Issue 007/2006

Numéro 007/2006



In This Issue - Dans ce numéro
 

 

Quotation of the Week

“Of course you can expect to be assailed for the odd time that your contributors go beyond that certain line.  However, pensive minds will not consider that RMC is floundering because of the odd criticism.  At least when the sparks fly upward we know that the machine is operating.” 

3195 EL Bobinski (RMC ’54) on the occasion of his Letter To The Marker Editor 10 Apr 1961.

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Looking for a great Executive Pension Plan?  Visit Ten Star Actuarial Services Inc.

Need Long Term Care Insurance?  Take a look at what Ten Star LTC Services Inc. can offer!

 
Trivia  
 

A song about life at the Royal Military College of Canada written in 1894.  What is the title?

a.  Beer Esses Emma TDV!
b.  College Hymn
c.  Precision
d.  Can You Tell Me The Reason Why?


Cadets heading to the home stretch, following winter break

Answer right after Extra Innings below.

 

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CALIAN - Casual employment for former military employees

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Visit the Club Web Site at www.rmcclub.ca

Gift Shop Ideas!  http://www.rmcclub.ca/GiftShop/GiftShop.htm

Visit the RMC Club Foundation website at www.rmcclubfoundation.ca


RMC Club Affinity Wine Program             Order On-Line!

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DEATH NOTICE 
3280 Fraser, MacGregor, of the Royal Roads Class of 1950/52

MacGregor (“Red”, “Mac”, or “Greg”) Fraser passed away on February 16, 2006, in Courtenay, British Columbia, after a brief, but courageous, battle with cancer.  

Greg was born on July 9, 1932, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he attended primary school, then City Park Collegiate Institute, where he was elected to the Students’ Representative Council. He graduated from City Park in 1950, and joined Canadian Services College Royal Roads. 

He will be remembered for his prowess as a member of Royal Roads’ competitive swimming team, and for his cheerful disposition. 

Successfully completing his recruit year at Royal Roads in 1951, Greg decided to obtain a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan.  After graduating, he began a long and successful career in the pulp and paper industry with Consolidated Bathurst in Grand-Mère, Québec.  There he met his wife Clémence (“Clemmie”) Bleau.  He worked in Québec City and Toronto, then Vancouver, where he practiced as a consultant to the pulp and paper industry in British Columbia and Washington

State.  He was a Life Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia. 

Greg’s hobbies and other interests included antique cars, golf, skiing, winemaking and travel. 

He is survived by his wife Clemmie, his son Dr. Matheson MacGregor Fraser Ph.D. of Vancouver, his brother The Honourable Robert P. Fraser Q.C. of Calgary, and numerous nephews, nieces and other relatives in Canada and around the world.  They, his classmates, and the others who knew him, would agree that it was a pleasure to have him in their lives.   

Donations may be made (“In Memory of MacGregor Fraser”) to the Cancer Society of British Columbia, 102 – 1509 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 2K6.

Note:   We received late word that S110 LGen (Ret'd) William A Milroy, CM, DSO, CD died this past week in Ottawa. No further details were available at press time. 

 


Heartbreak on Highway 401, for 1994 Graduate & Family

SMITH, Keiran Curtis Skip Fawcett - Tragically passed away on February 21, 2006 at the age of 91/2 months. Beloved son of Curtis Smith and Kimberly Fawcett. Dearly missed by his grandparents Michael and Betty-Anne Fawcett and Curtis and Joan Smith. Lovingly remembered by his great-grandparents Curtis and Marg Smith and Bernice Morgan, his aunts and uncles Skip and Mary Lynn Fawcett, Scott and Isabell Fawcett, Wade and Jennifer Smith, his cousins Connor and Cathrinia Fawcett and Kayla and Nolan Smith. Keiran was an incredibly happy baby boy who loved to play and always had a smile on his face. Our little miracle was dearly wanted by his Mom and Dad and he will be in Our hearts forever. Friends will be received at the Township Chapel of the Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Homes, 435 Davis Drive (Taylor Kidd Blvd at Centennial Drive) on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service in Our Chapel on Monday, February 27, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. Interment Cataraqui Cemetery. Memorial donations to Kingston General Hospital Foundation or the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, would be greatly appreciated. Relatives and friends are invited to sign the Book and Condolences at www.gftompkins-township.ca

Two ‘04 RMC Mechanical Engineering Graduates Receive Their Wings in Moose Jaw.


