CANORA – Since 1926, the Royal Canadian Legion has thrived in efforts to make a difference in the lives of their Veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP and their families, offering vital support programs, support in the communities and by keeping the memories of those who sacrificed for Canada alive.
Details of available support programs such as Adjusting to Civilian Life, Mental Health and PTSD and Support for Seniors, to name a few, along with news articles such as the Legion's invitation to all Canadians to join the Legion as a Centenary member for free, an article on the Legion letter to Prime Minister on sovereignty, freedom and Afghanistan and the Royal Canadian Mint's release of commemorative coins for the Legion's 100th Anniversary can all be located on the Legion website at legion.ca.
In light of the Legion Anniversary, Canora Legion #52, would like to take this time to acknowledge the Canadian Army's presence during the Second World War and to recognize two brothers of Canora's hometown children, who have entered into the Canadian Armed Forces, spending a career serving their country. The following, in their own words are their stories:
Sgt. (Ret’d) Kevin Rehaluk
Sgt. Kevin William Rehaluk joined the Canadian Armed Forces Sep 1986:
- Completed Basic recruit training November 1986 at CFB Cornwallis Nova Scotia
- Posted to CFB Borden November 1986 to start trades training to be a Vehicle Technician
- Completed trades training August 1987
- Posted to CFB Calgary, 1st Service Battalion Vehicle Company
- Completed Trades training and posted to 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI), Victoria, B.C. August 1989
- Posted to CFB Borden to complete trades training August 1990, posted back to 3 PPCLI Victoria B.C.
- Promoted to Corporal August 1990
- UN Tour Haiti April-September 1992
- Posted to CFB Winnipeg August 1991
- Promoted to Master Corporal August 1997
- Posted to CFB Wainwright, Alta., Western Area Training Center, PPCLI Battle School
- Promoted to Sergeant, June 2006
- Posted to CFB Cold Lake, Alta.
- Completed numerous Arctic operations while posted to CFB Cold Lake
- Retired January 2011
Master Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Keenan Rehaluk, CD
Master Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Keenan Rehaluk enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in October 1993.
Following his basic training and infantry qualification, he was transferred to Dukes Company, 1st Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment (1 RCR).
Between 1994 and 2002, he fulfilled numerous positions within the battalion and completed a variety of courses, including Anti Armour, Parachutist, and Leadership qualifications. During this time, he deployed to both Bosnia and Kosovo.
In April 2002, Keenan transferred to the Ammunition Technician trade. Upon completion of his training in Borden, Ont. he was posted to the 2nd Service Battalion in Petawawa, where he deployed again to Bosnia and Afghanistan. He also completed several specialty courses, including the United States Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal qualification.
In 2008, Keenan was posted to Shilo, Man., where he met the love of his life, Julie. During this posting, he attended the Biological and Chemical Munition Disposal Course in Kineton, England. He later seized the opportunity to serve as an Exchange Officer at the Explosive Ordnance Disposal School in the United Kingdom, where he was promoted to Warrant Officer in June 2011.
Returning to Canada in 2013, Keenan was posted to the Canadian Materiel Support Group (CMSG) in Ottawa. In 2016, he was posted to the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre (CFLTC) in Borden as the Explosives Training Cadre Sergeant Major.
Throughout his distinguished career, Master Warrant Officer Rehaluk participated in multiple operational deployments, including Op PALLADIUM, Op KINETIC, Op ATHENA, and Op IMPACT.
In 2017, Keenan and his wife Julie, along with their daughters Sophie and Zara, returned to Ottawa, where he continues to serve Canada as a public servant in the role of Unexploded Explosive Advisor.
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