17432 Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Bradley, CD (RRMC 1990) is Base Commander Canadian Forces Base/ASU Edmonton. He joined the Canadian Forces in 1986. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Military and Strategic Studies, Political Science and Economics concentration, from Royal Roads Military College in 1990.

Lieutenant-Colonel Bradley deployed to Afghanistan with his Reconnaissance Squadron for a six-month tour of duty in January 2002 as part of Canada’s first commitment of forces to that nation. He later spent nine-months as the Chief of Operations for Task Force Kandahar. More recently he has served as the Chief of Staff, 1 CMBG in Edmonton.

He is the recipient of the United States Army’s Bronze Star and Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal. Lieutenant-Colonel Bradley is married to Carla and is the proud parent of three children.

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CDS Commendation

21729 Captain Jeff M. Bird (RMC 2000) – for exemplary leadership that enhanced ANSF capacity to support joint operations and ensured operational success in Zhari district, Afghanistan, March to September 08. He is an Acting Flt, with 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton.

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18746 Phil Rushworth (CMR 1993) plays bass with the band Nothing in Ottawa.

In Military College it became apparent that Phil could not march up and down the parade square with his electric bass since the extension cord kept tripping the flute players (clumsy lot). So he took up the tuba, with the intent of being an all around bassist. Playing in the concert band, jazz band, jazz combo and even playing euphonium in a brass quartet while in military college allowed Phil to hone his musical skills and his ear.

Fast forward several years and Phil is in Ottawa where he played with Dam Tuesdays until moving to a little known progressive rock super-group called Prime Numbers. As Prime Numbers became harder and harder to calculate, Phil answered an add on the trusty Ottawa Musician website and joined a fantastic group headed by Louise Gloor where Chris Lepage was drumming. Chris led Phil to Nothing.

Since winning accolades from Trans-Canada Radio’s Band of the Week, the sought-after Band of the Month award at one of Ottawa’s most popular venues, and consequently garnering some music industry attention.

Nothing has released its debut album entitled, Underneath, to the world on July 25th, 2009 with Silver Spade Records.

http://thebandnothing.com/phil.html

15998 Kevin Lemke (RMC 1987) has been Director Fixed Wing Aircraft Maintenance at IMP Aerospace in British Columbia, Canada since January 2010. He is responsible for all aspects of heavy maintenance production involving fixed wing aircraft, primarily the CP140 Aurora/P3 aircraft.

He earned a B Eng, Mechanical Engineering from Royal Military College of Canada 1983 – 1987 followed by graduated studies (M Sc) from Georgia Institute of Technology 1991 – 1993.

He retired as a Squadron Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Officer, 435 Squadron, Department of National Defence in May 2004.

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20158 – Andrew Gower, P.Eng., PE, CMR 1991-1994 and RMC 1995-1996

When he’s not flying through the air or down a mountain on a bike, Andrew can be found running the Courtenay, BC branch of Wedler Engineering, LLP.

After graduation in 1996 from the Royal Military College with his Bachelor in Civil Engineering, Andrew was first posted to Chilliwack where he completed his Combat Engineer phase training. In between phases 3 and 4, he managed to fit in his basic parachutist course and a deployment to the Red River flood. Posted to Edmonton upon completion of his training, Andrew spent two years at 1 CER as the Intelligence Officer and the Heavy Equipment Troop Commander. His time included deployment to Quebec during the Ice Storm, a stint as course officer at the JNCO school in Wainwright and the regular field exercises of the western army.

After 1 CER, Andrew spent two years at CFB Suffield, learning to play hockey, and serving as the Base Engineering Second in Command when not on the ice. Andrew spent his last year in uniform back in Edmonton as the ASU Engineering Planning Officer. Following “retirement” in 2002, Andrew moved to California where he worked as a materials engineer for MACTEC gaining experience while working on the Richmond-San Rafael Seismic Retrofit project. While there, he wrote and passed the California engineering exams gaining his “PE” designation.

In 2004, Andrew and then wife Joy hopped on a plane and flew to Dublin, Ireland where Andrew managed to secure a position with Carl Bro Ireland designing highways projects. After a short stay, he travelled back to Canada via India, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and San Francisco.

Andrew started at Wedler in March of 2005, and quickly advanced through the firm from design engineer to project manager to full partner and part owner in 2007. Andrew launched the company’s Courtenay branch in January of 2007, and moved to Courtenay in mid 2008 where he continues to raise his son, Cole in partnership with Cole’s mother.

Andrew’s latest venture is sports journalism with a focus on mountain biking and to date he has prepared several reviews of high end bikes, a report from a trip in the Thompson Okanagan and an interview of a local World Cup downhill mountain bike racer. Andrew hopes to build on this and eventually transition to journalism at least part time. In the mean time, Wedler continues to be a priority along with the odd downhill race.

You can read Andrew’s work at www.nsmb.com and follow his exploits at www.citizenclass.viviti.com. For more information on Wedler Engineering check out www.wedler.com.

19875 David Macdonald (RMC 1995) is a specialist in Internet and Mobile Internet businesses in Japan and Asia Pacific. He has been a director, Walt Disney Internet Group Asia Pacific, The Walt Disney Company (Nov 2004 – Present). He worked in i-mode Business Department, NTT DoCoMo (Sep 1999 – Oct 2004). He worked in the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, Fukaura Town Office, Fukaura, Aomori, Japan (Jul1995 &#8211 Jul 1998). He served as an Intelligence Officer, 1 Canadian Division Intelligence Company, 1 Canadian Division Headquarters, Kingston, Canada (May 1995 &#8211 Jul 1995). He holds a Bachelor of Arts (honours), history and politics at the Royal Military College of Canada. He was a member of the RMC Pipes and Drums band and a member of the College rifle shooting team. He earned a Master of S cience (with Distinction) – East Asian Business Studies – School of East Asian Studies, University of Sheffield, England – 1999.http://www.david-mac.com

david@david-mac.com

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From astronaut to aquanaut

By KATHLEEN HARRIS, Winnipeg SUN

What goes up, must go down.

Veteran Canadian astronaut 13738  Chris Hadfield (RRMC RMC 1982), who has blasted off into orbit and spent days floating weightless aboard the International Space Station, is now on a two-week mission deep below on the ocean floor.

“It’s an incredible place to be,” he told QMI Agency during an interview from his post 20 metres below sea level off the Florida Coast.

While admiring the fascinating beauty of the co-habitating barracuda, crab, schools of fish and occasional shark, Hadfield is commanding a six-man crew helping to evaluate space suit design and vehicle interface design.

The NASA Neemo 14 undersea mission is using the ocean floor to simulate exploration missions to the surface of asteroids, moons and Mars.

Living aboard Aquarius laboratory 4.5 km off Key Largo in the Florida Keys, the group ventures out on simulated spacewalks, conducting various manouevres and performing an array of life sciences experiments.

As the leader of the team of two aquanauts, two researchers and two technicians, Hadfield said his priorities are to ensure crew safety, psychological stability and scientific success in the stressful, isolated undersea environment.

The crew begins its 18-hour trip up to the surface Saturday, travelling slowly to allow the body and blood to return to normal.

“If we went straight to the surface, our blood would basically boil. It would really bubble like a can of Coke when you open it because we’re down here at high pressure so the gas is pushed and dissolved in our blood and if we went to low pressure it would immediately fizz out,” he said.

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Sackville native has enjoyed 30-year naval career

By:  Katie Tower – The Sackville Tribune Post

He’s now among the top-ranked senior officers in the Canadian Navy – but 14369 Andrew Smith (CMR RMC 1984) admits he never could have imagined, as a struggling high school student set to graduate from Tantramar Regional High School back in 1979, that his life would have led him down this path.

“I would never have dreamed I could get where I am today,” says Commodore Smith, who now serves as assistant chief of military personnel for the Canadian Forces.

The Sackville native, who was in town on the weekend for the town’s 100th anniversary celebration of the Canadian Navy, says he’s been “unbelievably fortunate” to have had such a challenging, dynamic and rewarding career over the past three decades.

And he gives most of the credit to his former English teacher, guidance counselor and basketball coach – the late Pat Lafford – for pointing him in the right direction.

“I was really blessed to have him as a mentor; he was almost like a second father to me,” says Smith.

He says Lafford encouraged him to consider joining the forces, saying “this program is ideal for you.” So Smith soon made a visit to the recruiting office in Moncton and signed up.

And his life hasn’t been the same since.

From sailing the high seas to traveling to remote, exotic locations and serving in a myriad of posts from Halifax, N.S. to Victoria, B.C. and a number of points in between, all the while being promoted within the ranks, Smith has made the most of the opportunities he has been given.

With a lot of hard work along the way, “I went from a 175-pound student from Tantramar to where I am today. I feel really blessed.”

The journey started in 1979 when Smith entered the College Militaire Royale de St-Jean. He went on to graduate from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont. in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

“I had various postings at sea after that,” he says.

Following introductory marine systems training in HMCS Saskatchewan in Victoria, B.C., Smith completed the marine engineering applications course at the Royal Navy Engineering College in Plymouth, UK in 1985.

Then, upon his return to Canada, he completed further systems training and attained his head of department qualification in HMCS Athabaskan.

In 1987, after being promoted to Lieutenant, he was appointed the detachment commander of the marine engineering technician training program in Rimouski, Que.

In 1990, he headed to the University of Michigan for a two-year post-graduate program and received masters degrees in both naval architecture and industrial engineering.

He was promoted to lieutenant commander in 1991 and joined the ship repair unit (Atlantic) in Halifax as the industrial engineering officer in 1992.

Back at sea in 1994, he was appointed as the marine systems engineering officer in HMCS Iroquois.

As the head engineer, Smith recalls those two years as the “happiest times of my career.”

“I love being at sea. Life at sea is simple. It’s challenging work but the people know their task and what they’re there to do. You’re doing what you’ve been trained to do.”

He was then posted to the Canadian Forces College in Toronto to attend a command and staff course. Upon promotion to commander in 1997, he was posted to national defence headquarters.

In 2001, Smith was posted to the Canadian Fleet Atlantic headquarters in Halifax as the task group’s technical officer.

As that was the same year that 9/11 struck, he was soon deployed to southwest Asia in support of Canada’s contribution to the war on terrorism.

Although he admits his posting to the Canadian Fleet was “terrible timing” because of the uncertainty that came with the conflict, he says it gave him the opportunity to serve as the senior engineer for a four-unit task group that traveled to the Persian Gulf, escorting American carriers to port.

“I got to go to parts of the world people only dream of seeing,” he said, providing the Suez Canal and Dubai as examples of exotic locales he visited.

Two years later, after being promoted to captain, Smith was posted to the Maritime staff at national defence headquarters as the director of Maritime support capability requirements.

That same summer, he was appointed commanding officer of the fleet maintenance facility (dry docks) at Cape Scott in Halifax.

“For a marine engineer, that’s a dream,” he says of the opportunity to head up what he describes as an equivalent of a super auto garage but for ships.

Upon promotion to commodore in June 2006, Smith was appointed director of general Maritime personnel and readiness.

Less than two years later, he was appointed to his current post as assistant chief of military personnel.

And he’s not done yet.

Later next month, Smith will be promoted to rear admiral and will serve as the newest head of personnel for the Canadian Forces.

He says it’s amazing how quickly the past 31 years have gone by and hopes that others will be inspired to “make the most of the opportunities that are out there and to be willing to dream big.”

