Inspiration from Vimy Ridge

Heroes Remember

Inspiration from Vimy Ridge

Transcript

So it came up to that three year contract when I was coming to the end of it. Now I wasn’t going to extend it, I was going to go back to school and do something else. But at the time it was the 80th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge and my sergeant-major at the time said you know I want, it would have been Private Feyko, I want Private Feyko to be on the honour guard for that anniversary parade in France. And that was an eye opening experience because we actually had a couple of Vets from WWI that were there at the time and to be in the company of those heroes and what they have gone through was an eye opener and a life changing opportunity for me so I came back and I said you know I am going to change that decision, I want to stay in the forces. Seeing what they went through back really at Vimy and listening to the stories it was incredible. And you know what, they went through so much I can go through that now with todays’ medicines and everything else that is going on, it’s the least I can do so I ended up staying in the Canadian Forces which was a great opportunity as it turns out because the Canadian Forces has a program called University Training Plan for Non-commissioned Members and they sent me back to school to finish off my degree and shortly after that I commissioned to an officer from the junior ranks so I got to complete my school regardless and then I had a great job after in the infantry.

Description

Mr. Feyko attributes participating as honour guard at the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge for his remaining in the military and serving his country.

Jay Feyko

Mr. Jay Feyko was born April 25, 1973 in Windsor, Ontario. While attending Trenton University, unsure of his future, Mr. Feyko decided to join the military under a three year contract with the Canadian Forces. After having the opportunity to be honour guard in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, his inspiration for those who served before him led him to the decision to remain in the military. Joining as private under the 3rd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment, Infantry Division, Mr. Feyko deployed to Afghanistan under Operation Roto O holding rank of platoon commander. He was medically discharge and rose to the rank of major. Deployment to Afghanistan resulted in a severe injury when he became wounded after a suicide bomber detonated the vehicle he was travelling in. Not allowing his injuries to change his lifestyle, Mr. Feyko carried on with his career, accepting a position as senior manager of Soldier On where he continues present day in supporting and assisting other Veterans with challenges in life. Mr. Feyko was medically discharged from the Canadian military in June 2016 and continues to advocate for the needs of his fellow comrades. Mr. Feyko now resides in Ottawa, Ontario with his wife and children.

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