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| Issue 006/2005 |
| Mr. Red & White in Atlantic Canada continued . . .so many of us; in particular it is gratifying to know he has positively influenced the lives of so many young cadets who represent the future of the Canadian Forces.” Don was often known more for his antics than his academics while attending RRMC and RMC, and he showed early promise of his trademark ability to deal with very senior officers while defending various transgressions in the office of the RMC Commandant, then BGen John deChastelain. Not that he didn’t know any better - Don entered military college with twelve years of service under his belt, having started his career as an Instrument Systems Technician in 1964 with the RCAF. Because of his outstanding work with the Boeing 707 fleet at CFB Trenton, Don was chosen to be the lead technician for Prime Minister Trudeau’s Asian Tour in 1971. In 1972, Don accepted an overseas posting to CFB Baden, Germany to serve as a technician on the infamous CF-104. While in Baden his leadership potential was quickly recognized and he was selected for the UTPM program (now known as UTPNCM) in 1975 at Royal Roads. Four years later, despite carrying the onerous duty of being the class clown in Otter Sqn, Don managed to successfully complete his Honours BA in History at RMC, while simultaneously helping his wife Ann raise three children (a fourth was to come later), coaching minor hockey and baseball, and remaining active in college activities. His selfless dedication to youth sports and the Base school board was recognized when he received the Commandant’s Certificate of Merit for his service to the community at CFB Kingston during his time at RMC. Don Graduating In 1986, after a tour at Air Command Headquarters in Winnipeg, Don returned to his Maritime roots through a posting to CFB Greenwood. After an outstanding 25-year career with the Regular Air Force, Don transferred to the Air Reserves in 1988 to work as the Senior Staff Officer (Air Reserve) at Maritime Air Group Headquarters. Don’s legendary ability to connect with the troops endeared him to Regular Force and Air Reserve Officers and NCMs alike. Don was promoted to Colonel in 1997 and was posted to Winnipeg where he assumed the position of Deputy Chief of Staff Reserves and Cadets, the most senior operational Air Reserve position in the Air Force. Recognizing the ebb of Air Reserve morale at the national level, Don accepted this unaccompanied tour where his role was pivotal in establishing a new Air Reserve pay package, a critical employment philosophy document, and the completion of an Air Reserve establishment review. CWO Ralph Murphy, the Air Reserve CWO at the time says: “His career has definitely been a dynamic one, during which he challenged the status quo and led the charge for change in the Air Reserves. As a friend and Boss since 1994, he has been a constant inspiration to me. In my 35 years with the outfit, I can think of no one I would have rather had as a leader than Col Don McLeod.” Don left the Air Reserves and re-joined the RMC family after a 36-year military career. He has devoted an incredible amount of time and effort in developing the inaugural Red and White program in Atlantic Canada, and it has become the pre-eminent model for attracting and recruiting top-notch RMC Cadets. He brings school counsellors to RMC on familiarization tours, and he has developed a large network of ex-Cadets to serve as mentors. He routinely invites serving RMC Cadets to their hometown when delivering his presentations at local schools, and he has even travelled to the homes of potential Cadets across the region to ensure they receive detailed information about the benefits of attending RMC. In 2002, Don accepted the position of Chair of Logistics and Operations for the 2003 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, a hugely successful event that put Halifax on the international stage. Almost immediately after the conclusion of the World Juniors he was asked to Chair the Operations Committee for the 2004 IIHF World Women’s Hockey Championships in Halifax, a duty he ended up sharing with his son, 16986 Maj Don McLeod. Despite the tremendous workload, on top of a myriad of other commitments, his leadership during these prestigious world sports events was key to their ultimate success. Not willing to leave any vacant spaces on his calendar (much to the chagrin of his wife), Don accepted the prestigious appointment of Honourary Colonel for 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron in 12 Wing Shearwater in 2004. “It is super to have HCol McLeod at the Lynx, he brings a wealth of information and experience which will benefit all members (from CO to newest Pte) of the Squadron”, says LCol Fig Newton, 406 Squadron CO. It is noteworthy that Don was offered this appointment despite never having served at Shearwater. His distinguished legacy within the CF, and his reputation as a man who is committed to perpetuating the proud and glorious traditions of the Air Force made it a foregone conclusion when it came time for the unit to select the right person to represent them. In carrying the Presidency of the Air Force Association of Canada on behalf of our veterans, working with 406 Squadron as Honourary Colonel to support our serving members, and leading the Red and White program to enhance the quality of potential RMC Cadets, Don has completed a unique trifecta. He serves the past, present, and future of the Canadian Forces – all with distinction, and with his trademark devotion to excellence. With the support of his wife, three daughters, and a son who currently serves in 12 Wing Shearwater, this ex-Cadet has certainly lived up to the aims and ideals of RMC – perhaps with just a little help from those negotiating skills he sharpened while talking his way out of trouble in front of the Commandant all those years ago. |
