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| Issue 004/2005 |
Numéro 004/2005 |
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In This Issue - Dans ce numéro |
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| As we mentioned in previous issues, the RMC Club web site is in transition. We are happy to report that some new sections are up and running, including a brand new home page. Links to older sections such as the Gift Shop will remain until the replacement pages are developed. Please visit us and bookmark www.rmcclub.ca . If you go to the old page in error you will automatically be re-directed to the new site. |
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Many Ex Cadets who attended RMC since 1998 will be saddened to learn of the death of Peter Levesque. Peter, passed away at St. Mary's of the Lake Hospital, January 19th, after a struggle with cancer at the age of 32. He was employed with the RMC Athletic Department from 1998-2000; and once the new athletic complex opened was part of the CFB (K) staff in 2001. He also took part-time classes at RMC during that timeframe. He leaves behind his wife Bridget and two year old son Quentin. During his time around the college, Peter was a popular employee and made many friends. He was highly respected by the staff, and was particularly helpful with a number of Cadets with their personal fitness programs. He will be missed.
Sympathy
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| Late Death Notice
We just received word that Rheo Lavigne, a long time and popular Director of Athletics at CMR during the 1970s passed away January 24th in the Ottawa area. The funeral will take place at Kelly Funeral Home in Orleans at 2370 St Joseph Blvd at 11am Friday, January 28th; tel: 613-235-6712. Those who might want to call his widow Marlene, can reach her at 613-834-4448. Rheo had been ill with a brain tumour for several months. |
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| Club Membership Info Renseignements sur l’adhésion au Club Family & Friends Support Program (FFSP) Programme de soutien pour les parents et amis (PSPA) Gift Shop Ideas! www.rmcclub.ca/www/kitshop/kitshop_e.html
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| Trivia
Trivia: How many different Director of Cadets (D Cadet) served at RMC during the 1990s? Answer, following Extra Innings. |
| Join the RMC Club / Partners Team.
Join the RMC Club / Partners Team. If you or somebody you know is in a position to place an ad in: a) the main Veritas magazine b) and / or this electronic version c) and / or the Web site contact Peter Dawe.. Rates vary based on local, regional & national exposure (size of the ad, frequency, placement in the magazine / newsletter etc.) A list of all the RMC Club partners may be found: Pourquoi ne pas devenir l'un de nos partenaires? |
Some of our Partners Include |
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| What's happening around the College? |
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This past semester, I had the great honour and privilege of representing RMC on the first exchange to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Though I was a foreigner I was welcomed with open arms into my host company, the B-2 Bulldogs, and afforded all the comforts and benefits that any First Class Cadet has. This became all too obvious to me when, after 12 hours of being at West Point, I was subjected to a urinalysis along with the rest of the company – a bonding experience like no other. Indeed, the exchange program gave me many wonderful opportunities to experience. I learned to appreciate American football, and marched on with the rest of the Corps of Cadets for the Army-Navy game in December. Among the many activities I participated in while at USMA, I served as a first-aid instructor/evaluator for my battalion’s training day, gave briefings on select portions of Canadian military history, current CF deployments, and of RMC in general. I was fortunate enough to complete the requirements for the German Troop Duty Proficiency Badge, and was subsequently decorated on behalf of the German Army by their liaison officer at West Point. With the rest of my Military Strategy class, I was invited to attend the Association of the United States Army Conference in Washington, D.C... There I was very impressed with some of the technologies that are becoming available, and was surprised by vendors asking me for my college number, and extending their hospitality to my friends and I after the conference. As it turns out, Ex-Cadets of RMC are everywhere, and the Ex-Cadet Club is apparently without borders. At one point during that day, I found myself shaking hands with Lieutenant-General R.J. Hillier, CMM, CD, and introducing my fellow West Point cadets to the Chief of Land Staff. With so many opportunities available to me, I can only hope that I gave back to the exchange a fraction of what I received. Along with befriending a great many cadets, officers and NCOs, I learned a great deal about West Point and the US Army in general, which will no doubt prove invaluable in future joint operations
For the first time since 2001, RMC has won the Carr / Harris Cup. Paladins beat Queen’s Golden Gaels 5 -3 (empty net goal) to capture the coveted Cup. This was the 19th anniversary of this highly competitive cross-town rivalry. RMC won for the 7th time; Queens have skated away with victories 11 times and there has been one tie. Three goals in the third period brought RMC back from a 3-2 deficit to triumph. Encouraged by the RMC Band and a standing room only (SRO) at Constantine, the Paladins proved to be the stronger team on this day. 23239 OCdt Jamie Routledge provided a dominant physical dimension to the game and was selected as RMC's MVP. RMC had fallen behind 3 – 0 before they took over control of the game at the midway point of the second period. Louis Charland and Tyler Middlebrook were both standouts and deserve Honourable mention for their offensive play in the game. The same two teams battled the very next day at Jock Hardy Arena. The final result was 3 to 2 for the Golden Gaels. With the win Queens, kept the race close in the OUA East Division for the final play-off spot. RMC currently has 15 pts to 12 pts for the Gaels, as both teams head to the home stretch.
