Archive for December, 2011

In This Issue 48

Posted by rmcclub on 20th December 2011

Cadets Set to Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro

Next week, 27 December, the RMCC Expedition Club will embark on its maiden mission: the 2011/12 Kilimanjaro Expedition. The team of 10 cadets is set to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania via the hardest route in the shortest time possible with zero reliance on porters or man-made infrastructure. The Club will also participate in educational tours in Kenya and Rwanda in order to gain first-hand knowledge on the effects of poverty, poaching, tribal conflict and child soldiering.

This mission is complemented by its smart humanitarian fundraising component, the establishment of the Summit Scholarship in partnership with Child Soldiers Initiative founded by RMCC-graduate LGen (Ret) Romeo Dallaire. The scholarship of $20,000 will allow a former child soldier to study at a Canadian university as part of his/her rehabilitation and reintegration program. Fundraising efforts, including a 5k run, silents auctions, hockey tournament, pub nights and noteworthy private donations, have been very successful and the $20,000 objective is very close to being met with the scholarship finalization date in late January 2012.

With every “pre-deployment” precaution in place during planning and preparation phases, the Expedition Club will be raising the RMCC flag at the top of Africa on 06 Jan 2012. Best of luck to the team! Team bios

For more info, visit the Club’s website.

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IN THIS ISSUE 48:

Staying Relevant & 2011 – The Year of Change – Looking Ahead

The “M” is Definitely Back

The Week That Was…& More

Catching Up With the News / We get emails

Weeks 15 & 16 – First Year @ RMC–1949 Very rushed getting away. I’ve gained 15 lbs and am now 165 lbs

Deaths | Décès

January 2011 In Review

February 2011 In Review

March 2011 In Review

April 2011 In Review

May 2011 In Review

June / July / August 2011 in Review

September 2011 In Review

October / November / December 2011 In Review

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Fan Bus for West Point trip 3 – 5 Feb cancelled –

We have shut-down our plans to coordinate a Fan Bus for the 4 Feb hockey game at West Point. A contract for over $4,200.00 was required to reserve the bus; to hold 25 motel rooms, confirmation would be required prior to 4 Jan. As of 20 Dec we only had a total of 10 people who had expressed interest. We wish the team much success as this hockey series resumes after a long abscence. Previous notice on the proposed trip

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Panet House – Gift Shop Closed from 23 Dec noon to 9 Jan;

Staff will be available for other business transactions 28 – 30 Dec (noon); 3 – 6 Jan.

Donations to the Foundation at: http://www.rmcclubfoundation.ca/WaysofGiving/DonationFormsAssistance/tabid/79/language/en-US/Default.aspx

Check out the Club Web site

Check out the Foundation Web site

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Staying Relevant & 2011 – The Year of Change – Looking Ahead

Posted by rmcclub on 20th December 2011

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Final Word for 2011

As 2011 draws to a close, the inevitable reflection on our 6th year of producing e-Veritas brings forth a certain satisfaction at surviving the tough challenges that are involved in keeping relevant on a consistent basis to our core readers. Since our inaugural year – 2005 we have published 285 editions – averaging 50 per year for the past three.

In taking stock of the past 12 months, we are, more than ever, confronted with the inescapable reality that no amount of hard work could replace the myriad of relationships that support our efforts. It is our extreme good fortune to have a large group of supporters.

This group includes but is not restricted to: Club Executive & Panet House staff; volunteers such as Victoria Edwards and Noelani Shore both supplying us with a steady flow of first-class interesting articles; Public Affairs Officers from both RMCSJ & RMCC – Captains’ Eric Le Marec & Cynthia Kent – who both kept our Inbox pretty full week in and week out. 25337 OCdt Chris Manning, Cadet Wing – I Term, Public Information Officer (CWPIO) set the bar at a new high level which will be a challenge for his successors to match.

Brad Lowe came through again in spades. The CFB (K) photographer never failed in providing timely professional photos – mostly on very short notice!

Two cadets, stepped up in a huge way.

III Year, Curtis Matlock, organized a volunteer team of highly motivated and reliable cadets who keep us abreast of what is going on around the college. The basis of ‘The Week That Was’ comes from his group. Anthony, as he is also known, demonstrated from start to finish that he understands how to get things done. We have implicit faith in his judgment.

