Greetings!

 As the founding member, I would like to welcome you to the official Veterans UN-NATO Canada website.

Since January 4th, 2008, the day I created the Veterans UN-NATO Canada group, there is not one day that goes by that I am not pleasantly surprised to see so many brothers and sisters-in-arms joining our big family. I want you to know that while I was working on the design of the official patch, I wanted to create a universal symbol which would identify who we are. I am very proud of the result and every day I see how proud you are to wear your colours.

As the new generation of veterans, we had no place to go, our values did not meet up with previous organization’s values and we needed our own place. Now it’s official, we are recognized by the government of Canada.

You can find members in Canada, France, Germany and New Caledonia. We also have members in Bosnia, Japan, Thailand, Australia and I’m forgetting some. It is all thanks to you and the group’s reputation that you are thankfully spreading.

The important part for me is that there is no and there never will be any obligation for members to participate in activities, meetings or events. Respect amongst members is essential so that all can feel a sense of belonging within our big family. I realize that we can’t like and appreciate everybody, but we owe it to ourselves to be respectful to all members otherwise the strength of the group be affected.

We are all somewhat leaders, but you must not confuse our group with the military system as we know it, we have to put aside our moods so we may evolve and grow with respect for all members. I am not against forming smaller groups within the group as long as it doesn’t become negative. The definition of a small group for me is brothers and sisters-in-arms who have more affinity to one another and it is ok by me.

To live and let live has always been my motto and each of us has something to offer to the others so have fun and don’t take everything so seriously. The group’s main mission is to take members out from isolation and give them a new taste for life while saving lives. The best way to accomplish this mission is to offer a hug, a handshake and a big smile, I know because you saved my life with this offer of love and recognition and I thank you for it!

It would not be like me to not thank our “Ladies” for their love and support, because without them, the contributions of our brothers in arm would not be the same. I got to know quite a few of them and they mean the world to me.  To be a “Ladies” is a privilege within the group and even if you don’t have the decision-making power, we know very well that your influence is important.

Finally, I also want to thank our “Supporters”. You can be proud to belong to this big family.  We know that as a civilian it’s not always easy to understand, but if you’re with us it’s because our friendship brings you happiness and a sense of belonging and don’t forget that we gave you something very precious to us: our trust.

To never forget who we are

Denis ” Ryfell ” Beaudin