NATO Veterans Organization of Canada
Organisation canadienne des vétérans de l’OTAN
A Voice for today’s Veterans ~ Une voix pour les vétérans d’aujourd’hui
Unit 5 News
Updated - September 15 2013
Letter to the Guelph Bantam AA Hockey Team
Posted May 23, 2011
Dear Guelph Bantam AA Hockey Team,
Thank you for your thoughtful letters. I enjoyed them very much. It’s nice to know that people back home are thinking of me, and all of the other Canadian soldiers over here in Afghanistan.
I got your team photo. I sure wouldn’t want to mess with you guys on the ice! I could sense the passion of every one of you from the letters you sent me. I know that you think we are heroes for being over here, and maybe some of us are. But, I consider all of you heroes for pursuing your dreams with passion.
Being a warrior is a way of life. There are civilians who are warriors, and there are soldiers who are not, It is not the uniform or the rifle that makes the warrior, it is the passion, courage, and clarity of mind to do what is right. Every one of you has a warrior inside waiting to be born. Every one of you has the capacity to seek the truth and work for positive change in your families and communities. Anyone can be taught how to fight with a gun, but few ever learn how to fight with their hearts.
I encourage all of you to educate yourselves about the world around you, and the conflicts we find ourselves in. Seek the truth; examine the underlying assumptions. Things are changing rapidly, and there will be many challenges on the road ahead. These challenges will need warriors to face them; warriors who have honed mind, body, and spirit into a cohesive whole. Most of these challenges can not be overcome with fire-power; rather they will require wisdom, courage, understanding and innovation.
The worst thing that you can do in life is lie to yourself. Never lie to yourself, because your fears, weaknesses, and ego hide in your lies. Don’t make the mistake that many do of putting all of your eggs in one basket. Some are in excellent shape, but their minds are weak and their relationships shattered. Some are very intelligent, but their bodies are atrophied or bloated, and they have few friends. Others still have many friends, but have never endeavoured to forge their bodies and sharpen their minds. Pursue excellence in all arenas (pun intended) of life: educationally and vocationally, emotionally and relationally, and physically. Attacking on all three fronts is the only way to root out all of your weaknesses.
Perhaps I am starting to sound liken prophet. I assure you, I am not. I’m just another dumb guy who has made a lot of mistaken in life. The only thing that makes me different than most is that I have always strove to learn from those mistakes. Many blame their life situation on circumstance and the mistakes of others; few accept full responsibility for both the joy and sorrow they find themselves in. Most men when faced with misfortune blame chance; few ask themselves “what is it about me that has allowed this to happen?” Once we understand the implications of our actions and our nations’ actions on others, then we can begin to understand the problem; and the solution, is never very far from the problem.
"Destitutus ventis, remos adhibe" — if the wind will not serve, take to the oars! Good training boys; train hard, and train smart. I know that you will do well both in hockey, and in life.
Sincerely,
Master Bombardier Dave Storey
TF 3-10, MP Coy, CP Pl
HQ ISAF Canadian CPT 2IC
Kabul, Afghanistan
Last modified
September 15 2013