A new You're My Hero book in the works

Story by 2Lt Leah Pierce, Reserve PAO

The “You’re My Hero - North Bay” book hit the city’s market in December 2007 like an Alberta Clipper. Both Barry Spilchuk, co-author of “A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul”, and Penny Tremblay, President of Northern Lights Presentations dedicated many days to selling copies of this compilation of spirit lifting stories at the local Canadian Tire. In total, 1900 books were sold at the retail store, generating $17,000 in proceeds that were later donated to a local women’s shelter, The Transition House.

It was during high school, when some of his friends joined the cadets, that Barry developed a deep appreciation for those who serve in the military. Now his love for those who serve in the Canadian Forces (CF) has come full circle. He not only included a chapter, entitled “Our Military”, in his recent book, but has donated 1600 books to members serving at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base (CFB) North Bay and to troops overseas in Afghanistan. These donations were made possible when on December 8th 2007, Barry came up with the brilliant idea of donating one book to the troops for each book he sold at Canadian Tire that day. He called it “Buy a Book … Give a Book to the Troops.” The initiative was not advertised, but secretly locked in Barry’s heart. And so on that particular day when people bought a book they were told of his generous idea and invited to sign the inside cover of the donated copies. Citizens jumped at the chance to give a book to the troops. Some even bought extra copies once they heard of Barry’s inspiring proposal.

By the end of the initiative Barry had collected a pallet full of donated copies of “You’re My Hero - North Bay” and on February 4th, 1600 books were accepted by the Wing Chief Warrant Officer, Ron Bulger. When the new Wing Commander, Colonel Galvin, heard of the donation he was ecstatic. He called the gift “Outstanding” and “a very generous offer.”

Barry’s support to the military does not end there. Back in the early days of launching, ”You’re my Hero - North Bay”, it was at W.J. Fricker School that the seed was planted for the need to write a new “You’re my Hero” book. This one, however, would contain stories about men and women that served or are currently serving in the military and their families. While at the school assembly he was approached by a mom who insisted that a copy of the book be sent to her son. Initially Barry thought that he was away at university or college, but soon found out that her son was currently serving in Afghanistan. At another school assembly, this time at West Ferris Public School, 500 people came out to hear about the launch of the new book. Barry asked the crowd if anyone was either serving or had served in the military. He then asked if anyone had a member of the family serving in the military. In all there were about 100 people who came forward to the front of the auditorium. Whitney Wally, a grade 12 student, and aspiring professional singer then sang O Canada. She was drowned out by the people at the assembly and Barry could see that people were so emotional they were crying.

From there his “big dream” was to fulfill a vision that would help provide monies to the Military Families Fund (MFF). The MFF, a program developed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Hillier in April 2007, aids in the well being of military members and their dependents both during emergencies and in the long term. Barry is in the process of finding a sponsor for a new initiative, a continuation of the “hero” theme. The book would be entitled “You’re My Hero - Canadian Troops, Veterans and Their Families.” His hope is to have the entire book sponsored so that the proceeds from each book sold would then be donated to the MFF. In order to both promote the book and gather stories that would be either in the book or on the website Barry is preparing to go on a road trip across Canada. He plans to stop at every base, legion hall and many other establishments with military connections.

By combining his admiration for the troops and his generous nature, Barry has demonstrated to the Canadian Forces members at 22 Wing/CFB North Bay and CF troops in Afghanistan that his dedication to those who serve is truly unwavering. Thank you, Barry, on behalf of the men and women at 22 Wing. Good luck with your new book!

To find out more about the new book, YOU’RE MY HERO – CANADIAN TROOPS, VETERANS and Their FAMILIES please check out Barry’s website: www.YMHbooks.com. You can also e-mail Barry: [email protected]