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The art of supporting CF members all over the world
by Emily Hatcher, Resource Development, Halifax & Region MFRC
Military family member Judy Bouma of Jacksontown, New Brunswick has become a talented self-taught painter, gaining inspiration from her mother, who painted as she grew up. Judy’s father served over 30 years in the Air Force and after growing up in a military family, Judy continues to support the Canadian Forces (CF) today.
It wasn’t until earlier this year that the Halifax & Region Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) was introduced to Judy’s inspirational work as an artist when she donated two paintings to the Centre.
Both of Judy’s paintings aim to capture the spirit of CF members serving in Afghanistan. The first painting, a watercolour of a soldier giving a salute, symbolizes Canadian soldiers’ response to the call of duty serving in Canada and throughout the world. The second is a pastel painting of a soldier handing out treats to Afghan children.
“We need to be respectful and grateful for the sacrifices our soldiers have made for our country to improve the quality of life in Afghanistan,” said Bouma. “I believe that Canadian soldiers are making life better for the people of Afghanistan and the future of Afghan children.
“We [Canadians] are used to many freedoms and social programs that protect our children, and donating these pictures is just one of the ways I can continue to support the military and give back.”
It was Judy’s cousin Sharon Gough, a long-term volunteer with the MFRC, who asked her to donate the paintings. Sharon is an active volunteer with the MFRC’s Operation We Care Program, a group of volunteers who assemble and send morale packages to CF members deployed throughout the world.
Sharon suggested that copies of Judy’s paintings be included in all of the morale packages that were sent this past spring. However, when the time came to assemble the morale packages, Judy was not the only one in her family who made a donation.
“My son Aaron has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism,” said Bouma. “One of the characteristics of his condition is holding a special interest in certain topics, and for him it is the military.”
“Aaron wrote several letters of support and drew pictures that were copied and included in the care packages that not only explained his disability, but also his support for the Canadian military.”
The MFRC would like to thank Judy Bouma and her son Aaron for their generous gifts. Today, both of Judy’s paintings have found a home at the Halifax and Shearwater sites of the MFRC, where they are on display for military families, staff and volunteers as a reminder of their continuous support to CF members serving all over the world.