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76 Communication Group Conduct Change of Command Parade.

This past Friday (7 May) Cartier Square Drill Hall (CSDH) in Ottawa was the scene of an impressive Change of Command Parade. We felt privileged to be invited.

14417 LCol (by the end of the parade – newly promoted Colonel) J.D.J. Drummond (RMC 1984) handed over command responsibilities of 76 Communications Group to 13846 LCol KF Bryski (RMC 1983) (photo top).

23415 Capt Lauren Banks (RMC 2006) was the Guard Commander with her proud dad, 12151 LCol Gary Banks (RMC 1979) in attendance.  13351 MGen GR Thibault (CMR RMC 83) was the Reviewing Officer. All told, about 50 junior and senior NCMs were on parade – all of whom put out a great effort.

Caption: LCol Kevin Bryski (L) greeted “all the troops” at the post-parade social.  In this photo, is MCpl, Anthony Herbert from Kingston, ON, a 10 year CF veteran. He is a Land Communications and Information Systems Technicians (LCIS TECH) and a proud member of 76 Communication group.

Judging by the assortment of medals worn by many of those on parade, this was a disciplined and experienced group – who knew what was required to put on a good show for their departing and newly appointed commanding officers.

Besides the sharp and spiffy personnel on parade and senior officers who were part of the official ceremony; – CSDH was nearly full with family & friends; serving and retired military members who all seemed to enjoy the morning.

We likely missed some but did catch a glimpse of and chatted with a number of Ex cadets at this classy event:

13143 MGen Mark McQuillan, (RMC 81);

13666 BGen Steve Noonan, (RMC 82);

12193 BGen Terry Leversedge, (RMC 79);

15318 Col Martin Girard, (CMR RMC 86);

7468 BGen (retd) Eddy Morin (CMR RMC 68)

7761 Col (retd) Mike Johnson (RRMC RMC 69);

12469 Col Francois Vertefeuille (CMR RMC 75);

14861 Col Gilles Dufour, RMC 85;

13921 Maj JP Paris, (RMC 83);

13888 Fred Kaustinen, (RMC 84);

13868 Mike Fabbro, (RMC 83);

13860 LCol Steve Davenport, (RMC 83);

16833 LCol Jim Bourgeois (RMC ’89);

13360 LCol Andre Brassard, (CMR RMC 83);

12151 LCol Gary Banks (RMC 79);

11158 LCol (retd) Garry Walker (RRMC RMC 76);

14449 LCol Jin Hou, (RMC 84);

M283 Col Ralph Schildknecht, (RMC 84);

13097 LCol James deRosenroll (RMC 1981) ; and

20041 Maj Cory Crosby (RRMC RMC ’95)

We were very proud to be in attendance!

Bill & Rolande Oliver

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14840 Mr. Mark Albers (CMR 1984) joined Merrill Lynch in March, 2007 as the Associate Director of the Southern California Region; in February 2008 he became the Director of the North Orange County Complex before assuming his current position as the Director of the San Diego County Complex in February 2009. Prior to working in the securities industry, Mark was an infantry officer in the Canadian Army from 1980 to 1994. He has a degree in Business Administration from the Royal Military College of Canada (St. Jean), and holds the FINRA series 3, 4, 7, 8, 31, 63, and 65, licenses, and a California life insurance license. He and his wife Karen currently live in Redondo Beach (relocating to San Diego over the summer) and have four children. Mark holds an expert-rating Skydiving license and is a former medalist at United States Parachute Association and other skydiving competitions, and currently enjoys playing golf and studying Mandarin Chinese during his free time. MARK_ALBERS@ML.COM

Photo caption: 14840 Mr. Mark Albers (CMR 1984) and his sons Shane, (currently at Laurier in ROTP Armoured) and Zack (currently a 3rd Year at RMC Combat Engineer).

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A Knight amongst Us – 8294 Arthur Jordan (CMR RMC 1970)

Saturday, June 5, 2010, Kingston resident and retired 8294 Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Jordan (CMR RMC 1970) will be recognized by The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, The Honourable David C. Onley, Vice-Prior of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (Order of St. John,) at a special ceremony to be held at Queen’s Park in Toronto.

LCol Jordan will be appointed a Knight in the Order of St. John – a unique honour sanctioned by the Governor General of Canada and Prior of the Order, the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Sovereign Head of the Order.

Arthur Jordan is being recognized for his many years of exceptional volunteer leadership with St. John Ambulance. During his volunteer tenure he has served on many committees at the local branch in Kingston, Council for Ontario, and with the Priory of Canada and led many commendable projects, including organizing last year’s celebrations for the 125th Anniversary of St. John Ambulance in Ontario. He worked tirelessly to coordinate a provincial event at the Royal Military College in Kingston (home of the inaugural St. John Ambulance first aid class in Ontario), and raised funds for a commemorative plaque that was placed on site.

Ever concerned with the development of others, LCol Arthur Jordan served as Chairman of the St. John Council for Ontario. Under his direction many changes were made to enhance St. John Ambulance’s ability to deliver quality health and safety related programs and services. His selfless dedication has made him an invaluable member of the St. John Ambulance organization and has earned him the respect of his fellow volunteers.

It is a great honour within the Order of St. John to receive the accolade and the title of Knight of the Order.

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Former RMC Coach, Kelly Nobes appointed head coach of hockey McGill Redmen

Kelly Nobes, a McGill University graduate, has been appointed head coach of the McGill men’s hockey team. The 36-year-old native of West Hill, Ont., becomes the 28th coach in team history and the 11th former Redmen player to guide the squad. He replaces Jim Webster, who had served the past season on an interim basis and led McGill to a 34-14-1 record overall and the Queen’s Cup title as champions of the Ontario University Athletics conference.

Nobes started his OUA coaching career at RMC. His overall record over five years was 32 wins – 81 losses – 7 ties.  His teams made the OUA play-offs all five years. His first season was 2001 – 02 and he had inherited a veteran team from Andy Scott that the season before eliminated Queen’s University two straight games in the OUA East semi-finals and pushed University of Toronto to three games in the East finals.

Following his five years at RMC he had four successful seasons with Wilfrid Laurier University.

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Landen Appoints 5562 James C. Gervais (RRMC RMC 1962) to Board of Directors

James C. Gervais retired from the Canadian Forces as a Lieutenant General, the second highest ranking in the Canadian military, before joining the Public Service of Canada. Mr. Gervais’ military career of over 35 years consisted of a variety of command and staff appointments in Canada (and abroad), leading to command of the Canadian Army in 1991. Upon his retirement from the military in 1993, Mr. Gervais was appointed Deputy Secretary to three of Canada’s Governor Generals. His duties included managing Canada’s National Honours Program until 2004, which brought him in contact with leaders in the business, academic and cultural fields. In 1994, Mr. Gervais was appointed Honorary Colonel of the 12e Regiment blinde du Canada, his home regiment which he previously commanded. In 2009, he completed a six-year appointment as the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the Governor General’s Foot Guards in Ottawa. Mr. Gervais has extensive leadership, operational and government relations experience.

Born in the mining community of Rouyn-Noranda, Mr. Gervais worked in mines prior to his military career and has always maintained a strong interest in mining. He is a fluently bilingual (French/English) executive with excellent communication skills and international contacts.

Mr. Gervais graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, and attended the Royal Military College of Science (UK). He is currently Chairman of Northern Gold Mining Inc., a Director of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires (Ottawa Division), a not-for-profit security firm, and co-chairs a committee of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship involved with the integration of new Canadians into society.

“Mr. Gervais has an impressive background,” commented Marc-Antoine Audet, President and CEO of Landen Capital Corp. “His insight and guidance will assist the Company in executing its strategic plans and we look forward to his contributions to the Company’s success in 2010 and beyond.”  More

Major Danny McLeod just left (25 April) on a 15 day  “Battlefield Tour” through Europe.  This will be the 13th tour of this nature that he has led. The group will be made up of close to 50 people.  Many are children and grandchildren of WWII vets.

Our own E3161 Victoria Edwards (RMC 2003) has done some research on “The Major” and the following is her – Did You Know?

The original Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU) Central was founded in 1906 and existed until 1955, composed only of universities from Ontario and Quebec. With the collapse of the CIAU Central in the mid 1950s, calls for a new, national governing body for university sport accelerated. Once the RMC became a degree granting institution, Major W.J. (Danny) McLeod, Athletic Director at the RMC in Kingston directed the establishment of the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union [CIAU] in 1961. Major McLeod ran the CIAU from his office at RMC as the first CIAU Secretary-Treasurer. In the 1960′s the CIAU functioned as a voluntary, autonomous, educational sport organization which represented by the various universities from coast to coast. Major McLeod simultaneously coached the RMC hockey team, the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League [OHL], and the Kingston Senior A “Aces” hockey team.

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The RMC and Queen’s University, agreed to donate a University Cup trophy (men`s ice hockey), which commemorated the first ice hockey game played between the two schools back in 1885. The trophy was presented to a national champion starting with the 1962-63 season. The Major W.J. (Danny) McLeod award recognizes the contribution made to the University Cup by the Most Valuable Player.

The Canadian Women’s Interuniversity Athletic Union (CWIAU) formed by 1970. In 2001, due to growing misconceptions about the name of the organization (laypeople associated the term “athletic” solely with track and field and “union” with labour movements), the CIAU changed its name to Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS).

In recognition of all he had done for the Royal Military College of Canada, Major McLeod was made a honourary member of the graduating Class of 1970. He is an honourary member of the Royal Military Colleges Club of Canada. RMC granted him an Honourary PhD [Doctor of Military Science] in 2004. He was selected the 2007 Birchall Leadership Award. He is a member of the board of directors of Helping Athletes Succeed (HAS).

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M0496 Major Tom Robert Chalovich (RRMC 1989) is the Aerospace Engineering Champion Academic Advisor, Royal Military College (RMC). He attended Royal Roads between 1987-1989 as a University Training Plan Non-Commissioned Member (UTPNCM). He graduated from the RMC in Mechanical Engineering specialising in Neutron Radiography, specifically, determining water ingress in CF188 flight controls- `Development of neutron radioscopy at the SLOWPOKE-2 Facility at RMC for the inspection of CF188 flight control surfaces (2000).`

He has worked in the field of Propulsion, Integrated Health Monitoring and Structures in support of the Sea King, Hercules, Twin Huey, and Griffon aircraft. Major Chalovich has three (3) years experience as a Design and Structural Engineer as well as four (4) years as a Non-Destructive Testing officer. As the Canadian Forces primary leader in the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) field he managed personnel, equipment and training and was instrumental in creating the NDT occupation.

Tom has also worked at 8 Air Maintenance Squadron (8AMS) with the CC130 Hercules as the Aircraft Maintenance Control and Records Officer, and in 2006 was promoted to Major and worked as the Operations Officer. During his time at 8AMS he did several deployments including 6 months in support of Task Force Afghanistan (TFA).

Maj. Chalovich began  working at RMC in August 2008 as a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He specialises in design and manufacturing, CAD / CAM; Engineering Graphics; stress analysis, and aircraft structures.

He is a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO).

Tom.Chalovich@rmc.ca

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16080 LCol (Ret`d) Douglas Delaney, CD (RRMC RMC ’87) has been a professor of history at RMC since 2002. He lectures on Canadian military history, strategic studies, guerilla warfare, and the Second World War.