II Year, Emily Morgan contributed in many major ways too. Whether it was taking photos, contributing first class articles or handling some of the technical aspects behind the scenes, she can always be counted on to complete the mission in a meticulous and highly professional manner.

Words cannot express our ongoing appreciation for all the contributions we received from so many sources.

Big challenges are expected in 2012. Most of you likely know that there has been a major change ‘at the top’ within the Club leadership; over the past couple of weeks we have a new Web Master too. We are still in the early transitional phases of both and are very confident that the changes will bring positive results.

Our masthead has been updated to better reflect our readership. If you take a peek to the left margin, you will notice our “partners” list has increased. Please support those that you can.

We will continue to look at other opportunities to obtain “partners” similar to what we started with 23 realtors across the country in 2011. If you are coming or going in 2012, we do ask you to give our partners a call before you make your final choice.

We will do our best to ensure that the “other partners ” do not detract from the overall presentation. On occasion we will likely miscue – when we do let us know – like many of you did a couple of months ago.

Our office will be closed for the best part of the next two weeks. While we will be away, we will be checking e-mail periodically.

For those who like us who celebrate the birth of Christ – Merry Christmas. To the rest – Happy Holidays!

We look forward to renewed contact early in the New Year.

Bill & Rolande Oliver

Message de fin d’année 2011

Comme l’année 2011 tire à sa fin, une réflexion inévitable s’impose quant à la 6e année de production de e-Veritas qui fait naître un sentiment de fierté d’avoir survécu aux nombreux défis qui sont inhérents dans la production d’articles pertinents sur une base régulière. Depuis notre première année en 2005, nous avons publié 285 éditions, en moyenne 50 par an pour les trois dernières années.

En dressant le bilan des 12 derniers mois, nous sommes plus que jamais confrontés à la réalité inéluctable que nulle quantité de travail acharné ne pourrait remplacer la myriade de relations qui soutiennent nos efforts. Nous sommes des plus chanceux d’avoir un si grand groupe de supporters.

Ce groupe inclut, mais n’est pas limité à: l’Executif du Club & le personnel de la maison Panet; les volontaires comme Victoria Edwards et Noelani Shore qui rédigent régulièrement des articles de première qualité; les officiers d’affaires publiques du CMRSJ & CMRC – Capt Eric Le Marec & Cynthia Kent – qui ont tous deux maintenu notre boîte de réception pleine semaine après semaine. 25337 Elof Chris Manning, Officier d’Information Publique de l’Escadre (CWPIO) a fixé la barre à un nouveau niveau qui sera difficile à égaler. Brad Lowe fût encore une fois un atout essentiel. Le photographe de la base de Kingston a toujours fourni d’excellentes photos de qualité professionnelle et ceci en respectant de très courts délais. Et deux autres Élofs se sont démarqués de façon significative :

III année, Curtis Matlock, a organisé une équipe de bénévoles très motivés et fiables qui nous tiennent au courant de ce qui se passe au Collège. L’idée de “The Week That Was” nous provient directement de son groupe. Anthony, comme il nous l’a démontré à de nombreuses reprises, sait comment faire bouger les choses. Nous avons foi implicite en son jugement.

II année, Emily Morgan, s’est démarquée de plusieurs façons aussi. Que ce soit en prenant des photos, en rédigeant des articles de première qualité, ou en manipulant habilement les bons éléments derrière en coulisse, on peut toujours compter sur elle pour que la mission soit accomplie de façon méticuleuse et très professionnelle.

Les mots ne peuvent exprimer convenablement le respect et la reconnaissance que nous avons pour tous ceux et celles qui continuent à nous supporter.

Des défis de taille sont attendus en 2012. La plupart d’entre vous savez probablement qu’il ya eu un changement majeur au sein de la direction du Club; au cours des deux dernières semaines, nous avons aussi eu un nouveau Web Master. Nous sommes encore dans les premières phases de transition, mais nous sommes très confiants que les changements apporteront des résultats positifs.

