Captain Frank Paul
Captain Frank Paul
A 35-year veteran of the Canadian Forces, Captain Francis (Frank) Cecil Paul loved his job. He was a selfless and inspirational leader, approachable and supportive. One soldier who served under Capt Paul described him as an "amazing man."
A native of Badger, N.L., Capt Paul was born on 2 July 1956 and enlisted in St. John's on 10 March 1976 and trained as a medical assistant.
He remained in the medical services throughout his career. He moved up the ranks to become Warrant Officer at the Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre at CFB Borden in Ontario. After that, Capt Paul served as the Chief Warrant officer for the Canadian Forces Health Services Group. He also helped to create the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants.
Capt Paul received a special commission, giving him the rank of captain and placing him as operations officer for the Ottawa-based 28 Field Ambulance, where he trained junior medical technicians. He cared deeply about the role medical technicians played in the CF, and he sought to ensure they had the training and support they needed.
His final assignment saw him posted to Afghanistan as the adjutant for the health services support unit of Joint Task Force Afghanistan. Capt Paul died of a sudden illness at home in Ottawa on 10 February 2010 at the age of 53, two days before returning to Afghanistan.
Following a review of the Canadian Forces' casualty policy, Capt Paul's name was added to the official list of Afghanistan casualties.
"Although his death came suddenly while on leave from his deployment in Afghanistan, he was still on duty and considered part of the mission, and therefore his death is no less important than any other (Canadian Forces) member who served and died while in Afghanistan," Gen. Walt Natynczyk said in a news release. "It is important that his name be added to the list of fallen."
Maj J. Bradley, commanding officer of 28 Field Ambulance, said in a statement that Capt Paul's "career can be defined by his inspirational leadership, a passion for teaching and mentoring, and selfless dedication to the CF. Capt Paul was driven by the ideals of caring for CF personnel and helping those in need."
Capt Paul is survived by his wife, Jane Rose Mary "Jeanie", and his children, David and Marisa. In 2013, Marisa received a Canada Company scholarship while studying criminology at the University of Western Ontario. Canada Company is a charitable and advocacy organization that works with military members and their families.
"Going through this, it's definitely been nice to have people who have experienced what you've experienced, and you can ask them how they got through it. Their stories motivated me to continue on ... I carry my dad's memory every day through my work. I want to be as passionate as he was," Marisa told the National Post newspaper.
During his service, Capt Paul received the Canadian Forces Decoration and Bar (CD), General Campaign Star (GCS) and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Bar.