My Deployment to Kosovo
Heroes Remember
My Deployment to Kosovo
Transcript
Description
Mr. Williams talks of the dangerous trips in a soft skin ambulance and the conditions the medics faced.
Andy Williams
Mr. Williams was born June 24, 1964 in Trenton, Ontario. His father being in the Air Force, Mr. Williams had the strong desire to join, however, when his time came, the decision for service would be army and began his training career as an army medic. In 1985 he joined as a reservist and spent 25 years with the Regular Force. In 1997, Mr. Williams was deployed to Bosnia with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse Royal Canadians holding rank of master corporal. Another opportunity for a posting was exercised in 1998 when he deployed to Kosovo, this time with the 1 Service Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment. Mr. William’s army career as a medic took him to many In-Canada posting serving with the Canadian military and upon retirement resides in Berwick, Nova Scotia with his wife and family.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Recorded:
- March 19, 2014
- Duration:
- 1:02
- Person Interviewed:
- Andy Williams
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Canadian Armed Forces
- Location/Theatre:
- Kosovo
- Battle/Campaign:
- Bosnia
- Branch:
- Army
- Units/Ship:
- Lord Strathcona’s Horse
- Rank:
- Master-Corporal
- Occupation:
- Medic
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Mr. Williams tells of how he was chosen as an army medic although it was not his first preference and of the training involved.
Emergency Medical Training
Mr. Williams details the type of training provided in Canada and in Bosnia to better prepare the medics for the tragedy and despair they may encounter.
A Very Different Culture
Mr. Williams describes the sights and the differences in culture when arriving in Bosnia, almost a state of disbelief in what we as Canadians are used to.
Poor Living Conditions but Great Food!
In sleeping quarters constructed within an old sugar factory, Mr. Williams details the conditions as fair yet speaks highly of the type of food provided.
Medical Clinics for the Local Population
Mr. Williams speaks about the setup of clinics and treating the locals.
Working Outside the Wire
Travelling by ambulance in the rough terrain, Mr. Williams speaks about the constant shelling they faced.
Inside the Wire
Mr. Williams describes the setup of camp within the soldiers compound and how they entertained themselves.
Some Best and Worst Aspects of Service
Treatment of locals was a satisfying part of Mr. William’s duties but he found it difficult to witness the poverty and devastation of the country.
Risks During Daily Routine
Travelling the countryside providing medical care, Mr. Williams expresses the awareness he had that his life was always at risk.
Reluctance in Returning Home
Although anxious to get back to Canada, Mr. Williams expresses the feelings he had for leaving a country where a positive change was evident.
Moving into the Unknown
Deployed to Kosovo, Mr. Williams speaks about the difficulty in picking up where other medics have left off in an unknown and devastated environment.
Roto O Operation in Kosovo
Mr. Williams talks of a very tense tour re-supplying the troops in the north.
Ambulance Detail
Mr. Williams describes the type of ambulance driven providing very little protection in times when rebellious acts would be exercised by the locals.
Treating our Own
Unlike Bosnia, Mr. Williams speaks of how the medics main responsibility was to treat their own soldiers rather than contribute to the medical needs of the local population.
Always on Alert
Mr. Williams tells of the drastic measures some of the locals would resort to because of extreme poverty.
Rebellious Acts
Locals get control of the hospital and commit numerous acts of violence and destruction. Mr. Williams explains his inability to intervene.
The Limitation of Service
Guided by rules of engagement, Mr. Williams expresses the certain degree of helplessness the medics felt witnessing confrontations amongst the locals.
Constant Changes in Camp Setup
Mr. Williams speaks about the conditions in camp and how things were always changing.
Home After Bosnia Deployment
Mr. Williams speaks about his return home and how adjusting to civilian life had its challenges.
Role as Medic a bit Different
Dealing with life and death situations, Mr. Williams tells of the bond amongst comrades and how it differs because of the type of connection he has within the unit.
I Believe I Made a Difference
Mr. Williams reflects back to his service as an army medic and realizes how lucky he is compared to the many young medics that did not survive.
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