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In this Issue 33:

Class of 2015 Arrives! ’86 Grad Remembers…

Learning to grapple with the difficult training challenges ahead

Ex-Cadets in the News

Where are they now?

La Chasse-Galerie: Support the Danny McLeod Endowment Fund

Heritage pieces mark homecoming

(W) Soccer Contributes to the Community

Varsity Glimpse: Challenges Faced by Coaches & Players Alike

Farewell & Thanks “Coach” plus Rugby & Black Monday

CMR sur la Rivière Cataraqui

WHO AM I?

Notices & Old Brigade “Rooks” Taking on Fort Henry

Deaths | Décès

Photos From the Past

Class of 2015 Marches through the Arch

By: 25337 Chris Manning - Cadet Wing Public Information Officer (CWPIO)

- Photos by: Alex Zaporzan

The Memorial Arch was erected in 1923 to honour the cadets who gave their lives for Canada. It is tradition for the first year class to march through the Arch upon their arrival to signify their entrance into the Royal Military College of Canada. On a beautiful, sunny Saturday, 180 first year cadets passed through the Arch. The next time these cadets pass through the Arch, it will be as graduates of the RMC program, ready to begin their career as officers in the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Air Force, or the Royal Canadian Navy.

The Director of Cadets, Lieutenant-Colonel Susan Wigg, told the incoming first year cadets:

“This 135 year Canadian institution is demanding and proud because the profession of arms is demanding and must be upheld in a manner that the Canadian citizens are proud of our abilities and our actions.”

The Cadet Wing Commander, Officer Cadet Landon Lavictoire, wished the first years welcome and said:

“The beginning of First Year Orientation Period (FYOP) is one of the most exciting times at the college. I was thrilled to see that the first years have grasped the basics well from their time in St. Jean. I believe this will allow them to perform to a higher standard, as is expected of an RMC cadet. I know, with our command team, that we are set up for an excellent year.”

Excitement is the norm around the college right now, and everyone is looking forward to a challenging, but fulfilling year at the college.

La classe de 2015 passe sous l`Arche

par: 25337 Chris Manning – Élof préposé à l’information publique

L’Arche commemorative du College Militaire Royal a été érigée en 1923 à la memoire des élèves officiers mort au combat. C’est une tradition du college pour les premieres années qui arrivent de defiler en groupe sous l’arche pour marquer leur debut au College Militaire Royal. C’etais une très belle journée quand les 180 noveaux élèves officiers ont passé sous l’arche. La prochaine fois que ces élèves officiers marchent sous l’arche marquera la fin de leurs etudes au CMR. De plus, a cet instant, ils seronts prêts à commencer leurs carrières en tant qu`officiers des Forces Canadiennes.

Le Directeur des Élofs, le Lieutenant-Colonel Susan Wigg, a dit aux élèves officiers debutants:

“Pour tous, cette institution qui existe depuis 135 an, est exigeante et fière à cause de la profession des armes qui est exigeante et qui demande de se conduire d’une façon à ce que les citoyens du Canada soient fières de nos capacities et nos actions.”

Le Commandant d’Escadre, l’Elof Landon Lavictoire, a souhaité la bienvenue aux nouveaux élofs en disant:

“Le debut de la POPA, c’est une des periodes les plus interessantes au college. J’étais ravi de voir la conaissance des rudiments de la vie militaire que les premières années ont appris à St. Jean. Je crois que les nouveaux élofs vont atteindre le standard difficile qui est exiger de chaque élève officier. Je sais bien que, avec une équipe de commande si forte, on est prêts à commencer une année de scolarité excellente.”

L’enthousiame est palpable, et c’est certain que les élofs ont tous hâte à la session prochaine qui sera exigeante, mais aussi valorisant.

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Perspectives on a New Year

By: 25337 Chris Manning - Cadet Wing Public Information Officer (CWPIO)

The arrival of the cadet wing is always an exciting time at the Royal Military College. The beginning of a new year presents the cadets with an opportunity to reunite and share their experiences from summer training in locations across Canada, and even around the world. e-Veritas caught up with several RMC cadets to discover their opinions on the commencement of another year at the college.

“Seeing the first years come in reminds me of when I marched through the Arch as a first year. The first year cadets’ energy is contagious, making it hard to believe that we have already reached 4th year and will soon be graduating.”

IV Kim Archibald, 25515, Varsity Girls Soccer Captain

“The return to RMC is a good chance to catch up with friends who were posted to different bases in the summer. Its interesting to hear about everybody’s experiences, which can be so different from our own. Also, seeing the new changes that come with new years is an interesting aspect of life at the college.”

III Craig Hiscock, 25173, Deputy Cadet Wing Security Officer

“Every new year is always exciting and full of great energy; this year is no different. After four days of the barmen workshop, it is time to welcome everyone back and get down to the business of leading the college through another year. I, for one, am looking forward to the challenges of the upcoming year.”

