Making good impressions
Mayor impressed with military's visit to Rankin
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
RANKIN INLET
The effort the visiting military made to connect with the citizens of Rankin Inlet had a positive impact on Mayor Robert Janes this past month.
Nellie Ussak, and Jack Kabvitok from left, get a lift from an unidentified crewman to a visiting frigate during Operation Nanook in Rankin Inlet this past month. - photo courtesy of Robert Janes |
The Canadian Forces were in Rankin to take part in Operation Nanook, bringing more than 60 combat land forces and frigate support for their exercise in an Arctic environment.
Janes said the military's decision to hold a special community day at the conclusion of the exercise was greatly appreciated by the community.
He said the selected community leaders who journeyed out to a frigate had a day to remember.
"We went out to the frigate via a zodiac, and we were given a tour of the ship and treated to a series of manoeuvres that were the stuff movies are made out of," said Janes.
"We then returned to solid ground and were immediately put aboard a helicopter to tour the land within a 30-mile radius of the community.
"I couldn't believe how many cabins, rivers and lakes are within that 30-mile radius.
"You normally only see what can be seen from a Ski-Doo or an ATV, so the view from the helicopter gave us a whole different perspective."
Janes said a barbecue was held for the community at the recreation complex, where a number of troops were manning displays of their equipment.
He said face painting is always a big hit with children at any special event, and camouflage face painting took it to a whole new level for the kids.
"The army supplied plenty of hamburgers, hotdogs, bananas and juice to go around, so nobody went without.
"A number of speeches were also made at the event, and gifts were exchanged between the soldiers and the dignitaries.
"It went by too fast and, before everyone knew it, the soldiers had packed up and were gone back to their temporary base at the forward operating location."
Janes said the day's activities left him with a much better understanding of why Canadian soldiers are so well respected around the world.
He said, as far as he's concerned, the soldiers are welcome back to Rankin Inlet at any time.
"The soldiers were extremely courteous to residents of the community, and they were aware and respectful of the environment.
"They are supportive of local businesses, articulate and intelligent.
"They will help out where they can, and you can't ask for much more than that."
