Even nicer!

Judy. Ken, a friend and former student sent me the following memory of his time in the military. Three years before, on 9/11/2001, the people of Gander, Newfoundland did the same when American planes were grounded there. The fact that Ken experienced it as well shows that these folks are a caring group.

After checking with some friends here, we verified with Ken that it was Greenwood, N.S. When driving through the Annapolis Valley, we made it a point to drive up to this base to take a couple of photos.

I have a fond Nova Scotia memory. Around 2004 I was on a military plane with about 60 others that had mechanical issues. We had to divert there unexpectedly. It was a smaller and lightly used airport, possibly Canadian Air Force, located just outside a tiny village. I cannot remember the name. We were stranded for 2 days and were not prepared for Canada in February. We had been on our way home after spending almost a year in the middle east, so we were pretty frustrated with the delay to begin with. It ended up being a wonderful experience. The entire town just opened up and welcomed our group. They brought out jackets and other cold weather gear, opened up restaurants, shops, and even their own homes. They offered to let us use their showers and extra bedrooms. It was apparent they wanted to make us as comfortable and welcome as possible. We were sleeping in an older heated terminal and they went as far to prepare and deliver homemade dinner for those who may not of wanted to venture into town. They opened up a local pub and invited us in. Cold Canadian beer at no charge and great conversation. It felt like we were just visiting old friends. The local population was some of the kindest and generous folks I have ever met. Sooner or later I'll get back to visit properly.