CASARA
Zone 2, BrandonIn Memory of George Norberg
Wed, December 17, 2014
It is with the deepest sadness that I write this letter on behalf of all CASARA members in Brandon Zone 2 and throughout Manitoba.
George joined CASARA in 1989alongside a handful of founder members Roy Sobchuck, Tom Clubb and Ken Fox are still active members.
In the early days while the zone was getting organized, several members along with George and Ken attended a training course in leadership and teamwork now called a Search Coordinators Course, they both passed the course and have been using their skills ever since to the benefit of all members.
There are many stories to tell of exercises and training in the early days and it always seems a shame not to document all of these stories, they would make good reading.
Ken fox tells one such story of an International SAREX in Gimliwith participants from Canada and U.S and observers from China and Russia.
Ken and George role-played injured passengers in a downed airliner, in extremely rugged terrain, a gravel pit somewhere north of Gimli.
There were U.S SAR aircraft and Canadian SARTECHS parachuted to attend to survivors as well as a ‘mash’ hospital kit via parachute, one large box contained medical equipment, insulated tents along with diesel-powered heaters and inflators.
These tents could be joined together to make rather sizable accommodation for more than a dozen persons in each unit.
It was difficult to find a comfortable resting place due to ruts and holes and at first light the ‘survivors’ were airlifted to a base hospital set up in Gimli.
Stretcherswere layered like bunk beds on the inside of the chopper, it was a rough ride and the vibration would have been very painful for a person with a broken leg.
Apart from being an amazing adventure this was an invaluable experience to pass on to other members and an insight into an actual full scale Search and Rescue.
Over the years, George and Ken developed their navigation skills and like all of us at the beginning of training were not very good but practice makes perfect and we all learn from our mistakes. George was always reliable, punctual and pleasant in all activities.
He tried to be available whenever needed – a trait we really appreciated. He loved flying but participated in whatever activity was needed.
He had the ability to make people feel at ease and the patience to explain all about CASARA to new recruits, toshow them around and help with any training as needed.
George was always very professional in his work and his experience showed in every position he took on from Spotter, Navigator, Ground target and Search crew to Radio Officer, Secretary and Treasurer,always without question and with a smile,
On my first exercise at Zone 2, George and I were the injured ground target, he taught me so much about search and rescue on that first trip, he made me feel that I was doing something important and his enthusiasm was catching so much so that I stayed with Zone 2.
We have all been fortunate to count George as a trusted colleague and a very good friend.It will be very difficult for all of us to adjust to his absence and although he leaves a void that will be impossible to fill, his memory will remain with us forever.
He was a proud supporter of CASARA and we offer this prayer to his family on behalf of all the members from Brandon Zone 2.
“As we go aloft on search, we are constantly reminded of the value that is placed on each and every life.
Unselfishly, we give so that others are able to return home to their loved ones.
We put our minds and bodies to the test so that their families can be hugged once again.
Each time we serve, we are reminded of the risks and demands placed upon us.
We show our love to all mankind.
If we must pay the ultimate sacrifice while doing this job, then we must trust that God will take us in with him.
We know that each time we place our ‘Eyes in the skies’ there will be no glory, no bands, no personal gain.
We do it because it needed doing.”
With our deepest sympathy.
Bev Williams
Zone Commander