22911 Joshua Kutryk (RMC ’04)
To Cold Lake

to Train on CF-18s Fighter Jets

A Canadian Forces pilot from Beauvallon, Alberta, was presented with his military pilot wings during a graduation ceremony held at 15 Wing in Moose Jaw, Sask. on February 24. 

22911 Lieutenant Joshua Kutryk (RMC ’04), son of Barry and Kathy Kutryk, has completed both the basic and the advanced phases of the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program at 15 Wing.  Pilot wings signify the culmination of nearly two years of intensive flying training and identifies the recipient as a qualified military pilot.  

Lieut. Kutryk had his first taste of the military lifestyle as an Air Cadet in 341 Squadron.  He went on to earn his Glider Pilot’s Licence and Private Pilot’s licence through the Royal Canadian Air Cadets organization all while attending Two Hills High School. 

Lieut. Kutryk joined the Canadian Forces under the Regular Officer Training Plan at the age of 18 and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2004.   

“I’m really happy to receive my wings,” said Lieut. Kutryk.  “I’m looking forward to training as a fighter pilot”. 

After graduation Lieut. Kutryk will move to Cold Lake, Alta to continue training on the CT-155 Hawk at 419 Tactical Training Squadron in advanced manoeuvres, and then eventually qualify on the CF-18 Hornet. 

Under the NFTC program, jet-pilot training takes place at two locations – at 15 Wing Moose Jaw and 4 Wing Cold Lake.  At present, Canada’s Air Force, the Royal Danish Air Force, the Royal Air Force (United Kingdom), the Republic of Singapore Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the Hungarian Air Force and United Arab Emirate’s Air Force are participants in NFTC. 

22824 Lieutenant Jonathan Setlack (RMC ’04) of Kamsack, Saskatchewan was presented with his military pilot wings at a ceremony at 15 Wing Moose Jaw on February 24. (There was No photo available at press time).   

He has completed Phase III of the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program flying both the CT-156 Harvard II and CT-155 Hawk aircraft.  A class of 2004 graduate in Mechanical Engineering of the Royal Military College of Canada, Lieutenant Setlack will continue training on the Harvard to become an instructor pilot on the Harvard II at 15 Wing.
 

FLASHBACK TO THE ARCHIVES

Cakewalk Glee Club Glee Club Editorial

1. Click on picture for larger view.
2. a)  Right click
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3.  Enjoy!
1. Click on picture for larger view.
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What's Happening Around the College?


RMC Cadets Lead The Pack, In International NATO (University) Competition
By Major Bernard J. Brister

The fifth annual Model NATO Competition sponsored by the Political Science Department of Carleton University was held in Ottawa over the period 22-25 February 2006.  Attending the competition were approximately 15 teams from universities in Canada, the U.S. (Michigan) and Russia (St. Petersburg). 

The competition involved three days of negotiation, discussion, and committee work among university teams that were assigneda particular nation that they were charged with representing in a variety of NATO committees and fora. Each team was responsible for researching not only the actual positions of their assigned nation on a broad spectrum of issues but also the manner (tactics, techniques and procedures) in which they pursued their national interests and objectives on those issues.  The RMC team represented the United Kingdom in the main membership of NATO and the Ukraine as the Pfp (Partner for Peace) member. 

 

Following several days of debate, discussion, and back room politicking on a number of issues and crises, the RMC team led by OCdt Simon Mailloux; and including OCdt Olivier Deschenes, OCdt Jon Douglas, OCdt Patrick Lebeau, OCdt Jeff Lloyd,OCdt Danielle Mineault, and OCdt Nick Veenhof, was selected by the other teams as the best delegation in the pursuit and achievement of their nations' interests. 

