2006, Nov 27, Corporal Albert Storm CD, 1RCR, Afghanistan

[Mike Blais]

Corporal Storm was from Niagara Falls, Ontario and was killed when a suicide bomber drove his car loaded with explosives into his vehicle. He died with RSM Bobby Girouard, my friend and the incident occurred in the Kandahar province. Albert was 36 years old and leaves behind a son and a daughter.

[Mike Blais]

  Lest WE Forget

The Niagara Branch, The RCR Association, held a memorial service for Corporal Albert Storm on the 2nd anniversary of his death, the 27th of November, 2008.



The service was held at Pleasantview Cemetery, Fonthill, Ontario and supported by members of the soon to be named Cpl Albert Storm CD Branch, Canadian Association of Veterans United Nations Peacekeeping. Albert's father, his brother Mic, Wendy and their children were in attendance.




Abridged version of memorial tribute

...We have assembled here today to memorialize one of our regimental brothers, Corporal Albert Storm. Albert was a valiant member of 1st battalion of the RCR and at the moment of his sacrifice, was deployed to Afghanistan as a member of The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, Joint Task Force Afghanistan. Albert was a senior corporal with the Regiment and due to his many years of service and experience had been chosen to drive the Bison APC of a Royal Canadian whom, unlike Albert, I knew and had the pleasure of serving with thirty years ago when the RCR maintained Cold War vigilance in what was then West Germany.

His name was Robert Girouard and at the time of his death he served as the 1st Battalion’s Regimental Sergeant Major. Knowing Bobby and the loyalty his presence created, I can see why Albert was so determined to deploy.


Albert Storm was thirty-six years old and a mere three years away from retirement when he and RSM Girouard were attacked by a Taliban suicide bomber on November 27, 2006. By this time, Albert Storm had become a seasoned veteran with The Royal Canadian Regiment, had been to Afghanistan once already and served two tours in Bosnia and one in Croatia.

Had he wished, Albert Storm could have been honourably excluded from the battalion’s deployment to Afghanistan. Albert had been injured prior to the scheduled deployment and there was little time to get back into fighting form before the First and Finest deployed.

Albert Storm did not wish!

Albert Storm was motivated by his allegiance to the regimental brotherhood and his devotion to this great nation to which he had selflessly served with distinction since 1990. Albert Storm, my friends, was going to Afghanistan one more time with The Royal Canadian Regiment.

On the morning of 27th of November, 2006, two years ago to this date, Corporal Albert Storm and RSM Robert Girouard were traveling on Highway 4 between Khandahar Air Field and Khandahar City. Operation Medusa, a combat mission wherein twelve Canadians would perish before the Taliban was vanquished from the field, was being fully implemented. This was a dangerous section of the road and the RCRs providing escort for the small convoy were tense and operating at the highest state of alert.

Albert was driving Regimental Sergeant Major Girouard’s Bison Light Armoured Vehicle, an eight-wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier laden with extra ammunition, water and rations destined for the battalion’s rifle companies as they advanced to contact engaging retreating Taliban forces through the Panjawai Valley. My friend, Regimental Sergeant Major Robert Girouard, was in the Bison’s commander’s hatch where he assisted Albert searching the road ahead for IEDS and kept a weary eye out for insurgents.

At approximately 0830 hrs, Afghani time, a Taliban suicide bomber approached the Canadian convoy and, driving a car crammed with explosives, detonated the massive bomb beside our brothers Armoured Personnel Carrier.

The consequences were catastrophic. Albert Storm and Robert Girouard, our regimental bothers in arms, did not survive this cowardly attack and would, to the Regiment’s profound dismay, become the 12th and 13th member of the Royal Canadian Regiment to die in Afghanistan.

Most of the members of the Niagara Branch of The RCR Association, those who have assembled here today to honour our brother, did not personally know Albert Storm. We are of another generation and in many instances our time on active duty with the Regiment preceded Albert’s by decades. Today there are Royal Canadians present who have served from the battle scarred hills of Korea, to Cyprus, the Middle East, Bosnia and Croatia. Our missions were conducted under vastly different conditions then our brothers in Khandahar now experience and were bereft of the extreme violence, terror, anarchy and turmoil we have borne witness to in Afghanistan since 2003.

Yet while we may have not known Albert Storm the man, we know in our hearts Albert Storm our brother. Albert Storm was a Royal Canadian, a fraternal member of a regimental family that has flourished for 125 years and contributed valiant young men very much like Albert Storm to every major conflict abroad since Queen Victoria waged war against the Boers at the turn of the last century.

Today, we have congregated beneath our regimental banner to honour our brother’s contribution to our family and to revere Corporal Albert Storm’s ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the Regiment, Canada and this nation’s honourable quest to bring peace and security to the destitute and oppressed people of Afghanistan.

