Karen Robertson taught at Churchill Community High School for 32 years. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Remembrance Day

Mother recalls military career of son currently serving in Iraq

Nov 10, 2019 | 8:00 AM

As Canadians prepare to observe Remembrance Day tomorrow, students from Churchill Community High School will likely recall 29-year-old Angus Robertson currently serving in Iraq.

His mother Karen Robertson appeared at the school for a special Remembrance Day presentation Nov. 8, where she spoke of her son and his career in the Canadian Armed Forces. With a slideshow of photos playing behind her, she described how he graduated from Churchill in 2008 before being accepted into the military in the summer of 2010. Karen and her husband Scott were surprised at his decision at first and she stated they thought it would be tough for him.

“Interestingly enough, he not only accepted the discipline, but he flourished in that very strict environment,” Karen Robertson said. “After basic training, it was on to soldier qualification and, after that, he was sent to train in his chosen trade [of] communications technology. He learned how to set up, fix and operate all manner of equipment right from handheld devices to computerized gadgets and satellite systems.”

Angus Robertson was first posted in Edmonton where he later served as a grenadier guard in Ottawa for a few weeks serving the governor general. He also had the opportunity to serve as a sentry at the National War Memorial, also in Ottawa, standing guard at the Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

At a second posting in Montreal, Robertson spent three years learning how to speak French and he can now speak the language fluently. It was also there where he volunteered to join the members of a helicopter squadron that would be deployed to Iraq.

resignation

Tisdale mayor resigns

2h ago

Parking fees

Former P.A. city councilor still fighting parking fees for cancer patients

7h ago

drinking and driving

Guilty plea entered in impaired driving causing death case

7h ago

“He did a lot of training and then at the end of May this year, my boy and his fellow soldiers travelled to a base in that war zone,” his mother said. “He’s there now and will be there until the end of this month. I know their role is to support the Iraqi army as they try to eliminate ISIS and terrorism.”

In the last six months, Robertson has worked for up to 14 hours per day, seven days a week in an environment where the temperature reaches 50 C. During the presentation, his mother stated the base he was staying at was targeted by a rocket attack, but he was safe during the ordeal.

Wreaths were laid by invited guests at the Remembrance Day ceremony. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

“Just a few weeks ago, Angus and two other Canadian soldiers there in Iraq were given commendation from the top soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces for showing extreme dedication to their mission,” she said. “We are so proud of our soldier son.”

Residents of the tri-communities are welcome to join the Remembrance Day ceremony held Monday at the Kikinahk Friendship Centre. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. and the ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 371 President Shaune Lapworth stated attendees are invited for soup and sandwiches at the Legion Hall afterwards.

“Everyone has their own personal thoughts on it, but I think about grandparents who served and those who came back,” Lapworth said. “Other people are going to remember fallen comrades, past wars and fairly recent conflicts. Veterans isn’t necessarily World War 2 people anymore. A veteran now isn’t an older person in a wheelchair, they are young people we have in our community.”

–

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno