Major Mark Popov is an active member of Canada’s armed forces. He has served in Yugoslavia and has just completed his second tour in Afghanistan. He knows the region very well and has built a strong connection with his troops and the local community. As a Major he has to maintain a positive attitude to help the safety of his troops and in order to complete the mission at hand. We met Major Popov at a Remembrance Day event in November 2010, and he agreed to come to Crestwood to speak to Mr. Masters and Mr. Hawkins Grade 12 classes. The event was such a success that we invited him back to speak to the Grade 10 history classes in May 2011. In both cases he gave the students valuable insights into the reality facing current Canadian soldiers.