In supporting the selection of the RMC team by their fellow competitors, the competition organizers and faculty members present from other universities described the RMC team as articulate, poised, engaging, well-spoken, determined, well-informed, focused, and entertaining. A number also noted the well-rounded participation by all team members in every aspect of the competition to include social events as both hosts and guests. 

The team is now engaged in the post operations analysis and preparations for next year's competition.  Well done, RMC team!

Ladies Fencing Team Does Again!

OUA Champions! & Fencing ladies! All of the fencers at RMC are military.  One is RETP; one is pursuing a Masters Degree in Engineering.  28 are ROTP.  Only four fencers had previous fencing experience prior to arriving at RMC and the remaining 26 began fencing with the RMC fencing program.  Very well done, Coach Patricia Howes!  

Back Row: Patricia Howes (Coach); Shawna McKinnon, Jackie Power, Natalie Mailot-Montgrain, Meghan McCready, David Howes, Sarah McRae, Jeni Hoover, Taryn Johal, Erin McEachern and Marie-Eve Labonte.Front Row: Krystyna Dallaire, Joanie Frigon, Sarah Rogers, Chantel Lemay and Marilyne Lafortune.

"RMC Women's Fencing Team Defend Their Title to Win Second OUA Championship Banner" 

By: Patricia Lynn Howes

The RMC Paladins, with an undergraduate population of less than 1000 students, successfully defended their OUA Women's Fencing Championship with a dominating performance today at Queen's University.  The RMC women started the day off strongly, taking 5 of 9 possible medals in individual competition.  OUA Allstar Marilyne Lafortune successfully defended her title as women's foil champion by repeating her gold medal performance from last year.  Joining Lafortune as an OUA champion today was OUA Allstar Natalie Jones who took the gold medal in sabre.  In women's epee action, Sarah McRae & Erin McEachern won silver & bronze medals respectively, with McEachern losing by 1 hit to Joanne Ko from Queen's in the semi-final & McRae losing to Ko 15-13 in the final.  Also winning an individual medal & OUA Allstar honour was Chantel Lemay, who won the bronze medal in women's sabre. 

In the team events, RMC brought home one gold medal & two silver medals.  The foil team of Lafortune, Taryn Johal, Marie-Eve Labonte & Joannie Frigon took the gold medal.  This is the third year in a row that RMC has won the women's foil event.  In epee action, McRae & McEachern were joined by teammates Jeni Hoover & Shauna MacKinnon in winning the silver medal.  RMC's only defeat was in a close match to the gold medallists from U of T. Jones, Lemay along with teammates Sarah Rogers & Meaghan McCready brought home the silver in sabre after losing only once to U of T.  The highlight of the day for the entire women's team was rookie McCready's stunning performance in coming off the bench as an injury

substitution against McMaster.  With RMC leading 28-25, Jones went down with a back injury & was unable to continue.  McCready stepped in to finish off her bout & then after her two teammates defeated their opponents, she proceeded to finish off McMaster's top sabre fencer in the final bout to seal the win & guarantee RMC their silver medal. 

In men's action on Saturday, the Paladins enjoyed one of their best championships in recent memory bringing home 3 medals & finishing in 3rd place overall, behind Western & the veteran 2006 champions from U of T in men's fencing action on Saturday. 

Leading the way today were rookie Brendan Kilburn & his men's epee teammates.  In individual action, Kilburn, a graduate of LaSalle High School & former member of Kingston's Cutting Edge Fencing, won the bronze medal after losing a close semi-final match to gold medallist Darcy Gates from U of T.  Joining OUA Allstar Kilburn in the top 8 was teammate Ben Schmidt who finished 6th.  In team action Kilburn & Schmidt were joined by teammates Dean Vogelsang & Charles Presley as they went undefeated against U of T, McMaster, Western, Carleton & Trent to take the gold medal, the first by RMC in this event since 1980.