Notre ‘’masthead’’ a aussi été mis à jour pour mieux refléter notre lectorat. Si vous jetez un œil à la marge gauche, vous remarquerez nos que notre liste de partenaires a grandi. S’il vous plaît, aidez ceux que vous pouvez.

Nous allons continuer à examiner d’autres possibilités d’obtenir des partenaires similairement à ce que nous avons commencé avec 23 agents immobiliers à travers le pays en 2011. Si vous pensez déménager en 2012, veuillez téléphoner un de nos partenaires avant de faire votre choix final.

Nous ferons de notre mieux pour assurer que les ‘’autres partenaires’’ ne nuisent pas à la présentation d’ensemble. Au besoin, nous redirigerons le tir – lorsque vous nous le faites savoir – comme beaucoup d’entre vous l’avez fait il y a quelques mois

Nos bureaux seront fermés pour la majeure partie des deux prochaines semaines. Nous vérifierons tout de même nos courriels sur une base régulière.

Pour ceux qui aiment célébrer la naissance de Jésus – Joyeux Noel. Aux autres – Joyeuses Vacances!

Nous avons hâte de vous revoir l’année prochaine!

Bill & Rolande Oliver

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The “M” is Definitely Back

Posted by rmcclub on 20th December 2011

Putting Military Back in the Royal Military College of Canada

Article by 25246, OCdt (IV) Reinthaler

For the past three years the RMCC Sandhurst team has led the Sandhurst intra-mural (IM) program during the fall semester as an introduction to the Sandhurst military skills competition for officer cadets. During the fall IM season each division fields a team of cadets that are selected through a string of tryouts led by veteran RMCC Sandhurst members in early October. Once selection is complete team practices are held every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon immediately after classes. The intent is to mould the teams into cohesive groups with the basic military skills required to complete the RMCC IM Sandhurst competition held in mid-November. This year the IM Sandhurst program appeared the same as compared to previous years, or so I and the other cadets thought. We were wrong: very, very wrong. This year’s RMCC IM Sandhurst competition was one of the toughest and most challenging competitions that I, and the majority of the other participants brave enough to attempt it, have ever faced.

Selections for the Sandhurst IMs teams were held on the Monday immediately following Reunion Weekend. That day, any sane person would have been questioning why RMC’s Inner Field was packed with eager young cadets awaiting to test their metal in a highly demanding and surprising selection process. It is important to note that a mere two days prior many of these cadets had just finished the five weeks of intense training that make up FYOP. The selection process started with a count of the candidates’ maximum push-ups, sit-ups, and pull ups. Each exercise immediately followed the other. We were then told to run up to Fort Henry where we received our next set of instructions. During the whole period we were being hassled by the ever-pleasant support staff who shouted such things as: “you’re going the wrong way,” “run faster,” or “you’re not trying hard enough.” At each station along the way we were given our task and our following destination, there was no mention of how many tasks we would have to complete or how many stations there would be along the way. Finally after over an hour the candidates had run around most of the campus, most likely questioning themselves about what they were getting into, completed squats and push-ups until their limbs felt like they would fall off, carried tires up seven flights of stairs, and wished that they had trained harder and rested more over the weekend. Regardless of how we felt after the tryouts, the Sandhurst veterans liked what they saw and selected their teams accordingly.

The day after tryouts training started immediately for those who had made the four divisional teams. Training over the next several weeks included circuit training, basic military skills training, and pushing personal limits with the ever-cheery motivation of fellow team members and team captains. The circuit training consisted of various exercises such as flipping tractor tires, push ups, sit ups, running, hill sprints (up hills that were originally designed to deter potential attackers) and of course everyone’s favourite: burpees. For the basic military skills component we learnt and practiced first aid, knot tying, wall climbing, constructing rope bridges, and proficiency with the C7 assault rifle. Practices were long and hard, and at many times they seemed to take the fun out of IMs as we could have been playing ball hockey, dodge ball, or water polo.

