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Canada: Santa to be on NORAD's radar again
By Tom Roeder Published: December 1, 2013 | 12:00 am
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The radars are being tuned and the satellites
synchronized as the North American Aerospace Defense Command prepares for its
most prominent mission of the year.
The command expects more than 20 million Internet
users and 100,000 callers to follow its Christmas Eve tracking of Santa Claus
as he makes his way west around the globe.
"It's the biggest outreach program in the
Department of Defense," said Stacy Knott, a spokeswoman for the binational
command, which has been defending North America from enemy air and space
threats since 1958.
The military has been tracking Santa since 1955,
when department store advertisement in The Gazette asked kids to call Santa on
Christmas Eve.
But the number in the paper inadvertently connected
to NORAD's predecessor, Continental Air Defense Command.
Instead of hanging up on the kids, the
sky-searching airmen turned to tracking Saint Nick, starting a tradition that
has grown every year since.
Canadians joined the mission after the NORAD
agreement was reached.
In the Internet age the Santa-tracking franchise
has gone viral. The command's site NoradSanta.org, which rolls out for a new
season Sunday, gets hits from almost every nation on Earth and now offers games
and activities for kids eager for Santa's trek.
"Our website has a whole new creative
design," Knott said. "It is more interactive and more accessible to
more people."
One feature for 2013: Norad Santa.org will feature
a new game every day through Dec. 24.
The command isn't shunning its telephone roots. Before
dawn on Christmas Eve, trackers will be answering the phone at 1-877-Hi-NORAD
(1-877-446-6723). Included in each call is Santa's latest location and an
admonition for children to head to bed before his arrival.
Even as the Pentagon works to cut $1 trillion from
its coffers, the Santa mission continues. But not with tax money.
The command has corporate donors and volunteers to
run the program.
In the air, Knott said, Santa's escorts over North
America are pilots flying other missions with Operation Noble Eagle, designed
to prevent another 9/11-style attack.
"Physically, we use the same things for the
daily mission," Knott said, noting that CF-18 Canadian fighters and
American F-16s will greet the sleigh.
One goal this year, Knott said, is to show the world
that NORAD has more missions than its best-known work Dec. 24.
"We're trying to make sure we have a balance
between showing the operational side of NORAD and how we track Santa," she
said.
Read more at http://gazette.com/santa-to-be-on-norads-radar-again/article/1510237#QMxILxSiaOLjPAKr.99
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Canadian Forces, Force Protection Platoon stationed in Kandahar 2009-2010.
Song by Carol Adams (family member of the Force Protection Platoon)Paintings by Silvia Pecota (www.silviapecota.com)
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Instructions for mailing overseas
1. Guidelines for mailing by Canada Post
CHRISTMAS MAILING GUIDELINES: Mail intended for Christmas delivery to Canadian Armed Forces personnel serving overseas and using the Belleville address must arrive at Belleville by 15 November 2013.
It is important to note that parcels and letters must be addressed to a specific soldier, and include rank and mission information. Senders can purchase additional options for their parcels such as coverage for loss or damage and signature. To ensure the proper custom declaration forms and addressing information, parcels and letters should be deposited at a Canada Post full-service retail outlet.
Mail deposited in street letter boxes will not be delivered. It is strictly prohibited to use this service to send humanitarian aid or charitable donations considering that neither can be forwarded overseas via the Canadian Armed Forces Postal Service as per existing regulations (CANFORGEN 02/09 SJS 002/09 081418Z JAN 09).
CHRISTMAS MAILING GUIDELINES: Mail intended for Christmas delivery to Canadian Armed Forces personnel serving overseas and using the Belleville address must arrive at Belleville by 15 November 2013.
Canada Post Free Mail Initiative
From 15 October 2013 until 11 January 2014, family and friends of Canadian Armed Forces members deployed on overseas mission will be able to send parcels for free at any Canada Post retail outlets. Letters up to 500 grams to deployed troops can also be sent free of charge until 31 Dec 2014. The above is applicable to mail being sent to any of the PO BOX STN FORCES, Belleville, Ontario addresses and to any deployed Her Majesty's Canadian Ships.It is important to note that parcels and letters must be addressed to a specific soldier, and include rank and mission information. Senders can purchase additional options for their parcels such as coverage for loss or damage and signature. To ensure the proper custom declaration forms and addressing information, parcels and letters should be deposited at a Canada Post full-service retail outlet.