From 2004 to 2006, he was also Head of the Military and Strategic Studies undergraduate program, an appointment held until assuming his current responsibilities as Chair of War Studies in January 2007. He is a retired infantry officer with more than twenty-seven years of service in the Canadian Forces. His military career began when he entered Royal Roads Military College at Victoria, British Columbia in 1983. Four years later, he graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) at Kingston Ontario with BA (Honours) in History.

In 2000, after completing his MA in War Studies through part-time study at RMC, then Major Delaney returned to his alma mater to pursue a doctorate in War Studies, which he completed in 2003. He has completed three operational tours of duty: Cyprus (1988), Somalia (1992-1993) and Kosovo (1999). His latest book, Corps Commanders: Five British and Canadian Generals at War, 1939-1945 will be published in 2011.

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24616 2nd Lieut. Andrew Goodall (RMC 2009) says sometimes tough love is necessary in the military. He’s got a six-year military career under his belt with a degree from the Royal Military College. As the Platoon Commander, at Land Forces Central Area Training Centre in Meaford, he’s in charge of the tactics. It’s up to him to relay the tactics and the formations that the soldiers will follow. He’s the one who must find a way to accomplish the mission and bring the soldiers home alive. “You play it like a chess game,” he said. But even the best strategies in the military aren’t enough. “No plan survives first contact,” notes 2nd Lieut. Goodall. Because of this truth, Goodall tries to instill the importance of individual critical thinking in his troops. They must always follow orders, and they must always be thinking to keep themselves and their sections safe. There’s an army phrase to sum up the lesson, “always be vigilant.”

http://www.simcoe.com/community/georgianbay/article/661262

Background: Andrew has been a course officer for 3 DP1 Infantry courses at LFCA TC Meaford. His  posting there is slated Sept 09 to May 10. He will be departing in May 10 to return to Gagetown to complete his Phase 4 Infantry course.  He was the first reserve NCM to participate in the 4 pillar program, set up by Dr Last and Dr Cowan in 2005. He changed over in 2nd year as an ROTP cadet and graduated in May 2009.

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Student engineers scholarship

“It is extraordinary because I have many wonderful colleagues who I thought deserved this scholarship,” Meunier said.

“Right now it feels a bit weird, but I am going to do my best to honour it.”

16766 Louise Meunier (CMR RMC 1989)

E3161 Victoria Edwards (RMC 2003) spoke to 20704 Mr. Matthew Allen (RMC 1997), who served as Cadet Wing Commander (1997) and was awarded the Sword of Honour.

e-veritas: What was your background at the college?

Matthew Allen: I developed an interest in contaminated site assessment & remediation at the college. I earned a Master’s Degree (Honours) in Chemical & Materials Engineering (Environmental), Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), 1999. My Graduate Research Thesis was in Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils in arctic environments. I completed Undergraduate & Graduate Research into Remediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils in Canadian Arctic (DEW Line Radar Sites). I have published my research on the `Bioremediation of Arctic Soils Contaminated By Petroleum Hydrocarbons` in various Scientific & Technical journals in 1999 & 2001. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree (1st Class Honours) in Chemical & Materials Engineering (Environmental), Royal Military College of Canada, 1997. I served as Cadet Wing Commander (1997) and was awarded the Sword of Honour upon graduation. I earned various NSERC, CNST, RMC Club Scholarships & Grants, 1993-1999. I am fully Bilingual (French).

e-veritas: What did you do after the military college experience?

Matthew Allen: I was a Naval Officer from 1993 until my retirement in 1999. I was Commissioned Naval Officer in Canadian Navy, trained as Maritime Engineer & Navigation Officer. I am a Chemical & Materials (Environmental) Engineer with +12 years in Consulting Engineering (Canada & West Indies). My experience is in the assessment and management of environmental contaminants and hazardous materials. I have been President & Principal Consultant at SOMA Strategic Services since 2007. I have been Principal, Environmental, Health & Safety Group at Giffin Koerth Inc. in the Toronto area since November 2009. My interests include cycling, guitar, and surviving parenthood.

e-veritas: What do you mean when you say the environment is more than bugs and bunnies?

Matthew Allen: The environment is more than bugs and bunnies. It is where contaminants impact our health and affect the safety of our buildings and resources.

e-veritas: You have served as an expert witness in the area of environmental forensics.

Matthew Allen: The direction of Environmental Engineering Practice at Giffin Koerth Inc. includes Environmental Claims & Litigation Support. I have become as comfortable in the courtroom as I am on site. I qualified as an Expert Witness in the Superior Court of Ontario in matters relating to indoor environmental/microbial contamination, 2005. I wrote about the Benefits of Professional Engineers in Lawyers Weekly, 2006.

e-veritas: You wrote about Managing Hazardous Materials During Demolition And Reconstruction.

Matthew Allen: Whether resulting from wind, fire or water damage, insurance claims often involve the demolition, reconstruction and restoration of buildings and property. IFailure to undertake the necessary pre-demolition and reconstruction surveys of hazardous materials, asbestos in particular, can create exposure to potential liability and legal penalties for those involved. In terms of Industrial / Commercial / Institutional Loss Investigation, I can take losses all the way from emergency response to damage quantification. I am especially alert to the new dimensions in environmental forensics such as the production of new chemicals, health and safety exposures, air pollution and even global warming.

e-veritas: You have been a speaker at Engineering and Litigation Conferences.

Matthew Allen: I started out with presentations on Mould Assessment & Remediation, focussing on Issues in Liability & Insurance 2002-4. In 2003, I gave an engineering perspective on presented on Illegal Drug Production Operations. I presented on the Management of Waste Pharmaceuticals in Healthcare Environments in 2006. I also became interested in Using Investigative Engineering Techniques to Litigate Personal Damages (2006). I have also presented on Asbestos Pipe Cutting” (2008).

e-veritas: You are a Qualified Person for Environmental Assessment (QPEA, Ontario).

Matthew Allen: Yes. At Giffin Koerth Inc., I conduct or supervise Environmental Assessment & Remediation. Section 168.1 of the Brownfields Statute Law Amendment Act, 2001 defines “qualified person” (“QP”) to mean a person who meets the qualifications prescribed by the regulations. A QP is required to: conduct or supervise a phase I environmental site assessment; conduct or supervise a phase II environmental site assessment; prepare or supervise a risk assessment; and make certain certifications in a record of site condition. A certification program for QPs, is currently being developed by the Ministry of the Environment.

“I think there is a lot to be said about how my RETP experience prepared me for success in industry.”

Matthew Allen, Principal Consultant

SOMA Strategic Services

http://www.somastrategic.com/OUR_TEAM.html

mallen@somastrategic.com

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Two brothers that married two CELE officers – all four are ex-cadets! After having escaped from Czechoslovakia, their parents fled to Canada where John and Tom Kalhous were lucky enough to grow up on Vancouver Island in the Port Alberni / Sproat Lake area.

18486 John Kalhous (RRMC CMR 1991) is married to 20695 Claudia Vachon (CMR RMC1997), an electrical engineer. John Kalhous is a realtor with Coast Realty Group Ltd., Comox Valley. After having attended Military College in Victoria and St-Jean, Quebec, John served in the Canadian military across the country and around the world for 14 years. Next John fulfilled his goal of being a Mr. Mom while owning 7 investment properties, starting two businesses, and becoming a certified Real Estate Appraiser. John is married to his lovely wife, Claudia, and has four wonderful kids all within 5 years of age! The couple`s four young kids go marching around the house at times, following commands in French, English and Czech,! Ha, ha. John adds `It’s a real pleasure staying in touch with the military alumni, e-Veritas, and all the great friendships from over the years.`

www.johnkalhous.com info@johnrealestate.ca

18946 Tom Kalhous (RRMC 1993) is married to 19377 Amanda Kalhous (RMC 1994). Amanda is an engineering specialist in infotainment/telematics at General Motors of Canada’s Regional Engineering Centre. She joined the GM team in 2005 and has been working on Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTC) since 2008 – the year the EcoCAR competition started. She is the GM mentor in the University of Ontario EcoCAR competition, where 17 schools compete to build a more eco-friendly vehicle. Amanda was the Vehicle Software Integration Engineer for the Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid until Dec 2008. Amanda has an M. Eng (Elec) from Dalhousie University and a B. Eng (Elec) from Royal Military College of Canada. Tom works in commercial appliance repair with `At your Service` in Ajax, Ontario. Tom is also an inventor, who holds a patent # 5,329,641 for a new and improved motorcycle helmet with neck shield.

Photo 1: Major Claire Bramma

Photo2: Debris removal at a school in Léogane.

Photo 3: Local water truck filling up with our water.

Photo 4: Sgt Tellier (ROWPU detachment commander) adjusting the system settings.

Photo 5: Construction of a medical clinic for Léogane Help Hospital.

Photo 6: Installation of Red Cross transitional centre.

Engineers on Op HESTIA – a demonstration of operational readiness, teamwork, and pride.

By: 22461 Major Claire Bramma (RMC 2002)

On a bitterly cold morning in Valcartier on the 12th of January 2010, I woke up to the CBC radio news announcement that the region of Port-au-Prince had just experienced a horrendous earthquake and was in a state of emergency. I had a feeling that my new year’s resolution was going to be realized: in 2010 I intended to travel somewhere warm and help people at the same time. At 1100h the same day I received a warning order from my Commanding Officer 17876 LCol Dan MacIsaac (RMC 1991) that my squadron would deploy on Operation HESTIA as part of the 3e R22eR Battle Group in support of Canada`s humanitarian and disaster relief effort in Haiti.

I was officially appointed commander of 55 Engineer Support Squadron on the 6th of January following our return from Christmas leave, and I was only just beginning to get to know the names of my soldiers when the deployment to Haiti arose. This mission would prove to be a fantastic way to begin my tenure as a Squadron Commander and to experience the impact that military engineers have during humanitarian operations.

I deployed to the city of Léogane, approximately 30km west of Port-au-Prince, on the 19th of January with the Battle Group advanced party. Upon understanding the commander’s intent, my initial efforts were focussed on the reconnaissance of routes and buildings as well as the preparation of sites for Battle Group assets such as the Role 2 Hospital. By the 4th of February the Squadron camp was fully established and the majority of the 70-piece vehicle and equipment fleet had arrived in-theatre. My Squadron consisted of 108 personnel that included a headquarters element, a Field Troop, and a large Support Troop. The latter provided a wide range of capabilities such as water purification, construction technicians and heavy equipment, while the field troop carried out engineer reconnaissance, hands-on support, and site security tasks.

The engineer work during Op HESTIA consisted of four lines of operation that we carried out simultaneously. First, we produced potable water using two Reverse Osmosis Purification Units (ROWPU) and constructed latrines to support sanitation infrastructure. Second, using excavators and dump trucks, we were responsible for the demolition of damaged public buildings as well as for the removal of debris from the roads. Third, we employed our dozers, grader, and Multi-Purpose Engineer Vehicle (MPEV) to prepare terrain to support civilian camps and non-governmental organizations. Finally, our construction technicians worked hard to repair plumbing and electrical systems in public buildings as well as to construct a variety of transitional shelters. Everyday, there were at least eight task-tailored sections dispatched throughout the region in direct support of the local population as well as a wide range of non-governmental organizations (such as the Red Cross and Unicef). At the end of the 60-day mission, 55 Engineer Squadron was able to have a tangible impact on the region of Léogane: 2.1 million litres of water was produced and distributed; 29 public buildings were cleared of debris equating to an estimated 25,000 tonnes of rubble removed; 180 latrine units were built and installed; and a municipal office, 2 medical clinics, and 4 transitional shelters were constructed.