After a few weeks of leave I was excited to start my long journey down to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) to begin a seven-month exchange. Driving down to Colorado I had ample time to ponder over what was awaiting me upon my arrival.
West Point Weekend – Coming Up! West Point / RMC Weekend
By WJO This classic weekend has always been envisioned as an annual cultural, social & sporting exchange to foster goodwill between West Point and RMC. It has survived since 1923 with only a couple of interruptions. The main “show-stopper” was WWII. Hockey is considered the centrepiece for the weekend but RMC will be sending some great and talented Cadets who will be competing in: taekwondo; rifle; pistol; and Debating. We wish them all much success. But most of all, we hope that they gain a great deal more from the weekend then just the experience of competing in their particular event. The potential cultural and social benefits should be at least equal too, if not more, than what they will experience in a competition.
This is expected to be the strongest RMC hockey squad to play at Army since the late Wayne Kirk coached 1987 power house Redmen won 4-3. Team captain, III Year, Pat Mcdonald, Olds, Alberta is a strong presence in both ends of the rink; he has both the leadership skills and playing ability to lead the now named Paladins to a win. Luke Pierce, Merrit, B.C.is just one of about a dozen rookies who will be called upon to step it up a notch in what is expected to be a typical hard fought and intense battle from start to finish.
Originally, US Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur, then West Point's Superintendent, and. LGen. Sir Archibald Macdonell, then Commandant of RMC, agreed the cadets of the two institutions would benefit from meeting. They envisioned the hockey competition as a friendly contest between like-minded gentlemen. They saw it as rivalry that would instil perseverance and team spirit in its players - the qualities of future military leaders. This event has captured the imagination and attention of people from all over North America, not just hockey fans. Politicians from both countries have been known to have an interest in the outcome. Some years, the MND, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, and many other government officials from various levels have attended “the game” in person. With the current state of international affairs, I believe it is safe to assume that military personnel from both nations serving in many parts of the world will be interested in the outcome this year. From a personal experience, in 1992, I happened to be serving with the MFO with a large number of American army personnel in Egypt. We had a lot of good-natured ribbing the weeks leading up to the game. Army won 3-2 that year, it cost me a “few rounds” and I don’t mean “ammo”. This year if I were serving with my Americans friends, I would be prepared to spot them two goals. Stay tuned.
“Since arriving at RMC in July 2004 the RMC vs. West Point series has been the most talked about event on the college calendar. Ex cadets have spoken to me passionately about the game and what it means to them and it is through this passion and their excitement that I have come to learn how much this game means to the players, their supporters and the College. There is a tremendous sense of history and pride attached to the game and I am really looking forward to seeing it in person for the first time. The game has endured all these years as the players, coaches and supporters clearly enjoy the experience of competing against each other. RMC and USMA are not only representing themselves and their institution, but they also assume the responsibility of representing their entire forces and their country. This makes the competition spirited while at the same time being friendly as they share similar experiences and lifestyles.”
“'The RMC/Army weekend provides the stage for two elite institutions to showcase their university hockey teams. It is always great to see how the players respond in this annual game, given the history and added pressure it inherently has. Over the last three years I have seen individual players elevate their games beyond the norm, and I imagine that this year will be no exception.” More West Point Hockey Memories from Former Redmen . . .
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| "Staying Connected" . . . Staying connected pieces with a focus on Ex Cadets and / or RMC connection are invited from our readers, regardless of where you are located. A photo and brief article would be appreciated. Send to William.oliver@rmc.ca Here is a snapshot of some events involving: Ex Cadets; City of Kingston; RMC & CFB (K) from 2004 that we were able to find from various sources |
| Excerpts from a recent Peter Worthington article
Toronto Sun.