IV Martin de Souza, 25447, 3 Sqn Cadet Squadron Leader

“I am confident about the First Year Operation Program, but I know it will be challenging. Its good to have everybody supporting us in the program. I also owe a lot to my parents, who have always been supportive of my career choice.”

I Lynden Rossin, Grizzly Flight FYOP Candidate

There are a multitude of reasons for which the cadets of the Royal Military College are excited to start the academic year. The beginning of a new year means we are all one step closer to becoming the officers that we have all enrolled to be. A few conversations with RMC candidates can offer us all a little bit of perspective.

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Ex-Cadet “Mom” Remembers…

“Karl’s entry into the college was rather different than mine (29 years earlier):

Under cover of darkness, we were driven (used to be a road there) in through the Arch in a Canadian Forces school-style bus (a “pickle”), having just flown Vancouver-Trenton via 707. It certainly wasn’t a public event and there were no anxious/proud or teary parents. When the kit bags started flying off the back of the bus, the screaming by scarlet-clad fourth years commenced: “6 Sqn over HERE! MOVE, Recruit! Panic, Rook, PANIC!” Then, as we stood shivering on the parade square, most of us holding the wrong luggage, I heard this intermittent, ghostly moan. I was completely freaked out for a week until another cadet finally informed me that it was just cars crossing the causeway.

Seeing my son enter the college has brought out many memories. The neatest thing of all is that my class 25th reunion will coincide with Karl running the obstacle course and joining the Wing. Very cool indeed.”

15566 Helga Grodzinski – RMC Entry Year 1982

Senior Cadets Take Charge!

By: 25337 Chris Manning – Cadet Wing Public Information Officer (CWPIO)

Though the arrival of the majority of the cadet wing was this past weekend, there has been a group of nearly 200 cadets who have been hard at work for a week already. These cadets have been engaged in the barmen workshop, with the development of the skills necessary to lead in the dynamic environment that RMC presents as its goal.

The cadet leadership focused on a wide variety of issues that affect the daily lives of the entire cadet wing. Some example topics included harassment training sessions and information sessions on the College Training Plan, a document which governs the requirements of the RMC program.

Among the many presenters was the Director of Cadets, Lieutenant Colonel Susan Wigg, who constantly shared her perspective on leadership with the bar slate candidates. Other presenters included members of the Training Wing Staff, Athletics Department staff, to add to the Squadron and Division Commanders who were present to impart their knowledge on the cadet wing.

A notable new development in this year’s workshop was syndicate work, which was comprised of scenarios developed to test and promote critical thinking amongst the prospective leaders. This component presented several of the leadership challenges that senior cadets will meet in the carrying out of their duties.

Overall, the bar slate workshop provided the necessary information to send the new bar slate into the upcoming academic year with the tools to lead the wing. This workshop stressed responsibility and accountability in leadership as the cadets prepare to grapple with the difficult training challenges that will exist as future officers in the Canadian Forces.

Photos by: Alex Zaporzan

Caption: Cadets Eager to Lead – This past week the RMC Training Wing delivered the bar-person workshop to the Cadet Wing bar slate — CWC to Section Commander — with the intent of preparing cadet-leadership for the semester to come. This occurred in the form of briefings, group-discussions and practical exercises. Key points stressed within ranged from CF ethics, accountability, and the responsibility and courage for bar-persons to maintain an open dialogue with the Training Wing for the betterment of the College.

With First Year Orientation Period (FYOP) now in full-swing, and most of the Cadet Wing returned, the year has begun, and no doubt these coming months will be a test of the cadet-leadership in demonstrating a commitment to the material imparted this past week

12192 Lieutenant-General Tom Lawson, a Canadian Forces officer, takes over deputy’s position at NORAD

Article

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Brantford’s Afghan connection

“We have everything from spare parts for vehicles, electronic equipment, weaponry, desks as well as pharmaceutical supplies. “Like I said, it’s like moving a small city.”

22425 Brandon Sing  Source

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8Wing: exactly where Colonel Sean Friday wants to be

“I’ll work very closely with my COs, WOs and branch advisers to monitor and to advise me, ‘This is how far we can go before things break,’” he said. Then when people need relief, they’ll find a way to respond.

“It’s a lot like changing the wheels on a bus while you’re driving down the road,”

16854 Sean Friday Source

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Door gunners protect soldiers

“The insurgents are exceptionally fearful of the Griffon’s escort capabilities, given the awesome weapons and door gunners on board.”

