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The soldiers of Base Petawawa braved the fast-moving waters of the mighty Ottawa River Sunday as RiverRun Rafting hosted a special day to welcome home to the troops.
Over 250 soldiers and their families accepted the rafting company’s invitation to a free excursion down the rapids.
Reading accounts of the soldiers’ homecoming in the newspaper, RiverRun owner Margaret Maloney wanted to offer them something different instead of the usual pomp and circumstance.
“They had had a lot of formal ceremonies,” said Ms. Maloney. “I thought wouldn’t it be nice if they had a fun day on the river, something very casual. We’re really excited about this day.”
The participants first gathered for a safety briefing by the staff. Part of the instructions included what to do if they fell overboard and how to swim back to their boat. While falling overboard does occur, staff members showed techniques and how to use specialized equipment to get them out of a tough spot.
Col. Dean Milner, commander of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, said he was looking forward to the trip admitting it was something he hadn’t done in all the years he was posted to Base Petawawa.
“It’s outstanding for the troops,” said Col. Milner, who was joined by his own family for the day. “This is a really nice show of support for the troops.”
Issued with wet suits, paddles, helmets and life-vests, the expedition boarded three buses for a quick journey to the launching point. Sailing in 24-foot and 12-foot boats, they were to tackle seven to eight sets of rapids during the three-hour trip. Most of the rapids were “grade three” class with waves as high as two metres.
Guiding one of the boats was whitewater instructor Andy Hill, who reassured his crew that while it is a high intensity activity every safety precaution has been taken.
“We do it every day, it’s our office,” said Mr. Hill. “We never get tired of it.”
This isn’t the first time Mr. Hill has escorted soldiers either. He recalled one time he guided a group of British Special Air Service members on a rafting expedition in New Zealand.
“They were pretty tough guys and they paddled hard,” he recounted noting one incident when the unexpected happened to him. “One time, I ended up out of the boat and they stayed in.”
About 40 guides donated their time to escort the Petawawa group, including piloting the rafts and operating Zodiac safety boats. Col. Milner presented Ms. Maloney with a plaque to show his appreciation to the company.
“He said the generosity of RiverRun was one of the highlights of their summer,” she said.
Ms. Maloney added the public doesn’t always appreciate what the military does on a domestic front whether it is helping out during the Red River floods or the eastern Ontario Ice Storm.
“If there is a national emergency, who else are going to call,” she said.
Sean Chase is a Daily Observer reporter