Mail deposited in street letter boxes will not be delivered. It is strictly prohibited to use this service to send humanitarian aid or charitable donations considering that neither can be forwarded overseas via the Canadian Armed Forces Postal Service as per existing regulations (CANFORGEN 02/09 SJS 002/09 081418Z JAN 09).
CAF family members and friends sending letters or packages to deployed CAF Members
Sending letters and packages can be a wonderful way to keep in touch with loved ones and friends serving overseas. Here are some guidelines to assist in properly preparing your letter or parcel.- Plan in advance for special occasions. Once an item is mailed, it could take up to three weeks for the mail to be delivered to the addressee in theatre. If an individual in theatre is consistently experiencing more than three weeks for mail to arrive, it is recommended that the indivdiual discuss the matter with their serving Canadian Forces postal support personnel in theatre.
- Parcels must be clearly addressed with rank, initials and name; unit and section. See addresses for overseas operations.
- Clearly write the sender's address in the top left corner.
- If mailing by Canada Post, any postal services costing $5 or more is GST exempt.
- Ensure that the parcel is wrapped properly and securely and use packing tape. Do not use string to bind the parcel.
- The following are specific guidelines for this service (Note: Oversize and overweight parcels will not be accepted):
- Weight: Maximum 20 Kg (Approx 44 lb).
- Size: Two conditions must be met regarding size:
- maximum length is one meter (Approx 39");
- the maximum length plus girth is two meters (Approx 79")
The definition of girth =width + height + width + height.
In the following illustration, the parcel has the following dimensions: length = 1.0 m (Approx 39"), width = 0.3 m (Approx 12"), and height = 0.15 m (Approx 6").
To calculate its maximum size simply add the length (1.0 m) + its girth (0.3 m + 0.15 m + 0.3 m + 0.15 m) = 1.9 m (Approx 75").
- When mailing by Canada Post, a Canada Customs declaration form is required with every parcel addressed to one of our Belleville PO BOX STN Forces addresses or when sending mail to a deployed HMC Ship serviced through either Halifax and or Victoria. The Customs form must be signed by the sender of the parcel. Parcels sent to Canada through a Canadian Forces Post Office must also bear a Customs declaration form. Customs authorities of the destination country may examine all mail and may confiscate any prohibited item. Note that sending illegal and prohibited items may lead to criminal charges being laid against the sender. "
- Batteries should be sent in the original packaging and not loose or in a device.
Mail Regulations
No article may be sent by mail if their nature or packaging may expose postal employees to hazards, or damage other items of mail. Mailing the following items is strictly prohibited:- alcohol, beer and wine
- tobacco products, cigarette and cigar
- weapons, including replicas
- Knives
- explosives, radioactive materials or ammunition
- matches
- flammable liquids or solids
- compressed gas
- propane cigarette lighters
- corrosive fluids
- obscene magazines or pictures
- drugs
- perishable items
Canadians sending letters for “Any Canadian Armed Forces member”
- Canadian Forces members serving overseas appreciate receiving correspondence from Canadians as well as groups, schools and organizations from across Canada.
- Post cards, greeting cards and letters may be sent as per the addressing instructions below.
- The Canada Post free letter mail program is not extended to letters/cards addressed to “Any Canadian Forces Member” and all such items will require postage.
- Only parcels as described in the “Bulk Mail” section below are acceptable. Parcels addressed to “Any Canadian Forces member” containing any items other than correspondence will be returned to sender and the sender’s expense. For those wishing to send care packages or donations please refer to this link: Donations.