Let us take this solemn opportunity to reflect upon our brother Albert’s service and in his name, pray for the safety his many valiant friends, our regimental brothers, who currently fly the banner of freedom in Khandahar with 3rd battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.

There is one more prayer to be said before we conclude with our memorial service and I would like to recite it to you in name of our brother, Corporal Albert Storm. I would have you turn to the second page of your brochure and reflect not only upon our brother Albert’s sacrifice, but each of the eighteen valiant men who, since the RCR deployed to Afghanistan in 2003, have been added to the Regimental Roll of Honour.

We shall not forget.

Almighty God; we humbly implore thy blessing on The Royal Canadian Regiment and all of us who serve therein. Help us to prove worthy to accept the high ideals and traditions of the past; to honour and revere the memory of those who have gone before us; to face our responsibilities in the future, in both peace and war, with courage, justice, love, honesty, and faithfulness. Remove all greed, hatred, selfishness, and envy from our thoughts that we may render true service to the Regiment and for Thee our God; for our fellow man; and "For Country".
Pro Patria.

      

[Mike Blais]

New playground for Crystal Beach

   

A national award that helps build community playgrounds will lead to a new playground at Waterfront Park in Crystal Beach.

Fort Erie was selected one of 25 communities to receive the Let Them Be Kids-Kool-Aid-Smiles Award, which provides support and resources for community projects.

The playground will be named in honour of Corporal Albert Storm, a Crystal Beach native who died in Afghanistan in 2006.

The project will be officially unveiled Saturday at noon at Fort Erie Fire Station 6 on Ridgeway Road.

The Crystal Beach Volunteer Firefighter Association is spearheading the project.

Firefighters will be conducting a number of fundraising events throughout the summer in support of the project.

The playground is expected to be built in September.

[Mike Blais]

Kids help design new playground for Crystal Beach

   

Connect the dots and build a legacy.

The Crystal Beach Volunteer Firefighter Association invited local children to its firehall on Saturday to help design a new community playground at Waterfront Park.

As children will be the ones using the park, the association felt it was only fitting that they had a hand in designing the structure.

Over 100 kids attended the Ridgeway Road fire hall for a "dot"mocracy.

Pictures of various playground equipment were set up at the hall and children were given dot stickers and told to affix them to pieces of equipment they would like to see in a new playground.

"They were allowed to choose whatever they wanted to see in the playground," said firefighter Jeff Putman, co-chairman of the playground committee.

The dot-covered images of slides, climbing equipment and swings were then given to a representative from playground company who will create a design based on the childrens' input.

The kids are regular visitors to Station 6 firehall.

Every month from November to May, the firefighters host a free movie night at the hall.

"We get about 110 kids come out for the movies and each gets free popcorn and pop," Putman said.

The firefighters also host a community family picnic each summer and transform the station into a haunted house every Halloween.

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The association's community spirit now includes an ambitious project to create a permanent playground at Waterfront Park.

The playground will be built Sept. 19 and the firefighters are planning various fundraisers throughout the summer to raise between $40,000 and $45,000 towards the project.

A summer bash at Waterfront Park is set for July 25, followed by a fish fry and a charity motorcycle run in August.

"We're pretty confident we'll be able to raise the money we need," Putman said.

Recently, the association received a $5,000 grant from the Kool-Aid Smiles program.

Fort Erie was selected as one of 25 communities to receive a Let Them Be Kids Kool-Aid Smiles Award, which provides support and resources to help make community projects a success.

"The volunteer firefighters already do so much for their local community and this is just another meaningful way to give back by providing a safe place for the children to play," said Kevin Smith, associated product manager at Kool-Aid.

Let Them Be Kids is also offering a 60/40 match in donations.

The project will receive $1 of equipment buying power for every .60 cents raised.

"The commitment and dedication shown by the firefighter's association and the vision that they have are outstanding, and we are excited to be supporting their efforts," said Ian Hill, volunteer CEO with Let Them Be Kids.

Let Them Be Kids is volunteer organization created to build community capacity on the grassroots level, while building playgrounds, skate parks and fitness parks across Canada.

The park will be named in honour of Corporal Albert Storm, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2006.

Storm lived in Crystal Beach for a number of years before he went away to college.

"We thought what a perfect and fitting resolve, to name the park after him," Putman said.

By naming the playground after a local fallen soldier, Putman said the park will also serve as a reminder to all who enjoy it that freedom does sometimes come at a price.

The association is now calling on residents to help them make their dream a reality.

Anyone who would like to contribute to the fundraising campaign can call Doug Atkins, co-chairman of the playground committee, at 905-871-1600 ext. 2603.

To volunteer on the day of the build, visit www.ltbk.org to register.

By having students and community members get involved in the planning, financing and construction of the playground project, organizers say it will go along way to enhancing Crystal Beach Waterfront Park and fostering a sense of pride and ownership.

