Red Deer man frustrated with Canada Post for sending damaged army items

Update addedMay 10, 2016: CBC Calgary firstposted this storyonline on May 9. CiaranRooneynotified us on May 10that Canada Post subsequently contacted him to offer a$500as a "gesture," not repayment for the goods. They suggested he also contact the Irish postal service. He said he has not accepted the cash, but is happy he was contacted.

An army veteran whose cherished and irreplaceable memorabilia was badly damaged byCanada Post is upset and frustrated with how "an unbelievable loss" has been handled by the federal corporation.

Ciaran Rooney, who spent 13 years in the Irish Defence Forces and now lives in Red Deer, says the loss is all the more valuable because the pre-digital age photos and ribbons were the only items he had from his time in the army.

"The pictures were pretty much like they were inside a blender," saidCiaranRooney, now a permanent Canadian resident living in Red Deer as an oil field mechanic.

The glass on the picture frames wereshattered, whichdamaged the ink on photos, and ripped the ribbons from his medals accumulated over his army career.

What also upsetsRooney is how Canada Posthandled his complaint after he received the damaged package.

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Rooney's sister sent the package from Irelandlast October. It arrivedwith a note attached from Canada Post apologizing for the damage along witha complaint number.

When he called, he was told the matterwould be resolved in a month. Butwhen he didn't hear back by March he called again and says nothing has been done.

"Knowing nothing is the worst part," said Rooney, "It isvery frustrating being in the dark and getting the runaround all the time."

One of the cherished items,apicture in which Rooneyis carrying the body of a fallen comrade and friend in a funeral service, has been completely crushed.

A spokesperson from Canada Post says they havebeen working with thecustomer for some time and remain in touch.

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, and appreciate the customer's patience," saidMouktar Abdillahi.

Rooneysays friends have been offering help since he posted his frustration on aFacebookpost. He is working with someone to repair some of the torn ribbons, but says the damaged photos can't be replaced.