16888 Al Meinzinger  Source

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Athabasca Uranium Appoints Nuclear Energy and Uranium Expert 6480 Thomas S. Drolet to Advisory Committee

“Despite the events in Japan earlier this year, I am extremely bullish on the nuclear energy sector. That continuing enthusiasm is based on my profound belief in the need for balance in the world’s electricity supply system and the need for more baseload power supply for the increasingly electricity-driven energy future that I see.

I truly look forward to helping Athabasca Uranium achieve its goals. With its extensive land position in the heart of Canada’s uranium sweet spot, UAX’s exploration and global opportunities in uranium are unbounded.”

6480 Thomas S. Drolet Source

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10218 Paul Crober completed his time at Joint Task Force Games (JTFG) during the actual Olympics and Paralympics as Chief of Staff to RAdm Tyrone Pile.

Just prior to the Games he was informed by Commander Canada Command that he was to be presented with the Officer level of the OMM, which did occur in December 2010 at Govt House.

Paul had just retired the month prior — after over 42 years of service in the Reserves and Regular Force.

The best move he ever made was to take up the previous Admiral’s request to become the initial planning officer for the Games in Joint Task Force Pacific (before the creation of JTFG), having put in about 9 years provincially/federally in emergency management leadership positions after departing the Regular Force as a LCol in 1997.

To top it off (his rather disjointed career, that is), Paul was about to attend, as a retiree, the Depart with Dignity of one of the JTFG senior officers at the Esquimalt Wardroom in June, when he was informed the day prior to be there earlier — since they had just learned that Paul was to be awarded the CDS Commendation(!) — apparently awarded for his work within JTFG but more specifically because of his position as the chief liaison between the CF and VANOC before/during/after the Games.

Whatever doubts Paul had about leaving a perfectly good Director’s position in the Federal Public Service in 2006 to become a full-time officer again after a 9 year absence had fairly well dissipated as the Games wound up. Those doubts completely vanished in a twinkling when that CDS Commendation came his way.

Paul is  about to turn 60 in less than a couple of weeks and he has ended his rather stop/start career on a high note. He is so very grateful for the opportunity to have done so and, most importantly, to have served with such an incredibly talented group of superiors, peers and subordinates from the RCN, The Cdn Army and the RCAF — the nature of whom were a major factor in how successful the CF “Olympic” mission was last year.

As a last comment — Paul was not what one would call a great student at RRMC/RMC. Having said that, the lessons that those institutions imbued in him remained throughout his entire career (and also during his time as a provincial and federal manager), culminating in ways too numerous to list during the preparation for the Olympics. Paul continues to be grateul that he attended RRMC and RMC instead of one of the three universities in Ontario he had been accepted at (way back in 1970).

The training, education, discipline, etc offered by RRMC/RMC were instrumental in his successes — whether he knew that decades ago — or not.

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14481 Dr. Linda Newton (RMC 1984) has moved to London, England with her husband (13898) Maj Keith Laughton who has been posted on exchange to the UK Ministry of Defence for three years. Although she is now across the pond, she remains an Adjunct Professor at Carleton University and is still employed with Defence Construction Canada (DCC) part time whilst in the UK. She has since established the first DCC “satellite” office in London from her 2nd floor office at her house in Ealing. She wants everyone to know that the recent London riots had nothing to do with her & Keith’s arrival!

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Alex Morrison Heading Back to Cornwallis From Royal Roads

Alex Morrison and wife Elizabeth attended the Commandant change of command parade at RMC last month. He has been on the move a lot over since the Spring. He isn’t slowing down.

A few months ago, they had a very good visit with General Tremblay in Fort Lewis, Washington and were well briefed by him and his staff on military activities at the large Army and Air force base.

Alex’s extended contract here at Royal Roads University came to an end on the 26th Aug.

He and Elizabeth, with their dog Magic, will be motoring all the way across the country to their home in Cornwallis, NS. Before reaching home, they will be stopping in various places to visit relatives and friends. They will be in Cape Breton on 9-11 Sep for the annual reunion of the Cape Breton Highlanders.

CBH veteran Ted Slaney and Alex wrote The Breed of Manly Men: The History of the Cape Breton Highlanders And each of them served as Honorary Colonel. Thus they are especially looking forward to this reunion as the CBH name has recently been revived and there will be a special rebadging ceremony.

Alex concluded, “We enjoyed being out here on this coast for the last 15 months and seeing the great job all the folks at Royal Roads University are doing to maintain excellent relations with Royal Roads Military College graduates. I also had a chance to attend some of the Ex-Cadet Club gatherings and to renew old friendships as well as meet new folks.”

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Journey to Turkey, Greece and Israel

As they have done several times before, next April our Club Chaplain, #8457 Rev. Paul Robinson (RMC 1971) and his wife Carol will be leading another exciting trip to the Middle East, this time to Turkey, Greece and Israel.