Persevering in adverse conditions became critical once we learnt that the IM Sandhurst competition was going to be held the Sunday immediately following the annual RMCC Christmas Ball. Much to our dismay the decision was final and there was nothing we could do but soldier on. In addition CMR St-Jean was sending two teams who denied the invite to the Christmas Ball. Going into the competition we had no idea how long it was going to be or how many obstacles we were going to have to complete. Many of the cadets had guessed that the competition was going to be tough, but that it would not take much longer than an hour and a half. Once again we were wrong. The competition area of operations extended from the Point Frederick on the RMC campus to the CFB Kingston base hospital and the 600m range. The fastest time to complete it was 4 hours 15 minutes and 20 seconds. The competition included ten stands, which tested fitness, mental agility, teamwork, and leadership. Each stand was designed to test different skills and together to test the overall preparation and performance of the teams.

Each of the obstacles was a challenge in itself, but lessons were learnt throughout; every obstacle was directly applicable to the profession of arms because they all required planning, competence, and teamwork. Whether it involved rolling a tractor tire down a hill to knock over a tripod made from PT logs or providing first aid to wounded insurgents each stand had the competitors pushing their limits, putting their training into practice, and giving 110%.

Overall the competition hammered home the importance of training and preparation and showed us how far we can push ourselves. Going into the competition we did not know how long it was going to be, how many obstacles we would have to complete, or in what order they would be completed in. During the competition, many of us found ourselves wondering if the pain was ever going to end. Several competitors began to run out of energy and ran on fumes. Some ran through their injuries, others through the knowledge that they should be working on assignments with looming due dates, but we all pushed through. Everybody learnt to find that little switch in the back of their minds that says “quit” and turned it off. We all learnt the value of preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.

Finally, special thanks to all the team captains who made us push ourselves during training because if we had not, we would not have made it through the competition. Even greater thanks are due to all the support staff who organized and supported the training as well as the actual competition by volunteering their time. If not for you, this competition would not have happened and those cadets who ran it would not have learned the lessons that will benefit them as officers. Also, we cannot forget the Christmas Ball dates of those who ran and helped with the competition; thanks for putting up with the early morning wakeup and cheering everybody on.

The results and sub-competition categories:

Overall winner, based on total penalties and time bonuses with all factors considered.

1) RMC D, 4:30:29

2) CMR 2, 4:59:09

3) RMC B, 5:08:13

4) RMC C, 5:15:57

5) CMR 1, 6:39:46

6) RMC A, 6:54:56

Fastest Team, based purely on running time from start to finish.

1) RMC B, 4:15:20

2) RMC A, 4:24:00

3) RMC C, 4:46:03

4) RMC D, 4:53:30

5) CMR 2, 5:05:02

6) CMR 1, 5:51:42

Smartest Team, based on total time bonus from the memory questions at the finish line stand.

1) RMC C, 14min

2) RMC B, 11min30sec

3) CMR 2, 9min

4) RMC A, 8min30 sec

5) RMC D, 8min

6) CMR 1, 7min

Wall Champions, based on time to get the entire team and equipment over the wall.

1) RMC A, 3min59sec

2) CMR 1, 4min42sec

3) CMR 2, 5min54sec

4) RMC B, 5min56sec

5) RMC D, 6min06sec

6) RMC C, 7min59sec

Best Shooters, based on the combined time of the six best shooters on each team.

1) RMC D, 13min38sec (bonus)

2) RMC A, 12min09sec

3) RMC C, 8min48sec

4) RMC B, 5min58sec

5) CMR 2, 4min54sec

6) CMR 1, 22sec

Commandant’s Challenge, based on total time to push the truck the length of the circuit.

1) RMC B, 6min58sec

2) CMR 2, 7min08sec

3) RMC C, 7min52sec

4) CMR 1, 8min29sec

5) RMC A, 10min15sec

6) RMC D, 11min10sec

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The Week That Was…& More

Posted by rmcclub on 20th December 2011

Qu’est-ce qui se passe au CMR Saint-Jean

Photo: Le Sous-lieutenant Eric Dionne, du Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean, a reçu le Médaille du service méritoire de Son Excellence le très honorable David Johnston, à Rideau Hall le 13 décembre dernier. On le voit ici avec ses parents, Son Excellence le très honorable David Johnston et sa conjointe, Lieutenant Julie Rajotte-Caron.