In sabre action, John Im won the silver medal & earned OUA Allstar honours, while he & his teammates lost a few very close matches to end up in 4th place, just out of the medals. 

Alex Prymack finished in 4th place in men's foil, while he & his teammates finished 5th.  Prymack also earned OUA Allstar honours as the fencer in men's foil who scored the most hits in team competition.

 

SEVERAL "FIRSTS" AT RMC!!!!
Padre (Major) Eric Reynolds

PLUSIEURS « PREMIÈRES » AU CMR
Par l’aumônier Eric Reynolds

(Picture: from L to R: Maj Chris Ryan (former Chap (P) RMC), OCdt Matthew Hansen, OCdt Tyler Bell, Bishop George Bruce, OCdt Steve Jensen, Canon Roy Vopni, and Padre Eric Reynolds). 

(Photos : de gauche à droite : le Maj Chris Ryan (ancien aumônier protestant du CMR), l’Élof Matthew Hansen, l’Élof Tyler Bell, l’évêque George Bruce, l’Élof Steve Jensen, Canon Roy Vopni et l’aumônier Eric Reynolds).

Last February 12, 2006 saw several firsts at RMC.  Not only was it the first time that the Anglican Bishop of Ontario ever officiated at the celebration of Confirmation in St. Martin's RMC chapel; it was also the first time that the Anglican Bishop of Ontario was also an ‘Ex-Cadet’.  Bishop George Bruce (pictured here) was an intelligence officer for more than 20 years, retiring with the rank of colonel.  He is a member of the class of 1964.  He joined the regular worshipping community of Sunday, 12 Feb, to celebrate the confirmation of OCdts Matt Hansen, Tyler Bell and Steve Jensen.


 

Le 12 février 2006 a été marqué par plusieurs « premières » au CMR. Non seulement l’évêque de l’Église anglicane de l’Ontario a‑t‑il célébré pour la première fois une confirmation à la chapelle Saint‑Martin du CMR, mais c’était également la première fois qu’un ancien élof portait le titre d’évêque de l’Église anglicane de l’Ontario.  L’évêque George Bruce (photo) a servi comme officier du renseignement pendant plus de 20 ans et détenait le grade de colonel au moment de sa retraite.  Il appartient à la promotion de 1964.  Le dimanche 12 février, il s’est joint aux fidèles habituels pour célébrer la confirmation des élèves‑officiers Matt Hansen, Tyler Bell et Steve Jensen.

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You should have your own RED Credit Card - special rates for RMC Alumni Redeem WorldPoints for travel, brand-name merchandise, and more.
 

Catching Up With the News!



4270 A. Sean Henry
(RMC ’58)

Afghans need help with terrorists before they can build a civil society

http://server09.densan.ca/archivenews/060222/cit/060222bk.htm

 

Cdns ready to assume Afghan command

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2006/02/23/1459129-cp.html


13666 Colonel Steve Noonan (RMC ’82) 

New Face in Kandahar

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_PrintFriendly&c=Article&cid=1140648614643

Snowbirds in Kingston, 17 May (Just before graduation) (French & English)

http://www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca/site/airshows/schedule_e.asp

Les Snowbirds seront à Kingston le 17 mai (quelques jours avant la collation des grades)

http://www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca/site/airshows/schedule_f.asp


3528 Paul Manson (RMC ’56)

Time Running Our on Canada's Hercules Planes

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_PrintFriendly&c=Article&cid=1140390609515

Chicoutimi's $100M fix-up?

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_PrintFriendly&c=Article&cid=1140216612402

Back to school for some 402 Sqn folks!

http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/17wing/news/releases_e.asp?cat=74&id=1043

Bulletin de l’Escadre Saint-Jean
CALENDRIER DES ACTIVITÉS


Le Major-général Andrew Leslie

Souper bénéfice de la Fondation des anciens du C.M.R.                                                       29 mars 2006
CMR Ex-Cadet Foundation Benefit Dinner

(Club Saint-Denis, Montréal)

Le Major-général Andrew Leslie sera le conférencier invité.