Bulk mail
Schools, groups, businesses and associations may send cards and letters bulked in a parcel. The parcel is not to contain any other item other than correspondence. Parcels found to contain items other than correspondence will be returned to the sender at the sender’s expense.Addressing
All letters and parcels containing letters/cards are to be addressed to "Any Canadian Forces member". Please refer to our "Operational Addresses" to obtain the address information. Note that the lines "Rank/Initials/Name" and "Unit/Section" of the operational address are to be replaced with "Any Canadian Forces member".For example, if writing to Afghanistan, the address should be:
Any Canadian Forces Member
Op Attention
Kabul
PO Box 5140 Stn Forces
Belleville ON K8N 5W6
2. Canadian Forces Morale Mail guidelines from Canada to theatre
The Morale Mail service provides families and friends within Canada a cost-free alternative to using Canada Post to send care packages to those serving at a CAF deployed operation.Eligibility
Families and friends within Canada may send letters and parcels to Canadian Forces members, DND employees, CAFPSA personnel, and CAF Contractors.Delivery time frame
Because Morale Mail is often sent only once weekly from locations across Canada, it may take as long as 28 days from the time of mailing to delivery to the addressee in Theatre.Indemnity or expediency
If either is a concern, it is strongly encouraged that the item is sent via Canada Post with an appropriate amount of insurance or with a service that has a faster delivery time such as Canada Post Express Post or Priority Courier service.Where to mail
Morale Mail can be dropped off typically at a Base or Wing Military Family Resource Centre, Mail Room, or Military Post Office.Within the National Capital Region (Ottawa) - Morale Mail may be sent within the internal mail system. It is essential to write “Via HCC” on the item to the right of the address.
Mailing Guidelines
As per the Guidelines for mailing by Canada Post. Customs Documentation is not required but the contents must be written on all parcels; just below the return address is an ideal location to list the contents.Charitable Donations/Humanitarian Aid
Charitable donations and humanitarian aid are not acceptable within the Morale Mail system and will be returned to sender.Donations to the troops
Donations to the troops are not accepted in Morale Mail. Please refer to the Donations web page.Security Screening
Senders are encouraged to place their address and phone number on the top left corner of the parcel thus enabling the CAF Postal Service to contact them should there be address or content concerns. If the parcel contains questionable contents and there is no return address, the parcel will be opened, the contents verified, prohibited items removed, a letter enclosed explaining the actions of the CAF Postal Service, and the parcel sent to the addressee. A record of the parcel, the contents removed, a copy of the enclosed letter, and disposition of the contents will be maintained by the CAF Postal Service.Loss of personal property
Morale Mail Service is not recommended for sending personal property or items of any significant value. For those items, customers are advised to use the Canada Post mail service and to purchase insurance. DND employees and CAF members wishing to submit a claim for damage or loss pursuant to Defence Administrative Orders and Directives 7004-2 are to complete and submit the form according to the guidelines at DAOD 7004-2B and submit to their serving AJAG office.Limitation of Liability
As this service is provided entirely by the Canadian Forces, no claim is to be raised against Canada Post Corporation. Except as specified at the “Loss of personal property” paragraph above, the Canadian Force Postal Service and the Department of National Defence shall not be responsible for any direct, indirect, general, special or consequential damages regardless of whether such damages result from the loss or mishandling, damage or delay in delivering of items mailed through Morale Mail service.Return mail service
The Morale Mail service should not be used if the addressee is scheduled to return to Canada within four weeks of the mailing date. Should a parcel be undeliverable in theatre, the parcel shall be taxed, and forwarded to the addressee in Canada. If the addressee did not leave any forwarding address, the parcel shall be taxed and returned to sender. If there is no forwarding information or return address, the parcel shall be opened in an effort to discover where the parcel is to be sent and, failing that, the contents disposed of in theatre.Inquiries
To ask a question regarding the Morale Mail service, please click here to send us an e-mail.OP ATTENTION and ARCHER - Kabul, Afghanistan
OP CALUMET- Sinai, Egypte
OP CROCODILE - Democratic Republic of the Congo
OP HAMLET - Port-au-Prince, Haïti
OP JADE - Middle East
OP KOBOLD - Pristina, Kosovo
OP RENAISSANCE - Philippine
OP PROTEUS - Jerusalem
OP SATURN and SOPRANO - Sudan
OP SNOWGOOSE - Cyprus
Operational Support (OS) Detachment - Kuwait
CFS Alert - Alert, Nunavut, Canada
Canadian Ships
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Santa to be on NORAD's radar again
The radars are being tuned and the satellites synchronized as the North American Aerospace Defense Command prepares for its most prominent mission of the year.
The command expects more than 20 million Internet users and 100,000 callers to follow its Christmas Eve tracking of Santa Claus as he makes his way west around the globe.
"It's the biggest outreach program in the Department of Defense," said Stacy Knott, a spokeswoman for the binational command, which has been defending North America from enemy air and space threats since 1958.
