers were Veterans of an earlier war. Clement and Patrick Arcand from the Muskeg Lake Cree Band in Saskatchewan are two such examples.

During the Second World War, Clement, Patrick and all eight of their brothers served in the Armed Forces. Moreover, their father, Louis, a Veteran of the First World War, participated as a member of the Veterans Guard. In early 1952, Clement and Patrick enlisted in the CASF. Both privates, they joined the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, the branch in which they had served during the previous war. As drivers, they helped deliver ammunition, rations and other supplies to the U.N. troops in the Far East.

Another Veteran of the Second World War who went to Korea was Tommy Prince.