2 Wing support lake Saint- Jean Bike Tour for autism

From 15 to 17 July, seven members from 2 Wing participated in EX PHOENIX MOBILE. For the second year in a row, this exercise allowed military personnel to demonstrate their expertise in the greater region of Saguenay - Lac- Saint- Jean as they assembled, on many different sites, camps that can accommodate up to 120 people. Other than the training benefits, EX PHOENIX MOBILE helped supporting the bike tour logistic for Jean Allard’s Autism Foundation, for which Col Boucher, 2 Wing Comd, is this year’s honorary co- president. This journey saw cyclists ride around Lac St- Jean, a distance of nearly 300 km. With this activity, the Foundation was able to raise general awareness on the challenges of families living with autism. A total of $ 28,500 was raised, which will be used primarily to provide respite to families in need. It is important to mention that this amount is well beyond expectations given that this year’s objective was $ 20,000. Col Boucher was proud of the work done by the team appointed to this task. The logistical challenges were greater than previous years as the number of participants doubled since last year, passing from 40 to 80. The military team demonstrated great leadership by integrating easily with the Foundation’s volunteers. They even changed a women vehicule tire following a small accident in the parking lot of a restaurant! Col Boucher summarized his proud feelings towards the work of his team with the following: "The bike tour for Jean Allard’s Autism Foundation is a cause that members of the 2 Ere take to heart! I am very proud of the contribution of our members which, with enthusiasm and professionalism, have supported cyclists throughout the event, thus combining training for expeditionary forces and support the community. Kudos! ". Many military members pedaled for the cause, such as Col( H) Gaston Bédard, Col Luc Boucher, Col Éric Simoneau, CWO Martin Rousseau, CWO Claude Dallaire, Maj Pierre- Luc Verreault, Maj Frank Gauvin, Capt Marie- Hélène Marseille, Capt Israel Vincent, Lt Thomas Ayling, Sgt Geneviève Paris and Mrs Nathalie Lachance. All military participants showed great generosity by paying their inscription fees, which will have a direct impact on more than 200 families from Saguenay Lac- Saint- Jean.