While it's not exactly a secret, not many Canadians know that the second top-ranking soldier fighting "insurgents" in Iraq is a general in the Canadian army. 12320 Maj. Gen. Walter Natynczyk, once Commanding Officer of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, is now deputy commander of the U.S. Army's III Corps in Iraq. He joined up in 1975, attended Royal Roads and Collège Militaire de St-Jean, and served in Germany as a leopard tank troop leader in the Royal Canadian Dragoons -- the unit he later commanded in 1995. |
Air Reservist, of the Year. The award, established in 2000 by the Air Force Association, recognizes the person selected to represent the air reserve component of Canada’s air force. The recipient for 2004 was Major Don McLeod Jr. the air reserve flight commander at 12 Wing Shearwater, N.S. Pictured is 16986 Major Don McLeod sitting in Saddam's Palace at the downtown Presidential Palace during his stint as an LO with the Coalition HQ in Baghdad in 2003. His current position is Air Reserve Flight Commander at 12 Wing Shearwater. In addition to serving with the Air Reserves, he is very involved with volunteer work, in Nova Scotia. For example, he was a key organizer in Halifax hosting both the World Junior Hockey Championship, 2003 and the World Women's Hockey Championship in 2004. He is currently the Vice-President of the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League. A combination of his service with the CF and his community volunteer work helped contribute to Major McLeod being selected as Air Reservist of the Year in 2004. Well done! |
On the weekend of 07-09 Feb 03, RMC departed for USMA for the annual exchange of sports and friendly competition. Many of our beloved cadets have trained hard for this event and have represented their disciplines with honour in fencing, shooting, debating, taekwondo, and hockey. Of course, we must not forget to mention our colleagues who showed their support and encouragement through music and cheering. After arriving at the gates of USMA, one cannot help but notice the overwhelming and enveloping size of the academy. Further, one cannot help but notice that sentries armed with M16 rifles - and yes, ladies and gentlemen, they were fully-loaded, and no, they were not made of rubber - were patrolling up and down the main roads leading into the campus. The old historic buildings, surrounded by statues and relics from the American Revolution and Civil War, were humbling reminders that this institution had more than 100 years of history than ours. One needed only to look out from the barracks, which were formerly hospitals and secret armouries, to see cadets performing their periodic “hourlies,” patrolling up and down the campus grounds in their “full greys” with an antique musket straddled over their shoulders and bayonets fixed to their belts. Entering the cadet mess, one can immediately notice the “plebes” checking eyes left and right, terrorized that the “cows” and “firstees” would jack them up for something as silly as forgetting the headlines of the front cover of the Washington Post or neglecting to serve them their regular OJ with eggs and ham. That they were not allowed to speak unless spoken to or leave the table unless given permission by their sergeants was a cultural shock that our FYs live in paradise in contrast to their American counterparts. Having witnessed the many different traditions at USMA, I have come to the conclusion that RMC differed from USMA in one main critical component. It is the fact that USMA teaches their cadets how to be followers, whereas RMC inculcates the values of leadership. The “legal code” of obedience is the gospel from which West Point cadets derive all their values. At RMC, we are taught that obedience is a virtue, but that leadership is the quintessential tool for the officership. The quality and extent of leadership is what separates the impenetrable, hard-driven soldier from that of the adaptable and decisive officer. Having the ultimate responsibility to critically analyze, think, and decide for one’s own self and those of one’s subordinates is the burden and glory of command. Unfortunately, this was a vital asset that our fellow American cadets did not realize south of the border, were not privileged to understand, as mere cadets of the unrelenting infrastructure, were not presented the opportunity to exercise in the context of cadet socialization. Indeed, we may not have their funds; we may not have their facilities, their public support, their decorations, or even their prestige. Yet, this is a classic testimony of the adage that “bigger is not necessarily better.” At USMA, the onus is on the institution to teach the ethos of soldierhood and leadership. At RMC, the onus is ultimately on the individual. This pivotal difference between our two academies only serves to exemplify the great responsibilities and professionalism of our Canadian soldiers and officers in the CF. In conclusion, I can only speak for myself when I say that we officer cadets are truly lucky and blessed to be given the chance to discover ourselves here at RMC. It is this realization of self and appreciation that I believe is the most eminent and principal lesson we can learn from our annual exchange with our neighbours. Truly, the results are not important at all in contrast to the deeper meaning and purpose of our exchange. A few years from now, hardly anyone will remember whether the Black Knights or the Paladins won the hockey game or whether our fighters defeated theirs in the tae kwon do ring, but we will always remember the experiences and personal wisdom that we have gained as individuals from this important exchange program. In closure, Truth Duty Valour, there’s no place like home! |
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“What ever happened to?” articles are invited, in either official language and may be submitted to william.oliver@rmc.ca. The hope is to present these types of articles on Ex cadets; former faculty or staff members on a frequent basis in e-Veritas depending on submissions by you the readers.
