Author Archives: Michael K. Barbour

Unknown's avatar

About Michael K. Barbour

Michael K. Barbour is the Director of Faculty Development and a Professor of Instructional Design for the College of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University California. He has been involved with K-12 online learning in a variety of countries for well over a decade as a researcher, teacher, course designer and administrator. Michael's research focuses on the effective design, delivery and support of K-12 online learning, particularly for students located in rural jurisdictions.

Uncertain optimism for Syria as the Assad regime ends

Leave a reply

An item from the Legion Magazine.
Front Lines
Front Lines

Syrians celebrated their liberation from Assad’s repressive and corrupt government. But the country’s future remains uncertain. [Atlantic Council]

Uncertain optimism for Syria as the Assad regime ends

STORY BY STEPHEN J. THORNE

Rebel fighters ended the Assad family’s brutal 54-year dictatorship in Syria on Dec. 8, 2024, concluding a civil war by taking the capital Damascus and sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing into exile in Moscow.

Syrians were jubilant. An exploitive and ruthless regime had been deposed. Censorship, surveillance and repression were apparently stopped. Exiles returned. Political prisoners were freed. The prospect that Syria, the third most-sanctioned country, could reclaim its place in the world suddenly seemed attainable.

READ MORE
Subscribe to Legion Magazine
Military Milestones
Military Milestones

‘A’ Company Sergeant-Major John Osborn earned the only Victoria Cross for actions during the Battle of Hong Kong. [Wikimedia]

Remembering John Osborn, V.C.

STORY BY ALEX BOWERS

 

By Dec. 19, 1941, the Battle of Hong Kong had been raging for well over 10 days. The Canadians of ‘C’ Force, together with troops from the British Army, British Indian Army and the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps, were still attempting to withstand a seemingly incessant tide of Japanese assaults. They would lose.

That same day, The Winnipeg Grenadiers suffered a blow when fighting near the centrally located Wong Nei Chong Gap took out the Canadian commander, Brigadier John K. Lawson. He would be the most senior ranking Canadian killed during the battle. Still, the Grenadiers pushed on.

READ MORE

Member Benefit Partner
Medipac Travel Insurance
Email sent to: mkbarbour@gmail.com

Canvet Publications Ltd.
86 Aird Place |
Kanata, Ontario | K2L 0A1 | Canada |
1-844-602-5737 | 613-591-0116 | magazine@legion.ca

A message from Prince Jordan concerning CAPNSF – San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio of San Francisco

Leave a reply

A message from the event this past weekend.

Wreaths Across America

Thank You
Dear Michael Barbour:

Thank you for Sponsoring Wreaths and/or Volunteering for National Wreaths Across America Day! CAPNSF – San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio of San Francisco, and I am writing with more information about our ceremony scheduled for December 13, 2025.

***THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE***

Heartfelt Thanks and Exciting Transition at Wreaths Across America San Francisco

Dear Participants and Sponsors,
I hope this message finds you well and filled with the joy of the holiday season. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who braved the extreme elements of the weather to join us for this year’s Wreaths Across America event at the San Francisco National Cemetery last Saturday. Your participation and support are the lifeblood of this meaningful event, ensuring that we continue to honor our fallen servicemen and women with the reverence they deserve.
A special thank you extends to our dedicated sponsors and participants whose commitment remained unwavering in spite of the challenging weather. Your presence under such extraordinary conditions was both inspiring and deeply appreciated.
As I share this message, it comes with mixed emotions as I announce my departure from my role as Event Director and Location Coordinator for Wreaths Across America San Francisco. After much reflection, I have decided to direct my efforts towards broader initiatives supporting veterans and military families. Serving in this role has been an incredible journey, and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. When I assumed this position, my vision was to enhance our community’s support for veterans and their families while preserving the cherished tradition of remembrance. I am thrilled to report that our efforts have led to a significant increase in participation, with over 430+ community members attending this year—double the number from three years ago!
Looking ahead, I am delighted to introduce Hanley Chan, who will step into the role of Event Director & Location Coordinator from 2025 onward. For any inquiries about future events and next year’s ceremony, please feel free to reach out to Hanley at Hanleychan@icloud.com. His collaboration with the American Legion Salesian Post 599 promises to continue our tradition of honoring our heroes. Please join Hanley along with the other volunteers on January 4th 2025 at San Francisco National Cemetery at 11:00 AM for the Wreath Clean Up Day.
Though I am stepping down, my dedication to supporting veterans and military families endures. For any other matters outside of Wreaths Across America, I welcome you to contact me at Pkmbenz@gmail.com.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and for making this year’s event a resounding success. I wish you all a safe and joyous holiday season, and may 2025 bring you prosperity, success, and happiness.

Branch 25 Holiday Luncheon 2024

Leave a reply

Following the Wreaths Across America 2024 event at the San Francisco National Cemetery, the Branch gathered for our holiday luncheon  and presentation of awards and longevity pins.  While several members were unable to attend, the branch presented longevity pins to:

  • Harold Adair – Ordinary 30 Year
  • James Essex – Ordinary 30 Year
  • Larry Wooley – Ordinary 10 Year
  • Art Park – Associate 30 Year
  • Michael Greene – Associate 5 Year

The following members of the executive were also presented with their Branch Past Officer Medals and bars.

  • Trevor Page: Vice President
  • Christopher Hogue: Sergeant at Arms

Next, each year Branch 25 considers whether there is any member worthy of the Legionnaire of the Year Award.  The award is described as:

The Legionnaire of the Year Award is another award available to recognize the hard work of many volunteers within our Branches. Legion Branches have dedicated members who volunteer countless hours each year towards their success. Branches are encouraged to choose one of their members each year from amongst these valued volunteers to recognize them as ‘Legionnaire of the Year.’

Here is Comrade Hogue with his Legionnaire of the Year plaque (as well as his past officer medal on the table in front of him).

Finally, this year the branch made two nominations for Lifetime Membership awards.  Lifetime Membership is award to a member who has provided outstanding service after ten years of continuous membership.  This year the branch nominated:

  • Siefken Krieger
  • Dennis Edmondson

There were other awards that were not presented due to the fact that members were not present and because of the Canada Post job action that prevented the items from being sent from Dominion Command in Ottawa.