Il nous parlera de son expérience en Afghanistan alors qu’il était commandant de la Force opérationnelle à Kaboul et commandant adjoint de la Force internationale d’assistance à la sécurité, une mission dirigée par l’OTAN. Le titre de sa conférence est : “Boots on the ground”.  (Le Général parle français) 

Major-General Andrew Leslie will be the guest speaker. He will talk about his experience in Afghanistan when he was Commander Task Force Kabul and Deputy Commander of the NATO led International Security Assistance Force.  The title of his conference is “Boots on the ground”.  

For Reservations contact: 
Pour faire votre réservation, communiquez avec:
Hélène Ladouceur - 450-358-6777 ext 5928

Tournoi de golf bénéfice de la Fondation des anciens du C.M.R.                                               1 juin 2006

CMR Ex-Cadet Foundation benefit golf tournament(Club de golf de Saint-Jean)


 
Roméo Dallaire 

Le Défi du Général – activité « boot camp » présidée par le Lgén (ret.)                                          3 juin 2006

R. Dallaire dans le cadre d’une levée de fonds pour les musées de Saint-Jean

Allez jeter un coup d’œil sur le Défi 2005 (http://www.cmrstjean.com/defi_general/journee_defi.html)

 

Pourrez-vous relever « le défi du Général »? 

Le 3 juin 2006 se tiendra à Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu la deuxième édition du « défi du Général », une compétition amicale unique en son genre, où s’affronteront des équipes amateures provenant d’entreprises diverses. Il s’agit d’une journée ludique de défis physiques et intellectuels, mettant à l’épreuve l’endurance, la débrouillardise, la logique et le leadership des participants.  Ceci devrait vous rappeler la course à obstacles de votre jeune temps. 

Cette activité parrainée par le Général Roméo Dallaire sert une bonne cause, celle du financement des activités des musées de Saint-Jean. En effet, les fonds amassés lors de cette activité seront versés à la campagne de financement Pour l’avenir de notre passé, menée conjointement par le Musée du Fort Saint-Jean (sur le site de l’ancien CMR) et Le Musée du Haut-Richelieu, afin d’aider les deux institutions à poursuivre leurs missions de sauvegarde et de mise en valeur du patrimoine de la région. Le Lieutenant-général Roméo A. Dallaire (retraité) est le président d’honneur de cette campagne, à laquelle collaborent déjà de nombreux citoyens soucieux de la vie culturelle richelaine.

L’événement aura lieu au Campus Saint-Jean et la population est invitée à venir encourager les participants sur place à partir de 8h00, et ce, toute la journée. Les équipes devront compléter un parcours difficile, croisement de Fort Boyard et d’un « Bootcamp » militaire. Elles devront traverser des épreuves physiques (comme une course en kayak sur la rivière Richelieu) et intellectuelles (comme des énigmes qui ne seront pas dévoilées à l’avance, évidemment!) et devront faire preuve, tout au long du parcours, d’unité, d’astuce et de leadership. 

Si vous croyez que vous et vos collègues pouvez former une équipe gagnante, capable de se démarquer, c’est le temps de vous inscrire. Vous aurez bien sûr le plaisir sain de vous dépasser, de vous mesurer à vous-mêmes, mais, pour ajouter un peu de piquant, pourquoi ne pas lancer un défi à une entreprise rivale ?   L’animation de cette journée sera assurée par le groupe Domisa, partenaire de la campagne Pour l’avenir de notre passé. 

Pour toute information supplémentaire, n’hésitez pas à communiquer avec l’équipe de la campagne de financement Pour l’avenir de notre passé au (450) 347-0649 ou avec Hélène Ladouceur (450) 358-6777 poste 5928. 

