(James Challice is pictured in the middle of five men in a group photo)
For 42-year-old James Challice it was about helping people in Ukraine and making a difference.
Speaking to Challice several times over the last few days, he’s proud to say he’s doing both.
Challice made it safely to Poland and is now in Ukraine teaching people that have never picked up a firearm how to use a Ak-47 in just a matter of days.
Challice is teaching them about techniques he’s learned from his time in the military and as a reservist.
Not knowing anyone from Ukraine, he told Today’s Northumberland before he left, he couldn’t watch what was happening any longer.
Describing the people of Ukraine as kind, friendly, resilient and brave, he’s proud to serve alongside them.
While in Ukraine he’s met other Canadians, some former soldiers who are there along with other former soldiers from other countries including the United States.
All of them there on their own accord. To do what they feel is best.
During his brief time there and in major cities Challice has witnessed the horrors of war.
Bodies in the streets, in vehicles – everywhere.
Noticing an open manhole cover he looked down to see a elderly man’s naked body. A Ukrainian that was with him, said that Russians shot the man and dumped his body down the manhole.
There are burned Russian tanks and other armoured vehicles on other streets.
Challice is a reservist currently serving with the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment.
When he left for Ukraine he knew it was something the Regiment wouldn’t support.
Since being in Ukraine he’s received a message Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment Commanding Officer LCol Marc Gallant.
The message stated, “Mr Challice, I remind you of the CDS (Chief of Defence Staff) directive prohibiting current members of the Canadian Armed Forces ( both regular and reserve ) from entering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. You must comply with CDS policy. Your actions have negative strategic consequences. Your actions may be exploited for propaganda purposes by foreign
governments. You are not allowed to wear/use CAF equipment while not on authorized duty. You are prohibited from engaging in any CAF duties, activities, training or parading, or using any issued equipment without my specific authorization. Stop wearing issue CAF uniform and equipment. You are not an authorized representative of the CAF or Canadian Government. It is my expectation that you will take every immediate effort to safely to return to a safe haven outside of the named countries associated to this conflict.”
Upon reading the message, Challice replied, “Thank you and I will use what will save my life and I am down here for a while I have committed to helping out the Ukrainian people and will
continue to do so. I will not wear our colors even though there are lots of people down here wearing our Cad pad (Canadian patches) including locals of Ukraine. I was not present nor did I see any info on the CDS directive. As for my safety thank you for thinking of that and upon my return I will be leaving the CF one way or another. I don’t want to be apart of this unit seeing as there is no brotherhood nor is there camaraderie. I have fell in love with these people with their determination their brotherhood and willing to fight for each other. I wish it was the same in our unit but I have failed to see that over and over again and have been let down time and time again from our higher ups. A change is needed to insure something like this invasion doesn’t happen and we are ready if it does. I am not sorry for my actions and my colleagues family and friends are proud of me and that’s all that matters. We can take not from the Ukrainian people and know that LIFE MATTERS. Blood is on our hands for not providing or helping these people out and that goes for all NATO countries. There is so much more they can do but won’t. I don’t understand the politics nor do I want to all I want is for these woman, children and brave men to live and be free. Again LIFE MATTERS.”
Today’s Northumberland has reached out to the military for comment.
Exclusive – Roseneath Man With Military Experience On Way To Poland
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
