The CVAF is made up of Veterans, dedicated outdoor professionals, entrepreneurs and generally great people. They are:
Mcpl. (ret) Christian McEachern, CD, Founder and Executive Director
Mr. McEachern is the CVAF’s founder and current Executive Director. He is a Canadian Forces infantry Veteran of 14 years with leadership experience, with disaster relief missions in Canada, and operational deployments to Yugoslavia and Central Africa. Christian first served with the Calgary Highlanders in 1987, and then with the regular forces 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry until July, 2001. He was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and medically released from the military with an honorable discharge in July 2001.
Christian successfully graduated in November 2008 on the Presidents Honors List with a Bachelor of Applied Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership (ETOL) degree from MRU, and is now in his fifth year now as a professionally accredited white water river guide as well other activities such as hiking, mountain biking, team building, snowshoeing, Canadian Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid and survival instructor. His background passion are is his horses. He has just completed the Emergency Medical Responder certificate
Ian Sherringtion, Mount Royal University Ecotourism & Outdoor Leadership (ETOL) degree program instructor and CVAF Vice Chair
Ian Sherrington is an instructor and academic advisor for the Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership Applied Degree program at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta. Ian was a big part of the Founder’s recovery over 4 years as a positive leadership influence in the ETOL program. It is Ian’s desire with the CVAF to see other Veterans make the same type of positive recovery and gains in life that he saw Christian under go. Ian completed his Master’s of Arts in Leadership & Training (MA-LT) at the Royal Roads University in 2002. Ian attended the University of Calgary for his Bachelors of Physical Education with a specialization in Outdoor Pursuits in 1995.
Monica Culic, CVAF co-founder and Communications Director
Ms. Culic is a Corporate Communications Specialist, Graphic Designer etc. Monica is one of the original board members and has been involved with the CVAF since its inception in 2006. She sits on numerous other boards including the Calgary Stampede Western Showcase Committee, and the new Draft Horse Town Exhibit that will premier this summer. Monica`s big passion in life is horses and when she isn`t working, that’s when you will find her working towards a certificate as an Equestrian Assisted Therapy facilitator. Recently, Monica obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Communications, majoring in Public Relations from Calgary’s Mount Royal University.
Capt. Gordon Cousins, CD, CVAF Treasurer
Is currently a member of the Reserves, Capt. Cousins is attached to the DND’s Expedition Training Centre, based in Calgary, Alberta where he conducts adventure training for Canadian and International Army Cadets in canoeing, swift-water rescue and general bush craft. He has also been involved with the leadership of several Calgary army cadet organizations and was involved in the establishment and operation of specialized schools like the The Juno Beach Academy of Canadian Studies. Gordon`s education was focused on Economics and Administration majors, and was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal for Community Service.
Cpl. (ret) Ed Lamarche, CD Saskatchewan Director
Ed was a participant in the CVAF OSI Group retreat pilot project in 2009, and soon after became our rep in Saskatchewan. Mr. Lamarche served in both the North Saskatchewan Regiment, and 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. Ed served for 4 tours of duty in the Balkans both as a peacekeeper and NATO member. Ed was diagnosed with an OSI and was honorable discharged from the CF in 2005. Ed’s role will be officially representing the CVAF Veteran OSI clients that come from the Saskatchewan region. When the snow clears, one of Ed’s passions is to hit the fairways for a round of golf, and is quickly becoming a fan of white water rafting.
Coming Soon...more detail bios and pictures of our 3 new veteran board members.
Capt (ret) Mike Wellwood, CF SAR Helicopter pilot
New CVAF Chair
Cpl. Mark Fuchko, KOCR Afghanistan Veteran, Bi lateral amputee IED blast
We are very lucky to have assembled this fine team and look forward to bring more programs to more veterans who need them!
“Between Christian, Monica, and Ian and the rest of the people responsible for this weekend I thank you for all your hard work and effort; this was a weekend I will never forget for the rest of my life” CVAF OSI Rockies Retreat Veteran participant