Looking Back at his RMC Days…………. 8469 James H.A. (Jim) Simpson (RMC ’70)

Best remembered as a top university QB on the gridiron, Jim Simpson also played varsity hockey for the Redmen.  In his last game for the college he scored a goal in a heart-breaking 4-3 loss to West Point.  Word around hockey rinks - has it that those steely eyes still work in old-timers hockey for him and opposition players still cut him a lot of slack.  Perhaps, The Maj. tipped them off?  Read more to find out why.

Stubborn man, hell no!  During a practice one evening in the late 60's Coach Danny McLeod decided as usual to scrimmage with us in his sweats and ball cap.  He circled around the net after a puck going the opposite way to me and I ran smack into him clipping his eyebrow with my stick or shoulder.  I was petrified that I had just clocked "The Maj" and raced over to the boards to get a towel from the trainer, which he of course refused to use.  Wally Travis finally got him to leave the ice, bleeding modestly from the cheek area.  One swipe with the cloth and a J&J Band-Aid and he returned to the game telling me to keep my head up.

Hearing that he put off looking after a swollen prostrate gland does not surprise me in the least!! 

8469 James H.A.(Jim)  Simpson  (RMC ’70) 

Ed Note:  Jim Simpson has been very heavily involved with the RMC Club; and the RMC Club / Foundation for a number of years.  He has been a driving force with the Toronto Branch and in particular the highly successful Golf Tournament that they host every year. 

While at RMC he played with the hockey Redmen but he is best remembered by Ex cadets from his era (1966 – 70) as one of the premiere quarterbacks in CIAU football.  Jim participated fully during his time at RMC and has continued to stay actively involved at both the Branch and National levels with the Club. 



 

Oh! Those Were The Days!
By WJO


A typical Fall Saturday afternoon on The Tommy Smart Field at RMC up until the early 1980s.  In this photo taken in 1968 sees Jim Simpson showing CFL form as he punts the pigskin deep into "enemy territory".  Jim Simpson made his mark within the sports program at RMC in both mostly hockey and football.  Also, his KO victory in recruit boxing is still remembered by classmates and former staff members of the Athletic Department like Jim Gebhardt.

During a good part of the 1960s and other periods of time, RMC had a very good varsity football program.  Cadets, for example, during the late 1960s were even scouted by professional teams.  In '69  - five were drafted by CFL teams including:  8389 Brian "Bear" Brown; 8474 Gerry Walsh; 8319 Greg MacDonald; 8024 BJ Currie; and 8469 Jim Simpson.  While the Hippy craze was sweeping the rest of the World - RMC had great football teams!

Only BJ went to the BC Lions camp, as he was RETP.  There is no record that he ever suited up for the Lions or any other CFL squad.  (We have no current data on him at Panet House).

The '69 team came within a hair of making it to the College Bowl, losing in a close game to Bishops (Larry Smith who later went on to be the General Manager of the Montreal Alouettes and the CFL Commissioner was their star halfback) in the playoffs.  RMC had lost Greg MacDonald who had been drafted by the Aouettes out of high school in Montreal prior to entering CMR; and outside Linebacker 8439 Sunny Marche early in the third quarter due to injuries.

Smith ran for three TD's and 200 plus yards in the final half.  Bishops then went on to the Atlantic Bowl and won and then lost the College Bowl game.  Many pundits of the day considered RMC the better team than Bishops but those two key injuries killed them that bleak 1969 November day in Lennoxville.

Like many RMC teams over the years, Coach Doug Hargreaves, who later went on to win the Vanier Cup with Queen's University, lacked the depth of players which was required to make a serious national university championship play-off run.

Well known basketball and football coach at RMC during a good part of the 1960s, Doug Hargreaves is pictured front.  By coincidence, long-time RMC professor, Dr. William (Bill) Hurley and a big time supporter of the current RMC varsity program and a former assistant football coach at Queen is alongside Doug in the photo.  Small world!

