Frontlines of Care

For more than 25 years, Gladys Osmond, has written as many as 1,000 letters of encouragement every month to members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

“The connection to home and a ‘normal’ life, particularly in times of stress, violence and death, cannot be overestimated in value,” says General (Ret.) Rick Hillier, former Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Forces.
A collection of her letters from soldiers was published in 2009: Dear Gladys: Letters From Over There. The book provides first-hand insight into the soldier’s psyche in times of armed conflict.

“The letters from the soldiers in the field are more precious than anything I’ve ever received,” says Gladys, now age 88. “I’ve never met better people in my life.

“As long as I have my eyes, the use of my hands, and as long as my brain still works, I’ll be writing to soldiers,” continues Gladys. “I enjoy every minute of it and can’t wait to get up in the morning!”