E3161 Victoria Edwards (RMC 2003) in conversation with 10389 Doctor Chris Cottle (CMR 1975).

e-Veritas: How did you end up with the nickname “Mr. AO’ at CMR?

Dr. Cottle: I started in Prep Year at CMR in August 1970. I had grown up with a gentle nudge from my father to go to the military colleges and I had no reluctance to do so. After about 3 weeks at “Prep Camp” I banged up my knee while doing my very first “circle”. I hobbled around most of the day, scared to complain, until one of the PE staff saw my knee which was now out like a grapefruit and he sent me to the MIR. Two days later, I was in Queen Mary’s Veterans Hospital in Montreal and had my knee opened up to remove the bone fragments that had detached from my patella. I am only telling you this as I was called “Mr. A.O.” (Academics Only) as I spent the first half of Prep Year on crutches and then over the next couple of years I “banged” up the knee several more times placing soccer and hockey. I was a regular at MIR. I was often seen with crutches over the years … it became my norm.

e-Veritas: Outline your career progression from Mars Officer to dentist.

Dr. Chris Cottle: I graduated from CMR in 1975 and was in the navy as a MARS officer. Training was in Esquimalt, then I went to the “Sweepers” as a Navigator then to HMCS Algonquin followed by HMCS Iroquois as both a DWO (Weapons) and a DNO (Navigator). It was a lot of fun with a lot of early responsibility at a young age. I loved it. After two sea tours, I was sent to the Fleet School in Halifax where I ran the Naval Operations Course. I had to make a decision between family and the Navy and I chose the family.

I applied for the Dentistry program that was offered to serving military officers and I was accepted into Dalhousie University for a four year DDS program. This was followed by a posting to Lahr, Goose Bay then Borden as a dentist. After the family set up house in Barrie, my oldest daughter asked if we were going to be in Barrie for a couple of years. I replied yes and she said “Oh good, I can make a friend!” I enjoyed the military but my family was more important and that day, the military was done after 21 years. I started a private dental practice in Barrie in the summer of 1991.

e-Veritas: What are you up to these days?

Dr. Cottle: Life takes its turns but I have been a dentist for more than 26 years. I had my own practice but I am now just associating as a dentist as I prepare for the eventual retirement. I still have problems with my knees so I have not been active in the usual team sports but I did coach soccer for many years and I still referee soccer. Now living in Calgary, I enjoy the hiking and snow shoeing in the mountains and I bike in the summer. My time at the museum at CMR has kept me interested in home construction type things so I can often be found tearing out walls and re-doing rooms in our home. I still hit my thumb from time to time with a hammer.

e-Veritas: Congratulations on your upcoming marriage; I understand it is a romantic love story.

Dr. Cottle: In 2011, I moved to Calgary, where I reconnected with the girl I took to Grad Ball in 1975. Actually, I met Janine in Sep 1974 at the Organization of Military Museums of Canada conference in Montreal. She was doing museum sciences at Algonquin College in Ottawa and had been working at the War Museum during the summer; they asked her to go to the conference as an intern and work the reception. We met, we went out for the next eight months, she went to the CMR Grad Ball with me and then I graduated and we went in different directions. We both went through other lives through the 70s/80s/90s and 2000s. I searched for her after my divorce, Google told me where she had been but I was not able to find her. Then one day two years ago, I, just out of the blue, typed her name on Facebook and it was the same day she went on Facebook (that is spooky). I then moved to Calgary. That is the short version of a very long story. We had not seen each other in over 36 years; now we are getting married in Maui in September 2013 – 39 years to the day when we first met.

e-Veritas: What were CMR St Jean and Royal Roads Military College like in the mid 1970s?

Dr. Cottle: Thank you for your interest in my time at CMR. It was a time that I enjoyed thoroughly and I have very fond memories of those five years (Prep to 4th Year). CMR was a growing institution. May of 1971 was the first graduation year from the 4th year program … if I am not mistaken there was also 18 4th years to graduate as there was with RMC first grad class. It was a dynamic time. New construction to the academic buildings was the big project plus extensions to the “dorms” to create more space. And the college was getting ready to accept the first class of UTPOs, UTPMs and then Roadents to finish their academic year at CMR. We even had the first transfer from RMC to CMR, 10644 Mike Zwicker. The CMCs were integrating programs and the cadets could now start at one college and finish at another depending on the academic degree that they wanted to follow.

I was not a Roadent; but being a MARS officer, I spent my two of my summer training sessions at RRMC – what a beautiful place and I remember the noisy peacocks.

e-Veritas: Describe cadet life at CMR in the 1970s.

Much more…

Read the rest of this entry »

Buffalo Arrival

Article by 15595 Dr. Billy Allan, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

There is an Academic Wing, a Cadet Wing, a Military Wing and a Training Wing. But there are other wings at RMC: an F104 Starfighter Wing in Sawyer Mod 1, and now, a Buffalo wing! Important parts of the RCAF Buffalo CC115454 arrived by transport on Wed 27 March to Building 3 where the cockpit will become a cockpit simulator to support the Aeronautical Engineering undergraduate programme, Flight Dynamics and Advanced Aircraft Design research led by Dr. Ruben Perez. The wing and the nose-landing-gear structure are of great interest to Dr. Catharine Marsden who imparts aerospace structural design wisdom to Cadets at both undergraduate and graduate level. The wing will find a home somewhere in Sawyer Module 1 or 2 where it can be studied up close and personally. The cockpit will be mounted in Building 3 and over the coming years, will be transformed from the hulk by the craftsmen in the Mechanical Shop in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

A little history of aircraft 454 follows:

DHC-5A (CC-115) – Serial RCAF 9454 / CAF 115454

- Production Aircraft No. 8 Rolled out on 28 May 1967.

- Delivered to 429 (Tac T) Squadron on 18 September 1967.

- Renumbered CAF 115454 on 28 May 1970.

- Move to 442 (T & R) Squadron, CFB Comox, BC in 1974 in white SAR scheme.

- Repainted yellow SAR scheme on 7 February 1979.

- Stored at CFB Mountainview on 14 October 1992

- Cut up by Aerospace Telecommunications and Engineering Support Squadron (ATESS Trenton) and delivered to RMC 27 March 2013

E3161 Victoria Edwards (RMC 2003) in conversation with 11330 LGen (ret) Angus Watt (CMR 1977), former member of the CMR Museum Club. 

e-Veritas: Outline your career progression.

11330 Angus Watt: I spent 37 years in the Air Force and retired in 2009. During my military career, I trained as a pilot, flew Sea King helicopters and was a flight instructor. I served in many staff positions, mostly focused on coordinating and supervising current operations. I did a tour at NATO HQ in Brussels in the 1980s and I was the NORAD Director of Operations in Colorado Springs. I also commanded at numerous levels, including Op APOLLO in 2002 and Dep Comd of ISAF in Afghanistan in 2006. My last few years in uniform were spent as Chief of the Air Staff (Commander of Canada’s Air Force). After my military service, I taught strategic leadership at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto for several years. I was a Senior Mentor for the National Security Programme, essentially teaching Colonels how to be good Generals. It was a very rewarding experience to be able to help shape the next generation of senior military leaders.

e-Veritas: What was Cadet life like at CMR St Jean in the mid 1970s?

11330 Angus Watt: It was dynamic, disciplined, frustrating and exciting. Probably just like it is today. To be sure, some of the regulations and processes likely have changed over the last 40 years, but I am sure that it still holds true that if you throw a group of young, energetic, motivated and intelligent Canadians together for several years in the right framework like RMC/CMR, it will generate a transformational life experience.

e-Veritas: You were a member of the museum club at CMR which developed the Fort Saint-Jean Museum.

11330 Angus Watt: I really was a small bit player. 9540 Paul Jenkins (CMR 1973); 11690 Simon Macdowall (CMR 1978); and 11282 Ross Macfarlane (CMR 1977) were the ones that made things happen. I liked history and model making and this club fit those interests, but I was just one of the members. In fact, I still indulge in model making and I have a house full of models of wooden sailing ships that I have constructed over the years.

Some of the models I have built:

e-Veritas: In your office as Chief of the Air Staff, you displayed a poster which was designed at the outset of the Second World War with the St Edward’s Crown of England and the words of King George VI spoken at a moment of great stress for his countrymen – simply “Keep Calm and Carry On”.

11330 Angus Watt: Yes, I bought that poster before they became so widespread and popular in Canada. During my career, I came to appreciate the old saying that 90% of the outcome of a crisis depends on your reaction; only 10% depends on the crisis itself. That poster captured the essence of that thought so well, I had it installed in my office to remind my subordinates of how I like things to work.

e-Veritas: What are you up to these days?