Kelly Johnson began her post-secondary education at Queen’s University in September 1989. It was her second choice after being turned down by RMC due to the Harrington rods that had been inserted in her spine as a child to treat severe scoliosis. In the words of the military doctor who had examined her, “…you would never be able to stand up to the physical rigours of RMC and the military.” For anyone that knows this woman, this was like waving the proverbial red cape in front of the bull. Among other things, she spent her year at Queen’s collecting evidence to support her case that she was indeed fit enough to succeed at RMC. Based upon the weight of evidence and expert opinion that she had marshalled to her cause, the CF medical system relented and the following year Kelly Johnson was off to Royal Roads. Highlights of her time at RRMC included a hiking trip up the West Coast Trail and cold early mornings rowing on the lagoon. After two years at RRMC, she left for RMC to pursue an honours commerce/economics degree. On her arrival at RMC, III Year Johnson was invited to join the cross country team by the coach, Sergeant Jake Kennedy. Through her membership on the team she met Caroline Chouinard who has become a life long friend. This friendship was to take on added significance as Caroline would be responsible for introducing Kelly to her future husband. During her first term at RMC, Kelly was selected as one of the cadet models for the “Challenge” recruiting poster that was used for several years to market RMC. She was selected to be the RMC exchange student with the Australian Defence Force Academy in the second term of her third year. Kelly graduated from RMC in the spring of 1994 which was a time of severe downsizing in the CF. While undergoing phase training as a naval logistics officer that summer, A / Sub Lieutenant Johnson decided to accept the Force Reduction Plan (FRP) package and pursue a career outside of the military. Early in 1995, this dynamic young woman left for nine months in Japan teaching English as a second language. She was located in a small city which made the language and culture shock substantial. With periodic care packages containing videos of Canadian TV, Kelly was able to survive the nine months. Before returning home she toured much of Asia. Miss Johnson returned to Queen’s University in the fall of 1996 where she completed a Master’s degree in Economics during the year. After getting her post-graduate degree, Kelly attended several job fairs in the United States. From among many offers, she accepted a management training position with RR Donnelley & Sons’ financial business unit located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. RR Donnelley was at the time the second largest printing company in the world after Quebecor. She spent only six months in the training program before being appointed as a shift supervisor in the pre-press department. During this time, Kelly maintained an active lifestyle, completing several sprint triathlons. She also maintained her ties to Kingston, visiting regularly her friend Caroline who had been posted to RMC as a squadron commander. By 2000, this energetic young lady was promoted to manage the customer service department making her one of the youngest managers ever at RR Donnelley. It was also in the autumn of 2000 that Kelly began to date her future husband Andy. They were married in a small ceremony at the foot of the Memorial Staircase at RMC in June of 2001. In August of 2003, Kelly gave birth to daughter Reagan Christina. She managed to wangle four months of maternity leave (a lot by US standards) and fell in love with being a mom. Early in 2004 she was dragged kicking and screaming back to work. It wasn’t long however before a merger at RR Donnelley led this young mother & wife to accept a position as a senior project manager at Armstrong World Industries headquarters. In that position, Kelly, having attained her Six Sigma green belt, will be working toward her black belt certification. Both Kelly and Andy soon should be finished the long process of gaining permanent residency (“green card”) status in the US. While they intend to make the US home, both enjoy their periodic trips home to Canada. With Kelly being a former figure skater and Andy a former hockey player, current controversy in the family consists of deciding whether Reagan’s first pair of skates will have toe picks or not. What others have said about Kelly
“Kelly was/is and /will always be one of my closest friends. She is intelligent, focused, loyal and fun to be with. I admire Kelly for many reasons but mostly because she is so rational about everything - you want someone who is down to earth and will give it to you straight - go see Kelly. She has a great head on her shoulders combined with a wonderful heart.” |
