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Join Allan for an in-depth tour of the last surviving Flower-class corvette, a ship that was the backbone of Canada's effort in the Battle of the Atlantic. Alan is joined by Greg, a trustee and retired 28-year Navy veteran, who shares the incredible (and harrowing) history of the ship, the brutal conditions for the "Wavy Navy" volunteers who sailed her, and the mission to preserve her for future generations.

Later, Allan speaks with active-duty Royal Canadian Navy sailors, Sailor First Class Andrew Henderson and Sailor First Class Ashley Long, about why they volunteer to maintain this piece of history and what life is like in today's modern Navy.

**0:00** - Welcome to Gale Force Wins
**0:34** - Introduction with host Allan Dale
**1:05** - Welcome Aboard: HMCS Sackville, Canada's Naval Memorial
**1:44** - Meet the Guest: Greg, trustee and volunteer
**1:50** - Greg's deep family history in the Navy
**2:32** - Greg's 28-year career: Engineer, submarines, and nuclear engineering
**9:51** - The importance of people and friendships in the Navy
**11:14** - What life was like for sailors on the Sackville
**12:05** - "The Cheap and Nasties": The design of Flower-class corvettes
**13:05** - Harsh living conditions: Hammocks and crowded mess decks
**13:41** - How many crew were on board during the war?
**15:13** - What was a convoy run like? (Tedium, discomfort, and tension)
**15:41** - The constant threat of U-boat attacks at night
**17:03** - The "Prairie Sailors": Inexperienced volunteers who stepped up
**18:13** - Memories of meeting Sackville veterans
**19:03** - The emotional experience of touring veterans' families
**20:33** - HMCS Sackville: Ship statistics (speed, size)
**21:29** - The ship's armament (guns and anti-submarine weapons)
**23:04** - Breakdown of the crew (officers, petty officers, junior rates)
**23:35** - The "Wavy Navy": The Royal Canadian Navy Voluntary Reserve
**25:34** - How many Flower-class corvettes were built?
**27:44** - The team that keeps the ship alive today
**28:31** - The Navy's crucial role in winter maintenance
**30:35** - The passionate volunteer "Trustee Guides"
**31:26** - How is the ship kept in "Bristol fashion"?

**44:45** - Interview: Sailor First Class Andrew Henderson, Bosun
**45:41** - What it's like in the Navy today
**46:12** - A "Prairie Sailor" from Alberta
**46:50** - The high quality of life on the new Harry DeWolf-class ships
**47:17** - The experience of sailing in the Canadian Arctic
**48:33** - An elevator pitch for joining the Navy (Naval Experience Program)
**49:13** - Why it's an honor to work on HMCS Sackville
**49:44** - Interview: Sailor First Class Ashley Long, Bosun
**50:17** - Why Ashley joined the Navy
**50:34** - The life of a Bosun on a modern frigate
**51:41** - The personal connection to Sackville
**52:03** - The pow

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

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Join us on Gale Force Wins Season 5 as we sit down with John Finn, the incredibly passionate Executive Director of the School Lunch Association in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In this insightful conversation, John shares the powerful story behind the organization, from its humble beginnings in 1989 to its current operation in 46 schools, serving thousands of children daily. He reveals the critical need the program addresses, the challenges of operating a large-scale social enterprise, and the inspiring dedication of his 100-person team.

You'll hear about:

The origin story of the School Lunch Association and its mission to fight childhood hunger.

John's personal journey, including his time as an elected member of the House of Assembly.

The incredible $300,000 food rescue mission he led at the start of the pandemic.

How the "pay what you can" model ensures confidentiality and accessibility for all families.

The vital role of community support, corporate sponsors, and individual donations in sustaining the program.

The future vision for expanding the program across Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.

Discover the immense impact the School Lunch Association has on children's lives and local communities. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in social enterprise, community development, and the power of giving back.

Learn More & Support the School Lunch Association:
Visit their website: schoollunch.ca
0:00 Welcome to Gale Force Wins
0:12 Meet John Finn, Executive Director of the School Lunch Association
0:48 Promoting Charities on Gale Force Wins
1:07 John Finn Introduces Himself
1:19 About the School Lunch Association
2:56 John's Background and Political Journey
4:30 The School Lunch Association's Biggest Need
7:39 Starting in a Pandemic: The $300,000 Food Rescue
12:20 Current Operations: 46 Schools and 100 Employees
17:15 The Impact of Providing School Lunches
19:28 Economic Benefits of the Program
20:49 Funding Model and Donations
22:10 Government Support and National School Food Program
23:59 How Corporations and Individuals Can Donate
25:15 John's "Why": Feeding 12,000 Children
28:17 The Rising Need for School Lunches
28:53 The School Lunch Association as a Leader
30:16 Next Steps for the Program
31:58 John's Advice: Get Involved in Your Community
32:28 How to Contact the School Lunch Association

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us a text

The secret? Developing an entrepreneurial mindset right where you are. It's about bringing fresh ideas, solving problems, and actively looking for ways to add more value to your role and your company. That's how you boost your impact, feel great about what you do, and truly shine. What value are you bringing today?
To see the full conversation click here: https://youtu.be/7TF2IqJX2ng?si=-Voq-mFFQPaR3wGe

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/