11330 Angus Watt: In January 2012, I was appointed President and CEO of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). With responsibility for screening operations at 89 airports across Canada, it keeps me busy and out of trouble!

e-Veritas: Outline the role of CATSA. Any tips?

11330 Angus Watt: After the events of 9/11, CATSA was created in 2002 as a Crown corporation to secure critical elements of the air transportation system in Canada – from passenger screening to baggage screening. A key tip for travelers is to come prepared. CATSA has a very detailed website which outlines what you can and cannot pack. Save yourself some trouble at the airport by planning ahead. (http://www.catsa.gc.ca/)

E3161 Victoria Edwards (RMC 2003) in conversation with 9540 Paul Jenkins (CMR 1974), former curator of the CMR museum.

e-Veritas: Outline your career progression.

9540 Paul Jenkins: I was born in England and, as the son of a naval officer, went to school in three Canadian provinces and England. When I was accepted at CMR, I planned to become a naval engineer. My eyesight caught up with me, however, and I had to reclassify. By pure luck, I ended up in the Security Branch where I had a very full career. I served in the Canadian Forces for 31 years, retiring in 1999 as a naval Captain. I served in postings throughout Canada and in Germany and served on United Nations duty in Cyprus. I had varied experiences in law enforcement, security, operations, counter-intelligence, training, change management and program evaluation. I commanded two military units, one an operational field unit (2 MP Platoon Petawawa) and the other a national level counter-intelligence unit (the Special Investigations Unit).

I was in the CMR class of ’73, but repeated a year because of sports injuries, so I graduated in ;74. In addition to CMR, I am a graduate of the Land Forces Staff College in Kingston, the Canadian Forces College in Toronto and the Canadian Police College in Ottawa.

When I retired from the Canadian Forces, I completed a two-year furniture-making course at Algonquin College in Ottawa. Since moving to Victoria, I have become involved in a number of activities, including volunteering with the Sail and Life Training Society (SALTS) where I have put my wood working skills to good use, singing with the Open Door street choir, serving as Vice Chair of the Our Place Society (homeless housing and drop-in centre) and participating in a number of outreach activities through First Metropolitan United Church.

e-Veritas: Outline your role with Red Cross in Coastal BC. Do you have any tips?

9540 Paul Jenkins: I have been a member of the Canadian Red Cross for 14 years since my retirement. I have served in both staff and volunteer positions, including President of the BC Coastal Region Council. In Coastal BC, the Red Cross serves Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Powell River, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, Ocean Falls and the Haida Gwaii Islands. In this region, the Red Cross supports communities in the areas of disaster management, health, injury prevention, abuse and violence prevention, and humanitarian issues. (www.redcross.ca/bccoastal)

I am currently Project Manager of the National Disaster Response Plan, working for the National Office. The goal of this planning initiative is to anchor all Red Cross disaster response training and operations in solid doctrine and plans. We are also ensuring that we are ready to respond in larger events that could occur in Canada and tax the resources of all humanitarian organizations. As part of this initiative, I have travelled to the US, New Zealand and Australia to learn lessons from other Red Cross societies. It is interesting to see how many retired CF personnel are active in the Red Cross. In our field alone, we have retired logisticians, communicators, infantry officers and pilots.

e-Veritas: You wrote “Canadian Red Cross Society 100 Years of Humanitarian Service – What lies ahead.” Any tips?

9540 Paul Jenkins: Our mission says it all: “Improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world”. We are becoming better prepared to respond to seasonal events such as spring flooding and summer forest fires. At the same time, our volunteers have gained considerable experience and shown the ability to respond quickly to emergencies and new challenges. Cooperation between the regions has improved, and artificial boundaries no longer hamper service delivery. We are all working as one team. http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=30555&tid=078

e-Veritas: Describe the early days of the Fort Saint-Jean Museum 1964 – 1970

9540 Paul Jenkins: H18424 Dr. David Ruddy has covered the original establishment of the museum in 1964/65. He received quite a bit of support from the College registrar, Monsieur D. Dion and other interested parties. He also notes the gathering of artifacts from various sources and moving them into the old guard house, with the help of officer cadets.

Dr Ruddy’s obit: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timescolonist/obituary.aspx?n=david-daniel-ruddy&pid=150378273

When I arrived at Collège Militaire Royal (CMR) as a preparatory Cadet in 1968, I had no background in museums and no particular interest in what was then called the CMR Museum. I was probably first introduced to it through Dr Ruddy, and gradually gained an interest, especially as it gave me a break from the very regimented life of the College in those days.

As I recall, we spent our time organizing the collection and also doing some impromptu digs for artifacts, especially when construction crews dug up any of the grounds. We actually found an amazing collection of items, including coins, pottery, buttons, some metal pieces, etc. On one of our digs, we found a modern coin that somebody had buried there the day before!

The museum was on the agenda of the Comité d’Ambiance, and I believe it had various plans for the museum, but not much had actually transpired. Lack of worker bees appeared to be one of the issues.

e-Veritas: Describe the Fort Saint-Jean Museum 1970 – 1974.

9540 Paul Jenkins: My involvement with CMR and the museum was suddenly interrupted in January 1970 as a result of a broken wrist and subsequent surgery. I had to go on Leave Without Pay until September of that year, but this proved to be a turning point. Dr Ruddy suggested that I look up a friend of his, Niels Jannasch, Curator of the Maritime Museum in Halifax, where I was to spend my time until I returned to CMR.

This was a great stroke of luck. Niels took me on as a volunteer and then as a paid Museum Assistant at the new museum in Halifax. I learned a tremendous amount about museum science and almost remained there as a full-time employee, rather than returning to CMR. But saner minds prevailed, and I returned in September 1970, with lots of ideas and motivation to turn the CMR Museum into a real museum.

One of my first initiatives was to write a full report to the Comité d’Ambiance, recommending a number of things:

- Improvements to heating and lighting.

- Establishment of a Museum Sub-Committee.

- Establishment of a budget.

- Allowing Cadets to work in the museum from 1600 to 1800 hrs on “representative” status.

- Provision of tools and materials.

- Proposed layout for the displays.

I signed this report as Assistant Curator. During the 1970 to 1974 period, Dr Ruddy was the Director of the museum, but he was not heavily involved and he left most of the day-to-day work to a group of Cadets, led by me. He was also absent for at least a year on sabbatical. This gave me a great opportunity to develop my skills, which served me very well in years to come.

The rest of the 1970/71 academic year was spent doing research on the history of Fort Saint-Jean, planning exhibits and constructing exhibits with the assistance of the Museum Club that was established. We had a slow start.

As a result of yet another broken bone, I spent the summer at CMR and continued working on the museum.

e-Veritas: When did things start to pick up?

9540 Paul Jenkins: Things started to pick up in 1971/72 as I became involved with the Organization of Military Museums of Canada and completed some Canadian Museum Association credit seminars at the War Museum in Ottawa. That year the Museum Club became more active, and we carried on with display construction, opened the museum to the public on a number of occasions and arranged some loans from the War Museum.

The 1972/73 academic year saw us apply for and get official status as a military museum under the CF Museum Committee and I was able to get funding under the related CFAO. We also submitted a Winter Works project for improvements to the building. This project was overly ambitious, and not much of the work was actually done.

Cadet involvement in this year and 1973/74 increased considerably, with over 1700 man-hours being volunteered. A group of five or six contributed a lot of their free time and weekends preparing the museum for the eventual official opening. Three senior Cadets did a fourth year communications project that among other things, recommended changing the name of the CMR Museum to its current name.

My final year at CMR (1973/74) was a frantic one. In my last term, I turned the role of Curator over to 10389 OCdt Chris Cottle who was one year behind me and had been active in the museum for several years. I was appointed Cadet Wing Administration Officer, but still remained involved in organizing the official opening on 6 May 1974. In March 74, I wrote an extensive report to the College staff, outlining many of the things that were required to see the museum move ahead successfully:

- Approval of the name change.

- Adoption of a new organizational structure that sorted out the relationship of the military staff, the museum curator, the museum club and the Comité d’Ambiance.

- Summer staffing of the museum.

- Details for the opening ceremony.

- Publicity and signage.

Most of these recommendations were approved, and we saw the museum open successfully in May.

e-Veritas: What about after you graduated?

9540 Paul Jenkins: The following month, I graduated and was posted to CFB Halifax to begin my career as a Security Branch officer. My museum experience followed me however. I served on the Marcom Museum Committee in 1974/75 and when I was posted to CFB Shearwater in 1978, I eventually became the Curator of the Shearwater Aviation Museum, which opened to the public in June 1981. I remain a fan of museums to this day, although my direct involvement has been far less in recent years.

