Greetings

A 14 year member of the Canadian Forces (retired), I am not a professional artist, by any means. I was pointed toward painting as a form of therapy for an Operational Stress Injury and as such wished to repay, in some small manner, the staff of the Operational Trauma Stress Support Clinic (OTSSC) in Ottawa for their dedication and care throughout the years.

The result was a painting that I have done, with, the original pencil sketch and painting being given to the staff of the OTSSC now located at the Mont Fort Hospital, Ottawa, ON. Since the initial display of my rough sketch, I have heard through word of mouth as well as been approached by several people who were asking if prints were available and, until recently had to answer no until I conducted a little research of my own.

For the time being this is the quickest easiest way to get prints and posters out there to those who are interested. I have never used this format (Zazzle) before, however, am assured the results are excellent and as they print per order it eliminates overhead on my part. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me, I'm open to alternate suggestions for print distribution if anyone knows a better solution. I am also very interested in quality as this is my own work and demand nothing but the best.

Pricing is set by Zazzle.ca, I am not out to gain from proceeds, however, there is a small markup on posters and prints( 10%), with all (if any) royalties, generated being donated to the Canadian Forces Soldier On Program, www.soldieron.ca , who, "will contribute to optimizing the functional independence of ill or injured CF personnel or former personnel by delivering programs and services and facilitating and integrating opportunities that support their full and active participation in physical fitness, health promotion and sport".(1).

Both OSI awareness and the Soldier on Program are important matters for not only myself but many other soldiers and their families. Drop a line, say hi and support our troops. I look forward to getting to know you better and to receiving your feedback.

Below is a short article which I wrote initially for my Facebook page in order to better illustrate the effects of operational stress injuries and to bring light to the issue. It may also better represent the symbolism behind the painting.

End Notes:
(1) excerpt - Canadian Forces Soldier On Program Mission Statement
http://www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/soldieron/index.asp

Best Wishes

MCpl David J Desjardins CD (retired)


Operational Stress Injuries - The One Battle Best Fought in Numbers.

For many soldiers the fight is not over once they have returned home. While the sounds, smells and sights have been replaced from those of poverty, deprivation and unimaginable atrocities, to that of relative normalcy as perceived by the general public, the soldier is often left with a void. Months of extreme adrenaline spikes and emotional swings wreak havoc on the mind, skewing what they consider to be normal, often resulting in feelings of guilt, anger, confusion, extreme depression and self imposed isolation, which launches a new battle; a mental battle that in ways can be much more devastating than conventional weapons are capable of, effecting not only them but those closest to them.

Operational stress injuries (OSI’s) have now come to the fore front of understanding and treatment within the military establishments. They are not a mental illness or form of weakness as often portrayed, but an injury. Defined as the minds normal reaction to abnormal experiences, and, as with any physical injuries can be treated with the proper care and considerations. I will not say that the journey is an easy one, nor is it particularly pleasant at times, but, as with learning any new skill, learning how to manage and OSI while may seem daunting is not unobtainable.

For those who believe they may have, or know someone that they believe may suffer from an OSI, there are a number of resources at your disposal and a great number of caring people that can help. Please, don’t stay in the darkness, it can only consume you.

Like all other battles great and small operational stress injuries are one more battle best fought in numbers.