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8 Wing Trenton is the staging base for most major Canadian Forces operations.  Every six months or so, the CC-150 Polaris (Airbus A310) is used to ferry troops back and forth between Canada and Afghanistan among other hot spots around the world.

As Lieutenant-Navy Petie LeDrew explains, the latest rotation of troops taking place this month and next saw a rather unusual presentation on the flightline that could bring a touch of home to CF members deployed overseas and let them know how much their efforts are appreciated.

What can people do to show support for deployed Canadian Forces troops? Some write letters, others send postcards. For a music-loving transport trucker who calls himself Oldtoad Gil, the choice was to make a music CD dedicated to the troops.

The idea came to him one day as he was driving his truck. Thinking that it might be time to replace his old cassette deck with a CD player, it struck him that "those guys (CF troops) must like music too, and CDs are easier to make and ship." From that moment on, Oldtoad Gil has been a man on a mission. This is the third compilation he has put together and he is planning to do more.

When he first approached them, many of the artists on the original CD were sceptical. But Oldtoad Gil's honest and heartfelt approach won many over and continues to do so. The artists were told that they would not be paid for their contributions; the CDs would be free; anyone requesting a free copy of the CD would receive one; and anyone wanting to know more about a specific artist on the CD could request more information directly form Oldtoad Gil. Wanting to be part of something positive for the troops, the artists joined the project enthusiastically, and many are still involved.

There were only 50 copies of that first CD, and they were delivered in time for the 2004 holiday season. Another followed it in the spring of 2005, and it took about a week to put it together. This latest compilation, which includes 21 original tracks, includes a variety of musical genres, including country, rock and blues. The entire CD was produced in three weeks, and so far, about 350 copies have been shipped.

"This is my small way of trying to help," said Mr. Gil in a note addressed to the troops, which he sent along with the CDs. "All artists donated their songs in hopes of cheering you folks up," he added.

The CDs were given to Major Douglas Agnew, a reserve intelligence officer from Ottawa who left on August 14, 2006 to deploy overseas. Maj Agnew will deliver the CDs to the public affairs officers in theatre for distribution among the troops.

Those troops wanting to order a CD directly an contact Oldtoad Gil through the DND "Write to the Troops" campaign.