I would like to underscore the effort that the Cadets of CMR put into this project. The museum would not have gotten off the ground without their organizing abilities and hard work. The College staff provided the support we needed, but we did the work! Musée du Fort Saint-Jean/ Fort Saint-Jean Museum www.museedufortsaintjean.ca/EN/index-en.htm

Paul Jenkins profile http://www.museedufortsaintjean.ca/EN/apropos/histoire/Debuts/Jenkins.htm

e-Veritas: What was Cadet life like at CMR St Jean in the early 1970s?

9540 Paul Jenkins: I once quipped that many criminals have served less time for manslaughter than we did voluntarily (almost six years in my case), and they had fewer rules to follow. We started very young (barely 17 in my case) and were kept very busy, so perhaps we didn’t reflect that much on the situation, or at least those who stuck it out didn’t. I have often wondered what it would have been like to have gone to civy-U. I actually went to a number of civilian classes at York University and Carleton with friends, and found it all very interesting – especially in the late 60s.

I can’t say that I really enjoyed the experience, certainly not as much as I did my operational career in the CF. I certainly learned a lot that stood me in good stead when I graduated, although most of the valuable experience was a result of the Cadet life and other activities such as the museum. Maybe I can summarize. The academic side of things was marginal, possibly as we had just shifted to a full degree program that was in its early days. The military side of things was good as we got to run many aspects of College life. Sports were good and kept me sane, especially sailing. Our social life, especially for English cadets “from away” was pretty lousy, although one of the English professors, Dr. Harding, adopted me in my senior years and I spent many happy days with his family.

e-Veritas: What are you up to these days?

9540 Paul Jenkins: I consider myself a Nova Scotian by adoption and marriage, but moved to Victoria in 2002 to be nearer to my family. My wife Jean is a retired English as a Second Language teacher. I have two daughters, both of whom have recently completed post-graduate studies. One lives in Vancouver and the other in Wolfville, NS. My main activity is with the Red Cross, which has become a second career.

Other members of the CMC Museum Clubs:

11690 Simon MacDowall

11282 Ross Macfarlane, 8057 Ross McKenzie, and Eric Ruel

E3161 Victoria Edwards in conversation with 11690 Simon Macdowall (CMR ’78), former Curator of the Fort Saint-Jean museum. 

e-Veritas: Outline your career progression.

11690 Simon MacDowall: Although I was born in England my parents immigrated to Canada when I was 10. Six years later I joined the Canadian army, serving briefly as a gunner in the 30th Field Artillery before going to Collège Militaire Royal de Saint-Jean as an Officer Cadet. Commissioned into the Royal Canadian Dragoons in 1978, I spent much of my early army career with NATO forces in West Germany. Later I re-trained to become a Public Affairs Officer working with the media. I saw active service in Honduras and Nicaragua with the UN and with NATO in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo. In 1994, I was the UN spokesman in Sarajevo. Since then I have worked as Director of Communications in several UK government departments including the Ministry of Defence where I was responsible for all communications for the Armed Forces including managing media issues and crises in Afghanistan and Iraq.

e-Veritas: You have published a number of guides to wargaming set in various historical periods.

11690 Simon MacDowall: I have always had a deep interest in military history and that is what probably prompted me to go to CMR in the first place. My particular interest is the later Roman Empire and early Middle Ages and I have written several books on that period for Osprey Publishing. I think there are fascinating parallels between what was happening at the end of the Roman Empire (economic and political crises; inequality and migration) and what is happening now. One of my books, “Adrianople AD 378,” was about the battle that saw the defeat of the Roman army at the hand of a band of Gothic refugees who had crossed the Danube and moved into the Balkans. I got the idea for the book when I was working for NATO in Macedonia in the lead-up to the Kosovo war. At that time we had to deal with a flood of Albanian refugees in exactly the same area as the Goths and Romans fought over 1600 years earlier.

For me, wargaming is a hobby that allows you to bring history to life. It involves researching historical armies and representing them with miniature figures which you have painted yourself. “Wargaming in History: Goths, Huns and Romans” was my first published work back in 1991. It is a complete wargaming guide to the later Roman period including scenarios and mechanics for recreating battles of the period. Since then I have published others, most of which are available on my website: www.legio-wargames.com. Although my great love has always been Romans I do, however, delve into other eras, particularly the early colonial conflicts in North America.

e-Veritas: You are a blogger on historical wargaming.

11690 Simon MacDowall: Legio-Wargames.com is a website devoted to my hobby of historical wargaming with miniature figures. In these pages you will find rules, tips, painting guides and game scenarios. There is also a liberal sprinkling of photographic eye candy. On these pages I share my thoughts and ideas and hopefully give others some of the joy I have had from the hobby.

There are also several sets of rules which you can download which will allow you to play games set in different time periods. These include the Ancient and Medieval period, the campaigns of Marlborough in the early 18th century, and skirmish rules set in North America which cover the French and Indian Wars through the Riel Rebellion.

e-Veritas: Some of your wargaming figures and battle reports relate to Canadian subjects.

11690 Simon MacDowall: I have also attached a couple of photos of my figures which are more related to Canadian subjects rather than Roman. They are:

Read the rest of this entry »

E3161 Victoria Edwards in conversation with 11282 Ross Macfarlane (CMR 1977), former curator of the Fort Saint-Jean Museum; 8057 James Ross McKenzie (RMC 1970), the curator of the RMC Museum in Fort Frederick; and Eric Ruel, the current curator of the Fort Saint-Jean Museum.

e-Veritas: Outline your career progression.

11282 Ross Macfarlane: I grew up in Saint Lambert, across the river from Montreal. I joined the Black Watch of Canada Cadet Corps in 1968 and went from there to the Collège Militaire Royal de Saint-Jean in 1972. I graduated from St. Jean in 1977, one of the 2nd class to be granted a degree in Canadian Studies after remaining all 5 years in Saint Jean. The actual degree was through the Université de Sherbrooke. During the summer of 1976 I was lucky enough to be sent on a 3 month exchange as midshipman on the USS W V Pratt, as fine a ship as I have served on. At the International Naval Review held in NYC on the 4th of July to mark the 200th Anniversary, the Pratt had the honour of firing the 21 gun salute as President Ford reviewed the Fleet and they honoured their Canadian guest by giving me charge of the saluting gun (under supervision of course). After graduation I served 4 years in the Navy and then left the forces, remaining in Halifax. I took a stab at opening a hobby store called the Tin Soldier but my minor in Business Administration from CMR wasn’t sufficient to guide me to success.

I then spent 25 years with Canada Post Corporation (CPC) in Information Technology, simultaneous with 23 years helping my wife run a boarding kennel. My job may not have been directly related to my training but again and again the foundation I gained at CMR days was invaluable as my carer progressed.

e-Veritas: Did your interest in toy/model soldiers stem from your time at CMR?

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Article by 25708 OCdt Everitt and 25914 OCdt Lee

This past week 8 Officer Cadets from the Civil Engineering Department at the Royal Military College in Kingston were provided with the opportunity to compete in the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race (GNCTR). GNCTR is an annual engineering competition hosted by a Canadian University and held every winter. The first competition took place in 1974 in Red Deer, Alberta and since then RMC has competed numerous times. The competition this year took place in Vancouver, BC and brought together over 450 students from the top engineering programs across the country.

The basic premise of the competition is to build a toboggan with a concrete running surface, load it with five teammates, and race it down a snowy hill as quickly as possible. This tests engineering students on their technical knowledge of materials and structures, teaches them to work with concrete, and develops their ability to work as a team. Universities compete in several judged categories, such as shortest race time, best overall design, best team spirit, and the coveted best overall team.

In order to qualify for competition, the toboggan must undergo and pass a safety inspection. There are five basic rules that govern the design of each toboggan registered in GNCTR:

1. The running surface must be made entirely of concrete.
2. The toboggan must carry five people safely.
3. The toboggan must have a safety rollover bar.
4. The toboggan must have a braking and steering system.
5. The toboggan must weigh less than 300lbs excluding riders

RMC 2013 GNCTR Team

RMC’s 2013 GNCTR Team comprised of the following:

OCdt Balazova, 25181
OCdt Bennett, 25673
OCdt Burgos, 25835
NCdt Cousins, 25797
OCdt Cusan, 25743
OCdt Everitt, 25708
OCdt Lee, 25914
OCdt Raeburn-Gibson, 25755
Capt. Douglas (Escort Officer),  23913

Plans and construction for the toboggan began last fall with countless hours dedicated to construction in the Civil Engineering Structures Lab. The RMC toboggan consisted of a 2 ski design (each a 1” thick reinforced concrete slab), an aluminum roll cage, and a steel break system.  The hands-on benefits of not only planning and designing, but constructing an engineering project were extremely valuable. Problems that arose during construction allowed for students to problem-solve with unique methods not encountered previously during their education and gave them an enriched educational and engineering experience.