Photo: Second Lieutenant Eric Dionne, from Royal Military College Saint-Jean, received the Meritorious Service Medal from His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, at Rideau Hall on 13 December. We see him here with his parents, His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston and his wife, Lieutenant Julie Rajotte-Caron.

Un militaire du CMR Saint-Jean reçoit la médaille du service méritoire (MSM)

- un article du Capitaine Eric Le Marec, officier d’affaires publiques du CMR Saint-Jean

Le Sous-lieutenant Eric Dionne, du Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean, a reçu le Médaille du service méritoire de Son Excellence le très honorable David Johnston, Gouverneur général et Commandant en chef du Canada, à Rideau Hall le 13 décembre dernier. Cette médaille reconnaît une action militaire qui a été accomplie avec un grand professionnalisme selon les normes très rigoureuses et dont les Forces canadiennes ont tiré des avantages ou des honneurs.

Le Slt Dionne s’est mérité cette distinction alors qu’il était en mission en Afghanistan comme caporal avant de recevoir son brevet d’officier en juillet 2011. Voici le texte qui est a été lu lors de la présentation de sa médaille :

Au cours de son affectation en Afghanistan d’avril à octobre 2009, le Caporal Dionne a joué un rôle de premier plan dans le succès des opérations et le mentorat offert aux soldats afghans. Son courage sous le feu ennemi lors des engagements successifs a aidé ses camarades canadiens et afghans à persévérer. Il a par ailleurs pris l’initiative d’enseigner à ses protégés les tactiques de reconnaissance, l’anglais et les mathématiques. Son leadership, sa détermination et son acuité tactique ont assuré la réussite de la mission, en plus de contribuer à d’importantes améliorations au sein de l’Armée nationale afghane, ce qui a rejailli sur l’Armée canadienne et sur le Canada.

Le Slt Dionne, originaire de Boucherville, est employé au CMR Saint-Jean.

RMC Saint-Jean Military Member Receives Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)

an article from Captain Eric Le Marec, RMC Saint-Jean Public Affairs Officer

Second Lieutenant Eric Dionne, from Royal Military College Saint-Jean, received the Meritorious Service Medal from His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, at Rideau Hall on 13 December. This medal recognizes a military deed or activity performed in a highly professional manner, according to a very high standard that brings benefit or honour to the Canadian Forces.

2Lt Dionne earned this recognition while he was deployed inAfghanistanas a corporal, prior to receiving his Officer Commission in July 2011. Below is the text that was read for the presentation of his medal:

While deployed to Afghanistanfrom April to October 2009, Corporal Dionne was instrumental in successful operations and the mentorship of Afghan soldiers. During repeated engagements, his courage under fire inspired both his Canadian and Afghan comrades to persevere. He also took it upon himself to mentor his protégés in reconnaissance tactics, English-language skills and mathematics. His leadership, tactical acumen and commitment led to the success of the mission and contributed to significant improvements within the Afghan National Army, all of which reflected well on the Canadian Army andCanada.

2Lt Dionne, from Boucherville, is employed at RMC Saint-Jean.

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Christmas Tradition Continues at RMCC

Article & photos by: Captain Cynthia Kent – Public Affairs Officer – Royal Military College of Canada

On Thursday, December 15th a long standing tradition at the Royal Military College of Canada continued with the Non-Commissioned Members Christmas dinner.

After a morning of raucous sporting events with the NCM’s taking on the Officers, the Senior Officers, the Master Warrant Officers and Chief Warrant Officers and Chief Petty Officers served dinner to the NCM’s, ranks from Private to Warrant Officer.

The Commandant, BGen Eric Tremblay and the youngest NCM, Corporal Amanda Carter from CDA, exchanged tunics making Corporal Carter “Commandant d’un jour.”

A delicious meal of turkey and all the trimmings was served and very much enjoyed by all. That was followed by some mingling and good cheer at the Coggins Club.

The aim of the event is to provide some time to sit back and reflect on the accomplishments made throughout the year by the NCMs and to give an opportunity to Senior Staff to express their gratitude for the NCM’s professionalism and dedication.

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Pictured are the Cadets who served and ex Cadets Colonel (Ret’d) the Right ReverandG.L.R. Bruce (6090) Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Wyn van der Schee (6137).

