Media advisory - From Kandahar to Quebec City - Return of the Commander of
Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan

VALCARTIER GARRISON, QC, Nov. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Media representatives are invited to attend the return from Afghanistan of Lieutenant-Colonel Marc Bigaouette, Commander of Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan (CHF(A)), along with about 115 other Canadian Forces members from Valcartier on Saturday, November 14 .

    
    Who:    Lieutenant-Colonel Marc Bigaouette, Commander of the CHF(A)
    When:   Saturday, November 14, 2009, at 4:30 pm (flight arrival scheduled
            for 5:15 pm)
    Where:  Jean-Lesage International Airport, Quebec City
    

Media will be able to approach the families before the arrival of the troops. Once Lieutenant-Colonel Bigaouette and the other military personnel clear customs, reporters may approach them also. Troops and their families will not stop at Valcartier Garrison after leaving the airport.

Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan is a component of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan Aviation Battalion and includes 174 military members, eight CH 146 Griffon helicopters and six CH 147 Chinook helicopters. CHF(A)'s tasks include transporting troops and freight in order to reduce the use of ground convoys, which expose the troops to ambushes, land mines and improvised explosive devices.

This group of about 115 soldiers is the 26th of a contingent that consists of approximately 1,640 troops from Valcartier scheduled to return. They have been on the Canadian mission in Afghanistan since mid-March 2009.

Members of the media who wish to attend the homecoming on November 14 are asked to contact 5 CMBG Public Affairs as soon as possible.

    
    Note: No interviews will be granted by the troops during their post-
    deployment leave. Requests for interviews will be considered after the
    members return to work in mid-January 2010. This approach is intended to
    allow the troops to fully enjoy some well-deserved rest and to spend as
    much time as possible with their loved ones.
    

For further information: Captain Lyne Poirier, 5 CMBG Public Affairs Officer, [phone], ext 4688, Pager: [phone]; Return Flights Information Line: [phone], ext 4429