As a young girl, Gladys Osmond dreamed of becoming a missionary and travelling the world helping people.

In the early 1940s when she applied to become one, the Second World War was underway and Canada was bringing its missionaries back home from overseas.

Osmond decided to focus her efforts on the troops who were leaving.

"I decided to support by letter those who did go," she explained.

Throughout her life, the desire to help others was a driving force and led her to join the Salvation Army.

In 1983, while living in Toronto and working with the Salvation Army, Osmond had two co-workers whose son, Sgt. John Hann, was stationed in Bosnia
with the Canadian Armed Forces.

She began to write to Hann and they have remained in contact since.

Now, more than 20 years later, Hann is stationed in Holland and he and Osmond continue to correspond. They have never met.

And Osmond has written thousands of others letters - around 1,000 every month - to Canadian troops stationed throughout the world.

"I enjoy the writing, and the troops have become almost like my family to me," she said.

In 1988, she retired and returned to Newfoundland where she began living at a seniors' cottage on the grounds of a nursing home.

By 1997, Osmond was leading weekly Bible study classes. Whenever she would write a letter, she would mention the names of women in the group who kept the soldiers in their prayers.

A short time later, a soldier replied and thanked the "Honourable Granny Brigade" for their support and letters.

Since then, the group - whose members range in age from early 70s to 103 - have been known as the Granny Brigade.

Osmond said she's pleased with the response she's received over the years and corresponds regularly with several soldiers.

"Usually they thank us for our prayers, and they're glad that I write to them. They enjoy the writing and that somebody cares enough to write."

She used to write all her letters by hand, but in 2000, the Canadian Forces in Gander gave Osmond a computer, and she began sending e-mails to the troops. Last year, the base replaced her computer with an updated model.

In years past, she would send letters addressed to specific soldiers. Today, due to security restrictions, she sends letters that can go to any Canadian soldier - or to any soldier. She has about 10 addresses around the world where she sends letters, but most of them go to Afghanistan. She includes her mailing address and e-mail address, and many of the those who receive her letters send a reply.

"A lot of them continue to write or send e-mails after they have gone back home to Canada," she said.

One letter, from an American soldier stationed in Haiti, encouraged Osmond to continue her work.

An excerpt from it is one of many Osmond has combined to create a book titled Blessed are the Peacekeepers, which should be released late this year or early next.

The book is being published by the Canadian Forces and proceeds will go to Military Family Resource Centres.

On Wednesday, the Granny Brigade was recognized for its long-term support of Canada's troops at a ceremony at Valley Vista Senior Citizen's Home in Springdale by Gen. Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff.

Osmond was individually recognized for her efforts with the Canadian Forces' Medallion for Distinguished Service.

Osmond said the brigade was excited about meeting the general, including 103-year-old Bertha Young, who she described as the troops' biggest fan.

"Her body is frail, but her mind is clear," Osmond said.

In 2000, Osmond received the Wing Commander's Commendation from the troops in Gander. In 2004, she was presented with the Governor General's Award by Lt.-Gov. Ed Roberts.

She may be 82, but Osmond said with the help of her computer, she will write the troops as long as she can.

"As long as I can still write. Forever."

by Greg Knott
Reprinted with permission from The Telegram, St. John's
gknott@thetelegram.com
' 2006 Transcontinental Media G.P. All rights
reserved.