 

 


Jack Riley, Coached over 35 years at West Point

Jack Riley, the Original 'Miracle on Ice' Coach

http://goarmysports.collegesports.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/022006aab.html

Jack Riley’s lifetime coaching record at West Point

http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.uscho.com/images/headshots/army_riley.jpg&imgrefurl
=http://www.uscho.com/stats/coachYxY.php%3Fgender%3Dm%26cid%3D505&h=135&w=100&sz=4&tbnid=FF_Iiitq_sQKeM:&tbnh=87&tbnw=64&hl=
en&start=2&prev=/images%3Fq%3DJack%2BRiley,%2BArmy%2Bhockey%2BCoach%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26c2coff%3D1

We pick-up our news sources from wherever we can. Readers are encouraged to forward any item on an Ex Cadet, former staff member from any of the three military colleges.  College number & photo will make our life a lot easier.   William.oliver@rmc.ca


Cintas is a major recruiter of transitioning military personnel seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, committed, leaders who are looking for advancement based upon performance.

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Où sont-ils?  Que font-ils?

Where are they now?  What are they doing?

De temps à autre, e-Veritas mettra en vedette un Ancien, un membre du personnel d'autrefois et ou un ami du Collège.  Ces articles seront reproduits dans le langage reçu et rarement traduits.  Nous invitons nos lecteurs à soumettre des articles a william.oliver@rmc.ca dans la langue de leur choix. From time to time, E-Veritas will focus on an Ex cadet; former staff member; and / or a friend of the college. Articles will be reproduced in the language received and in most cases not translated.  We invite readers to submit articles to william.oliver@rmc.ca in the language of their choice.
 

 

  We get e-mails . . . 

Thanks from Danny McLeod 

To all those who have sent messages of encouragement I wish to say thank you.  It has been the best medicine.  I am happy to report that I am doing quite well and looking forward to getting back into action. 

Best regards to all,

S109 Danny McLeod

Fond memories of the toboggan race & Fencing at RMC

E-Veritas issue 005/2006 provided me with clear evidence of how far RMC has advanced over the last 20 years or so.  This was due to two articles that you placed back-to-back; those being the Concrete Toboggan Race and the Fencers Bound for The Ontario Winter Games. 

Between 1981 and 1984, I was a captain teaching in the Civil Engineering Department.  When I read about an upcoming Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race (Canada's version of the American Concrete Canoe Race) in a technical journal, I asked the IV Concrete Design class if they wanted to participate in the competition as an extra-curricular activity.  Having been a cadet myself only 6 years earlier, I knew that this would be asking a lot for them to squeeze this in with everything else in their tight schedule, but as Steve Gable related in his letter last week, 5 cadets did take up the challenge and the first ever RMC Concrete Toboggan team was born. 

I don't recall a detailed design brief for the project.  In fact, I think it was more a case of what combat engineers would call improvised construction, and the "bunker" was poured just in time for shipment to Edmonton.  Due to lack of official funding, the toboggan was shipped in the back of CC130 Hercules as "Construction Materials"  destined for the CFB Edmonton CE Section, thanks to some contacts that I had made at the AMU during a previous posting to Trenton.  Dr Wayne Kirk, who was Department Head at the time, managed to persuade the Director of Cadets that the trip should be considered Temporary Duty, so that the cadets could be booked on  the Service Flight that used to traverse the country on alternating days, and they departed on their adventure unaccompanied by any staff supervision.  Steve was, I think, too modest in his letter because I seem to recall that they did bring home a prize; the one for the most impressive wipe-out.  They, too, impressed the other  teams and spectators by proudly wearing their scarlets at the event. 

My point in recounting all of this is that we had to "scrounge" our way to send a team to this event in 1984 and the technical support that we were able to give at that time was minimal.  From the e-Veritas article, it was clear that the 2006 entry was well supported and financed, and the overall technical quality of the result and the extent of cadet involvement clearly demonstrated that. 

