General tells troops to stand tall

Trenton
Posted By QMI Agency
Posted February 11th, 2010


CFB TRENTON — Canada's top soldier is telling military officials and personnel here "to stand tall and to stand proud," despite the arrest of former commanding officer Col. Russ Williams on two counts of first-degree murder.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Walter Natynczyk visited the largest Canadian air force base Wednesday, the first time since Williams was charged with the murders of Belleville's Jessica Lloyd and 437 squadron's Cpl. Marie-France Comeau Monday.

"I came here to Trenton today to tell our troops and military staff that we have a responsibility to do what is right in these troubled times for the Canadian Forces," said Natynczyk. "It's been a difficult 48 hours, but we have to move forward. I am here to support my colleagues and to honour the families that have lost loved ones."

The Chief of Defence Staff said he was shocked when he was informed of the charges laid against Williams.

"We all felt the shock and most importantly it was really hard to believe," said Natynczyk. "Today (Wednesday) I told the men and women of CFB Trenton to support the national investigation services and that we will follow the judicial process as it unfolds."

The military official also met with Quinte West Mayor John Williams and Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis to thank them for their support and to discuss the repercussions such "serious accusations" against the local base's leader might have on the two communities.

Mayor Williams said the Chief of Defence Staff was concerned with the support toward the troops within the Trenton community.

"We told him how important 8 Wing is in our communities and that the Forces can count on our support," he said. "In these difficult times, he (Natynczyk) wanted to show us his support. We told him to let us know if there is anything we could do to help."

Natynczyk said he felt "a great deal of support and respect for the men an women of CFB Trenton within the community."

"We went to Tim Hortons today and a resident of Trenton told me how he appreciates the work done by our troops and wanted to show us his support in these difficult times," Natynczyk said.

He said the Canadian Forces have a duty toward all Canadians and must move forward and keep up the "great work" throughout the current missions in Afghanistan and Haiti.

"We all have to step up," said Natynczyk. "We also have to see what we can learned from all this and do what's necessary to make sure it doesn't occur again."