[Mike Blais]

Playground builders call in experts -kids

Posted By ALISON LANGLEY , REVIEW STAFF WRITER
   

Connect the dots and build a legacy.

The Crystal Beach Volunteer Firefighter Association invited local children to its firehall Saturday to help design a new community playground at Waterfront Park on Lake Erie.

As children will be the ones using the park, the association felt it was only fitting they have a hand in designing the structure.

More than 100 kids attended the Ridgeway Road firehall for a "dot"-mocracy.

Pictures of various playground equipment were set up at the hall. Then children were given dot stickers and told to affix them to pieces of equipment they would like to see in a new playground.

"They were allowed to choose whatever they wanted," said firefighter Jeff Putman, co-chairman of the playground committee.

The dot-covered images of slides, climbing equipment and swings were then given to a representative from a playground company who will create a design based on the children's input.

The kids are actually regular visitors to the Station 6 firehall. Every month from November to May, firefighters host a free movie night at the hall.

"We get about 110 kids come out for the movies and each gets free popcorn and pop," Putman said.

The firefighters also host a commu n i t y family picnic each summer, and transform the station into a haunted house every Halloween.

The association's community spirit now

includes an ambitious project to create a permanent playground at Waterfront Park.

The playground will be built Sept. 19, and firefighters are planning various fundraisers throughout the summer in hopes of raising $40,000 to $45,000.

A summer bash at Waterfront Park is set for July 25, followed by a fish fry and a charity motorcycle run in August.

"We're pretty confident we'll be able to raise the money we need," Putman said.

Recently, the association received a $5,000 grant from the Kool-Aid Smiles program.

Fort Erie was selected as one of 25 communities to receive a Let Them Be Kids Kool-Aid Smiles Award. It provides support and resources to help make community projects a success.

"The volunteer firefighters already do so much for their local community and this is just another meaningful way to give back by providing a safe place for the children to play," said Kevin Smith, associated product manager at Kool-Aid.

Let Them Be Kids, a volunteer organization that builds playgrounds, skate parks and fitness parks across Canada, is also offering a 60/40 match in donations.

The project will receive $1 of equipment buying power for every 60 cents raised.

"The commitment and dedication shown by the firefighters association and the vision that they have are outstanding, and we are excited to be supporting their efforts," said Ian Hill, volunteer chief executive officer with Let Them Be Kids.

The park will be named in honour of Cpl. Albert Storm, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2006.

Storm lived in Crystal Beach for a number of years before he went away to college.

"We thought, what a perfect and fitting resolve, to name the park after him," Putman said.

By naming the playground after a local fallen soldier, Putman said the park will also serve as a reminder to all who enjoy it that freedom does sometimes come at a price.

Now, the association is calling on residents to help them make their dream a reality.

Anyone who would like to contribute to the fundraising campaign can contact Doug Atkins, co-chairman of the playground committee, at 905-871- 1600, ext. 2603.

To volunteer on the day of the build, visit www.ltbk.orgto register.

By having students and community members get involved in the planning, financing and construction of the playground project, organizers say it will go a long way toward enhancing Crystal Beach Waterfront Park and fostering a sense of pride and ownership.

[ranrad]

Boy, its sure nice to read this on Albert Storm, who gave his all for others and his brothers and sisters.. and to see this kids park in his name is great. Very fitting.. thanks to Kool Aid , and those with the insite to get the kids out for their perspecticve/.. it should be a dandy park.. thanks for getting this up Mike.. ranrad

[Mike Blais]

Cpl. Albert Storm Playground to be built in Fort Erie, Saturday

   

Dozens of people are expected to come together on Saturday to build a new community playground at Waterfront Park in Fort Erie.

The Crystal Beach Firefighters Association has been hosting charity events over the summer to raise funds for the Corporal Albert Storm Playground.

Local firefighters and volunteers will be at the park Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to build the new play structure that honours Cpl. Storm, a Fort Erie soldier who died in Afghanistan in 2006.

The goal for the entire project was $48,000. Kool-Aid donated $5,000 and the Let Them Be Kids program contributed 40 cents for every 60 cents raised.

Fort Erie was one of 25 communities across Canada to receive the Let Them Be Kids Kool Aid Smile award to help with the build.

Anyone interested in volunteering on the build day can register at www.ltbkforterie.blogspot.com.

[Mike Blais]

I must say, I was was absolutely astonished to see the outpouring of support for this project. When I heard in may that these volunteer firemen hoped to raise fifty grand in four months I thought, Geez, what are these guys smoking! snicker. Of course, I am very proud of my community, specially as we have been hit pretty hard by the economic downturn.   



'BEYOND OUR WILDEST DREAMS'

Posted By JOHN ROBBINS / Review Staff Writer
Updated 10 mins ago
   

It was supposed to be a four-year marathon.