In an effort to meet these criteria, the team underwent a crucial preliminary design process, whereby multiple drawings and ideas were established in order to achieve the results wanted. The preliminary design process consisted of designing the concrete slabs, superstructure, braking system, and steering system. Multiple computer-based engineering software, such as SAP2000, SolidWorks and AutoCAD, were used in order calculate the toboggan’s specific technical characteristics for its construction phase. Once the preliminary design was complete, the first step in the difficult construction phase was to build the reinforcements of the concrete slabs. After the two sets of steel reinforcements were built and welded, a steering system was incorporated into the concrete slabs before pouring the concrete in the forms to cure for 28 days to reach its ultimate strength. The next process would be the longest, as the superstructure of the toboggan would be made of aluminum. These aluminum pipes were bent, cut, and welded in order to produce a fine superstructure to safely protect the students in the case of the toboggan rolling. The next challenge would be to construct a steel braking system which would have to fit at the back of the toboggan and stop the toboggan as quickly as possible on race day. Although multiple changes were made during the construction phase from the original preliminary design, the final product was a toboggan well-equipped to take on the 22 other universities on the slopes.

Upon arriving in Vancouver the team was able to meet with the Vancouver Branch of the RMC Ex-Cadet Club and share in pizza and refreshments. This was a unique experience in which the cadets were able to meet and revel in old stories. The team is very thankful for the Branch’s hospitality. The RMC Foundation completely funded this trip, which allowed it to go forward and for this the team is also extremely thankful.

Anthony Everitt (25708), Jim Reith (9835), and Jaemok Lee (25914) share a good time

The week and competition comprised of Opening Ceremonies, a Technical Exhibition and the much awaited race day. When the RMC team was introduced during the opening, the whole competition gave a standing ovation and sang “O Canada”. It was a heartfelt gesture which showed the friendly spirit that existed amongst all teams.  The Technical Exhibition was a daylong event in which teams set up a complete display. Teams were able to go around, see how other universities had constructed their toboggan, and gain ideas for next year. Finally the judges came around and judged each toboggan in several categories.

Taylor Raeburn-Gibson (25755) references technical data while presenting to the judges

When Race Day finally arrived teams had to wait for the fog to lift before the runs could begin. The race took place at Mt. Seymour in Vancouver, BC. Due to the nature of the West Coast snow, many teams had issues starting or even making it down the hill due to the nature of their concrete slab design. RMC took to the slope and completed two successful runs down the hill.

Prior to the awards ceremony the team was able to go skiing and snowboarding at Whistler-Blackcomb for a day. The team was fortunate to be accompanied by Ken Tanner (10323) and his wife, Carol, for the day on the slopes.

At the awards ceremony RMC made it to the podium for several awards and placed in the following categories:

-          3^rd for Concrete Reinforcement

-          3^rd for Fastest Toboggan

-          3^rd for Most Spectacular Race

-          1^st for Superstructure Design

-          1^st for Most Original Toboggan
Stacey Cusan (25743) and Jaemok Lee (25914) receiving an award at the closing ceremonies

The success of RMC’s 2013 GNCTR Team could not have been possible without the assistance of the following persons: Mr. Clarence McEwen, Mrs. Danielle Grondin, Dr. P. Heffernan, Dr. M. Tetreault, and the man we couldn’t have done it without: Mr. Dexter Gaskin. Thank you! The team wishes to express their profound thanks to the Civil Engineering Department at RMC, the RMC Foundation, and to the GNCTR 2013 committee who made the entire experience a memorable one.

Cadet Wing Acknowledges Accomplishments of Deserving Individuals & Looks to the Future

Article and Photos by 25366 Mike Shewfelt

This past Thursday morning, and a cold and wind-swept Parade Square, the Cadet Wing officially put the Fall 2012 semester behind them. Those individuals and teams deserving of recognition in this semester’s Intramural competitions were recognized, and the Wing then looked to next semester with the announcement of the Winter Barslate.

Much, much more…

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E3161 Victoria Edwards (RMC 2003) recently interviewed H2951 General (Ret’d) Ramsey Muir Withers (RRMC RMC 1952), former Chief of the Defense Staff.  

e-Veritas: Your class recently celebrated its 60th anniversary at RMC’s 2012 Reunion Weekend.

H2951 Ramsey Withers: The turnout, of 34 ex-Cadets and 24 wives/widows, for our 60th anniversary was pretty reasonable.

e-Veritas: Describe your experience at Royal Roads in the post WWII years.

H2951 Ramsey Withers: The Royal Canadian Navy had operated Royal Roads since 1941. When the Air Force joined in 1947, the College was renamed the Royal Canadian Navy Royal Canadian Air Force College (RCN RCAF College). When the Army joined in 1948, the College was renamed Canadian Services College Royal Roads. When my class arrived at Royal Roads in 1948, we were fortunate to have had seniors, Cadets who were a year ahead of us, to provide leadership, caring and to convey Naval & Air Force traditions. I credit the seniors and faculty for my positive first year experience at Royal Roads.

Since I was already bilingual, I was advised that I would have had an unfair advantage in French, so I studied Spanish at Royal Roads instead. At Royal Roads, the living was communal, similar to living aboard HMCS Royal Roads. At the time, the Cadets slept in bunk beds in 2 senior and 2 junior dormitories, with 32 cadets per section. We ate cafeteria style; a senior term was responsible to say a traditional Navy grace for the table “For what we are about to receive, thank God. Carry on…” At RMC, the Cadets had single rooms and waitresses provided table service to the Cadets.

A substantial number of Royal Roads Cadets did not come down to RMC. Once naval Cadets completed 2 years at Royal Roads, they were commissioned as Midshipmen. After naval training at sea, likely aboard the cruiser HMCS Ontario, they attended the Royal Navy Sub-lieutenant course in England. Those serving in the engineering branch of Navy, generally in propulsion of ships & weapon systems, underwent further training in Keyham, England at the Royal Naval Engineering College.

e-Veritas: Describe the Royal Military College in the post WWII years.

H2951 Ramsey Withers: I arrived at RMC in 1950. There were only three other naval members who transferred with me from Royal Roads; 2887 Stan Riddell and 2909 Chuck Ilsley studied Arts while David Lougheed and I studied Electrical Engineering. 

I was one of 72 RMC graduates of the first class after WWII. Along with all 22 of the Army members, I left RMC for service with the Royal 22e Regiment (1st Van Doos) as a Signal Officer in Korea. I served in the same battalion with 2996 Lieutenant Arthur Graham Herman, who had started with me at Royal Roads. I was possibly only about 300 meters away, when Arthur died on August 19, 1952 on Hill 210, South Korea. My granddaughters Lauren and Justine, who have taught in Korea for 5 and 2 years respectively, have visited Arthur’s gravesite on my behalf in recent years.

e-Veritas: I understand that you met your late wife at Queens University.

H2951 Ramsey Withers: Since RMC was not degree granting, I went to Queens for a year to earn a degree in electrical engineering after Korea. My wife, Allison (née Saunders), was studying Commerce and Finance at Queens at the time. We were married for 57 years until her death on 19 October 2011. We had 3 children: 1 boy and 2 girls and 11 grandchildren. I am a great grandfather twice to 1 boy and 1 girl.

e-Veritas: Describe your training and career as a member of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals.

H2951 Ramsey Withers: I studied at the Royal Canadian School of Signals (RC of S) on the hill in Kingston. I served as a signal officer with the Royal Canadian Dragoons in Petawawa and in Germany. At the time, a typical posting was a minimum of 3 years. My regimental commanding officers included Colonels Al Brady and Jock Usher and 2510 BGen (Ret’d) Ned Amy (RMC 1936), a spectacular individual who I had first met in Korea when he was serving as GSO1 of the 1st Commonwealth Division.

e-Veritas: When you attended Staff Colleges in Canada and the UK, the programs were not (graduate) degree granting. [Today, Canadian Forces College in Toronto offers a Joint Command and Staff Program with eight credits towards the completion of a Master of Defense Studies (MDS) degree from the Royal Military College. The Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC) at Shrivenham, UK has an academic-military partnership with King's College London.]

H2951 Ramsey Withers: When I attended Army Staff College, it was a 2 year Single Service Staff College in Fort Frontenac, Kingston. It took two years of private study to prepare for the 3 hour long entrance exams for Army Staff College; my military history exam featured essay type questions on 5 campaigns. We traveled throughout Canada and to a number of US Army bases & schools. Although Staff College was not graduate degree granting, we could add the PSC (Passed Staff College) after our name and were eligible for promotion.

The UK Joint Services Staff College trained future commanders and staff officers from allied and Commonwealth countries.

e-Veritas: One time the Army forgot to promote you.

