Media advisory - From Kandahar to Quebec City - Return of the National
Support Element Commander

VALCARTIER GARRISON, QC, Oct. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Media representatives are invited to be present for the return from Afghanistan of Lieutenant-Colonel Ann-Marie Tardif, Commander of the National Support Element (NSE), accompanied by approximately 110 other soldiers based at Valcartier, this Wednesday, October 14 .

    
    Who:      Lieutenant-Colonel Ann-Marie Tardif, Commander of the NSE
    When:     Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at 7:00 pm
              (flight scheduled to land at 7:45 pm)
    Where:    Jean Lesage International Airport, Quebec City
    

In compliance with airport regulations, no media representatives will be allowed in secure areas or on the tarmac. However, journalists will be allowed to talk to the families before the soldiers' arrival, and to Lieutenant-Colonel Tardif and the other soldiers after they clear customs. Unlike the procedure for previous returns, this time the soldiers and their families will not travel to Valcartier Garrison after leaving the airport.

The National Support Element provides the full range of logistics and equipment maintenance services to Joint Task Force ( Afghanistan ) units and personnel and supports security, governance and development operations in Kandahar province. Among other things, the NSE is responsible for supplying general, technical and combat equipment; supporting movements and transport; performing vehicle and equipment maintenance; and escorting convoys.

This group of about 110 soldiers is the tenth from a contingent of approximately 1,640 troops from Valcartier, all of whom are scheduled to return home by November 2009 . They have been participating in the Canadian mission in Afghanistan since mid-March 2009.

Journalists who would like to be present for the return on October 14 are asked to contact 5 CMBG Public Affairs as soon as possible.

Note: No interviews will be given by soldiers during their post-deployment leave. Requests for interviews will be considered only after the soldiers return to work in mid-January 2010. This will allow the soldiers to fully enjoy a well-deserved rest and spend as much time as possible with their loved ones.

For further information: General information: Captain Lyne Poirier, 5 CMBG Public Affairs Officer, [phone], ext 4688, Pager: (418) -260-3082; Information about return flights: [phone], ext 4429