The military has been tracking Santa since 1955, when department store advertisement in The Gazette asked kids to call Santa on Christmas Eve.
But the number in the paper inadvertently connected to NORAD's predecessor, Continental Air Defense Command.
Instead of hanging up on the kids, the sky-searching airmen turned to tracking Saint Nick, starting a tradition that has grown every year since.
Canadians joined the mission after the NORAD agreement was reached.
In the Internet age the Santa-tracking franchise has gone viral. The command's site NoradSanta.org, which rolls out for a new season Sunday, gets hits from almost every nation on Earth and now offers games and activities for kids eager for Santa's trek.
"Our website has a whole new creative design," Knott said. "It is more interactive and more accessible to more people."
One feature for 2013: Norad Santa.org will feature a new game every day through Dec. 24.
The command isn't shunning its telephone roots. Before dawn on Christmas Eve, trackers will be answering the phone at 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723). Included in each call is Santa's latest location and an admonition for children to head to bed before his arrival.
Even as the Pentagon works to cut $1 trillion from its coffers, the Santa mission continues. But not with tax money.
The command has corporate donors and volunteers to run the program.
In the air, Knott said, Santa's escorts over North America are pilots flying other missions with Operation Noble Eagle, designed to prevent another 9/11-style attack.
"Physically, we use the same things for the daily mission," Knott said, noting that CF-18 Canadian fighters and American F-16s will greet the sleigh.
One goal this year, Knott said, is to show the world that NORAD has more missions than its best-known work Dec. 24.
"We're trying to make sure we have a balance between showing the operational side of NORAD and how we track Santa," she said.
The command expects more than 20 million Internet users and 100,000 callers to follow its Christmas Eve tracking of Santa Claus as he makes his way west around the globe.
"It's the biggest outreach program in the Department of Defense," said Stacy Knott, a spokeswoman for the binational command, which has been defending North America from enemy air and space threats since 1958.
The military has been tracking Santa since 1955, when department store advertisement in The Gazette asked kids to call Santa on Christmas Eve.
But the number in the paper inadvertently connected to NORAD's predecessor, Continental Air Defense Command.
Instead of hanging up on the kids, the sky-searching airmen turned to tracking Saint Nick, starting a tradition that has grown every year since.
Canadians joined the mission after the NORAD agreement was reached.
In the Internet age the Santa-tracking franchise has gone viral. The command's site NoradSanta.org, which rolls out for a new season Sunday, gets hits from almost every nation on Earth and now offers games and activities for kids eager for Santa's trek.
"Our website has a whole new creative design," Knott said. "It is more interactive and more accessible to more people."
One feature for 2013: Norad Santa.org will feature a new game every day through Dec. 24.
The command isn't shunning its telephone roots. Before dawn on Christmas Eve, trackers will be answering the phone at 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723). Included in each call is Santa's latest location and an admonition for children to head to bed before his arrival.
Even as the Pentagon works to cut $1 trillion from its coffers, the Santa mission continues. But not with tax money.
The command has corporate donors and volunteers to run the program.
In the air, Knott said, Santa's escorts over North America are pilots flying other missions with Operation Noble Eagle, designed to prevent another 9/11-style attack.
"Physically, we use the same things for the daily mission," Knott said, noting that CF-18 Canadian fighters and American F-16s will greet the sleigh.
One goal this year, Knott said, is to show the world that NORAD has more missions than its best-known work Dec. 24.
"We're trying to make sure we have a balance between showing the operational side of NORAD and how we track Santa," she said.
Read more at http://gazette.com/santa-to-be-on-norads-radar-again/article/1510237#uKtUhMic8o6EQibP.99
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like it used to be.....
Merry Christmas. 2011. Silver Bells. By Anne Murray.
COMMENT:
A very nice version from Ann Murray. I have quite a quite of her songs etc. Very nice yes indeed. Thanks for sending to me.
Bill-UK
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Dedicated to all the Military Families
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Santa's A Canadian -VIDEO
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NORAD- HELPING SANTA- TRACKING 4 CHRISTMAS
NORAD AND SANTA GAMES 4 KIDS RIGHT UP 2 CHRISTMAS DAY 2013- ALL LANGUAGES
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God Bless our troops- then, now ...always
NATO/ISAF TROOPS- HONOUR- ALL COUNTRIES- Do I Make U Proud-
Pls. hug r vets, all serving r flags- then, now always, Troops, Wounded, Soldiers of Suicide, Homeless, and hurting- from.. home and away-yelling real, real, loud or signing- HELL YA...u all make us soooo proud.... thank u, thank u, thank u
2 families of Nato Nations from Nato troops- Do We Make U Proud: tears and prayers yes, oh yes... on this day- u are the true heroes of this earth....