H2951 Ramsey Withers: Yes, they did. I was appointed Brigade Major 4 Canadian Infantry Group, Chief of Staff of Brigade in Laar, Germany while I was only a Captain, although the post should have been held by field officer (Major or above). I produced the weekly Brigade Routine Orders signing as ‘RM Withers Captain Brigade Major.’ When he noticed the discrepancy, my Commander (2253 Cameron B. Ware) advised HQ and I was promoted (acting Major) by the end of that day. After WWII, the military was very slow to promote. Officers were typically promoted to acting rank ‘in their turn’. The acting rank was not confirmed until the end of the year, assuming satisfactory performance.

e-Veritas: Outline your command career progression.

H2951 Ramsey Withers: As a Major I served in command of 6 Signal Squadron in Valcartier. In 1966, I was promoted Lt Col, in Mobile Command in St Hubert, Quebec. Promoted to Colonel in 1968, I served in Ottawa as the Executive Assistant to General Jean Victor Allard, the first French Canadian to become Chief of the Defence Staff and to hold the accompanying rank of General. Promoted to BGen in 1970, I served as Commander Northern Region HQ in Yellowknife, North West Territories. I returned to Ottawa as Director General Management Info systems for two years. Promoted to Major General in 1975, I served briefly as Associate Assistant Deputy Minister Policy. Promoted Lt. General in 1977, I served as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.

e-Veritas: You served as Commander of Canadian Forces Europe Command in Lahr, Germany.

H2951 Ramsey Withers: Serving in Canadian Forces Europe Command in Lahr, Germany was a career highlight. I dubbed it the ‘Grand Duchy of Lahr’ since I held similar responsibilities as a provincial premier. It was more authority than any other post I held until Chief of Defence Staff. In Laar, I was not only responsible for the Brigade & Air Group; there was a motor vehicle registration system, licensing of cars, the public educational system and high schools, medical service, Military Police, Justice, Judge Advocate General, and the CANEX System.

CANEX is a retail operation made up of a number of stores and services, designed specifically to meet the needs of the military community; 1/3 of the profit from commercial operations went to Canadian Bases. At the time, CANEX were not only popular with Canadian families, but we sold duty consumer goods to the US and British sectors as well. Our buyers, who worked on salary plus bonus for performance, were excellent; many of them had worked previously as buyers for Sears or Dominion Stores. Since members of the junior ranks with families could not afford holidays, we used some of the CANEX profits to buy 2 Mercedes Cruise Buses and booked European tours through a local travel agency. Although the holidays were expected to be non profit, we made enough money to buy a third bus!

e-Veritas: Do you know the process on how you were selected as Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS)?

H2951 Ramsey Withers: My predecessor as CDS, Admiral Falls, left to chair the NATO military committee in 1980. Prime Minister Trudeau personally approved the selection. I was appointed by then Governor General Edward Schreyer. I served as CDS for three years from 1980-3.

e-Veritas: Life after the military?

H2951 Ramsey Withers: After retiring from the Forces, I served for 5 years as Deputy Minister at Transport Canada 1983-88. I served as Honourary Lt Col of the Governor General Foot Guards from 1984-90. As an aside, you might notice that the Governor General always wears the tie of the Governor General Foot Guards. When he was appointed GG, the regiment sent him a tie. When he later asked for another tie, the regiment sent him 4 more.

e-Veritas: How did the Withers Study Group (1998) come about?

H2951 Ramsey Withers: Commissioned by the RMC Board of Governors, the RMC Undergraduate Study Group was “To ensure for each graduate, a broad-based education, well grounded in the sciences and the humanities, with special emphasis being placed on the development of values, ethics and leadership skills needed for responsibilities and service to country.” Essentially, the Study Group sought to determine what was required of RMC, how this requirement was being met today, and what was necessary to improve the situation. The questions addressed all four pillars at RMC academic, military, language, and physical fitness. The Report of the RMC Board of Governors by the Withers’ Study Group was titled “Balanced Excellence Leading Canada’s Armed Forces In The New Millenium.”

e-Veritas: What were the biggest challenges faced by RMC?

H2951 Ramsey Withers: The committee interviewed senior officers, operational commanders, RMC faculty and Cadets. We found that RMC was facing challenges on Recruiting/Retention; Leadership; Academic Program; Professional Development/Military Ethos; Academic/Military Interface at RMC; CF/RMC Interface and, Language/Culture. If RMC’s raison d’être was the provision of highly motivated, qualified officers for service in the CF, the choice before the Board of Governors was to improve the product or close the College.

e-Veritas: Did the Withers Study Group consider best practices of foreign military colleges?

H2951 Ramsey Withers: The RMC is similar to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, established in 1845, which is the undergraduate college for the Navy. The Academy provides professional and leadership training to prepare young men and women to become professional officers in the US Navy and Marine Corps. Every midshipman’s academic program begins with a core curriculum that includes courses in engineering, science, mathematics, humanities and social science.

e-Veritas: Were the recommendations from the Withers report implemented?

Much More…

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10,000 Reasons Why the Ottawa Branch Golf Tournament Was a Winner

By: WJO

The organizing committee had a driving ambition to raise a minimum of $10,000 last Friday at the Ottawa Branch Golf tournament, and that is exactly what they did – with a little to spare.

Over 40 teams and 167 registered golfers participated in the very popular and successful 18 hole tournament.

“Thanks to the success of this year’s tournament, we’re able to make a significant contribution to the RMC Club / Foundation which will directly benefit various cadet projects at both RMCC and RMCSJ,”said 11386 Tony MacDougall, chairperson for the 2012 event.

“The Military Families Fund (MFF) will also be given a large donation administered through the Foundation.”

The golfers played on two different 18 hole courses at the Greensmere Golf and Country Club. The Legacy and The Premier. Consequently there were two sets of winners.

On one side, the “Boyle Group”, composed of 8790 Jean Boyle, 20715 Mike Boyle, 8916 Barry Gould and 9352 Vaughan Gunter-Smith won. Although we do not have the exact details of past winners, it is believed that historically the “Boyle Group” in one form or another has won the top prize something like six times over the past 11 years or so.

The other equally winning and impressive team was composed of: 5569 Trayten Jensen, 5708 Tory Payne, 5743 Darwin Marquardt and 5937 Don Poole.

Closest to the pin winners: 10887 Uwe Spatling and 3591 Don Gregory.

Closet to the rope: 8145 Ken Lait and 3836 Jerry Valihora.

“The amazing success of the Ottawa Branch Golf Tournament is due to the enthusiastic support and the generosity of our tournament partners,” said Tony MacDougall. “The tournament is about having fun and Ex cadets, current cadets, friends & family with our business partners and raising money for great causes. Golf scores are secondary.”

The mood following play at the Club-house tent was one of smiles and lively chatter. Ex cadets from a large number of Classes going back well into the 1950s right up to 2013 were heard exchanging all kinds of colourful yarns.

Congratulations to Tony, his committee members and the 167 golfers.

Following is a perspective of the tournament from a current cadet who was a guest of a key tournament sponsor.

 xx

Three Cadets Have an Awesome Time on the Links

Article and Photos by 24647 Paul Lystiuk 

Fridays, to most people, are spent locked up in an office or a classroom just waiting for the clock to finally strike the hour of freedom. However, for myself and two other cadets, 25741 Colin Carswell and 25914 Jaemok Lee, we spent our Friday a little differently. We had the privilege to participate in the RMC Club Ottawa Branch annual golf tournament. This is year it was held at the Greensmere Golf and Country Club in Carp, Ont., which is just outside of Ottawa. The day could not have been better with the sun shining all day long, and the wind classified as a gentle breeze, just enough to keep the bugs away. There were 167 registered golfers this year that came out to play in the scramble format tournament.

One of the major sponsors for the event was Canso Investment Counsel. 11623 John Carswell, who is the president of this company, was generous enough to sponsor two foursomes in the tournament. His son, and current cadet, Colin Carswell and Jaemok Lee were in one of the groups along with Colonel (ret’d) 6776 Tim Sparling and MGen (ret’d) 11669 Joe Hincke. The other foursome had three employees of Canso; Harold Won, Jason Bell and ex-cadet 22350 Nick Desjardins with myself as the fourth. Both teams finished with very respectable showings with the first group finishing with a one-under par 71 and the second group with a 12-under 60. The winning group of the tournament was “The Boyles” (who, I am told, have won it for the 6th or 7th year in a row) with a 14-under 58.

The tournament organizer Tony MacDougall, would like to thank all the sponsors and participants of the tournament. A special thank you goes out to the major sponsors Canso Investment Counsel, 2Keys Security Solutions and the RBC Foundation. At the time I spoke with Mr. MacDougall I was told that the amount raised was near $10000, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that number was exceeded as they were still adding up totals from the auction items. All in all, it was a spectacular way to spend a Friday with awesome company.