They will be flying Air Canada from Toronto to Istanbul on Tue, April 10, eventually returning on Air Canada non-stop from Tel Aviv to Toronto on Mon, April 23.

Highlights include:

• Ø the Acropolis and Mars Hill in Athens
• Ø the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar & Yerebatan Cisterns in Istanbul
• Ø the cities of the Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey – including Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Corinth, Ephesus
• Ø five of the seven churches named in the book of Revelation
• Ø the Dardanelles & Gallipoli
• Ø the Meteora Monasteries and ancient Delphi
• Ø sailing on the Bosphorus and the Sea of Galilee
• Ø Tiberias, Capernaum and Beit Shean archaeological excavation
• Ø Jerusalem & the Mount of Beatitudes
• Ø the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed a crippled man
• Ø the dungeon in Caiaphas’ House where Jesus likely spent his last night
• Ø the Via Dolorosa, Gethsemane and the Garden Tomb (where we will have communion)

Paul and Carol maintain that their guide, Micha, who has guided on previous tours, is the very best in Israel, having been named “Guide of the Year” out of 3,600 guides! Micha recently conducted a personal tour for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his wife. A PhD archaeologist, Micha is credited with finding the first extra-biblical evidence for the existence of Pontius Pilate.

Cost for the trip including flights, meals and accommodations, as well as ALL TAXES AND tips is $4,730 (CAD). If you would like to know more about this trip, you can email Paul at pastorpaul@xplornet.com. Or catch him at Reunion Weekend!

The crew from 2006 With “The Major”

BLURB FROM THE BOURGEOIS, 8788 GEOFF BENNETT:

In late September fifteen Ex-Cadets will paddle a voyageur canoe from Ottawa to Kingston, arriving just in time for the RMC Foundation Legacy Dinner. Raising and lowering their paddles over 100,000 times, they literally pull their own weight while raising funds for athletics. Costs are borne by the crew, including three tables at the Legacy Dinner and substantial donations to Friends of the Rideau and the Rideau Roundtable.

They call themselves “maudites” after the strong Quebec brew of the same name, reminiscent of the voyageur era and the ancient legend of the flying canoe, “la chasse-galerie.” In a tribute this year to west coast tradition, the paddles have been designed by Kwagi-ulth artist Jason Hunt. An orca, wolf and eagle honour the navy, army and air force.

Three previous voyages raised a total of $200,000 for athletics at RMC. Donations have doubled with each trip, from $28,000 in 2000, $57,000 in 2001, to $115,000 in 2006. The funds raised in 2006 were committed to the Danny McLeod Athletic Endowment Fund in honour of one of our most well-known sports personalities. This fund supports the entire spectrum of varsity athletics at RMC. The balance at the end of 2010 stood at $142,000. If the sun shines and “the creek don’t rise” the paddlers aim to get the fund above $200,000 this year.

Give athletics a boost and give the “Maj” a 90th birthday present – pledge a paddler now and pay later! Pick your favourite from the photo gallery on the RMC Foundation website . You may also make a pledge or tax-deductible donation by calling Jennifer Jordan at 1-888-386-3762.

“Logo courtesy of Sleeman/Unibroue”

Class of 1960 4815 Mike Jackson

Class of 1960 H4860 John de Chastelain

Class of 1963 5893 Tom Gee

Class of 1968 H7543 Joe Day

Class of 1971 8684 Peter Holt

Class of 1971 8725 Fergus McLaughlin

Class of 1971 8788 Geoff Bennett

Class of 1971 8816 Marius Grinius

Class of 1971 8833 John Leggat

Class of 1971 8926 Ray Hook

Class of 1972 9143 Bruce McAlpine

Class of 1983 M0288 Roxanne Rees

Class of 1986 15414 Catherine Paquet-Rivard

Class of 1997 20800 Cindy McAlpine

Class of 2002 22461 Claire Bramma

9318 Dave Bindernagal and 3237 John Mothersill display the mace used in convocation for Royal Roads Military College. The mace will be on display at Royal Roads University to pay tribute to the campus’ history.  Full article

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Tracing a series of Memory BC archives for references to the Military Colleges

Researched by E3161 Victoria Edwards

In 1941, HMCS Royal Roads was commissioned for the training of volunteer reserve naval officers. In 1942 it became the Royal Canadian Naval College.

Edward A.E. Nixon was the Commanding Officer for the Royal Canadian Naval College in Kingston and Esquimalt, 1917-1922.

The Nixon family fonds at the Maritime Museum of British Columbia includes photographs of sports activities at the Royal Naval College of Canada. The CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum archives includes 14 photographs of graduating officers of the Royal Naval College of Canada (1913-1922) and HMCS Stone Frigate (1940).

Commander W.B.L. Holms’s fonds at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum consists of photographs documenting officer training at HMCS Stone Frigate, Kingston, Ontario, and collected historical photographs.

