Canadian Soldier Joins U.S. Ranks to Create a Better Life for Family

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Butler | Spc. Terry Foster, 4th BCT (Airborne) 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs, stands in front of his gun truck prior to leaving the wire on a convoy re-supply mission. The Canads native, joined the Army after struggling to find the right job.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

01.08.2007

Courtesy Story

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. Marcus Butler
4th BCT (Airborne) 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

KALSU, Iraq - Living in a community lacking job opportunities creates challenges for the average family. Eventually, the choice has to be made to stay or to venture out of the area to improve the situation.

Spc. Terry Foster had to make that life-changing decision and chose to join the United States Army.

For the Chilliwack, British Columbia native, the military was not a completely foreign idea.

Foster previously served as an infantryman with Canadian Special Forces for three years before giving it up to pursue other avenues of employment.

"I have quite a few jobs since leaving the Canadian military," he said. "Unfortunately, my wife, Jenny did not like living in the area we were in, so we moved to another city."

Foster, Jenny and their son Nicholas packed up and moved to another area where he took on a job with the Corps of Commissioners of Canada where he dealt with immigration, detaining individuals to turn them over to the proper authorities. It didn't last long though.

After seven months of different jobs, Foster decided that it was time for a change.

"I started the application (process) to join the Royal Canadian Mountain Police, which is the main governing police presence in Canada," said Foster. "It was really hard on my family, having to drive so far to see loved ones, so I decided not to join."

That is when Foster decided to leave Canada and join the United States Army.

Originally, he wanted to join the Army as a military policeman, but was not able to receive a security clearance.

So instead, Foster became a fuel supply specialist, and after completing basic training and airborne school he reported to Ft. Richardson, Alaska. He considered himself lucky to get Alaska for a first duty station.

"It was a great thing for my family, that I was stationed at Ft. Richardson," Foster said. "My wife's brother lives in Wasilla, Alaska, so that is less than 45 minutes away. We have a lot of good friends throughout the company and post and that makes our lives so much easier."

But it also came with a down side.

Foster was going to be deployed to Iraq as part of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.

He took it in stride though and is now promotable.

"Spc. Foster has always been a hard worker with a good sense of humor," said Sgt. David Tolson, fuel supply specialist and Foster's squad leader. "Now that he is able to be promoted to sergeant, I am confident in handing Foster more duties and responsibilities."

However, Foster knows his biggest responsibility is waiting for him at home.

"My wife is obviously concerned about me being here in Iraq, but the support back home from the family support group and close family and friends are a big help," he said.

The Spartans have been in Iraq for three months so far and Foster, like many Soldiers is looking forward to the journey home. He has a good reason.
Approximately one month ago, Jenny gave birth to a baby girl, Sabrina.

"My time over here has been bitter sweet," Foster said. "I know I have my families support, and I can not wait to go home to them."

• Date Taken: 01.08.2007
• Date Posted: 01.08.2007 10:05
• Story ID: 8756
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