PERSONAL ACCOUNTS SOUGHT

AFGHANISTAN: A SOLDIER’S STORY 2002-2014

Afghanistan: A Soldier’s Story 2002-2014 is a growing collection of the human stories and images of those Canadians who served in the Afghan mission. It is both a legacy and tribute that will commemorate the outstanding contributions of our Canadian Forces (CF) men and women and the sacrifices they made to provide security, stability, sound governance and a promising future for Afghanistan and its people. The collection will be compiled in a coffee-table book that will be published late 2014; the year which marks the end of the CF’s mission in Afghanistan. Contributions are sought from Canadian military personnel and civilians who served in theatre. The aim is to preserve this defining chapter of the CF and Canada’s role in international combat and mentoring operations for future generations of Canadian; and, equally important, to recognize and thank those who served in Afghanistan and made the world a safer place in which to live.

The genesis of this book came about from the desire of a group of CF Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) who served in Afghanistan and who wanted to ensure that the CF’s participation in Afghanistan and the personal accounts of those who were present, were shared with all Canadians.

This is a not-for-profit volunteer project from which the net proceeds of the book sales will go to support those in need who served in Afghanistan and their families. The principal agency involved in the publication of the book is the Edmonton Military Family Resource Centre which will issue charitable tax receipts to those (individual and corporate) who wish to donate to the project. The book’s publisher is John McQuarrie, a renowned Canadian photojournalist, author and principal of Magic Light Publishing Ottawa.

Afghanistan: A Soldier’s Story 2002-2014 will also include an introduction and/or contributions from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada Steven Blaney, the CDS General Walter Natynczyk, MGen John Vance, the Royal Canadian Legion, war correspondents and the President of The Power Workers’ Union Don MacKinnon who provided generous support to the acclaimed documentary series The Veterans http://vimeo.com/channels/theveterans.

This is your chance to share your personal story with fellow Canadians and your comrades, family and friends. Please tell others who may wish to contribute their stories or donate to get involved in this exciting and memorable historic personal account.

Further information about the project, the book mock-up, how to share your story and contribute photographs can be found at www.afghanistanacanadianstory.ca.

Colonel (Retd) Andrew Nellestyn OStJ PhD

External Relations Afghanistan: A Soldier’s Story 2002-2014

Co-producer the documentary series The Veterans

TÉMOIGNAGES PERSONNELS RECHERCHÉS

AFGHANISTAN: L’HISTOIRE D’UN SOLDAT- 2002-2014

Afghanistan: L’Histoire d’un Soldat 2002-2014 est une collection grandissante d’anecdotes et d’images sympathiques de Canadiens et Canadiennes qui ont servi dans la mission d’Afghanistan. Il s’agit à la fois d’un héritage et d’un hommage visant à commémorer les contributions exceptionnelles de nos Forces canadiennes (FC), hommes et femmes, ainsi que les sacrifices faits afin de fournir une sécurité, stabilité et une gouvernance solide et un avenir prometteur pour l’Afghanistan et son peuple. La collection sera compilée en un livre, table de salon, qui sera publié à la fin de 2014; l’année qui marquera la fin de la mission des FC, en Afghanistan. Des contributions sont sollicitées de la part du personnel militaire canadien et des civils qui ont servi dans ce théâtre. L’objectif et de conserver ce chapitre important du rôle des FC et du Canada dans le domaine du combat international et la surveillance d’opérations pour générations futures de Canadiens et Canadiennes; et, d’importance égale, afin de reconnaître et de remercier ceux et celles qui ont servi en Afghanistan et ony contribué à la réalisation d’un monde présentant moins de risques.

La genèse de ce livre est née du désir d’un groupe d’officiers des Affaires publiques (OAP) qui ont servi en Afghanistan et voulaient s’assurer que la participation des FC en Afghanistan et les témoignages personnels de ceux et celles présents dans ce pays étaient partagés avec tous les Canadiens et canadiennes.

Il s’agit d’un projet bénévole sans but lucratif duquel les recettes provenant des ventes du livre seront versées à l’appui des individus dans le besoin qui ont servi en Afghanistan et leurs familles. L’agence principale participante dans la publication du livre est le Centre des Ressources pour les Familles des Militaires d’Edmonton qui émettra des reçus d’impôt pour activités de bienfaisance aux personnes (individus et sociétés) qui désirent faire un don au projet. L’éditeur de livres est John McQuarrie, un photojournaliste canadien de renommée, auteur et principal de ‘’Magic Light Publishing,’’, d’Ottawa.

Afghanistan: l’Histoire d’un Soldat 2002-2014 comprendra aussi une introduction et/ou des contributions du Premier ministre Stephen Harper, le Ministre des Affaires des Anciens combattants, Steven Blaney, le Chef d’état-major, le général Walter Natynczyk, le major-général John Vance, la Légion royale canadienne, des correspondants de guerre et le Président du Syndicat des Travailleurs et Travailleuses du Secteur Énergétique, Don MacKinnon, qui a fourni un appui généreux à la série documentaire très bien accueillie, les Vétérans à: http://vimeo.com/channels/theveterans.

Voici une excellente occasion de partager vos anecdotes personnelles avec des concitoyens et concitoyennes, camarades, familles et amis et amies. Veuillez transmettre ce message à d’autres personnes qui pourraient désirer contribuer leurs histoires et anecdotes ou faire un don afin de participer dans ce projet historique excitant et mémorable.

D e l’information additionnelle sur ce projet, la maquette du livre et comment partager votre histoire et contribuer des photos sont sur: www.afghanistanacanadianstory.ca.

Colonel (Retraité) Andrew Nellestyn Officier de St.Jean de Jérusalem, PhD

Relations externes Afghanistan: L’Histoire d’un Soldat 2002-2014

Coproducteur – Série de documentaire, Les Vétérans

e-Veritas typically covers ex-cadet and college-based occurrences, but a crucial part of every military unit’s operation is its relationship within the community.The Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario is blessed to be part of a fascinating community that bolsters creativity, active-lifestyles, and all around excitement. Whether you are a current cadet away on training, an ex-cadet from the peninsula who misses this beautiful city, or an ex-cadet who would like to get a taste of Canada’s first capital, we will provide you with an interesting insight to the happenings of Kingston. If you are in Kingston during the Summer months, you can use this as your chance to try something new, expand your horizons, or just release a bit of stress throughout the week.

The following recordings are of the Skeleton Bones Trumpet Quartet who played on June 19th for Music in the Park. The grainy sound textures the music enough to bring one back to the good ol’ days of jazz, but the serenity-opposing bustle of the park is enough to reinforce the true modernity of this music. Sit back, enjoy, and if you are to only listen to one, I highly recommend track #7.

~26069 OCdt C. W. Kunkel

1 – Intro – Its Only a Paper Moon

      2 – Spiderman

                3 – Op48 No1 Beethoven

                            4 – On the Sunny Side of the Street

                                         5 – Oh Danny Boy

                            6 – What Can I Say

                7 – Desafinado with Surprise Guest Julie Howard

       8 – Ragtime Band

9 – Lament

      10 – Bill Bailey Wont You Please Come Home

               11 – Achieved is the Glorious Work

                           12 – The More I See You

                                       13 – Outro – Tiger Rag

To check out upcoming Music in the Park concerts and other events, check out the following link!

The following recordings were made with no intent for profit and shall not be distributed as such. All rights concerning original pieces adapted for a trumpet quartet belong to members of the Skeleton Bones Band and other affiliates.

Fort Henry Discovery Centre

Video

Exhibit includes perspectives from life inside the Fort, from the Americans, from London, and from the citizenry of Kingston. Other exhibits focus on Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, and his ties to Kingston.  More on Fort Henry

15^th Anniversary of MINUGUA 

Canada’s contribution to the United Nations Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) was perhaps small in size but it was certainly not insignificant.  After a brutal 36-year civil war between the Guatemalan government and the leftist wing guerrilla movement known as the URNG (National Revolutionary Unit of Guatemala), an armistice was signed in December 1996 known as the Agreement on a Firm and Lasting Peace.  The United Nations established a mission to verify the ceasefire and conduct human rights verification, effectively ending the longest war in Latin America which had seen over 150,000 killed, one million displaced, 45,000 missing persons, and the destruction of over 400 villages.

Then-Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy committed to sending a contingent of fifteen Spanish-speaking Canadian officers to act as military observers.  Selected from across the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Canadian UNMOs subsequently joined an additional 131 from 14 other countries, to deploy to one of six verification centres or two headquarters across the country.  Once in Guatemala – a country about the size of New Brunswick but with 17 times its population – the Canadian UNMOs (and their in-theatre assignments) included: Alexander Fieglar (HQ), Louis Lafrance (HQ), Walter Watkins (Quiche), Robert Champagne (Claudia), Bob Taylor (Claudia), Doug Eaton (Las Abejas), Alex Dieryckx (Las Abejas), Pierre Vandoesburg (Mayalan), Carlos “Chico” Belsham (Mayalan), Miguel Gonzalez (Sacol), Claude Vadeboncoeur (Sacol), Luis Araujo (Tululche), Carlos Olivas (Tululche), Paul Lansey (Tzalbal) and Eva Martinez (Tzalbal) – Canada’s first female military observer and the first female military observer in the world to serve in Central America.