Bent Gestur Sivertz’s fonds at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum consists of 45 photographs of graduating classes and memorabilitia relating to the officer training school HMCS Stone Frigate (1940-). Silvertz attended the officer training school at HMCS Stone Frigate in Kingston, Ontario, and was appointed as assistant instructor of navigation at the school in 1940.

In 1968, Royal Canadian Naval College was renamed Royal Roads Military College.

In 1994 the Federal Government announced the impending closure of Royal Roads Military College. In Jan.1995, Dan Miller, B.C. Minister of Skills, Training and Labour, established an advisory panel on Royal Roads to assess proposals for its future.

David Strong appointed Trevor Matthews as Special Advisor to the President to oversee the production of the “Proposal from the University of Victoria to the Advisory Panel on the Future of Royal Roads.” After the rejection of the UVic proposal, Matthews continued as coordinator for The Royal Roads Implementation Group in the transition to Royal Roads University.

The University of Victoria Archives documents the transition of Royal Roads Military College into Royal Roads University and the input of UVic in this process with memos, correspondence, clippings, press releases and reports.

http://memorybc.ca/royal-roads-military-college-collection

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The RMC women’s varsity soccer team hosted two soccer clinics for local children at the College on August 22, 2011. The first session was a soccer clinic with two busloads of kids from the local Boys and Girls Club of Kingston.

Over sixty kids enjoyed different relay races and a number of games of frozen tag before putting their skills to the test in scrimmages on three mini fields. The second half of the day was put on for sixty kids, many from the Cataraqui Clippers rep team.

This event had six stations including accuracy shooting, hardest shot, goalkeeping, speed dribbling, technique dribbling and passing.  Source

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A Glimpse into Varsity: Challenges Faced by Coaches and Players Alike

By: 25104 Cassandra White

Being accepted into RMC is something that people are proud of given the many factors that are considered in one’s acceptance into the college. It is not an easy feat to enter into this institution and walk through the Arch. Coaches who run the varsity teams here at RMC face extraordinary challenges in attracting and then retaining the athletes that make it through the difficult acceptance process. Upon speaking to James Bambury, head coach of the Women’s Varsity Basketball program, I was able to get a small glimpse of the hurdles these coaches work through in developing their respective programs.

One of the main issues that pose a challenge to coaches who are recruiting athletes is that they are looking for individuals who are not merely athletes, but people who have the potential to be leaders in the Canadian forces and who happen to excel in their sport. This can pose to be a problem as the pool of people has significantly shrunken. Furthermore, once a promising candidate for the college is found, the inability to give guarantees of their acceptance and future at the college is something that coaches at a civilian university do not have to deal with. This makes writing letters of intent to athletes relatively impossible. Coaches are however permitted to help with the application process and in preparation for the recruitment centre interview. The uncertainty of acceptance that is presented to a promising candidate for RMC is unfortunately a deterrent. One must understand that the qualities that make the candidate a good choice for RMC also makes them attractive to other universities. These other universities, unlike RMC, are equipped with the ability to deliver a more certain answer to the athletes’ concern over acceptance into the institution, and are therefore a major competitor in attracting young and well-rounded athletes.

When asked his opinion of the affects that RMC inflicts upon the retention of athletes as compared to a civilian university, Coach Bambury had an eloquent and refreshing response: “I think there are definitely difficulties that we will come across here at RMC as opposed to another university, and the difficulties would be centered around the added time consumption from military and academic activities. Where you have less time to finish homework, less time to decompress, less time in general, and therefore there happens to be more difficulties in terms of time management and life balance. I think the differences do not lead to us not being able to compete, where the differences lie is in the ability to manage the three most significant things in your life: academic commitments and military as number 1, your health and your family as number 2, basketball as 3. I believe the commitment that it takes for a cadet to not allow anything to come between those three things is something to be recognized and applauded. I think the turn over in players is a result of there being so many demands jam packed into the life of a cadet here at RMC, and the extreme difficulty found in balancing and maintaining those three priorities. Whereas at a civilian university there is less pressure, so if something falls in between those 3 priorities it is less of a big deal because you have more time to make up for interruptions in life. At RMC that time is not as readily available.”

Although there are unique challenges presented in developing and competing in a varsity program here at RMC, if the athletes are asked whether or not it is worth it to be part of their programs, many, if not all, would definitely agree. The positive influence that the varsity experience has on a Cadet is something to be treasured. Not every day at practice will feel joyous, nor will ever road-trip be a walk through the daisies, but, when it is over, every day spent on the courts, ice, or field will be missed. Enjoy it while you can.

Support your peers in their upcoming seasons! It is appreciated!

