Veterans in Uniform Give Inspiration

Heroes Remember

Veterans in Uniform Give Inspiration

Transcript

So it was kind of like an early stage in my life introduction into the whole military aspect of life, albeit, being the cadet program. While I was there engaged in the cadet program we would always see the reservists come in from the SD&G Highlanders in Cornwall because we basically conglomerated in the facilities in Cornwall at the armouries there. And it gave me a stepping stone from seeing these guys that I saw in uniform I just thought like wow these guys, this is really cool stuff that I am seeing. I want I want to carry one of those rifles and I want to carry those backpacks. I just thought it was absolutely amazing which encouraged me seeing these guys to do better in physical activity because seeing them down doing their push ups and their physical work that they were doing at that time as a younger person, I ended up engaging in the Canada Fitness Award program through the cadet program and I received the Canada Fitness Award of Excellence through that which I mean I was always big into the physical sporting atmosphere of things that were thrown at me. When I turned 17, I joined the reserve unit, the SD&G Highlanders. Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Highlanders in Cornwall, Ontario and this was in 1997 and then I did three years with the reserve unit. In 1999 I went and approached the commanding officer at the unit in Cornwall and said I would like to transfer over to the Regular Force. I had graduated from high school at this point and I had ascertained a full time Class B contract with them in Cornwall and I really wanted to start advancing. I wanted to get outside of that area also and see the rest of Canada. My initial intentions were to go out, do my three years with the Reg Force, my initial contract with them and then go to work for the oil rigs. But three years ended up turning into fifteen.

Description

Collin Fitzgerald speaks about his time in the cadets and how seeing older Veterans in uniform gave him the desire to join the military.

Collin Fitzgerald

Mr. Collin Fitzgerald was born in Ottawa March 14, 1979. At the age of 8, Collin’s parents encouraged him to join the Cadet Program leading him towards becoming a reservist. At the age of 17 and with the inspiration of World War Two and Korea Veterans, Collin made the decision to transfer over to Regular Force joining the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. He rose to the rank of Master Corporal after his 15 years of military service. In 2000 he attended battle school in Wainwright, Alberta, then posted to Winnipeg. In September of that same year he accepted a deployment to Bosnia. In 2006, Mr. Fitzgerald attached himself to 5 Platoon B Company and deployed to Afghanistan under the regiment, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. Experiencing intense combat during his time in Afghanistan, Mr. Fitzgerald was presented the Sacrifice Medal for his services and courageous acts of duty towards his fellow comrades. Upon discharge from the military, Mr. Fitzgerald suffered with PTSD and with the help of many supporters he was able to reintegrate into civilian life. He presently is highly involved in giving back to the military community and is a strong advocate for Highway of Heroes and many other service related initiatives. Mr. Fitzgerald now resides in Kingston, Ontario.

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