Looking back at the accomplishments achieved during Op HESTIA, three components were essential to our success: operational readiness and the flexibility to adapt to humanitarian operations; teamwork both within the squadron and with civilian and military partners; and taking pride in representing both the Canadian Forces and Canada.

Being posted to an operational unit means that at all times one should be operationally ready and prepared to take on either a domestic or foreign deployment. At the time of Op HESTIA I was in fact on 12 hours notice to move to deploy on domestic operations in Eastern Canada, so my personal kit was already packed (albeit for winter operations!) and I was mentally prepared to deploy. What I learned from this recent deployment was that operational readiness also means flexibility and the ability to adapt to change; you never know where a military deployment could take you geographically or in terms of the spectrum of operations. Humanitarian operations is not something that I have specifically trained for, however I can attest that my past experiences during field exercises, while on operations in Afghanistan, and during my years at RMC have provided me with the ability to deal with the unexpected. Humanitarian operations require strong communication skills and a high-degree of patience especially when operating in a joint, interagency, multinational and public (JIMP) environment. In addition, a can-do attitude and mental agility is essential to overcome the challenges of resource and time constraints.

Working together as a team is a fundamental part of military life. Everyday I was truly impressed by the teamwork demonstrated within my Squadron. Everyone was dedicated to doing their share to get the job done and help the Haitian people; although there were two separate Troops based on capabilities, resources were shared equally based on the task and everyone worked together despite differences in trades and experience. Teamwork was also essential within the Battle Group which was achieved through good communication with the operations staff and Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) teams. Effective collaboration was also essential during the construction of the Red Cross transitional shelters as it was a combined effort of engineers, 3e R22eR soldiers, HMCS Athabaskan personnel, as well as local carpenters.

Finally, taking pride in representing Canada helped my squadron maintain a high-degree of professionalism and work ethic throughout the mission. On the leadership side, it was important that I explained to the NCOs the reasons for the deployment as well as reinforce the fact that the actions of each and every member of the squadron were not going unnoticed. In addition, reinforcing the positive impact that our activities were having on the people of Léogane helped motivate the squadron to complete tasks to the best of our ability.

For the RMC cadets reading this article, I hope this may encourage you to make the most your college experience before embarking on your career as a commissioned officer. As future leaders in the Canadian Forces you are sure to encounter endless opportunities to confidently deal with the unexpected on operations in Canada and abroad.

Ed: Claire Bramma received her Civil Engineering Degree in 2001. While at RMC – she was a busy and a highly accomplished young lady.  Among her many, many accomplishments at the college was winning the Kelly Gawne Memorial (Best all-round Lady Ocdt in athletics) three of the four years she attended RMC.

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The following promotions and appointments will take effect in 2010:

Compiled by: E3161 Victoria Edwards (RMC 2003)

* 11336 Colonel Manfred Arndt, CD (RMC 1977) will be retiring as commander Canadian component NATO airborne early warning force in Geilenkirchen. He enrolled in the Canadian Forces under the Regular Officer Training Plan. In 1977 he graduated from the Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario, with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree.

* 12389 Colonel Anthony Ashfield, C.D. (CMR 1980) will be appointed Director General coordination at NDHQ Ottawa. Colonel Anthony (Tony) Ashfield enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in July 1975 under the Regular Officer Training Program. Attending the Collège Militaire Royal de St-Jean for five years, he graduated in May 1980 with a Bachelor of Administration and was commissioned into the Logistics Branch as an Army Supply Officer.

* M0050 Colonel Tony Battista MSM, CD (CMR 1980) will be appointed Chief of Staff Canadian Defence Academy in Kingston. Promoted to Colonel in June 2005, he was appointed Canadian Defence Attaché to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Col Battista joined the Canadian Forces as a non-commissioned member and on completion of recruit and basic military police training he was posted to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Ottawa as a patrol person and investigator. Upon selection for commissioning under the University Training Plan, he attended collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1980.

* 13989 Colonel Michael Beaudette MSC, CD (RRMC 1983) will be appointed departmental security officer at NDHQ Ottawa. He has been Deputy Commander Operations Forces Command Headquarters in Ottawa.

* 14681 Col Marc Bigaouette, CD (CMR 1985) will be appointed Wing Commander 15 Wing in Moose Jaw and the Military Director of the NATO Flying Training in Canada Program (NFTC).

* Captain (N) Lynn Bisson OMM, CD (RMC 2003) will be appointed Director General Compensation and Benefits at NDHQ Ottawa. In 2003, she obtained a Masters of Defence Studies degree from the Royal Military College.

* 10654 Capt(N) Eric Bramwell, CD (RRMC 1976) will retire as project manager – arctic offshore patrol ship at NDHQ Ottawa.

* Col Shane A Brennan MSM, CD (RMC 2005) will be appointed Deputy Commander Canadian Special Operations Forces Command in Ottawa. He has a Masters of Arts in War Studies from the Royal Military College (2005). He has been awarded a Governor General Citation for the Medak Pocket Operation (1993), a Command Citation for leadership during CF Transformation (2006) and a Meritorious Service Medal for evacuation of Canadians from Lebanon in 2006.

* 16206 Col Francois Chagnon, OMM, CD (CMR 1988) will proceed on the advanced training list to undertake the National Security Programme at CFC Toronto. Promoted to his current rank in June 2009, he is currently serving as the J6 Coord on the staff of the Assistant Deputy Minister (Information Management) at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. Colonel Chagnon joined the Canadian Forces in 1983. He attended both Le Collège Militaire Royal de St-Jean and The Royal Military College of Canada, graduating in 1988 with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. Col Chagnon is a Professional Engineer, holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Military Sciences. He has served on 5 deployed operations: Cyprus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Central African Republic, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.

* E2535 Col Daniel Chicoyne (RMC 2001) will be appointed Director Flight Safety at NDHQ Ottawa.

* E1192 Col John Crosman, CD (RMC 1999) will be appointed Command Director Deputy Commander-in-Chief North American Aerospace Defence Command in Colorado Springs. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the Royal Military College of Canada.

* 16227 Col Martin Cournoyer, CD (CMR 1983) will be appointed Director Air Staff Coordination at NDHQ Ottawa. He joined the Canadian Forces in 1983. A Science graduate of the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean he was awarded his pilot wings in 1989.

* 12653 Colonel R G Davis, CD (RMC 1980) will be appointed Senior Principal Chief of Review Services at NDHQ Ottawa. Col Davis enrolled in the CF in 1976 through the ROTP. He graduated from RMC Kingston in 1980 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science.

* 10098 Colonel Patrick Dowsett, CD (RMC 1974) will be retiring as Director Air Staff Coordination at NDHQ Ottawa. Following four years at the Royal Military College at Kingston, Ontario, he graduated in June 1974 with a degree in Political Science. He received his wings in 1975. Over the course of his flying career, Col Dowsett has been qualified on eight aircraft types, accumulating over 6,600 flying hours.

* E1499 Col Christian Drouin, CD (RMC 2005) will be appointed Wing Commander 1 Wing in Kingston. He is an honour graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada with a Bachelor Degree in Military Art and Science. An accomplished athlete, he completed multiple marathons, Ironman triathlons, and a World Triathlon Military Championship as part of the CF CISM team.

* 13400 Col Mark Dussault, CD (CMR RMC 1983) will proceed on the advanced training list to undertake CDA language training at CFLS Ottawa. He was appointed G7 Deputy Assistant Chief Of Staff, Training and Exercise Planning, NATO Rapid Deployment Corps – Turkey. Colonel Mark Dussault enlisted in May 1978. He attended the Military Colleges at Saint Jean and Kingston, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1983.

* 16247 Col Nicolas Eldaoud MSC, CD (CMR 1988) will proceed on the advanced training list to undertake the national security programme at CFC Toronto. Colonel Eldaoud joined the Canadian Forces in Montreal in June 1983. He began his studies at the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean, and received his bachelor’s degree at the Royal Military College of Kingston in 1988.

* 15111 Col Tom Endicott, CD (RRMC 1986) will be appointed Commander 2 Area Support Group in Petawawa. Colonel Tom Endicott enrolled under the Regular Officer Training Plan, and graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Degree in 1986. He completed a Master of Defense Studies in 2002.

* 12665 Colonel Michael (Mike) Gallant, CD (RRMC 1980) has been serving as Senior Principal Chief of Review Services at NDHQ Ottawa. He joined the Canadian Forces in 1976 under the Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP). He has both a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON.

* B0186 Col Richard Giguère, CD (CMR 1991) will be appointed Deputy Commander Joint Task Force Afghanistan. Col Richard Giguère enrolled in the Canadian Forces under the Officer Candidate Training Plan in August 1979. He was posted to the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean in 1991-3. Still completing his PhD in political science, Col Giguère holds a BA with Honours in Military and Strategic Studies from the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean.

* 13432 Captain(N) Richard Gravel, CD (CMR 1983) will be appointed Commanding Officer Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott in Halifax. Captain(N) Richard Gravel joined the Canadian Forces in 1979. He completed his initial officer training in Chilliwack, BC, and attended College Militaire Royal de St. Jean and then Royal Military College in Kingston, graduating with a BEng in Computer Engineering in 1984. In addition, Capt(N) Gravel received his Masters of Defence Studies (MDS) from the Canadian Defence Academy in 2002.

* 12557 Captain (N) Gilles Hainse, CD (RMC 1980) assumed Command of FMF Cape Scott on 21 December 2005. He will be retiring in 2010. He is a graduate of the Royal Military College, having finished his Mechanical Engineering degree in 1980.

* Capt(N) Marcel Hallé OMM, CD (RMC 2003) will proceed on the advanced training list to undertake the national security programme at CFC Toronto. He is a graduate of the Command and Staff Course at the Canadian Forces College where he obtained a Masters in Defence Studies (2003). Captain(N) Hallé has worked extensively with other navies, including the Royal Navy, the United States Navy and in 2001 served on exchange with the Royal Australian Navy for two years in support of the Collins Class submarines in Perth, Western Australia.

* Col Bernd Horn, OMM, MSM, CD was appointed Director Training and Education Canadian Defence Academy in Kingston. Dr. Horn is a member of the Board of Governors at the Royal Military College. He has authored, co-authored, or edited 28 + books including The Canadian Way of War: Serving the National Interest, Warrior Chiefs: Perspectives on Senior Canadian Military Leaders, and Paras vs the Reich: Canada’s Paratroopers at War, 1942-1945.

* Col Scott G. Kennedy, CD will be appointed Commander 1 Area Support Group in Edmonton. He is currenty employed as the Project Manager for the Infantry Fighting Vehicle Project. He has a Masters Degree in Defence Studies from RMC.

* 13064 Col Mario Lagrange, CD (RMC 1981) will be appointed Director Aerospace Equipment Business Management/Chief Of Staff At NDHQ Ottawa. Colonel Mario Lagrange received his Baccalaureate in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1981.

