I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed Commander of Land Force Western Area/Joint Task Force West. Western Canadian soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen have distinguished themselves, their provinces and their country in peace and in war for w
As a western Canadian myself, I can think of no greater honour than having been entrusted with the responsibility to lead the outstanding men and women — regular, reserve and civilian — who make up this diverse and extremely effective command. The track record of Land Force Western Area /Joint Task Force West in recent years, in particular in Afghanistan and on domestic operations, is second to none.
In my initial travels across Western Canada, I have been most impressed not only by the quality of leadership and personnel who serve with the Canadian Forces in the west, but by the staggering amount of activity our personnel undertake on a routine basis. Whether it be on operations, major training activities in preparation for deployments, or connecting with local communities from the West Coast to the Lakehead, our soldiers and civilians have cultivated a hard-earned reputation for initiative, excellence and never settling for second best.
As we begin to ramp up for another major rotation into Afghanistan in 2011, I want to assure each and every one of you that support to military families will remain a priority. Strong family ties contribute directly to our individual and collective readiness, and we should never underestimate the impact that supportive families have on our effectiveness. In a similar vein, Land Force Western Area is blessed with some of the most supportive communities in the country, and the work of our troops is made much easier knowing that they are appreciated and respected by their friends, neighbours and communities. This has not always been the case and is a precious relationship that we will continue to nurture and safeguard.
In closing, I would like to again state that I am honoured and humbled to have been selected to command such an outstanding, dynamic and effective group of servicemen, servicewomen and civilians. I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can, and to serving alongside you over what promises to be an exciting period as we continue to maintain and enhance the high standards for which Land Force Western Area/Joint Task Force West is renowned.
Brigadier-General Paul Wynnyk, commander of Land Force Western Area / Joint Task Force West