Tribute to all the NATO and ISAF soldiers in Afghanistan
DECEMBER 3 2013- Gift from our Brothers and Sisters of the USA
What Deployed Troops Really Want in Their Care Packages
Being deployed to Iraq had its ups and downs, but receiving packages from home definitely made the time I spent there less stressful.
Some of the best care packages I received were the ones that had practical items in it. We don’t have a whole lot of room for clutter, so sometimes the things that are most important to us are the most useful things that help us do our job.
While it’s nice to get a sentimental touch every once and a while, here’s a look at what service members really want in their care packages.
For more solitary activities, books are an awesome thing to put in a care package, as is an e-reader loaded with a bunch of books. Many military members love plastic model kits — they’re a great way to decompress from a stressful day and focus on something else.
As with anything you send, it needs to be non-perishable. Sending homemade cookies or soft candies halfway around the world just won’t cut it. And please don’t send food in the same package as you do shampoo or other toiletries — there’s nothing worse than getting some treats from home covered in soap.
What did you like to receive when you were deployed? Leave a message in the comments.
Photo courtesy The National Guard
Some of the best care packages I received were the ones that had practical items in it. We don’t have a whole lot of room for clutter, so sometimes the things that are most important to us are the most useful things that help us do our job.
While it’s nice to get a sentimental touch every once and a while, here’s a look at what service members really want in their care packages.
Downtime Activities
For as many moments of intense action service members face, there’s plenty of downtime as well. If you’re twiddling your thumbs and waiting while in the US, you have the luxury of pulling out your smartphone and killing a little bit of time. Overseas, we don’t always have that luxury, so we have to have our own fun.
Just like many people in their 20s and 30s, service members love playing video games, and it gives us a way to kill some time while having a little bit of competition between us. Board games and cards are much the same. Movies are also great to send, as is music. An iPodloaded with some of both would be fantastic.For more solitary activities, books are an awesome thing to put in a care package, as is an e-reader loaded with a bunch of books. Many military members love plastic model kits — they’re a great way to decompress from a stressful day and focus on something else.
Personal Items
We’re on our feet a lot when we’re deployed. Accordingly, our feet can take a beating. The best way for us to keep our feet dry, clean and comfortable is with clean socks and foot powder. Things like high-quality body wash, Vicks VapoRub, lip balm, and pain-reliving topical cream like IcyHot aren’t a necessity, but they can be a real luxury!
Things are sandy in the Middle East, and our goggles often get clouded by dirt in the air. Instead of relying on a t-shirt to clean them, lens cleaning cloths and small bottles of glass cleanercome in handy. Baby wipes and sunscreen were plentiful for us on our base, but your service member might need these.Snacks
The best way to most anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and deployed service members are no different. While there’s enough food to go around on base, much of it can be a little bland, and the variety is lacking. Hot sauce is a great commodity to have around, and the convenience of Taco Bell sauce packets are great to have in the field. Similarly, many places the armed forces are deployed to are very hot, and we need to constantly remain hydrated.Flavoring packets that make water taste like lemon, strawberry or orange are awesome.
Beef jerky and sunflower seeds are great treats, but for a little bit of local flavor, try something that your loved one can’t get overseas, like a bottle of barbecue sauce from a local restaurant.As with anything you send, it needs to be non-perishable. Sending homemade cookies or soft candies halfway around the world just won’t cut it. And please don’t send food in the same package as you do shampoo or other toiletries — there’s nothing worse than getting some treats from home covered in soap.
Sentimental Things
While all of the above are great, sometimes we just need an extra boost of confidence from home. While emails are convenient, they don’t have the same poignancy and convey the same emotion as a hand-written letter.
While we’re away, remember to take videos of everything: baby’s first steps, parties, family get-togethers, and even just lounging around the house. Put some of those on a USB drive and send it, too.What did you like to receive when you were deployed? Leave a message in the comments.
Photo courtesy The National Guard
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