A Real Life Hero

Joining the Armed Forces was never a question for Major Anthony Battad; it was in his blood. His grandfather served in the Second World War and he has lots of uncles in both the United States and the Canadian militaries. "It was also a way for me to get my education paid for, but most of all, a way for me to serve Canada," Battad says with pride.

Major Battad was deployed with 1 Canadian Field Hospital to Kandahar as part of the International Security Assistance Force for the first time in 2006. Battad has gone back every year since, for three months at a time. he is not scheduled to deploy again but "if I was told to go, I would. I don't question where my government sends me."

"It's always difficult being away, especially in a strange and dangerous place. We were very busy tending to the wounded in our hospital. We also took care of a lot of Afghan kids and civilians and got to travel to villages where we provided care. I got to know a lot of the local customs but it was still a difficult place to be." This last tour Battad wass in Kandahar over Christmas. "My daughters had a really hard time with it. My wife is an amazing, strong woman though, so there is never any worry on my part." Battad's favourite memories occurred on this tour. "I remember giving out candy at Christmas to all the kids who came to our camp from surrounding vilages. For a short time they forgot about the war around them, and they were just kids. Much like kids in Canada at Christmas. It was awesome."

The Canadian militery has been in Afghanistan since 2002. Many Canadians who have not been to Afghanistan wondeer if we still belong there and if we are helping, myself included. Battad is a firm believer that we are in fact doing more good then causing harm. "I think we are certainly helping the people of Afghanistan by building schools, providing security and providing needed medical care. If these changes are lasting, only time will tell."

"Remembrance Day for me is a reminder of the sacrifices people have made for our great country, not only the men and women of the Armed Forces, but also the men and women of the RCMP, the police forces and firefighters, etcetera. All the people who risk their lives, so we can live in a safe country. I have been all over the world, and I really do believe that our way of life, and the freedoms we enjoy are worth fighting for." Since Battad has returned from war his view on Remembrance Day has not really changed. "It just hits home for me a little more, since I've actually gone to war and lost friends." Battad normally goes to his daughters' school to participate in their ceremony, then on November 11 he takes his family to one of the services. "After the service, a few of us usually go to a Legion and have a drink with some of the older vets."

"Our war experience is different from the older vets in some ways, but in a lot of ways eerily similar. It just goes to show you that war sucks, no matter what generation."