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You may have wondered what the little globe is in the lower left hand corner of the Welcome Page; we now have a “tracker” for the e-Veritas. The purpose of it is to give us an idea, on how many people visit e-V. How often and from where? After four days, we had 1660 unique visitors and a total of 2200 visits from 21 different countries. At last count, our visitors are from? different countries. We will continue to monitor this activity for no other reason then to confirm whether or not this electronic newsletter is worthwhile. We have heard directly from many of you. To name just a couple: 6772, Bob Mason, Redmen football & basketball star from the ‘60s, logged on after finishing a golf game in Australia. 17450, Patrick (Paddy) Dennehy, former Redmen Rugby standout has been bouncing all over the world these past few years but contacted us from Germany. In addition, we’ve received very encouraging notes from most regions of Canada and a few spots in the USA. Keep ‘m coming! Better still; send us a short article and photo. Tell us: What you’re doing? Where? And a few other relevant human interest points. Please include your College number & Class. Both e-Veritas & the Veritas magazine are great tools and have the potential to keep the Club vibrant and relevant. Be part of it! Manches supplémentaires Vous vous demandez peut-être ce que représente le petit signet à gauche au bas de la page d’accueil. Nous avons maintenant un système de dépistage pour e-Veritas ce qui nous donnera une idée sur le nombre de personnes qui visitent le site. Après quatre jours nous avons eu 1600 visiteurs et un total de 2200 visites qui sont parvenues de 21 différents pays. Nous continuerons de surveiller cette activité pour la simple raison de nous indiquer si ce bulletin électronique en vaut la peine. E-Veritas et la revue Veritas sont des instruments qui promettent et qui ont le potentiel de garder le Club dynamique et pertinent. Soyez des nôtres!
"Many Hands - make the burden light". « L’aide de plusieurs rend la tâche facile » S125 Bill & S134 Rolande Oliver |
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Career
Opportunity Other Employment Opportunities and Résumés can be found HERE |
| The eVERITAS electronic Newsletter reaches over 5,000 readers . It is a service provided by the RMC Club for Members in good standing with current addresses in the data base. It is designed to provide timely information on current events at RMC and to keep Members "connected". Occasionally, it will be distributed to non-members to entice them to join or renew their membership. Membership information is available at www.rmcclub.ca Newsworthy articles from national or local papers that may not have been available to the majority of our readers may be reproduced in e-VERITAS. We will also publish articles in either official language as submitted by Cadets and Staff, on "current life" at RMC. Other short “human interest stories" about Cadets, Ex-Cadets, Alumni and current and former Staff at the College will appear from time-to-time. Readers of e-VERITAS are encouraged to submit articles in either official language to william.oliver@rmc.ca. In particular, up-to-date “Where are they now?” articles on Ex-Cadets, Alumni and current and former Staff would be most welcome. eVERITAS is intended as a supplement and not a replacement of Veritas, the highly popular magazine of the RMC Club printed and distributed three times a year to Members by mail.
Chaque édition du bulletin électronique e-VERITAS rejoint plus de 5,000 lecteurs. C’est un service fourni, par le Club des CMR, aux membres dont les adresses sont à jour dans notre base de données. Son but est de fournir des renseignements à point nommé sur les actualités au CMR et de garder en communication les membres du Club. Occasionnellement, il sera distribué aux membres qui ne sont plus en règle espérant qu’ils renouvelleront leur carte de membre annuelle ou qu’ils deviendront membres à vie. Les renseignements sur l’adhésion au Club sont disponibles au www.rmcclub.ca. Articles d’intérêt national ou local qui ne sont pas disponibles à la majorité de nos lecteurs seront reproduits dans e-VERITAS. Nous produirons aussi des articles dans l’une des deux langues officielles soumis par les élèves officiers et le personnel du Collège sur la vie actuelle au CMR. Nous offrirons de temps à autre de courtes anecdotes sur les élèves officiers, les Anciens et les membres du personnel d’hier et d’aujourd’hui. Nous encourageons les lecteurs de e-VERITAS à soumettre des articles dans l’une ou l’autre des deux langues officielles à Rolande.Oliver@rmc.ca. En particulier des articles récents sur « Où sont-ils présentement? » seraient grandement appréciés. e-VERITAS est un supplément et NON une substitution pour VERITAS la revue populaire du Club des CMR imprimée et distribuée aux membres en règle, par la poste, trois fois par année. |