A Farewell and Thanks to Coach Jen Donofrio

By: 25104 Cassandra White

The RMC experience is filled with people from all aspects of the College attempting, and sometimes succeeding, in influencing the development of the Cadets in a way that, hopefully, prepares them for a position of leadership. In my experience, and the experience of many others, the Varsity coaches have had one of the most influential impacts on the Cadet life. I would like to take this time to show a sincere appreciation for the devotion and care that a retiring RMC coach and player has demonstrated towards some lucky lady cadets here at the college.

Jen Donofrio, of the RMC Women’s Varsity Basketball program, is a player, coach, role model, and friend to the ladies who participate in this blossoming program. Jen contributed to the significant growth of the program by being one of the most valuable players to ever come through the doors of the SAM gym to practice and play on our courts, a direct result of the hard work she poured into her performance and the program.

Not only did Jen play her five years of eligibility here at RMC, she continued to be a vital member of the program by becoming an assistant coach for the team following her graduation from her studies. Although she was a player just a year prior to becoming a coach, the polished leadership skills that Jen consistently demonstrated allowed for a smooth transition into her position as coach. Her community involvement was unparalleled as she coached for a local basketball club, the Kingston Impact, for two years, and ran large junior sessions twice weekly to further develop the community’s players. Jen was, and still is, an amazing role model for the many players she coached and played along side of. We, as members of the Women’s Basketball program, would like to extend our thank you to Jen as she moves forward in her new career in Olds, Alberta and remind her that her contributions are priceless and unforgettable. We are so lucky to have such a valued member of the RMC alumni support us in our journey forward.

Thanks Jen and good luck!

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Rugby’s own version of “Black Monday”

By: 25104 Cassandra White

Is anyone familiar with the term “Black Monday” in regards to RMC? Well, lately it has been used as a nickname for the first day of the annual RMC Men’s Varsity Rugby camp. While most of us (those who weren’t lucky enough to be called up for the infinitely interesting Barmen workshop) are enjoying our last few days spent at the cottage, or at home enjoying Mom’s cooking and legitimate Internet connections, the rugby boys are hitting the fields for an intense few days of practice. For an insider’s look into “Black Monday” and the training camp that these guys endure, I have contacted Justin Sim, a Fourth Year from 2 Squadron, to catch a glimpse of what it is like to be called back early for Training Camp.

When the term “Black Monday” began being used for the first day of training camp, it was meant to allude to the grueling physical demands that the rugby players face in the two-week camp period. Many of the players, having just been freed from their luxury tents in Gagetown, find their rugby fitness may have fallen over the course of army training. So, when faced with typically a two-week period of three practices a day, the immediate future seems a little bleak…

This year the focus of training camp has shifted slightly. Usually the beginning of camp is quite physical with many hitting and tackling sessions; however, this year there is less of that as season is starting quite soon with the game versus Concordia University next Friday. Due to the season’s jumpstart, training camp is now much more focused on tactics and game preparation. Likewise, the Barslate workshop unfortunately resulted in 21 of the players being absent from camp, directly affecting the team’s training.

The future of RMC Rugby is looking bright with a promising amount of player continuity. With the loss of four Fourth Years last year, and only four more at the end of this season, RMC Rugby is blessed with player consistency for the seasons to come. Furthermore, with the addition of several new coaches to the team, Capt. Moburn who is a Masters student from 3PPCLI, Capt. Mel Parker from JSR, and Cam Grace hailing from Australia, the future of this enormous team is looking a lot more enjoyable than Monday’s practice.

Wish the boys luck in their game versus Concordia on 02 Sept 2011 here at RMC fields at 17h00!

CMR sur la rivière Cataraqui

par: 25285 Elof (IV) Chris Bouwman

Pendant l’été à Kingston, certains membres du club de l’aviron du CMR avaient l’occasion de s’entraîner à l’aviron. Aspm Jessup, Aspm Reece, Élof Bouwman, Élof Rathbone, et Élof Garton ont formé un équipage d’un barreur et quatre coéquipiers dans une embarcation (on appelle cela une embarcation quatre barré). Comme barreur, l’Élof Garton s’assied à l’avant du bateau et elle dirige l’embarcation, donne la cadence, et motive les rameurs.

Les fins de semaines de cette été,  Élof Gardner et Aspm Pynn ramaient une embarcation ‘’double scull’’ sans barreur. Cet  automne le club aimerait former une équipe féminine aussi.

Cinq matins par semaine, nous nous sommes rencontrés à 05h 45 au quai du HMCS Cataraqui. Après le lancement de l’embarcation, notre entraineur, Ryan Slate, nous suivait dans un bateau à moteur. Il nous donnait des conseils afin d’améliorer notre technique, et il nous expliquait l’entrainement du matin. La plus part du temps nous allions vers le nord, parfois jusqu’aux écluses juste dépassé l’autoroute 401. Quand le lac était  calme, on allait à Navy Bay et autour de l’île Cedar. Le vendredi matin, nous mettions en pratique tout ce que nous avions appris lors d’une course de 2000 mètres  contre l’horloge.

