It began with a simple request for poppies — and evolved into a powerful gesture of international camaraderie and cooperation.
Members of the Morden Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11, along with one representative from Carman Branch #18, were invited to tour a top-level United States Space Force radar facility near Cavalier, North Dakota in early March. It’s a visit that two local veterans, Bob Frost and Rob Wiebe, describe with awe, gratitude, and a deep sense of cross-border unity.
A friendly gesture amid tense times
Bob Frost, President of Branch #11 in Morden, says the tour was a refreshing display of goodwill.
“Given what's going on between our two countries politically right now, this was a breath of fresh air,” said Frost. “They treated us like gold. There was no talk of politics — just mutual respect and hospitality.”
The tour came about thanks to Captain Wayne Beresford — one of two Canadian Forces members currently stationed at the Cavalier radar site. Ahead of Remembrance Day, Beresford reached out to Frost to request poppies for Canadian personnel stationed at the base. Frost gladly provided them.
“Even with only two Canadians stationed there, the U.S. personnel donated over $100 to our poppy fund,” said Frost. “It was incredible.”
That initial connection opened the door for something much bigger: a private tour of a facility few civilians ever see.
A glimpse behind the fence
Rob Wiebe, a Legion Branch #11 member and representative of the Winkler Veterans Association, presented to Legion executive members about the visit and was struck by both the complexity and purpose of the base.
“It was mind-boggling,” said Wiebe. “They monitor everything from space junk to satellites, aircraft — anything bigger than a basketball flying through North American airspace.”
Wiebe and the group were escorted through much of the facility, including a detailed simulation of how a potential missile threat is handled. They witnessed the high-pressure coordination between Cavalier and NORAD headquarters in Colorado Springs.
“They ran us through a mock missile attack, showing us how they identify, track, and respond to threats,” Wiebe said. “We saw the screens, the lights, the procedures — it was intense.”
A hidden world revealed
Frost echoed the amazement. “The walls are 12 feet thick — it’s a five-story building above ground, but we were told it’s really ten stories in total. The security and infrastructure are something else.”
Beyond the technical capabilities, the veterans were also impressed by the support systems for families living on base. From a golf course to preschool education facilities, Frost and Wiebe were surprised at how self-contained the site is.
“It's not just military — it's community,” said Wiebe.
Looking ahead
Inspired by the experience, Frost has invited Captain Beresford — or “Yogi,” as he’s affectionately known — to be the guest speaker at this year’s Remembrance Day banquet in Morden.
“He was coming up anyway for the 11th, and he said he’d be overjoyed to speak,” Frost shared. “We think people will find it fascinating.”
As both Frost and Wiebe reflect on the visit, they recognize it as more than just a tour — it was a reminder of how shared purpose and mutual respect can transcend borders.
“It was an incredible experience,” said Wiebe. “You realize how much work is being done behind the scenes to keep us safe, every single day.”
And as Frost added, “It was a privilege — one we won’t forget.”