Happily, raising the money to build a lake-front playground named in honour of a local soldier killed in Afgha n i s t a n turned out to be a four-month sprint thanks to corporate sponsorship and the

generosity of many individuals and families.

"It has been a community project since the day we started. With all of the donations, it's overwhelming" said Jeff Putman, a firefighter and co-chairman of the playground committee.

On Saturday, members of the community again demonstrated just how much they are behind the project.

So many people started showing up at Waterfront Park to help with construction, organizers had to post volunteers to do traffic control and help with parking.

"It has just been beyond our wildest dreams," said Doug Atkins, Fort Erie Fire Department district chief for Crystal Beach.

"We've had over 200 people come out today to help us build this playground and clean up the beach and do plantings of gardens. It has just been a fantastic day."

The playground project was spearheaded by the Crystal Beach Volunteer Firefighter Association.

It's named after Cpl. Albert Storm, a Canadian soldier who was born in Niagara Falls and lived in Crystal Beach prior to moving away to attend college.

Storm was killed by a car bomber while on deployment in Afghanistan Nov. 27, 2006.

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A contingent of soldiers who served with Storm made the trip to Fort Erie to participate in building the playground.

The drive to raise the money for the project kicked off on May 18. The original goal was $42,000, which was later hiked to $48,000. As of last Monday, more than $55,000 had been donated.

"The funds are still coming in and our intention is to increase the play area here even more," said Atkins.

Atkins said enough money was raised that they could have contracted the construction work out, but that wouldn't have been in keeping with the spirit of the project.

"We could have ... but that's not what it's about."

Added Putman: "It's the satisfaction for the people who have donated and want to be a part of it. When they come down here they're going to have a sense of ownership to it now that they've taken part in the actual construction of it.

[ranrad]

My hat is off to all you good folks down there, for making this all happen.. i think all will remember this for all time..ranrad

[Mike Blais]

‘He’s alive again doing some good, which he always did’
Cpl. Albert Storm Memorial Playground in Crystal Beach provides fallen soldier’s brother with a ‘kind of closure’
Richard Hutton
Published on Sep 25, 2009

Months of fundraising efforts paid off for the Crystal Beach Fire Fighters Association Saturday when the Cpl. Albert Storm Playground became a reality.

More than 170 volunteers gathered in Waterfront Front Park on What was billed as “Let Them Be Kids Day” in Niagara to erect the playground in honour of Cpl. Storm, a Crystal Beach native who was killed by a roadside bomb Nov. 27, 2006 while serving with the Canadian forces which are a part of the U.S.-led NATO mission in Afghanistan.

Among the volunteers helping with the build were members of Storm’s family as well as representatives from  the 1st Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group based out of Petawawa, Ont., the unit in which Storm served.

“It’s awesome,” Storm’s brother, Mic, said as he worked on the structure. “It’s kind of like closure. He’s alive again doing some good, which he always did.”

Although arthritis in both knees kept the fallen soldier’s father, Albert Sr., from helping with the build, he sat quietly looking on in awe of what was transpiring in front of him.

“It’s a nice way to remember him,” Albert Sr. said. “It makes me feel good. If I didn’t have arthritis in my knees, I would be in their helping.”

Doug Atkins, who help spearhead the project with the CBFA, called it “just out of this world” as he saw the playground taking shape.

“It’s awesome, inspiring. The whole process was a real eye-opener. Seeing that kind of support is just fantastic.

Ian Hill, the volunteer chief executive officer for Let The Be Kids, also called the event “inspiring.”

“It shows what a group of people can do when they get together,” he said. “For these people, the work is bittersweet. It’s community.”

The day was more than a playground build, however, as volunteers fanned out across Waterfront Park, weeding and adding topsoil to gardens as well as cleaning up the beach. Two memorial benches in honour of Cpl. Storm were also installed facing the playground.

A dedication ceremony Saturday afternoon concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and a mad dash by children on hand to be the first to use the new structure.

Let Them Be Kids is a volunteer non-profit organization providing support to communities to build playgrounds, skate parks and fitness parks across the country, As well as Fort Erie, another playground build was staged Saturday in Lincoln at Charles Daley Park. Together with Kool-Aid, the organization chipped in $5,000 to the project, which cost $48,000 to complete.

[Gord Vaillancourt]

Well done, good job to all involved.

[Mike Blais]

[Mike Blais]

Albert's brother George, Ernie Wetzel, myself and Albert Storm snr, 1 RCR Warrant Officer ? and Jimmy Kaczmerek. 

[Mike Blais]

Close to the dedication time. After a thorough inspection, Ernie Wetzel gives the thumbs up.

[Mike Blais]

Note the banner! Jimmy Kaczmerek in underneath it.