Joining the military was something 91原创鈥檚 Joel Struthers always had in mind, but becoming an author was less expected.

Years ago, after graduating from 91原创 Secondary School, Struthers joined the Canadian Reserves, then went on to join the French Foreign Legion and became part of the legion鈥檚 Group Commando Parachutistes (GCP), where he served for six years.

And now, the 47-year-old Murrayville resident has published a book called Appel: A Canadian in the French Foreign Legion through the Wilfred Laurier University Press that outlines his time overseas as a soldier in the 1990s.

鈥淚鈥檓 not a writer, I鈥檓 just a soldier, and I had the story,鈥� Struthers said.

Struthers was inspired to write the book after his grandfather 鈥� who also served in the military 鈥� advised Struthers to save his memories after his return to Canada.

鈥淚 took his advice thankfully, and my experiences were typed to Word document and left untouched for over a decade. My post-legion experiences, age, and perspective led to Appel,鈥� Struthers explained.

According to Struthers, there are many misconceptions about the French Foreign Legion, and the purpose of the book is to tell the 鈥渢ruth鈥� and give a 鈥減ositive account,鈥� of his service.

He explained the legion was initially designed to allow foreigners, and people with prison sentences to fight for France overseas.

鈥淣ow it鈥檚 an integral part of the French military. They take one in 15 applicants so they can pick and choose,鈥� Struthers added.

鈥淎 lot of people think the less-desirables or the convicts or whatever go over there 鈥� that鈥檚 the kind of Hollywood narrative, but it鈥檚 untrue. I went over there to soldier and that鈥檚 what I got to see. I was a young man and I got to see the world for what it was.鈥�

After processing his thoughts for years after returning to Canada, working on rough drafts, and getting facts checked by friends from the regiment and the GCP, Struthers鈥� book officially hit store shelves in early March.

鈥淭he research included reviewing books I had from my time in the legion, books acquired for the purpose, and online websites to ensure legion, military, historical, and family facts were accurate,鈥� Struthers elaborated.

During the creative process, Struthers said the majority of work was done at home, with a glass of French red wine, and good music.

Since returning to Canada in the early 2000s, Struthers works as a commercial helicopter pilot, and is raising a family.

鈥淲e used to use helicopters [in the legion] all the time for jumping so I got the itch to fly,鈥� he added.

In 2017, Struthers took his two children to the Corsica region of France to show them where he spent his young adulthood.

鈥淲hen people would find out I was in the legion, they鈥檇 make statements where I would just shake my head. You can鈥檛 explain it in a short conversation,鈥� Struthers added.

Appel is available to purchase at Chapters Indigo stores, and online at

Struthers will be hosting a book signing on Saturday, March 30 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Chapters Indigo.