L’après-midi, nous faisions de l’ entrainement de force au gym ou de l’entrainement cardio-vasculaire, que ce soit de la natation, du vélo, ou de la course. Parfois, le mauvais temps nous forçait  de faire l’entrainement avec des ergomètres (machines à ramer) au gym.

Le club de l’aviron de CMR s’est formé l’année passée et depuis ce temps-là, le club a fait beaucoup de choses. En septembre 2010, nous avons fait une compétition dans une embarcation huit barré et une embarcation à deux sans barreur à la course de 5 kilomètres sur la rivière Outauais. En octobre 2010, nous sommes allés à St Catherines pour faire une compétition dans une embarcation huit barré, quatre barré, et deux sans barreur à la course de 2000 mètres. Pendant l’hiver, les rameurs de CMR ont continué  à s’entrainer dans la salle de musculation et sur les ergomètres afin de préparer pour les Championnats Canadiens de l’aviron à l’intérieur (Canadian Indoor Rowing Championships) en février. Des rameurs de partout au Canada ont fait une course de 2000 mètres sur un ergomètre. Même certaines rameuses de l’équipe nationale féminine du Canada ont participé à cet événement.

Avec l’arrivée du printemps, le club a accueilli  plusieurs nouveaux membres et même quelques nouveaux bateaux. Grâce au financement des fonds non-publics du CMR, le club a pu acheter toute une nouvelle embarcation huit barré, une huit barré plus vielle, mais toujours rapide, et une remorque. Cela nous a permis de déménager au quai du HMCS Cataraqui, et pour la première fois, d’être complètement indépendant du club de l’aviron de Kingston. Désormais, tous nos frais de club  sont resté avec le club du CMR afin de payer les coûts d’enregistrement, réparations, et frais de déplacement. Ainsi, les membres du club ont payé eux-mêmes pour améliorer le fonctionnement de l’embarcation quatre barré.  À l’exception de la nouvelle embarcation et la remorque, l’ensemble de notre équipement est d’au moins 12 ans. Notre prochain achat sera des nouvelles rames parce que nos rames actuelles sont devenues trop flexibles, et certaines sont brisées.

Dès le début, le club vise a former un équipage interuniversitaire afin de gagner une médaille OUA (Ontario University Athletics) au Championnat universitaire canadien de l’aviron. Du moment où les élèves-officiers retourneront au CMR en septembre, la  sélection des membres commencera. Pour avoir une place dans une embarcation compétitive, les membres du club de l’aviron doivent subir des épreuves  d’ ergomètre de 2000 mètres et 6000 mètres. Les rameurs compétitifs peuvent s’attendre à au moins 5 pratiques le matin et à 3 en après-midi par semaine.

Pour ceux qui aiment faire de l’aviron comme loisir exigeant et pour rester en forme, il y aura aussi des équipages non-compétitifs entrainés  par un autre entraineur. Dans les années suivantes, ceux qui auraient fait de l’aviron au niveau non-compétitif la saison précédente, pourront être sélectionnés pour l’équipage compétitif. En plus, on cherche toujours des élèves-officiers qui ont déjà fait de l’aviron pendant l’école secondaire pour augmenter le niveau d’expérience dans nos équipages compétitifs.

Après avoir formé un équipage, les rameurs du CMR s’attendent à assister à quatre compétitions cet automne : Head of the Rideau à Ottawa, Head of the Charles à Boston aux États-Unis, Brock Invitational à St. Catherines, et le dernier, le plus important: le Championnat universitaire canadien de l’aviron, aussi à St Catherines. Nous ferons participer  un équipage de huit hommes, qui fera une compétition de huit barré, de quatre barré, de deux sans barreur, et finalement, une skiff (un rameur seul). Nous espérons aussi avoir un équipage féminin, qui fera une compétition de quatre barré, et de deux sans barreur. Le club enverra aussi un équipage débutant dans une embarcation huit barré.

WHO AM I?

• He has over 40 years of International experience in Engineering, Business Development, Project Management, and complex system design and delivery.

• Joined the RCAF as a Radio Technician 221.

• He is a graduate of CMR under the UTPNCM program (University Training Plan for Non Commission Members) where he obtained a BSc in Physics from Sherbrooke University, and a graduate of Concordia University with a Masters in Engineering.

• Posting s included: CFS Senneterre, Lahr, Trenton, Greenwood, Canadian Staff College in Toronto, & NDHQ/DGCEEM.