* 15355 Col Pierre Lamontagne, CD (CMR RMC 1981) will be appointed Canadian Forces Liaison Officer To Africom Headquarters In Stuttgart, Germany. Colonel Lamontagne joined the Canadian Forces in 1981. He attended CMR St-Jean and RMC Kingston, graduating in 1986 with an undergraduate degree in Applied Sciences.

* 12984 Col Stephen Laplante, CD (RMC 1982) will be appointed Director Protocol And Foreign Liaison at NDHQ Ottawa. Colonel Stephen LaPlante graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1982 and was commissioned into the Canadian Military Engineers.

* Col Michel Latouche, CD (RMC 2010) will proceed on the Advanced Training List to undertake CDA Language Training at CFLS Ottawa. He will be completing a Masters in Defence Management and Policy with Royal Military College in Kingston very shortly.

* 16975 Col Omer Lavoie, MSC, CD (RRMC 1989) will be appointed Commander 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group in Edmonton. Colonel Omer Lavoie joined the CF in 1983 as a private soldier in the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment. Upon high school graduation, he transferred to the Regular Force and attended Royal Roads Military College from 1985-1989.

* Col Greg Loos (RMC 1994) will proceed on the Advanced Training List to attend the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, UK. He attended the Royal Military College of Canada in pursuit of his Masters of Electrical Engineering in 1994, specializing in microwave engineering and antenna design.

* 14154 Col Guy Maillet, CD (RMC 1983) will be appointed Commandant Royal Military College Saint-Jean. Colonel Guy Maillet enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1979 and graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Commerce in 1983. Since then he has also obtained a Masters in War Studies and a Masters of Strategic Studies.

* Col Mark Matheson, CD will be appointed J4/Deputy Chief Of Staff Support Canada Command In Ottawa. Colonel Matheson has a Master of Arts degree in War Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada.

* Col Robert Mazzolin, OMM, CD (RMC 1984) will be appointed Commandant Canadian Forces Information Operations Group at NDHQ Ottawa. Colonel Mazzolin graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada with a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) in 1984.

* 14472 Col Karl McQuillan, CD (RMC 1984) will be appointed J3/Canadian Expeditionary Forces Command in Ottawa. Colonel McQuillan enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1980. He attended the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston (Ontario), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1984.

* 15850 Col René Melançon, CD (CMR RMC 1987) was appointed Director of Programmes Canadian Forces College in Toronto. Colonel René Melançon was enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1982 under the ROTP program. He attended the Collège Militaire in St Jean for a year and then the Royal Military College in Kingston, graduating with a Bachelor in Fuels and Material Engineering with “magna cum laude”.

* 13495 Col Ivy Miezitis, CD (CMR 1983) will be appointed Military Liaison Officer/Deputy Chief Of Staff Task Force Command DRC Kinshasa, Democratic Rep Congo. He has been serving as Director Strategic Readiness at NDHQ Ottawa since July 2008. Colonel Ivy Miezitis enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1978 and subsequently attended the Collège Militare Royal in St-Jean, Quebec and the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario where he completed an engineering degree. Colonel Miezitis is an avid team sport enthusiast.

* 13004 Capt(N) Stuart Moors, CD (CMR 1982) will proceed on the Advanced Training List to undertake CDA Language Training at CFLS Ottawa.

* 13511Col Bernard Ouellette (CMR 1982) will be appointed Chief Of Staff Land Force Quebec Area Headquarters in Montreal. Colonel Ouellette joined the Canadian Forces at Collège Militaire Royal St-Jean. He completed a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, a Master in Arts in War Studies, and a Master in Arts in Security, Defence Management and Politics.

* 13782 Col Gerald Pratt (RRMC RMC 1983) will be appointed Director Air Programs at NDHQ Ottawa. Colonel Pratt joined the Canadian Forces and entered Royal Roads Military College, in 1978, and graduated from the Royal Military College (RMC) of Canada with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. In 1986, Colonel Pratt returned to RMC for post-graduate training to complete his Master of Engineering degree.

* 14351 Col Jean-François Riffou (CMR 1984) was appointed Chief of Staff, Chief of Military Personnel at NDHQ Ottawa. Colonel Jean-François Riffou graduated from Le Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean, Quebec, in 1984 with a Bachelor of Business Administration

* 12231 Col John.B. Roeterink, OMM, CD (RMC 1979) will be appointed Task Force El Gorah/Chief of Liaison and Canadian Contingent Commander in Sinai. Colonel Roeterink is an engineering graduate from the Royal Military College, Class of 1979.

* 14083 Col Steve Sibbald (RRMC RMC 1983) will be appointed Director Aerospace Equipment Program Management (Radar and Communications Systems) at NDHQ Ottawa. Col Steve Sibbald joined the Canadian Forces in 1978 as an Airframe Technician as a reservist. A year later he was accepted into the Regular Officer Training Plan, and after two years at Royal Roads Military College in Victoria, B.C. and two at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) in Kingston, Ontario, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics.

* 14084 Capt(N) Don F. Smith (RMC 1983) will be appointed Commanding Officer/N4em Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton in Victoria. Captain (Navy) Don Smith joined the Canadian Forces in 1979 and graduated from the Royal Military College in 1983 with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

* 15456 BGen Pierre St-Amand OMM, CD (CMR-RMC 1986) will be appointed Director of Staff. He had served as special advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff at NDHQ Ottawa. He joined the Canadian Forces on 12 June 1981. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1986.

* B0178 Col Pierre St-Cyr, MSM, CD (CMR 1990) will be appointed Canadian Defence Attache (Russia). Colonel St-Cyr completed the Officers’ University Training Plan from 1988 to 1990 and received a Bachelor’s degree in Military and Strategic Studies from the Collège militaire royal de St-Jean (CMR).

* 13289 Col John Tattersall, CD (RRMC RMC 1981) was appointed Director Western Hemisphere Policy at NDHQ Ottawa. Colonel John Tattersall, the son of an engineer, at a tender age joined the militia engineers as a Sapper. He was released from the militia to attend Royal Roads Military College and the Royal Military College of Canada.

* 16158 Captain(N) Mark B. Watson, CD (RRMC RMC 1987) will be appointed Commandant Canadian Forces Support Unit (Ottawa) at NDHQ Ottawa. Following family tradition, he joined the Canadian Forces in 1983. However, unlike his father (who was a proud tank driver), he decided to make the Navy his home. After attending Royal Roads Military College he transferred to the Royal Military College (RMC) where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1987.

* 15187 Colonel David Weger, CD (RRMC 1986) is Director Health Services Delivery, CF Health Services Group HQ in Ottawa. He attended Royal Roads Military College in Victoria, British Columbia, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Military History and Strategic Studies.

* Col Rob Williams (RRMC RMC) will be appointed Director Geospatial Intelligence at NDHQ Ottawa. Colonel Rob Williams received a degree in Electrical Engineering (BEng) after attending both Royal Roads and Royal Military College.

13846 Lieutenant -Colonel Kevin F. Bryski (RMC 1983) was

appointed Commander of the 76 Communication Group. His current position is Commanding Officer, Canadian Operational Support Command Headquarters with additional responsibility in the Decision Support. Lt.-Col. Kevin Bryski served as Chief Of Staff with a US Army Head Quarter in 2009. He is very proud to have served with the US Army, which bodes well for Air Force types! Major Kevin Bryski was Head of Information Systems, at Canadian Forces College. He was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal [NATO] in 2004. He is an avid golfer. He also still plays hockey, despite the onset of “stone-hands syndrome”! He is the Class Secretary, RMC Class of 1983 – the `last class with boxing`.

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5675 Dennis Apedaile (CMR RMC 1963) (Left) and 5868  L Gen (ret’d) Scott Clements (RRMC RMC 1963) (Right) were caught chatting it up  at the 86th RCAF anniversary dinner in Calgary on 26 march 2010.

The dinner was held in the Aeronautical Museum hanger in the Calgary Airport precinct.

Scott, who recently took on the job of CEO Fort McMurray Airport Authority, was guest of honour at the dinner.

Photo by ex- CF86 fighter pilot 3626  John Ink (RRMC RMC 1956).

Upgrade gives authority to Fort McMurray Airport

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

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Blair McNaught

22512 Captain William Blair McNaught (RMC 2003) is  10 Squadron Commander at RMC in Kingston. Born in Cobourg, Capt. McNaught graduated from Port Hope High School before going to the military base in St-Jean, Quebec, in June, 1998 for basic training.

In 2003, he received his bachelor of arts degree in business administration from Royal Military College in Kingston , where he served as Cadet Wing Senior.

After his first tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2004 as duty officer at battalion headquarters, he returned to Canada and joined the parachute company of 3R22R and completed pathfinder training and military freefall parachute training in Trenton.

During his second tour of duty in July, 2007, he took part in 15 battalion level operations and was responsible for his team to prepare the battlefield for “follow-on forces.” In March, 2009 he headed out on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, working with the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices team. He worked on the roadside bombs that have killed so many Canadian soldiers.

He was recognized with a Mention in Dispatches in 2008 for acts of bravery and leadership during a dangerous mission in Afghanistan. On Dec. 8. 2007, Capt. McNaught and his small team scouted and set up location in enemy territory, Zangabad in the Panjwai District, and kept watch, allowing troops to come in with a better understanding of the area. Capt. McNaught, the reconnaissance platoon commander with 3rd Battalion Royal 22e Régiment, and his team called in 85 artillery fire missions, 10 airstrikes and 20 sniper engagements. Because of their skill in operations, all members of the reconnaissance team came home without any major physical injuries.  Source

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13651 Mr. Ron Light (RMC 1982) is chair of the Okanagan College’s faculty of Network and Telecommunications Engineering Technology. Since January 2000, he has been a professor in two programs: Bachelor of Computer Information Systems – Computer Systems Option and in the Diploma in Network and Telecommunications Engineering Technology. He was a member of the steering committee of the Fuelling the Economy of the Future: Engineering, Science & Technology Education Symposium in 2008. He earned a B.Eng, Electrical Engineering from RMC (1978-1982) and a M.Eng, Digital Systems -Electrical Engineering from RMC (1986-88).

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Revived Canadian air force ready to take wing

“The air force has always done very well with recruiting,” Lawson says. “We’re looking to hire in larger numbers.”

12192 MGen Tom Lawson (RMC  1979)

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE

10263 Don Lovell and his wife Charmaine started weight training four years ago. In June 2009 they won their respective weight and age categories at the BC provincial powerlifting championships. Powerlifting consists of Squat, bench and deadlift with the best lifts of three attempts being scored. Don set new provincial records of 185 KG (408 Lbs) in the Deadlift and 120 KG (264 lbs) Squat for Masters 2, 67.5 KG weight category.

Don Lovell(Body weight 66.5 KG/146.7 LB) Deadlift 185 KG/407.8 LB June 7, 2009 BCPA Provincial Champion Master’s Two – 67.5 KG Class

Charmaine Lovell(Body weight 57.2 KG/126 LB ) Deadlift 100 KG/220.5 LB June 7, 2009 BCPA Provincial Champion Master’s Two - 60 KG Class

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9901 Don ‘Brode’ Brodeur has been competing in Masters Track & Field throwing events (discus, shotput, javelin, hammer and weight throw) for the last four years.  This season started with the World Indoor Championships in Kamloops BC at the beginning of March. Though not setting any provincial records (as Don Lovell did!), Brode managed a Bronze medal in hammer throw, pictured with the Gold (Estonia) and Silver (USA) medal winners.

