"Leaving for a new place is a transformative experience that brings a mix of emotions ranging from excitement to apprehension. As one packs up belongings and bids farewell to familiar surroundings, a sense of adventure and the unknown beckons. The allure of new beginnings, opportunities, and the chance to reinvent oneself in a different setting can be both exhilarating and daunting.
Stepping into uncharted territory means embracing change and facing the challenges that come with it. The prospect of building new relationships, adapting to a foreign culture, and navigating unfamiliar streets can be overwhelming yet rewarding. Each encounter and experience in the new place adds dimension to one's personal growth and broadens perspectives.
Leaving behind the comfort of the known requires courage and resilience. It demands a willingness to embrace uncertainty and trust in the journey ahead. While nostalgia for the past may tug at the heartstrings, the promise of a fresh start propels one forward towards new horizons.
For the past 3 years I have been posted to 17 Wing Dundurn. This summer I will be posted to 17 Wing Winnipeg. While both locations both serve the same purpose, that being serving the CAF, both locations are very different. While Dundurn may lack many of the amenities that Winnipeg may have, it has its own gems. The small detachment offers a sense of a small family. You have an opportunity to be part of people’s lives more closely and to really make an impact in the community.
One of the main things I will miss is the friendships that I have made at this Detachment. Many of the people here work far above their rank and go the extra mile to get the job done. I will miss the camaraderie of this place but at the same time look forward to new friendships in a new place.
Many of you will be posted this summer and heading to a new place. You may be waiting for that new person to fill the vacant spot in your section. Take this opportunity to be excited in what is put in front of you. Things may be daunting but soon the apprehension will change to excitement.
In the end, departing for a new place is not just about physical relocation but a journey of self-discovery and transformation. It is an opportunity to test boundaries, expand comfort zones, and embrace the richness of diversity that the world has to offer.
I wish you all the best this coming APS and hope that whatever is in front of you, you see it as excitement and fulfillment in your role in the CAF."
Captain Gregory Lutz