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The Toronto Argonauts pride themselves on giving back to the community in which they play. They have always gone out of their football ways to lend a hand to those in need and support other organizations who do so much for our community, our city, and our country. One of the organizations that the Argos support and holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the Double Blue is the Canadian Armed Forces.
Throughout the course of the Argos history, the relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces has been a special one. And it goes beyond the front office of the Argos. It’s a relationship that means a lot to Argos players and players right across the league.
Every year during the off-season, players from the Argos and around the CFL are selected to take a military trip overseas with the Canadian Armed Forces. The CFL Commissioner, NHL Alumni and other Canadian celebrities have participated alongside CFL players for these trips.
Current DB of the Toronto Argos, Matt Black was selected to represent the Double Blue while taking a military trip overseas this past off-season.
One of the longest active Argos to date, Black visited Canadian Armed Forces personnel stationed at a base in Ukraine. The Argos defensive back was there to meet hundreds of troops and show them appreciation for their sacrifices.
After being interviewed by Argonauts.ca regarding the experience, Black explained it was an eye-opening and humble experience. “Being born here and growing up here, you lose sight of how wonderful and great our country is and how fortunate we are to have peace on a regular basis here,” said Black.
The visit was significant for Black who received the 2016 Jake Gaudaur Veterans Award, an award given annually to CFL players best emulating the qualities of Canada’s veterans.
“My wife giving birth to our daughter, winning a Grey Cup in 2012 and this trip are three of the most influential things in my life,” Black said. “Words can’t describe the sacrifices the brave men and women of our military make… this is something I’ll never forget.”
Speaking out on the status of the current relationship with the Armed Forces, Black stated: “I think the relationship between the Armed Forces and Argonauts is an important one. They are the real heroes of society and risk their lives and limbs for us. I found them so incredibly humble and respectful. It makes you very proud to be Canadian when you get the opportunity to meet and hang out with them and see these individuals representing us as a country.”
The Argos continue to maintain a strong relationship with the Canadian military. Within the past few seasons, the club has dedicated an Argos home game to show appreciation for the Canadian Armed Forces.
During the 2016 season, the Canadian Armed Forces were honoured during an Argos home game during the CNE. The opening pregame presentation featured two Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornets conducting a flyover of BMO Field during the singing of the national anthem.
Throughout the recent the history of the organization, Argo players, and alumni have dedicated their time to serving their country whether they have been Canadian or American. Former American Argos linebacker, Robert McCune, spent three years in the US National Guard, a component of the US Army and served tours overseas in Korea, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.
McCune, interviewed by Dan Ralph of the the Canadian Press in 2012, provided first hand-accounts on what happens in a life-threatening situation while serving:
“Yeah, there were nights I woke up scared wondering ‘What’s going on?’ and you’d have to throw on a gas mask and be prepared for some sort of gas attack or anything like that. But the military does a good job of preparing you for those types of situations and after awhile it became a second nature to do what you had to do.”
“Military life taught me discipline, it taught me to not only be on time but be places early,” McCune said. “It also taught me the importance of a work ethic and doing what you’re supposed to do,” McCune stated. “There was always that threat,” McCune told CP. “There were nights you’d be lying in bed and you’d hear shots being fired or missiles blowing up or you’d wake up scared silly.”
The tradition of holding a Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night will continue September 16th when the Argos host the mighty Edmonton Eskimos at BMO Field. Like the previous season, the pregame ceremonies will feature a flyover following the National Anthem. The Argos and their fans will also raise money for Support Our Troops, with $5 from every $20 and $30 ticket sold.