Sean Summerfield is a Master Corporal and trained to expect the unexpected – but he got a real shock on April 15 when he walked into the Fergus Legion Branch 275.
The hall was packed with well wishers, who held a surprise and brief farewell for the Fergus resident who was being deployed on Monday to Afghanistan. He had been expecting to meet a few friends there, and instead it was crowded.
Summerfield will be posted to Kandahar, and is with the Lorne Scots Regiment out of Georgetown.
He said in an interview he will be providing security for convoys in that area. That will mean such things as protection from ambush and also seeking mine fields.
“I’ve been in four-and-a-half years,” he said between hugs, handshakes and best wishes from branch members. He added his support regiment will seek such things as mines and then “call in the engineers” to dispose of them.
“We get training on how to look for mines and telltale signs,” he said. “Things like that.”
Summerfield was one of the first students in Ontario to obtain high school credits through a co-op program with the military.
Branch President Brian Bielby told the packed hall, “We really do owe a lot to our soldiers in Afghanistan.”
He noted many of the branch meetings have been solemn affairs, as members pay tribute to fallen soldiers. But, he said, it is nice to have a happy event at the branch.
Bielby noted it does not matter if members agree or disagree with the war or the country’s role in it. He said the branch will always “support our troops.”
Summerfield’s time at the branch was limited because he had to report for duty later that evening. He was scheduled to go to Petawawa the next day, and ship out on April 19.
He received a big hug from Melanie Turner, whose son is Summerfield’s best friend. Her son could not attend, but she said, “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
Summerfield’s mom, Claudette, is a new member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She said prior to the event she is proud that her son is serving his country.
Summerfield, a reservist, said he expects his tour to last until November or December. He hopes to return home and pursue post secondary studies.
