Pictured following the book launch of “Diary of a Deployed Doc” are book author Major (retired) Darrell Menard, MD Menard, RCL Branch 372 Acting President Wendy Walsh and RDHS President Phil Gurski. Thompson Goddard Photo

RUSSELL – There was a good turnout at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 372 for the launch of Major (retired) Darrell Menard, MD Menard’s book “Diary of a Deployed Doc” on Sat., Feb. 8.

The event was co-hosted by the Russell & District Historical Society as well as the Russell Legion. During the book launch, people were able to speak with the author and view a display of items, all of which are from his deployment to Bosnia, save for the Metis Scarf which is representative of his Metis heritage.

Dr. Menard served in the Canadian Armed Forces for forty years, has served the Russell area as a physician and community leader. With his wife Janet, also a medical professional, has raised three children in the Russell community. Menard has received many honours, including being presented in 2024 with a Citizen Recognition Award by the Township of Russell, named as an Officer of the Order of Military merit and an Officer of CISM Order of Merit.

The book is based on his experiences while on a seven month deployment to Bosnia in 1998-1999 as the “Medical Advisor to the Commander of the Canadian Contingent of NATO’s Stabilizing Force.” in Bosnia following a period of warfare. Menard mentioned he hopes this book will provide Canadians with a greater understanding of the day-to-day experiences of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who are deployed overseas and here at home.

Presented in a diary form, which Menard had kept during his deployment, the book provides the readers with a look inside the life and times of Canadian soldiers which are sent on overseas missions.  As the book begins, Menard provides the reader with an index which provides an explanation of CAF abbreviations. He noted how all the experiences recorded are true and mentioned how this was a life changing experience for him, describing it as “a good experience for me.”

The book took about three years to complete, with many different avenues to be explored and consent required. These included conversations with officials from the Department of National Defence and ensuring those in pictures had given consent, mentioning how it was very satisfying to see his “work in print”.

Menard then offered thanks to his family, to the editor as well as those who provided support during the process.  He thanked the Metis Veterans Legacy Program for their funding of the project and Indigenous artist Rebecca Menard who “created all the artwork in the book.”

“Canada has a proud military history and has sent its women and men to fight on many occasions, not for plunder or territory, but to do what is right to stop tyranny and suffering. Our role in Bosnia in the 1990s is an important reminder that our citizens have risen to the occasion and some have suffered for it.” commented RDHS President Phil Gurski.  He mentioned how local residents have served in World War One, World War Two, Korea and Afghanistan with Menard’s memories adding “to the long list of traditions and stories of Russell over the centuries. As we mark the bicentennial of the arrival of first non-First nations residents in 2025 his diary is a welcome addition to our past, or present, and our future.”

The book is available for purchase on Amazon or by reaching out to his wife Janet at sportsmedmenard@outlook.com to make arrangements to pick up a signed copy.