The first phase of the mission was the verification of the agreed-upon ceasefire.  The second phase was to maintain separation between the Army and the URNG in clearly defined security zones.

In phase three, the UNMOs dismantled the URNG organization.  This was carried out by escorting over 3000 URNG guerrillas from their camps to the UN verification centres where they were disarmed and given civilian clothing in exchange for their uniforms.

The fourth phase of the mission was to oversee the integration of ex-combatants into civilian life.  An additional component of the mission was the demining of the Tajamulco Volcano where UNMOs retrieved 378 land mines and explosive devices.  At the end of the mission, over half a million weapons and over three million rounds of ammunition were turned over to Interior Ministry officials.

As 2012 marks the 15^th anniversary of this peacekeeping mission, it seems an opportune time to raise awareness about this little-known slice of Canadian blue beret history.  or more information, please contact Major (ret) Eva Martinez (Class of 93 – 18866) at bronte@sympatico.ca

15ème Anniversaire de MINUGUA

La contribution du Canada aux Nations Unies pour la mission au Guatemala (MINUGUA) était peut-être d’une taille petite mais elle n’était certainement pas insignifiante. Après une guerre civile brutale de 36 ans entre le gouvernement guatémaltèque et le mouvement d’aile gauche de guérillero connus sous le nom d’URNG (Unité Révolutionnaire Nationale du Guatemala), un armistice a été signé en décembre 1996 connu comme «Agreement on a Firm and Lasting Peace». Les Nations Unies ont établi une mission pour vérifier le cessez-le-feu et pour conduire la vérification de droits humaines, finissant effectivement la plus longue guerre en Amérique latine laquelle avait vu plus de 150.000 tués, un million de personnes déplacées, 45.000 disparus, et la destruction de plus de 400 villages.   

Le Ministre d’Affaires Étrangères a ce temps, Lloyd Axworthy, avait commis à envoyer un contingent de quinze officiers canadiens qui parlaient l’espagnole pour agir en tant qu’observateurs militaires. Choisi de l’armée, de la marine et de la force aérien, les UNMOs Canadiens ont joint des 131 supplémentaires de 14 autres pays, et déployés à un de six centres de vérification ou deux sièges sociaux à travers le pays. Une fois au Guatemala – un pays la taille du Nouveau Brunswick mais avec 17 fois sa population – les UNMOs Canadiens (et leurs destinations de théâtre) ont inclus: Alexander Fieglar (HQ), Louis Lafrance (HQ), Walter Watkins (Quiche), Robert Champagne (Claudia), Bob Taylor (Claudia), Doug Eaton (Las Abejas), Alex Dieryckx (Las Abejas), Pierre Vandoesburg (Mayalan), Carlos “Chico” Belsham (Mayalan), Miguel Gonzalez (Sacol), Claude Vadeboncoeur (Sacol), Luis Araujo (Tululche), Carlos Olivas (Tululche), Paul Lansey (Tzalbal) et Eva Martinez (Tzalbal) – la première observatrice militaire féminin du Canada et la première observatrice militaire féminin du monde à servir en Amérique Centrale. 

La première phase de la mission était la vérification du cessez-le-feu. La deuxième phase était de maintenir la séparation entre l’armée et l’URNG dans des zones de sécurité bien définies.

Dans la phase trois, les UNMOs ont démantelé l’organisation d’URNG.  Ceci a été effectué par l’escorte de plus de 3000 guérilleros d’URNG de leurs camps jusqu’aux centres de vérification de l’ONU où ils ont été désarmés et donnés des vêtements civils en échange de leurs uniformes.

La quatrième phase de la mission était de surveiller l’intégration des ex-combattants dans la vie civile.

Un composant supplémentaire de la mission était le déminage du volcan de Tajamulco où des UNMOs ont recherché 378 mines terrestres et dispositifs explosifs. À la fin de la mission, plus d’un demi-million d’armes et plus de trois millions de séries de munitions ont été retournés aux fonctionnaires de ministère de l’Intérieur.

En tant que 2012 dénote le 15ème anniversaire de cette mission de maintien de la paix, c’est un moment opportun de partager cette tranche peu connue d’histoire des bérets bleues canadiennes. Pour plus d’information, contactez svp le Commandant (retirée) Eva Martinez (Classe de 93 – 18866) a bronte@sympatico.ca

Awards and Prizes

Photos by 25881 OCdt (III) Anthony Matlock

 (All photos L-R) Following is a list of the major major awards & prizes for the Class of 2012.

25447 OFFICER CADET DE SOUZA

The Sword of Distinction for Leadership is awarded to the graduating ROTP/RETP officer cadet who displays outstanding leadership through attaining the highest cadet appointment of Cadet Wing Commander (CWC) in their graduating year. PRESENTED BY THE COMMANDER OF THE CANADIAN ARMY LIEUTENANT GENERAL DEVLIN

25492 OFFICER CADET ISKANDARANI

The Department of National Defence Award of Merit is awarded to the graduating ROTP/RETP officer cadet attaining highest standards in each of the four components of the RMCC programme. PRESENTED BY THE CHIEF OF DEFENSE STAFF GENERAL NATYNCZYK

25465 ÉLÈVE-OFFICER ROETERINK

The Sword of Honour is awarded to the ROTP/RETP officer cadet of the Graduating Class who best combines high standards of proficiency in each of the four components of the RMCC programme. The sword is donated by GE Canada. PRESENTED BY THE CHIEF OF DEFENSE STAFF GENERAL NATYNCZYK

25492 ÉLÈVE-OFFICIER ISKANDARANI

The Victor Van der Smissen-Ridout Memorial Award is awarded to the graduating ROTP/RETP officer cadet deemed to stand highest morally, intellectually, and physically at RMCC (based on a vote by the officer cadets). PRÉSENTÉ PAR MME SUSAN MCCOLL

25440 OFFICER CADET LAVICTOIRE

The MacArthur Leadership Award is awarded to the officer cadet who demonstrates outstanding leadership performance based on General Douglas MacArthur’s credo of Duty-Honour-Country and potential for future service in the profession of arms. PRESENTED BY LGEN [RET’D] MAISONNEUVE

25465 ÉLÈVE-OFFICER ROETERINK

The Generalissimo Jose-Maria Morelos Sabre of Honour is awarded to the graduating ROTP/RETP officer cadet who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and leadership in the attainment of the highest standards in each of the four components of the RMCC programme. PRÉSENTÉ PAR LE REPRÉSANTANT DE L’AMBASSADE DU MEXIQUE, LE COLONEL MONDRAGON POLO

25182 Naval Cadet Beaudry

The Navy League of Canada Prize is awarded to the best Sea Operations naval cadet (Maritime Surface and Sub-Surface or Maritime Engineering) in the Graduating Class, based on high standards of proficiency in each of the four components of the RMCC programme. PRESENTED BY MRS. LOUISE MERCIER-JOHNSON

25705 ÉLÈVE-OFFICIER BOUCHER

The Royal Canadian Artillery Association Prize is awarded to the best Land Operations officer cadet (Armoured, Artillery, Infantry) in the Graduating Class, based on high standards of proficiency in each of the four components of the RMCC programme. PRÉSENTÉE PAR LE CHEF D’ÉTAT-MAJOR QUARTIER GENERAL DU SYSTÈME DE DOCTRINE DE LA FORCE TERRESTRE COL DALTON

25314 ASPIRANT DE MARINE FORBES

The Military Support Award of Merit is awarded annually to the best officer cadet in the Graduating Class from the Logistics, Health Care Administration, Military Police Officer, or other military occupation of the Support Group, based on high standards of proficiency in each of the four components of the RMCC programme. PRÉSENTÉ PAR LE COMMANDANT ADJOINT DU COMMANDEMENT DU CANADA, MAJOR-GENERAL COLLIN

25182 Naval Cadet Beaudry

The Commander Arturo Prat Leadership Award is awarded in conjunction with the Navy League of Canada to the graduating naval cadet who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, moral values, performance, and potential for future service in the Profession of Arms. The award is sponsored by the Government of Chile. PRESENTED BY CHILEAN NAVY ATTACHÉ: CAPTAIN NAVAJAS

M0974 ÉLÈVE-OFFICER ROY 

The UTPNCM Award of Merit is awarded to the graduating UTPNCM officer cadet attaining the highest standards of proficiency in the four components of the RMCC programme. PRÉSENTÉ PAR LE COMMANDANT DE LA MARINE ROYALE CANADIENNE, VICE ADMIRAL MADDISON