Bill Lewis, 13134, Class of 1981 and presently the Director of AMS and the CO of the PG and Military Faculty is also this year’s District Deputy Grand Master for Prince Edward District of the Masonic Fraternity.

Ontario is divided up into 44 Districts, each with an annually elected District Deputy Grand Master. In addition to his duties in Prince Edward District, Right Worshipful Brother Bill Lewis has also led a committee that was looking into the possibility of establishing a lodge in Afghanistan for the Masons in the CF that were serving there. After 5 years of work, a Lodge of Discussion operating under the Charter of Trent Lodge held its first meeting on 4 March 2010, and will be having meetings on the First and Third Thursdays of each month in KAF.

Perhaps also of interest is that General Sir Arthur Currie, a name very familiar to RMC Cadets, was also District Deputy Grand Master, in 1905 in Victoria District. During the First World War, many servicemen were Freemasons, and attended many lodges in England and France. Of note, one memorable meeting of Canada Lodge during the war took place on April 23, 1918 when 3 notable Brethren were present, R.W. Bro. Sir Arthur W. Currie, K.C.B., K.C.M.G, Corps Commander, Canadian Expeditionary Force, W. Bro. Sir Richard Turner, V.C., K.G.B., K.C.M.G, D.S.O., Commander, II Division, C.E.F., and W. Bro. Sir David Watson, K.C.B., C.M.G., Commander, IV Division, C.E.F

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4586 Professor Richard (Robin) A. L. Carter (RRMC, RMC 1959) I am a Professor Emeritus at the University of Western Ontario and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary. After graduating from Royal Roads and Royal Military College with a B.A. (Economics), I joined Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and served in the 2nd Bn and Regt Depot. I qualified as a parachutist (18 jumps) and a US Army Ranger.

While I was with the Patricias I took an evening course in statistics at the University of Alberta. My success in that course persuaded me to seek a career in inference instead of in infantry, so I entered Queen’s University after leaving the army. During my stay at Queen’s I studied under Prof, T.M. Brown who served in the RCAF from 1941 to 1945 and had been a faculty member at RMC from 1959 to 1962. Prof Brown was interested in the econometrics of simultaneous equations models and I wrote a PhD thesis under his supervision which was concerned with the properties of classical estimators for these models.

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My first faculty appointment was at the University of Victoria. Shortly after Prof. Brown moved from Queen’s to the University of Western Ontario I joined him there; first as a research associate then as a regular faculty member. Aside from leaves spent at: Universitat Mannheim (1978-9), University of Cambridge (1981-2), University of Iowa (1988-9) and University of Chicago (1995-6), the rest of my career was spent at Western. Over time my research interests shifted from simultaneous equation econometrics towards several new areas. In the area of econometric theory I have worked on shrinkage estimation in linear regression models and on nonparametric methods. I have also done applied econometrics in the areas of economics and law and the economics of health care. During the last few years I have become convinced that Bayesian methods are better tools for inference in economics than classical methods so my research has been in the area of Bayesian econometrics.

The photo of me with the helmet on was taken on the summit of North Howser Tower in Bugaboo Provincial Park, British Columbia. My sour expression is due to my realization that we would be hit by a thunder storm in only a few minutes. We descended safely and lived to gain many more summits and take many more photos. The other photo is of me receiving a black belt in Aikido last year.

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14591 Mr. André Mech (RRMC 1984) is a Projects Executive, Global Gold Standanrd Emission Gredits. He has been working in the emissions reduction sector since 2001. He was in the first cohort of 20 individuals formally trained and examined to International Standards Organization criteria in the planning, validation and verification of greenhouse gas projects. André has written more than 48 greenhouse gas plans and conducted hundreds of investigations for numerous corporations and organizations in the emissions reduction management sector. André works closely with formal Greenhouse Gas authorities and has been consulted by corporations, governments and NGOs as they address the issues surrounding the rapidly developing emissions reduction market sector.

André Mech has generated hundreds of thousands of tonnes of third party Validated and Verified emission reductions. He is involved with numerous projects currently at earlier stages of implementation in some of the under addressed emissions reduction sectors. André regularly speaks on the closely related subject of financially responsible environmentalism to Government Committees, Conferences, Professional Associations and Schools. André firmly believes and has routinely demonstrated, that “environmentalism is not only cost effective, catering to common sensibilities, but that it is an under addressed profit centre for most organizations.” André Mech holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the Royal Military College and a Masters of Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario. André is named as the inventor or co-inventor on three patents. *

http://www.mechandassociates.com/

mechandassociates@sympatico.ca

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17435 Dr. Michael Brydon (RRMC RMC 1990) is an Associate Professor at Simon Fraser University in the Faculty of Business Administration. His twin research interests in technology and applied decision making are a natural result of his M.Eng., B. Eng. (Royal Military College of Canada) and a PhD in Commerce (UBC). His research straddles the disciplinary boundaries of computer science, economics and decision theory and examines the potential uses of information technology to support decision-making in complex, uncertain environments. His research has involved a number of firms including Alcan, DuPont, Avcorp, and VanCity and has been funded by both the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Michael’s interests outside of work have gradually been reduced to just one, however: parenting.

He and his wife Stephanie enjoying raising their three young children and spending free time at the ice rink, soccer field, and dance studio. http://business.sfu.ca/profiles/MichaelBrydon

mjbrydon@sfu.ca

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15508 Dr. Michael Fowler (RMC 1986, MASc – Queens 1988, PhD – RMC 2003) is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo. His research interests include: fuel cell design, fuel cell reliability and failure modes, accelerated testing, hydrogen production and distribution, greener energy system, and life cycle analysis.

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Dr. Fowler is active with both the University of Waterloo Alternative Fuel Team building plug-in hybrid vehicles with both battery packs and hydrogen fuel cells on board the vehicle; as well as H2U Student Team which has won international design competitions for green energy system designs. He and his wife Helen spend much of their time as chauffeur two teen age daughters mfowler@uwaterloo.ca.

G0533 Dr. Richard J. Walker (RMC 1991) has recently retired from his Regular Force and Primary Reserve officer careers, but continues to serve as a civilian ethicist on contract to the Chief of Land Staff in the capacity of the Canadian Army Ethics Officer. Dr. Walker is the sole architect and programme designer of the Army Ethics Programme (AEP), a fully operationalized and comprehensive ethics programme, which encompasses an eclectic constituency of forty thousand military and civilian members.

He is the author of the recently released: Duty with Discernment: CLS Guidance on Ethics in Operations. http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/downloads-telechargements/aep-peat/duty-servrir/duty-servrir-eng.pdf

While the Army Ethics Programme is managed under the auspices of the Land Staff DLPM/G1 in Ottawa, Dr. Walker remains co-located with the Director of Land Concepts and Designs (DLCD) in Kingston, Ontario. He holds a BA (UNB); MA (RMC); Ph.D. (Western). He has been a sessional lecturer in history in association with the University of Ottawa and Sir Wilfrid Laurier University; and he has written and presented extensively in the areas of military ethics and military rights of association.

Dr. Walker holds a Graduate Certificate in Public Ethics from the University of St. Paul, Ottawa. He is a graduate of the Executive Certification Program: Managing Ethics in Organizations, from the Centre for Business Ethics, Bentley College, and he holds the Certificate in Organizational Values and Ethics from the Centre on Values and Ethics, Carleton University. He is a member of the international Ethics Compliance Officers Association (ECOA) and serves on the Board of Directors, as Treasurer, of the Ethics Practitioners Association of Canada (EPAC). As an applied ethicist, he provides private consulting services in the specialty areas of: public sector, NGO, military and police services programme architecture, management, and training delivery.

RICHARD.WALKER7@forces.gc.ca

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6560 Colonel (Ret’d) Andrew Nellestyn (RMC 1965)  OStJ CD PhD

Dr. Nellestyn enjoyed a rewarding and extensive career as a senior military officer, municipal politician, senior corporate executive professor, author, archaeologist, physicist, engineer, economist, community volunteer, and philanthropist. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada with honours, was awarded the prestigious Athlone Fellowship for study in the UK, and was named in Who’s Who in Atoms for his work in nuclear medicine and nuclear power reactor design and construction.

Andrew received the Professional Engineers of Ontario Citizenship Award and was made an honourary citizen of Egypt by President Anwar al Sadat for his contributions to Egypt’s economic development and reconstruction. Colonel Nellestyn has and continues to serve on several Boards of Directors in the capacity of Board Chairman and Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committees.

He is President of Andel Inc. Consulting Services (Management, Security, Economics, Finance, Energy), membership coordinator Conference of Defence Associations, and Co-Producer of the documentary The Veterans which is in the production stage. Dr. Nellestyn also serves as an advisor to the Trent University Geospatial Centre of Excellence. He is Chairman of the Board of Rebounders Ottawa, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Andrew is an acclaimed expert in economics, finance, security, defence, energy, management, geopolitics, international affairs, development aid, and reconstruction. He is an advisor to governments and international institutions.

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5870 Pastor Donald Codling (RRMC 1963) is clerk of the Presbytery Of Eastern Canada, a group of churches affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of America. In 1993, he gave evidence to the Standing Committee on Social Services of Nova Scotia on gambling. In 2003, he has given evidence to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights of Nova Scotia on marriage and the legal recognition of same-sex unions. He was a pastor of the Bathurst and Tabusintac Presbyterian Churches in New Brunswick in the early 70s, of Mackay Presbyterian Church in Timmins, Ontario, from 1978-81, and of Bedford Presbyterian Church, in Bedford, Nova Scotia from 1983 to his retirement in 2009.

dcodling@hfx.eastlink.ca

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13083 Lieutenant -Colonet Martin Bradley Boswell, CD (RMC 1981) was promoted to his current rank in 1998 and served six years within the Directorate of Army Doctrine as a Section Head, Deputy, and Acting Director. Upon component transfer in 2004, Lieutenant Colonel Boswell assumed his current appointment as Senior Staff Officer Capability Development (SSO CD) within the Directorate of Land Concepts and Designs (DLCD), responsible as the designer and facilitator of the Land Capability Development Process. He graduated from the Royal MilitaryCollege of Canada with a Bachelor of Arts (English).

http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/DLCD-DCSFT/bios/staff9_e.asp

Brad.BOSWELL@forces.gc.ca

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Des anciens des Collèges militaires canadiens déployés en Afghanistan arborent fièrement la bannière que les élèves-officiers et les membres du personnel du CMR Saint-Jean ont signé et envoyé en Afghanistan au mois de novembre dernier.