Cadets giving back to the community

Article & photos by: Captain Cynthia Kent – Public Affairs Officer – Royal Military College of Canada

A group of Royal Military College of Canada Cadets got into the Christmas spirit by serving at the St. George’s Cathedral Charitable Lunch Programme’s Christmas lunch. Ten Cadets, along with parish volunteers, served the lunch and cleared the tables for about 75 people. The Cadets participation in the event was organized by two Ex Cadets : Colonel (Ret) the Right ReverandG.L.R. Bruce (6090) and Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret) Wyn van der Schee (6137). St George’s Cathedral operates a lunch programme for needy Kingstonians five days per week year-round. About 50 to 75 people are fed each day. For the past number of years, depending on exam commitments, RMCC Cadets have assisted in serving the Christmas lunch, which is in effect a Christmas dinner.

The Cadets servers were: Matthew Hoffart; Stephanie Pouliot; Melissa McCoy; Aaron Barry; Helen Lin; Josh Bennett; Eric Robb; Jeremy Appolloniand and David Bain.

more…

CADETS SERVE CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Submitted by 6137 Wyn van der Schee

Nine RMC cadets assisted in serving a Christmas meal to some of Kingston’s needy folks at noon on Thursday 15 Dec 11 in the Great Hall of St George’s Cathedral. The meal was prepared by a group of student cooks from the Pittsburgh Institution at Joyceville, assisted by a number of volunteers from the parish. The Christmas meal is an annual event, with RMC cadets serving as their exam schedules permits.

The event is part of a programme called Lunch by George that has been running since 1985. It began modestly with meals prepared at home by volunteers, but has grown over the years to a five-day per week operation, serving coffee at 0900 hrs, followed by soup at 1000 hrs and a full hot meal at 1100 hrs. Clothing and toilet articles are available for those who need them. The programme is funded by generous corporations and individuals, and is in a reasonably stable financial position.

It was heartening to watch the cadets take enthusiastically to both the task and the clients. There were many two-way conversations as the cadets learned something of street life and homeless shelters, and the clients sought to discover who these oddly and more or less uniformly dressed strangers were. The only giveaway was OCdt (I) Hellen Liu, who was dressed in combat clothing because her No. 5 uniform was on back order.

St George’s Cathedral and Outreach St George’s thank the cadets for their generous and enthusiastic participation. x

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Catching Up With the News / We get emails

Posted by rmcclub on 20th December 2011

VI (27 Dec) & Halifax (28 Dec) Meet & Greets

Goal: Fresh Look To Determine the Needs & Satisfaction of Ex Cadets

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Teaching Excellence Award Public Lecture

The Principal and the members of the Class of 1965 would like to invite all members of the RMC community to the Class of 1965 Teaching Excellence Award Public Lecture. This year’s lecture will be given by Dr. Huw Osborne from the English Department, the winner of the Teaching Excellence Award for the last academic year.

The subject of Dr. Osborne’s lecture will be: The Republic of Holborn: The Progressive Bookshop and Literary Culture (1921-1941).

Commandité par la Fondation du Club des CMR du Canada

The event will be held in Currie Hall on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 1800 hrs/La confrérence aura lieu à la salle Currie mercredi le 11 janvier 2012 à 18h00.

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Minister of Veterans Affairs Steven Blaney Honours Peacekeeping Veterans

10588 Wayne MacCulloch

NHL goalie, Alex Auld is the son of 1968 RMC grad 7630 Bob Auld- he was born in Cold Lake while Bob was there in the Air Force.

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We get emails:

Hello Bill, people have accused me of being stuck in the past but the article on the PPT disturbed me a bit in that looking at the stats presented indicates a Male 500 is not the same as a Female 500.

I thought the college had weeded out that sexism. The academics are more straight forward. And then the reporter asked the lady cadet how she felt about being beaten by only two cadets who happened to be IVyr? I think the reporter was trying to emphasize the first yr vs fourth year accomplishment but it only emphasized the male/female performance standards difference, for me anyway.

It seems to me like running a co-ed race like the Wing Harriers and after crossing the finish line first, to be told that you didn’t win because someone a few 100m behind you actually won!