• Following his CF career, joined MacDonald Dettwiler & Associate (MDA) in Ottawa and Richmond British Columbia.

• Two years following CF retirement he was recruited by Alcatel Transport Automation Systems.

• He later joined Bombardier Transportation as Vice President of Project Management and Railway Signaling; was eventually was promoted to an executive position located in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

• Following retirement from Bombardier established his own consulting firm offering International consulting services to large and small scale organizations in Project Management, Portfolio Management, Engineering and Engineering Management, Marketing and Sales domain.

• He is the holder of the Canadian Governor General Medal, Canadian Decoration, and has received many distinctions, underlying his passion for business, and enthusiasm to superior leadership.

• He is proud of his military origins and as a UTPNCM he stayed connected throughout his career to this great program.

Who Is He?

M 78 Brian Cooper;

M23 Andre Laliberte;

M58 Marc Drolet; or

M151 Art Vandale

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REUNION WEEKENDS’ POSTERS – RMCSJ & RMCC

ROYAL ROADS REUNION 2011

Birchall Leadership & Yellow Ribbon Dinner 2011

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Running for Mic in the Army Run

For the third year in a row, friends and family of the late Major Michelle Mendes will be running the Army Run (18 Sept 2011) in her honour. We ask for your support as we raise money for the Michelle Mendes Fund through the RMC Foundation. Money from the Fund will be used to support the RMC Nijmegen March Teams.

You can donate online by going to the following link https://www.rmcclubfoundation.ca/HowYouCanHelp/DonationFormsAssistance/DonationForm/tabid/90/FormMode/3/Default.aspx and selecting “Michelle Mendes Fund”. If you wish to make a cash or cheque donation, please contact us at christine.powers@rmc.ca or melissa.radford@parl.gc.ca

Each year those running in Mic’s memory get together before the race so if you are running in this event and want to support the cause, please contact us.

Thanks for your support and hope to see you on September 18th!

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Photo by: Alex Zaporzan

EX-CADET WEEKEND FUN RUN

This year’s ex-cadet weekend will include a sports event with a different twist to it. Ex-cadets and members of the cadet wing are invited to join several members of Old Brigade in a run around Fort Henry – in essence a re-creation of the Cadet Wing Harriers Race including members of all elements of the college student body, past and present.

The idea started with an ex-cadet who is entering the Old Brigade this year, 6891 LCOL (Ret’d) Bill Aikman, who in the mid-60s was a member of the RMC Harriers team. He has always had the goal of re-running the Cadet Wing Harriers Race on the day he entered the Old Brigade. He has convinced two of his comrades to join him, and their target is to do the run this year. The plan is to start from the College Parade Square at 1400 hours on Saturday, October 1, and run completely around the Fort Henry Hill before returning to the parade square with smiles on their faces.

Ex-cadets of the other classes having reunions this year are invited to join them for the run. And, of course, any present-day cadets are welcome too. It is also hoped that members of the college’s Harriers team will participate. If the younger groups want to make a bit of a race of it, they are welcome to do so, but the Old Brigade members will not be racing – a reasonably fast completion of the approximately five-kilometre run will be reward enough.

With the completion of the run, all participants will be invited to adjourn to a nearby location to quench their thirst and celebrate the comradeship that is such a part of the college experience.

Any ex-cadets interested in participating in the run are invited to contact Bill Aikman at baikman@rocketmail.com to confirm arrangements. And if any of the other ex-cadet classes who will be at RMC for their reunion this year wish to gather a group together for the run, that would be great as well. Just please advise Bill Aikman so that overall numbers can be planned for.

For anyone presently at the college who would like to join us, please call Trevor Davies or Douglas Poucher at their college phone numbers/e-mail addresses to register/confirm arrangements.

6891 Bill Aikman

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2646 NEWTON, LT. COL. RONALD EARDLEY – C.D. BSC (Military), retired, RMC 2646. Served in England, Sicily, Italy and Palestine 1939-1945. Squadron Commander LdSH (RC) 1951. Resident Staff Officer University of New Brunswick 1952. Chief Instructor, Second in Command JABC school, CFB Borden 1961. Served as a Peacekeeper in the Middle East (UNTSO) 1964. SHAPE Headquarters Casteau, Belgium 1968. Upon retirement from the military in 1970, became head of personnel and security at Connaught Medical Research, retiring in 1980. Peacefully at Peterborough Regional Health Center on Wednesday, August 24, 2011. Ron Newton of Peterborough, formerly of Oakville in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of Beatrice (Moreau). Dear father of Jim Newton of Peterborough. Private family arrangements have been entrusted to COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL HOME. If desired condolences to the family and donations to the Canadian Red Cross or the Salvation Army may be made at www.CommunityAlternative.ca or by calling Community Alternative Funeral Home at 705-742-1875.  Source

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