Mike Rude - The Rude Awakening Tour

Continuing our Remembrance Week celebrations, Riad Byne sits down with Mike Rude, to talk about The Rude Awakening Tour, Battle Buddy Challenge Coins and life after military service!!

Mike Rude is a retired Sergeant from the Canadian Armed Forces who served as a paratrooper with the Canadian Airborne Regiment. After his military service, he embarked on The Rude Awakening Tour, a cross-country initiative aimed at raising awareness about the adverse effects of Mefloquine, an anti-malarial drug administered to Canadian soldiers during deployments. Many veterans, including Rude, have reported severe side effects from Mefloquine, such as memory loss, anxiety, night terrors, depression, and hallucinations. Through his tour, Rude seeks to educate the public and advocate for affected veterans.

Never too far from Mike is Spark the Service Dog. Spark the Service Dog is a crucial companion to Mike Rude during his Rude Awakening Tour. Spark provides both emotional and physical support, playing an essential role in helping Rude manage his own health challenges, particularly those stemming from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues linked to his military service and exposure to Mefloquine.