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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2015-11-05, Page 17THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015. PAGE 17. Bearss raised his replacement he tells Hillier Continued from page 16 as a diver. We then deployed again for Operation Apollo after 9/11. That was the hardest year on our family with just 60 days home over the next 15 months and another Christmas spent at sea. • July 26, 2002 – Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School – Halifax, Nova Scotia: I returned to school once again as a NW Tech Senior Instructor. • June 28, 2004 – Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott – Halifax, Nova Scotia: I was promoted to Chief Petty Officer Second Class, Trials Co-ordinator for HAL/IRO/PRE Class Ships. • May 24, 2005 – HMCS Preserver – Halifax, Nova Scotia: I was named Combat Systems Engineering Chief Petty Officer for another short posting, but the occupation had other plans for me, as on July 11 I was named Assistant Project Leader Submarines. • May 1, 2006 – HMCS Montreal – Halifax, Nova Scotia: I was named Combat Systems Engineering Chief Petty Officer for the second time. We deployed north to exercise our Canadian sovereignty. • June 16, 2008 – DGRMC D Mil C – Ottawa: I managed personnel and attempted to fill in the positions required during a time when the occupation was between 20 and 30 per cent below the required staffing levels. Working at the national level was an enlightening time and changed what I once thought were poor decisions by senior staff. The picture of what needs to be done and what is a priority truly changes according to your outlook and position at the time. Here, I had a direct effect on not only the men and woman I managed, but also their families. • July 20, 2011 – Canadian Command Fleet Atlantic – Halifax, Nova Scotia: As a Fleet Combat Systems Engineering Chief Petty Officer, I was back to the fleet and briefing the Commodore on the technical status of the fleet. This was another interesting and busy posting. After several years of being a key member of yet another occupation re-organization, I was now the coastal Occupational Advisor and our new trade came into effect. • July 16, 2012 – Sea Training Atlantic – Halifax, Nova Scotia: My final posting was extremely busy and had me sailing and flying about the world. I got to spend my last three years training my fellow sailors at sea, preparing them for their next deployment. It was a rewarding time that took me to five continents. Of course, a summary of over 34 years of service could easily go on for many pages, but one of my commanding officers used to say, “Ship, Shipmate, Self – in that order.” I have learned over the years that his view is not mine, as balance is the most important, for if you don’t take care of yourself, you have less value to your shipmates and the ship. The Canadian Armed Forces provided me with many adventures, allowed me to support and care for my family and it was a good life. Military life does take a great deal from you and your family as well, but I can say I am a proud father whose son followed in his footsteps and is currently serving. General Rick Hillier told us that as senior personnel, it was our duty to recruit for the miliary – I told him we raised our replacement. Chief Petty Officer Second Class Mark A. Bearss CD2 (Retired); Weapons Engineering Technician – Manager and Sea Training Atlantic W Eng. Tech. Mgr. CPO. Proud husband, father, grandfather and sailor – Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia. Carrying the torch During Mark Bearss’ Depart with Dignity retirement ceremony, his son Andrew, right, was honoured with a Son’s Certificate of appreciation, which recognizes the many milestones a Canadian Forces member misses as a result of his service. Andrew – now Leading Seaman Andrew Bearss; Weapons Engineering Technician, Fire Control Royal Canadian Navy – has decided to follow in his father’s footsteps. Mark says the ceremony was a special one for him, as he finally saw his family honoured for all of the sacrifices they were forced to make over the course of Mark’s 34-year career. Presenting Andrew with his certificate is Chief Petty Officer Second Class Mike Culligan. (Photo submitted) The Citiz e n Get Your Message AROUND THE WORLD IMMEDIATELY If you have important papers that need to go somewhere FAST ... use THE CITIZEN’S FAX MACHINE! Our fax machine can contact any other fax machine, in the world, instantly. We offer this service for a cost of $1.00 per printed sheet. Our fax number, is also your number, so use it to receive your messages at $1.00 per sheet. WE CAN RECEIVE 24 HRS. PER DAY! This service is only available in our Blyth office Ph.: 51 9 - 5 2 3 - 4 7 9 2 Fax: 51 9 - 5 2 3 - 9 1 4 0 Ph.: 51 9 - 5 2 3 - 4 7 9 2 Fax: 51 9 - 5 2 3 - 9 1 4 0 Banana! While Oct. 30 was supposed to be Black and Orange Spirit Day at Maitland River Elementary School, you just can’t stop some students from celebrating a holiday like Halloween. Ava Addison, for example, loved the chance to show off her Minion costume. (Denny Scott photo)