In theory, after commissioning, all new officers will be ‘running’ on a level playing field so why not start during college life. Not being female I do not appreciate the concern they may have being assessed by a lower standard.

‘Glad we didn’t have to deal with that back in the early ’70s.

10231 Lorne Facey

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Ex Cadet Opportunity / X Country Realtors

A tip of the hat to the following members who just recently updated their Club membership status: Chapeau aux membres suivants qui ont tout récemment mis à jour leur adhésion au Club: 3235 Ronald Mann; 2935 David McPherson; 3853 W Neil Russell; 26073 Evan B Fay – Life.

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Weeks 15 & 16 – First Year @ RMC–1949 Very rushed getting away. I’ve gained 15 lbs and am now 165 lbs.

Posted by admin on 20th December 2011

Week 15 at RMC for 3069 W.A. McColl

Dec. 19 – 1949: The Mil. Studies exam wasn’t too bad. Spent the afternoon decorating the gym it is really going to look smart. Had a huge pillow fight with no. 3 sqn, some of the guys got knocked out! Pillow feathers all over the place, had to be cleaned up. Andy rolled in at 2 o’clock very drunk, Buddy had to conk him!

Dec. 20 – 1949: Worked all day on the gym. There’s a fireplace built at one end and now it hardly looks like a gym. Fran arrived OK and stayed at Capt. Gould’s in Hogan’s Alley. We went to a coffee party at Dick Day’s uncle’s. The dance itself was terrific. The RCAF band played for it. Coggins announced the guests. Woody and Dillon got tight and fell asleep in a hotel. They signed in at 0700. Our party had to take up the rug in the reception room and put it back in the officers mess at 0300. Swell day!

Dec. 21 – 1949: Very rushed getting away. I’ve gained 15 lbs and am now 165 lbs. We cleaned up the gym and took down most of the stuff. Our party worked over at the rifle range. Ride back on the train was pretty fair. Smith killed 2 bottles of rum! Dad met us in the new Austin. Fran and I went to Maj.-Gen. Mann’s party at the Royal York. It was some do, we had a swell time. Coates drove us back., A lot of the cadets were there and there were a couple from Royal Roads.

Dec. 23 – 1949: Did little yesterday except loaf around. This morning I went in to Dr. Dempster’s officer. My teeth are OK. Went and saw Fran. Inspected her living room RMC style. She got changed, finally my Christmas shopping time. Took Fran to a show. Helluva hike out here at night.

Week 16

Dec. 25 – 1949: Pat and Kate were up at some unearthly hour opening their presents. Mother, Dad and I went to church. Swell Christmas dinner. Went in to see Fran and we sang carols; she gave me a book.

Dec. 26 – 1949: Dance at the Royal York. Had dinner at Fran’s and went down with Colin and Jean, went to the bloody Lichee Gardens after. Saw some of the Royal Roads fellows at the dance. Recognized some as fellows at Chorley.

Dec. 27 – 1949: Did little all day. Went over to Campbell’s and watched their television set. It was very nice, hard on the eyes. As Mr. Campbell said it: “What a hell of a way to spend an evening!”

Dec. 31 – 1949: Have been sanding the floors these past few days. It is finally done and the final coat is on. The ply wood squares look OK. We went out to the Toronto Ident Club with Andy. Most of the people were quite a bit older than us but Fran and I had a good time.

First – Week 1

Previous – Week 13 & 14

Next – Week 17

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Deaths | Décès

Posted by rmcclub on 20th December 2011

4401 Major (Ret) Stephen Drumheller Werry of Baie Verte NB

Soldier, aviator, mariner, scholar, adventurer.

Steve Werry went to CMR in 1954 as an Army cadet from Toronto and graduated from RMC in 1959 with a BA degree and a Commission in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. He was also a graduate of the Canadian Army Staff College and held a post-graduate degree from Concordia University. He died July 19, 2011 at Moncton NB following a lengthy illness. He is survived by his loving wife Sally M. Scott, brother John and the Drumheller family of the United States.

Steve proudly served a full military career spanning almost 38 years, including assignments with UNOC (Congo), UNEF (Egypt), the School of Signals and Signal units and military HQ in Canada.