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11887 Major (Ret’d) Steven D. Gasser CD (RMC 1979) was born in 1956 and grew up primarily in Kimberley, British Columbia. When Mr. Gasser was 17 he was drawn to an ad put out by the Royal Military College highlighting a flying career and the educational benefits that went along with it. He wasted no time and enlisted on his 18th birthday, with the desire to learn how to fly and also acquire a degree in engineering. After his third summer of flight training his eyes did not meet the minimum requirement and Mr. Gasser had to fall back on his engineering degree. He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Royal Military College of Canada, 1979). Once finished his Military Engineer training Mr. Gasser joined his first unit 5e Regiment du Genie de Combat in Valcartier, Quebec, where he was appointed as a regimental intelligence officer and then engineer troop commander. In 1983 Mr. Gasser answered the call for an engineer troop commander in support of the UN peacekeeping operations in Cyprus. After six months in Cyprus, Mr. Gasser came back to Canada to work in the construction engineering section for the air force at CFB Edmonton, and later taught tactics with the CF School of Military Engineering at CFB Chilliwack. Mr. Gasser also worked in Maritime Command HQ in Halifax as a Senior Staff Officer, and as Base Engineer at CFB Shilo, MB. In December of 1997 Mr. Gasser was deployed to Bosnia as officer commanding the 1 Construction Engineering Unit – specialist engineer company where he was able to work closely with civilians helping them to rebuild the university, bridges and infrastructure. His video archives were recorded Nov.16, 2005 for the Heroes Remember Web site, which presents the personal recollections of ordinary Canadians who became heroes when confronted with extraordinary circumstances. He recalls the three types of people you were going to run into in Bosnia as a member of the Stabilization Force (SFOR) in the former republic of Yugoslavia. He talks about while in Bosnia, near the end of his deployment, he had a confrontation with a gentleman who was wasted and just did not want him there. He talks about what it was like to be among all the hatred and not let it affect you. He talks about how it became obvious that the people in Bosnia carried such a hatred for each other. He also talks about what it is like to be in charge of men in a stressful environment. Mr. Gasser gave 24 years to the service. He retired in September 2008 and has subsequently been appointed as the Director, Environmental services for the Town of Banff 1998 – 2003; Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Works, Government of Yukon 2004 – 2008. He has been the Associate Vice-President, Facilities Management, at the University of Calgary since 2008.

Researched by E3161 Victoria Edwards (RMC 2003)

References:

http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=collections/hrp/alpha_results&people_id=169

http://www.ucalgary.ca/fmd/management/AVP

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Former RMC (M) Basketball Coach -

Craig Norman – No Longer At McGill

Drew Love, executive director of athletics and recreation at McGill University, announced Wednesday (March 10) that Craig Norman’s contract has not been renewed as head coach of the McGill Redmen basketball team.

“After considerable reflection, a decision has been made to seek new leadership within the men’s basketball program,” said Love. “We appreciate the efforts that Craig has made during his six seasons as head coach and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Norman, a 47-year-old native of Greenfield Park, Que., coached the Redmen to a 64-122 overall record during his tenure, including a 32-64 mark in regular season play.

A 1987 graduate of Concordia University, Norman came to McGill from Royal Military College in Kingston where he had a six-season stint as head coach. He won Canadian university coach-of-the-year honours in men’s basketball in 2003-04 before being appointed by McGill in June 2004.

“Effective immediately we will begin a nation-wide search for a coach who will lead the program in a new direction consistent with the mission and culture of McGill University Athletics and Recreation,” added Love.

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World traveler has roots at military colleges

12070 Alan Gordon (CMR RMC 1979)

By: A/SLt 24498 Noelani Shore(RMC 2009)

Born in Portage La Prairie, MB, Alan Gordon, CD, MBA, P.Eng, (CMR RMC 1979) has spent a lot of time on the move, thanks in part to the military.

“I was a service brat so I lived in many places, including Portage for six months, Zweibrucken, West Germany for four years, Montreal for a year, Cold Lake for four years, St. Hubert, Quebec for two years and finally North Bay for six years before heading off the College Militaire Royale de St. Jean,” he explained.

Mr. Gordon fell into the military profession through family influences. His father was in the Air Force, and his mother has a down East connection from the French speaking side of the Maritime culture, “so going to CMR was also something I aspired to do. Attending a military college really only offered two academic extremes: Engineering and Arts. So, I vacillated between one and the other until the end of 2^nd year, and finally chose Engineering. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life,” he said.

After graduating from the Royal Military College with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, he continued with his education, taking an MBA through Northland Open University in 1990.

The exam routines at CMR were memorable for Mr. Gordon, and he learned a lot from the process.

“They were killers and taught me how to work. Not how to be smart, but how to perform under very difficult circumstances,” he said.

While Mr. Gordon left the military in 1987, the lessons he learned about leadership stayed with him throughout his career.

“I learned about many different leadership styles from the military college. I had the opportunity to watch Brigadier General Jean de Chastelain, Cadet Wing Commander Larry Stevenson, and Dean Tilley manage the RMC environment that I lived in for two years,” he said.

While in his second year, Mr. Gordon had the chance to act in a formal leadership role. He was a section commander, followed by the Deputy Cadet Squadron Leader, and Cadet Flight Leader in his fourth year.

“I cannot emphasize enough the value of the exposure which I had to leadership roles as a result of my early training at the military colleges,” he said.

Mr. Gordon’s first posting out of RMC was not to one of the most desirable postings in his class, but the opportunity to work at the Aerospace Maintenance Development Unit (AMDU) in Trenton was likely the best posting that anyone in his class had the opportunity of taking.

“I was exposed to leading edge technologies, program management, and some of the best technical experts in the Canadian Air Force. In this position, I also had the opportunity to observe and assist with the introduction of the CF-18 into service in Cold Lake, and ultimately as a line officer in Baden Soellingen, West Germany,” he said.

The posting to West Germany was the most enjoyable and challenging posting Mr. Gordon experienced, as it gave him a chance to operate in a war footing environment, without having to go into battle.

“It made me appreciate that the physical situation is so real, and that people will be harmed, but that the political realities are only a figment of a collective imagination. This became obvious when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, just three years after I had been in the NATO environment,” Mr. Gordon said.

Mr. Gordon’s experience in the CF has influenced his strategic skills as well.

“My strategic skills are much better developed than my tactical leadership skills, and this has actually been a strength for me in some of the leadership roles which I have taken on.  Most of my peers possess tactical skills, and as a result, I understand how to differentiate the need in any business environment to ensure that the appropriate skills are provided at the proper time in order to ensure success,” he explained.

After leaving the military in 1987, he worked for seven years at the Molson Breweries in the production environment as a middle-level executive, working with Engineering, Supply Chain Management, and business process re-engineering.

“I also spent several years in the late 80s and early 90s with Coopers & Lybrand as a Principal, working in a world wide Centre of Excellence, traveling throughout North America, Europe and the Far East. I also worked with an Engineering Consulting firm, Giffels, for a year, managing a group of 40 Engineering folks focused on designing and installing manufacturing equipment in the automotive and heavy manufacturing industries. My latest deployment started in 1997 and continues to date with a technology firm focused on building a Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) Capital Planning tool for the international market,” he said.

In his current role as the head of Altus Capital Planning business unit, Mr. Gordon is responsible for the management of a world-class leading business solution supporting the use of Capital Planning for a global 1,700 person organization.

“This is a very challenging position which requires the use of planning, political, and visionary skills that I have acquired over the years,” he said. “This Capital Planning Solutions Inc (CPSI) initiative was built on all of the skill sets acquired at RMC. It culminated in the development of the world class business solution which is leading many organizations in terms of Capital Planning thinking.”

Mr. Gordon’s proudest moment in is his career occurred in 2008, when he sold the technology CPSI to the Altus Group, which is the largest real estate advisory company in the world.

“This was the culmination of a 10 year initiative to develop a business process and supporting technology for a corporate activity that has not been documented in the business world of Capital Planning,” he said.

Mr. Gordon has had the opportunity to travel with the military, as well as in his civilian career.

“I have traveled to more than 50 countries throughout the world, either through employment or proactive travel during my vacations,” he said.

Life has been great for Mr. Gordon, and “I attribute a lot of this feeling to RMC and CMR. The leadership and execution skills I’ve learned are going to lead me for the next 15 years in how I help the underprivileged throughout the world.”

Mr. Gordon has a wonderful family, as “my wife and I are high school sweethearts. We have two sons; one is 22, and the other is 18. They are great kids and both Ann and I are looking forward to see how they will develop over the next 20 to 30 years,” he said.

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Mike Taylor: Varsity Sports Manager 1997 – 2000

Mike Taylor only spent three years at RMC as the varsity sports manager. However, he left big shoes to follow! The former infantry officer turned Physical Education & Recreation Officer moved to the PSP world when the PERO Branch stood down in 1997. During the late 1980s and early 1990s he was the Base Physical Education & Recreation Officer at CFB Kingston. He was highly recognized as one of the top athletes in both fastball and volleyball during his prime competing years. He served RMC well.

Victoria Edwards recently made contact with Mike to find out what he is up to these days and what his memories are of his time at RMC.

e-veritas: At which Military College did you serve?

Mike Taylor: I was the Varsity Sports Manager at RMC in Kingston from about 1997 – 2000.

e-veritas: Your graduate research related to physical education at RMC.

Mike Taylor: My thesis was `Physical Education at the Royal Military College of Canada: a case for academic accreditation. 2001.` The RMC has had a long and wide-ranging association with sport and physical education. RMC is not deriving the benefits of an academically accredited physical education program. Both the Canadian military college system, and the physical education occupation in the military, experienced profound and significant changes during the 1990s. These changes at RMC continue under the influence of a restructuring of the professional development program for officers in the Canadian Forces. The pace and scope of change for a highly tradition bound institution like RMC must seem overwhelming to long-time observers of the College culture. However, it is within this framework of mandated change that new ideas could and should come forward. This thesis argues that numerous positive outcomes–including the development of a physical education degree program at the College–could be realized if academic accreditation were attached to the current physical education portion of a cadets training at RMC. http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk3/ftp 04/MQ63378.pdf

e-veritas: What are the challenges of physical education in the military?

Mike Taylor: As an infantry officer during the 1980s, I was responsible for the physical training and preparation of the soldiers under my command. Although physically I was fit to do so, I felt I lacked the requisite professional knowledge to produce and supervise fitness programs. To that point in my career I had never taken a course in physical education. My approach to training others was limited to mimicking the example of my basic training instructor, many of whom, like me, had never received any formal training in physical education. The system we came through did not safeguard against the passage of misinformation and it certainly did not, in terms of physical training, promote the level of professionalism that accompanies the pursuit of many other military training activities. It was not until 1986, when I commenced a physical education degree program at the University of New Brunswick, that I came to terms with the true extent of my lack of knowledge. Courses on the principles of training, basic anatomy, and the fundamentals of physiology and biomechanics taught me concepts that could have provided tremendous assistance in my early years as a junior officer. This realization provoked a personal campaign, directed specifically at the infantry officer occupation, to improve the situation. Although my work, in the form of a service paper written in 1990, was successful in bringing about limited change in physical education content and delivery during Infantry Officer Phase Training (Harrison 1990; Peters 1991), the situation remained far from optimal. Nevertheless, the military hierarchy took steps to view physical education in a more academic light. It was not until my arrival at RMC that I revisited the issue of formal physical education in the military.

e-veritas: What are the challenges of physical education at RMC?

Mike Taylor: Upon arrival at RMC it struck me that the physical education regimen of Officer-Cadets (OCdts) is not unlike physical education degree programs offered at civilian universities, albeit a rather scaled down version of them. I felt that much of what was taught in physical education at the College was worthy of some Ievel of academic credit. My years as a commissioned officer had taught me that formal physical education knowledge in the officer corps was Iacking, and I saw at RMC an opportunity to influence the system. The primary aim of my graduate thesis was to establish a framework for the academic accreditation of physical education at the Royal Military College. The concept was to seek official academic recognition for the physical education that OCdts currently undertake. Such recognition would take the form of a defined amount of credit hours within the context of the overall credit load required of students in various degree programs.

e-veritas: Although your paper was written ten years ago the arguments seem apropos today.