 25184 OCDT CAMBELL

The Air Force Association of Canada Award of Merit is awarded to the best Air Operations or Aerospace Controller graduating cadet, based on high standards of proficiency in each of the four components of the RMCC programme. PRESENTED BY 13077 MR. DEAN BLACK – Executive Director of the Air Force Association of Canada; Publisher – of the highly professional Airforce Magazine

25465 OFFICER CADET ROETERINK

The Harris-Bigelow Trophy is awarded to the Fourth Year officer cadet who has displayed the best combination of academic and athletic ability throughout the entire course of study at RMCC. This trophy was given for annual competition by the Class of 1932 in memory of their classmates, No. 2039 T.W.E. Harris and No. 2021J.G. Bigelow. PRESENTED BY THE RMCC COMMANDANT BRIGADIER GENERAL TREMBLAY

25048 OFFICER CADET TRUDEAU

The J. Douglas Young Sword of Excellence is awarded in conjunction with the Leinster Shield on Graduation Parade to the Cadet Squadron Leader (CSL) of the squadron winning the Commandant’s Competition. The sword will be carried by the CSL of the squadron until the next graduation parade. The fall and winter term CSL of the winning squadron will receive a commemorative plaque for personal retention. The college number of the Honour Slate CSL will be engraved on the scabbard to permit a continuing record. PRESENTED BY THE RMCC COMMANDANT BRIGADIER GENERAL TREMBLAY

25484 NAVAL CADET BARRY

The Canadian Defence Academy Profession of Arms Award for Excellence in Military Professionalism (CDA) is awarded to a CDA student for demonstrating excellence in military professionalism, leadership and character, and who has consistently displayed the highest values of the Canadian Forces – integrity, courage, academic achievement, fitness, loyalty, comradeship and commitment. PRESENTED BY THE COMMANDER OF CDA, MAJOR GENERAL FORGUES

25288 OFFICER CADET BRUCE

The Duncan Sayre MacInnes Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to the graduating officer cadet who is considered the most deserving of those who accept a regular commission in the military occupation of Aerospace Controller by reason of academic standing, character, and proficiency in occupational training. PRESENTED BY THE DEPUTY COMMANDER OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIRFORCE MAJOR GENERAL BLONDIN

24992 OFFICER CADET ROBB

The Panet Cup is awarded to the graduating officer cadet who achieves the highest average score in all four years in the Spring RMCC Physical Fitness Test. PRESENTED BY DIRECTOR GENERAL MILITARY CAREERS BRIGADIER GENERAL OVERTON

25438 OFFICER CADET VINCENT

The Toronto Branch RMCC Club Prize is awarded to the Fourth Year ROTP/RETP officer cadet who obtains the highest combined marks in Drill and Physical Education during the entire course of study at RMCC. PRESENTED BY 7077 Paul Wehrle

25060 NAVAL CADET BELAND

The Padre W.A. Ferguson Shield of Duty is awarded to the officer cadet who best exemplifies the qualities of civic duty that are the hallmark of an Ex-Cadet, through contributions to the College, the Club, and his/her community. PRESENTED BY MR JOEL FERGUSON

25509 ÉLÈVE-OFFICER SCHABETSBERGER

The Bradshaw Award is awarded each year to the officer cadet beginning his Fourth Year who has distinguished him/herself in the field of mentorship. PRÉSENTÉ PAR LE RECTEUR DU COLLÈGE, LE DR JOEL SOKOLSKY

M0963 ÉLÈVE-OFFICIER DESILETS

UTPNCM Drill and Physical Education Departmental Prize is awarded to the graduating UTPNCM officer cadet who has maintained, throughout the complete course of study, the highest standard in drill and physical education among those graduating. PRÉSENTÉ PAR LA DIRECTRICE DES ÉLOFS DU CMR, LCOL WIGG

25440 OFFICER CADET LAVICTOIRE

The Jack C. Sargant Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a varsity athlete who demonstrates combined proficiency in academic standing, sportsmanship, leadership, and athletic ability.  PRESENTED BY DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS, MR DARREN CATES

M0974 OFFICER CADET ROY

The Class of ‘78 – Dr. Walter S. Avis UTPNCM Honour Shield is presented annually to the UTPNCM graduate who has contributed most to the positive development of the UTPNCM squadron, during the entire time at RMCC as determined by a secret ballot of the members of the UTPNCM squadron. PRESENTED BY CAPTAIN (NAVY) (RETIRED) PETER AVIS

E3161 Victoria Edwards (RMC 2003) interviewed 16004 Major Trevor McLeod (RMC 1987) who is serving as a member of the ANA Legal School Training Advisor Team at the Afghan National Army Legal School (ANA Legal School), which was established on 3 February 2010 on the grounds of its temporary home at the Kabul Military Training Centre. The NTM-A motto, “Shohna ba Shohna / Shoulder to Shoulder”.

e-veritas: Which Military College(s) did you attend?

16004 Maj Trevor McLeod: I graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from RMC Kingston in 1987

e-veritas: What were your main extracurricular activities while at the college?

16004 Maj Trevor McLeod: I played trumpet in the RMC Band. I was a member of the Varsity Wrestling team. I served as the physical trainer to the Varsity Volleyball team.

e-veritas: What is your worst/best memory, if any, from RMC?

16004 Maj Trevor McLeod: My worst memory, from RMC is having to write supplemental exams in first, second and third years. My best memory is NOT having to write supplemental exams in fourth year!

e-veritas: What have you been doing since you graduated?

16004 Maj Trevor McLeod: After graduation I went to Phase 4 Pilot training at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Unfortunately, I was not successful at learning to fly the Tutor Jet (the advanced flight training aircraft at the time). I reclassified to the Air Weapons Control career field and worked as an AWC from 1989 – 1999. (In 1999 the Air Weapon Control and the Air Traffic Control career fields amalgamated and are now known as Aerospace Controllers (AEC)). I was in law school from 1999 – 2002, articling and doing Bar Ads in 2002 – 2003. I was called to the Bar of Ontario and officially joined the JAG Branch in September 2003.

e-veritas: What was your operational category prior to law school/joining JAG?

16004 Maj Trevor McLeod: As an AWC I served from 1989 – 1992 with the Canadian NORAD Sector, in North Bay, Ontario, as a Weapons Director and as a Surveillance Controller. I also qualified as a NORAD Airborne Battle Staff Weapons Resource Officer for NORAD AWACS aircraft.

As an AWC I served from 1992 – 1996 with the Canadian Contingent, NATO Airborne Early Warning Component (CC-NAEWC) in Geilenkirchen, Germany. I was a Weapons Controller on squadron for two years before changing over to the Training Squadron where I did training development for the Weapons Controller and Fighter Allocator positions. The Component’s primary mission during my posting was the surveillance and enforcement of the No Fly Zone over Bosnia.

As an AWC I returned to North Bay as a staff officer from 1996 – 1999. I was the Joint Operations Flight Commander and I also qualified as an Operations Room Tactical Director.

e-veritas: What university studies have you undergone since you graduated (undergrad) from Mil Col? Where did you article?

16004 Maj Trevor McLeod: I attended law school at the University of Ottawa under sponsorship of the Military Legal Training Plan (MLTP) – 1999 – 2002. I completed my Bar Admissions Course for the province of Ontario and did my period under articles with the law firm of Tierney Stauffer LLP in Ottawa 2002 – 2003. I was called to the Bar of Ontario in September of 2003 at which time I officially changed military career fields from AWC to Legal. I completed an MBA by distance learning through Heriot-Watt University (Scotland). I began the degree while in Germany and completed it back in Canada in 1999.

e-veritas: Your career at JAG is very varied compared to a traditional practice in administrative or personnel law.

16004 Maj Trevor McLeod: Since joining the Office of the JAG I have served in many different capacities, all in Ottawa:

- 2003 – 2005: Directorate of Law / Human Resources

- 2005 – 2006: Office of the Special Assistant to the JAG – SA2 JAG

- 2006 – 2008: Directorate of Law / Administrative Law

- 2008: Office of the Special Assistant to the JAG – SA JAG

- 2008 – 2011: Deputy Judge Advocate Ottawa Region

I have been told that upon my return from deployment in Afghanistan I will be posted to the Directorate of Law / Military Justice Operations.

e-veritas: You have also done operational deployments as a JAG officer?

16004 Maj Trevor McLeod: Yes. I was the Deputy Military Legal Advisor at the UN headquarters in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (January – July 2007), as part of the CF’s mission there known as Op CROCODILE. At the time the UN peacekeeping mission was called MONUC.

I am currently deployed on Op ATTENTION in Kabul, Afghanistan (December 2011 – June 2012), as the Deputy Training Advisor to the Afghanistan National Army Legal School.