Just Do It!

You got to do what your heart wants you to do. If you want to join the military, just join. I got a lot of parents, a lot of friends and their kids want to join the military and do it just for the experience. You grow so much in that first three years, even if you only stay in for three years. You grow so much. You learn how to do things by yourself. You push away from the video games. You get outside more. You are more physically active and you build a bond with people that will last your whole life. When push comes to shove the friends that you make in the military are going to be there when you really need them. I got friends that called me when I was having bad days and I spoke to them when they were having bad days. Just do it. If you want to do it in your heart, don’t do it just for a job because you are not going to like it. If you really want to do it in your heart then do it because nothing will make you prouder than when you wear that flag on your shoulder.

Mr. Reist sends a message to youth about the positive side of military life and the pride for wearing the Canadian flag.

Mike Reist

Mr. Mike Reist was born December 18, 1969 in Waterloo, Ontario. Having had a great uncle as a role model, Mike made the choice to join the Canadian Forces, only advising his family of these intentions two weeks prior to attending infantry training. Mike joined with 2 RCR, 2nd Battalion Infantry Division and held rank of warrant officer. Mike has a long record of service overseas - Cyprus 1991, Bosnia 1992,’96, ’99, Africa 2000, Afghanistan 2003, ’07 and Haiti in 2005. Mike had 27½ years of military service. Mike is very proud of his military career and is quoted as saying, “It’s the best thing that ever happened!” Upon medical release, Mike was stricken with PTSD and has become an advocate in speaking out about this condition. He is presently active with the Soldier On program and has competed in the Invictus Games in Toronto 2017 as part of Team Canada’s wheelchair rugby. Mike presently resides in Gagetown, New Brunswick with his wife and family.