Mike Taylor: In the last ten years there has been increasing recognition that good health is essential to the well being of CF members and to the operational effectiveness of the CF. Since I left RMC, the Strengthening the Forces (STF), the CF’s comprehensive health promotion program was designed to enable CF members to increase control over and to improve their overall health and well-being. The program includes four core program areas: addictions awareness and prevention, injury prevention and active living, nutritional wellness and social wellness.

e-veritas: How did you manage the work life balance given your work at RMC with graduate studies?

Mike Taylor: I graduated with a Master of Arts (MA) degree from Queens University School of Physical and Health Education in October, 2001. My graduate degree is in Sociology of Sport after having previously attained a BA form Dalhousie 1982 and a BPE from UNB 1988. I commenced the Master’s program working full-time as a Personnel Support Program staff member at the Royal Military College and took advantage of the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency’s Subsidized Education and Career Development Plan to offset some of the cost. At RMC, I wish to acknowledge the support and assistance of the Athletic Director, Ms. Joane Thibault and her staff in the Athletic Department, and, the Dean of Continuing Studies Dr. Jim Barrett. My family at the time included a three-year-old son Dylan who let “Daddy play on his ‘big-boy’ computer” even when Buzz Lightyear was summoning us both to play, and an infant son Liam and my loving and understanding wife Stephanie. “Mens Sana In Corpore Sano” a healthy mind in a healthy body and “One Day at a Time”.

e-veritas: What are you doing these days?

Mike Taylor: After leaving RMC I did a seven year stint as the National Physical Fitness Policy and Resources Manager with the Personnel Support Programs (PSP) division of the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) in Ottawa. The production and analysis of current CF fitness and physical education policies formed my primary responsibilities. Furthermore, I was intimately involved with the production of the Canadian Forces Health and Physical Fitness Strategy which was widely disseminated a couple of years ago. Currently, I am the civilian Personnel Support Programs (PSP) Manager at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia. . The mission of the personnel support programs is to develop and deliver personnel support programs to advance the quality of life of the military community and the operational effectiveness of the Canadian Forces. My personal quality of life and that of my family, wife Steph and the kids, 2 boys and a girl now, has never been better. Loving life in the Maritimes!

e-veritas: I came across a photo of you riding a camel in the Middle East.

Mike Taylor: As CFPSA National Physical Fitness Manager, I had the opportunity to serve as escort officer during a show tour offering the soldiers a night of entertainment in the Middle East. The show tour’s first stop was Egypt, the morning of December 10. The first night (after only seven hours of set-up and rehearsal), the entertainers performed for a crowd of about 300 people. The following morning, the troupe departed for a 12 hour bus ride to Israel. Just over 100 people attended each of the three shows in Israel. From there it was back to Tel Aviv for a flight to North America. The entertainers caught their flights back to their hometowns and that was it. With a few hugs and handshakes, their journey was over.

Success of an Engineer

A/SLt 24498 Noelani Shore (RMC 2009)

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, this Toronto-raised Engineer is not your average ex-cadet.

10143 Mr. Mike McCartney (RMC 1974), BA Sc., P. Eng., BDS, emigrated to Canada in 1953, and joined the Royal Military College in 1970. He stayed for one year, before graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Waterloo in 1977.

“I think I may have set a record behaviour unbecoming of an officer!” Mr. McCartney said with a laugh. “I outdid The Good Soldier Švejk (1) in terms of idiotic behaviour. My only and best excuse: I was 18 at the time!”

Mr. McCartney decided to join RMC because he was imbued with a sense of patriotism.

“I was also, to some extent, seeking my father’s approval. He was a Royal Air Force veteran,” he explained. “The free education offered by RMC was, at the time, the best option for someone like me, especially because I come from a family of six children.”

During his year at RMC, Mr. McCartney was a member of the football team, and he was also associated with the hockey team as an assistant manager.

“That assignment was a hoot; it got me out of a lot of extra duty, and I had a great time on road trips,” he said.

Mr. McCartney began his athletic enthusiasm at RMC, but he continued to push himself and excel.

“I have trained for and run in marathons. I have fought in and won Karate bouts, as well as Judo matches,” he said.

He learned that he could achieve anything he put his mind to, and at RMC he saw what it takes to be a leader in the truest sense.

“I had never been challenged to the extent that I was in that year. I have the respect and loyalty to all my employees, a sign that whatever clues I picked up about leadership at RMC sunk in and bloomed over the years,” he said.

After working for a year in Toronto as a surveyor’s assistant for the Toronto General Burying Grounds, Mr. McCartney took up Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo. He obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical and Management Science options.

“The work I do now involves applying the principles of fluid dynamics, an area in which I excelled,” he explained.

The first job Mr. McCartney had upon graduation was as an equipment sales engineer with TRANE, a manufacturer of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment.

“I worked for their Toronto sales office from 1977 to 1981. After that, I went to CIMCO Refrigeration and learned the ins and outs of ice rink design. After a few other stints I ended up at TECHAIRE SYSTEMS in Toronto, in 1985. I have been a partner in that firm since 1988,” he said.

Mr. McCartney founded M.E. McCartney Engineering in 1992 in order to keep his freelance engineering projects at arm’s length from TECHAIRE. He co-founded AEGIS Engineering Ltd. in 2001 in order to be able to offer engineering service on larger public tender projects.

“In 2008, I took up consulting for GIFFIN KOERTH INC as a forensic engineering investigator,” he said. “I can tell you, I have had some interesting projects over the years. Perhaps the most unusual was a request I had to air condition a nude resort. I asked the owner why there was a need for air conditioning (tongue in cheek, of course), and he told me that they held dances on Saturday nights, and that people there tended to get hot and sweaty! When it came time to brief my crew about the job, I added the proviso that they were to respect the rules of the place and that they were to wear only the following items: Hard hats, tool belts, and work boots,” he laughed.

One of the challenges Mr. McCartney has faced over the years is keeping current in the many fields in which he is involved.

“Laws governing the practice of Engineering have been in flux over the last few years, especially here in Ontario. The Building Codes are also revised from time to time. Mastering such items as AUTOCAD and a few other programs has proved to be a real time saver, but difficult at times too,” he said.

Mr. McCartney has also managed to maintain a pilot’s license, though not without some difficulty.

“My currency requirements as a private pilot change from year to year too, it seems.”

Mr. McCartney reconnected with RMC at a Judo tournament at the Canadian National Exhibition in 1994.

“An announcement came out over the loudspeaker, asking Berny Couture to go to the judge’s desk. Berny was a member of the Class of 74. I went over, said hello, and was invited by him to attend the 20th reunion in Kingston that fall. So, I attended the Friday night meet and greet, chatted with a couple of old buddies and decided to join the RMC Club as a life member,” he said. “I do look back on that one year as being one of the most eventful, and in a way, instructive years of my life. And I do wish them all well, all of them.”

Family ties are very important to Mr. McCartney, and despite all of his success in his career, the proudest moment he has experienced so far is when he saw his daughter, who is now 18, being born, and held her in his arms for the first time.

“My current wife Merrill and I have been together now for six years, and it looks like we have another fifty to go. She is a first class woman and is probably too good for me, but I haven’t told her as of yet!”

(1) A number of literary critics consider The Good Soldier Švejk to be one of the first anti-war novels, predating Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front. Furthermore, Joseph Heller said that if he had not read The Good Soldier Švejk, he would never have written his novel Catch-22. The novel deals with broader anti-war themes: essentially a series of absurdly comic episodes, it explores both the pointlessness and futility of conflict in general and of military discipline, specifically Austrian military discipline, in particular.

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6554 Doctor Harold M. Merklinger (RMC 1965) retired in 2001 from the Defence Research Establishment Atlantic (as its Director-General) in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. His main scientific contributions have been in the field of underwater acoustics although his experience has covered communications, space surveillance and ship technology. His main hobby since the age of eight, however, has been photography, with a lesser interest in motorsport. (He’s a past president of the Bluenose Autosport Club in Dartmouth.) He has written technical books on photography FOCUSING the VIEW CAMERA and The INs and OUTs of FOCUS which are available for download. The information in these books is the result of his personal research; it is not related to his work for the Canadian Government. He has also written numerous articles for Shutterbug, View Camera, Photo Techniques and The Luminous Landscape. Harold was educated at the Royal Military College of Canada, and the University of Birmingham (in England). He is a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America, a member of the Canadian Acoustical Association, and a founding member of The Institute of Acoustics of Atlantic Canada. Those interested in underwater acoustics might wish to consult his book Progress in Underwater Acoustics published by Plenum Press in 1986. He also wrote a chapter in `The Naval Service of Canada 1910-2010: The Centennial Story.` merkgen@trenholm.org

http://www.trenholm.org/hmmerk/HMM.html

http://www.trenholm.org/hmmerk/download.html

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18524 Christopher Theal (RRMC 1992) is Managing Director, Institutional Research, Tangent Capital. Mr. Theal joined Tangent in September 2002 and is responsible for institutional equity research. Prior to Tangent, he was a research analyst at CIBC World Markets Inc. for four years. Prior to CIBC, Mr. Theal was a corporate analyst for a major Canadian integrated oil and gas company. Mr. Theal was previously an officer in the Canadian Navy and is decorated with the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal for UN service abroad. Mr. Theal has a Bachelor’s degree, with distinction, in Economics and Political Science from Royal Roads Military College and an M.B.A. degree from the University of British Columbia. Mr. Theal is a Chartered Financial Analyst. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Calgary Branch of the RMC Club of Canada. http://www.tangentcapital.net/tristone.htm

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13893 Dr. Jeff (Jean-François) Lafortune (RMC 1983) is president of International Safety Research Inc. (ISR) which provides services worldwide in the technological areas of nuclear safety, radiation protection, emergency preparedness and response, safety management sytems, and CBRNE counter-terrorism response. He is a Professional Engineer with a Ph.D. in nuclear/chemical engineering. He has 24 years of international experience in the development, evaluation and training of safety management programs and processes for the nuclear and chemical sectors, and five years experience in SMS for the aviation industry. Jeff Lafortune was awarded the Lt Governor’s silver medal in 1982. jefflafortune@i-s-r.ca

http://www.i-s-r.ca/cv_jeff.html

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14971 Timothy R. Haig (RMC 1985) is the Director, President and Chief Executive Officer JJR IV Acquisition Inc. JJR IV Acquisition has entered into an amalgamation agreement dated January 27, 2010 with BIOX Corporation. Mr. Haig, 47, has over 20 years in the field of strategic business development with an emphasis on environmental technologies and engineering.

Prior to co-founding BIOX with Monteco Ltd., a technology transfer company, and Kevin Norton in September 2000, and acting in the capacity of President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Haig held several senior management positions with high profile organizations both in Canada and the United Kingdom such as Marketing Director of Ove Arup & Partners as well as Director of Strategy and Development for Tarmac, Black and Veatch. In addition, Mr. Haig was a principal in CMA Associates which promoted, developed and financed several major wind farms across Europe. Mr. Haig received his MBA in London, England and his degree as an Industrial Engineer from the Royal Military College of Canada. He served in the Canadian Forces (Army) for 10 years as an officer.

http://www.cnw.ca/en/releases/archive/January2010/28/c4864.html

Also see article Ex cadets in the news… Ringing the TSE Bell!

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