Steve’s passion was flying, starting with private lessons while on 3rd phase training attachment at Petawawa. Back at RMC he decided to build a light aerobatic aircraft from a kit, partly built in his room on first floor Fort Lasalle. The machine actually flew – once! It did several cross-country trips in pieces claimed as a bachelor officers’ personal effects on posting – a “personal aircraft”. It is unknown whether the claim was allowed.

His first posting was to flight training at Centralia ON and Rivers MN where he qualified on Chipmunk, L-19 and on the CH112 helicopter. There being no army aviation billets, Steve was posted in 1961 as a Signal Officer in the Congo and then in Egypt; both places allowed his adventurous spirit to blossom. He found aircraft he could hire and obtained private pilot licenses from both the Republic of the Congo and Lebanon. He took cross-country trips along the Congo River and while in the Middle East flew to Cyprus and into Syria. He continued his interest in flying back in Canada and ultimately in 1966 bought his own aircraft, an elderly Cessna 195, with which he traveled extensively in Eastern Canada and the US, Central America and the Caribbean. His adventures in many of these distant places would fill a small novel. He acquired US and Canadian instrument ratings and undertook all the servicing and basic maintenance on the engine, airframe and avionics. Steve flew 1000 hours in that machine but escalating maintenance costs ended his days in the air in 1978.

Complete grounding was never in the cards for Steve. He took up sailing by fitting out a Ketch-rig 44 foot sailboat and for 10 years it moved with him on postings in Ontario and Quebec.

Following retirement from the CF he acquired a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Concordia University and followed his developing interest in Central and South American culture and architecture with extensive travel and study. He occasionally lectured at Concordia and McGill.

His wife Sally Scott was his companion for many sailing expeditions in the Caribbean during the 1990s. He sold that boat in 1999. In 2006 Stephen purchased a Grand Banks trawler in which he and Sally traveled their favorite Caribbean haunts from their home at Baie Verte (an 1860 farmhouse renovation project) up to his last few months before illness claimed his life.

In accordance with Steve’s wishes interment was at the National Military Cemetery, Ottawa in late October 2011.

Submitted by: 4526 Humphrey Sheridan

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Elisabeth Petronella Van Haastrecht (mother of 7076 John & 7821 Peter)

van HAASTRECHT, Elisabeth Petronella – At Good Samaritan Seniors Complex, Alliston, on Sunday, December 18, 2011. Elisabeth van Haastrecht, in her 96th year, beloved wife of the late John Peter Sr. Loving mother of Betty (late Dick) Aldridge, John Peter Jr. and Elizabeth, and Peter and Linda. Loved Oma to Jodi and Marty Morelli, Rick and Kimberly Aldridge, John Peter III and Katrina, Katrina and Kent Turberville, Troy and Joanna, Ché and Pamela and great-Oma to Madelaine, Chase, Ty, Brady, Taylor, Bailey, Chance, Madison, Tessa, Brooke, Ella, Lucius, Bryce, Abigail, May, Luke and Lily. Dear sister of Nellie Poons (Mickey) of Holland and the late Bernardus. Respecting Elisabeth’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A family service will be held at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham, 905-936-3477, 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2011. In lieu of flowers, donations to National Pancreatic Cancer Canada Foundation ( www.pancreaticancer.ca) or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com

Guest Book for condolences

Published in the Toronto Star on December 20, 2011

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Brig Gen (ret’d) Kenneth Holdsworth, CD, BSc, (RCEME RMC #2307) McKibbin

McKIBBIN, Brig Gen (ret’d) Kenneth Holdsworth, CD, BSc, (RCEME: RMC #2307) – Peacefully at the Kingston General Hospital on Monday, December 19, 2011, in his 97th year. Beloved husband of the late Constance Lilian (Teak) Wood. Dear father of John and his wife Rose Marie of Halifax and Robert and his wife Iris of West Vancouver and dear grandfather of their children Christopher and Alison. Predeceased by his daughter Mary Katharine and his brother Lt. Col Arthur McKibbin. Cremation will take place with the Memorial Service to take place at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, the RMC Club of Canada Foundation or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. In care of ROBERT J. REID & SONS FUNERAL HOME.

Published in the Kingston Whig Standard December 20, 2011

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