In a similar vein, I was also the Fencing coach during my time on staff and RMC was in the midst of assimilating the first few classes of lady-cadets.  Fencing was one of the limited number of sports that had the potential for participation by both genders, so we had a full contingent of both men and women on the team, totaling 32  members.  In my first year there, I was the only staff member associated with the team and it was a secondary duty behind teaching Civil Engineering and taking post-graduate classes towards my masters degree.  My qualifications for coaching the team consisted of the fact that I had been on the team myself for four years as a  cadet and the fact that I now out-ranked the athletes.  By my third year coaching, in 1983/84, we had recruited two more ex-cadets, Al English and Jean Morin, so we now had three coaches, but still very much part-timers.  I also remember being shuffled from the Old Gym, to the New Gym, to the Annex of the SAM Center, to the  theatre at the NDC across the causeway to...other various makeshift practice areas, as Athletic Department priorities evolved.  I even recall one term where we practised in the lobby outside of the Sawyer Theatre. 

When I read the article in e-Veritas 005 and follow the links from e-Veritas 006 about the upcoming OUA championships and RMC's potential to repeat as women's champions, it truly demonstrates how profoundly things have changed.  RMC now has a full time Fencing Master with professional qualifications and a Fencing Salle with 12 fully equipped pistes. 

I realize that my recollections are probably sounding like "Were things ever tough when I was a...", but my point is actually only to recognize that RMC has evolved considerably in recent decades and the level of support and professional development being offered is now at a higher standard than that which many of us enjoyed in our "Good Old Days".  As one who worked at RMC during my military career and who has followed events through membership in the RMC Club, I thought I had an appreciation for these changes, but it appears that I didn't. 

Thanks, Bill, for distributing e-Veritas and publishing articles that not only give us a chance to wander "Memory Lane", but to really appreciate what goes on at RMC today. 

Regards 

11801 Jeff Lamb (RMC 78)

e-Veritas enjoyed in Nouakchott, Mauritania 

I’ve been particularly enjoying the e-Veritas over the last few weeks as memories have been flooding back as articles appear about the West Point Hockey game (recalling the significant win in ’84), Steve Noonan (my last CO), Fred Kaustinen (classmate and fellow unit officer in Kuwait), and the concrete toboggan race (having missed RMC’s initial attempt in ’84 due to the hockey trip to USAFA that year).  Congratulations to this year’s hockey and concrete toboggan race teams! 

The e-Veritas are particularly interesting when being read from Nouakchott in Mauritania where I managing the construction of a helicopter hangar for an oil and gas company and, coincidentally, from where classmate Jim Sawatzky is managing the mine clearance operations along the border with Western Sahara on behalf of the UN.  I also bumped into classmate Jay Campbell on City Beach in Perth, Western Australia over the Christmas break, proving  that it is possible to bump into ex-cadets and even classmates in the strangest places. 

Best regards, 

14404 Erik Carey (RMC ’84)

Where were you 15 February 1965? 

I note the comment regarding George Stanley about Canadian Flag in the latest e-veritas.  Much has been written about RMC's connexion with originating the format of the flag.  I think, however, that there is another RMC first with respect to the flag, i.e. flying it for the first time.   

On Feb 15, 1965 RMC #2307 Ken McKibbon was in charge of Canada's Delegation to the International Commission of Supervision and Control in Laos.  On that morning he supervised the flag raising ceremony with the new flag at his camp in Laos.  Considering the International Date Line and all that, I believe that he had the flag up many hours before those in Canada raised theirs.   

As the Orderly Officer in Fort Chambley, Germany that morning, I was in charge of the flag raising ceremony there.  So I was ahead of Canada too in that regard - but after Ken.  There were probably many other servicemen and women who participated in similar ceremonies all around the world.  However, those near the International Date Line were probably the first.  

I have seen Ken's photos of the ceremony.  He lives in Kingston and perhaps would share his story with you as he did for me.  It may be a good item for e-veritas.

3550 Murray Johnston (RMC’56)

Not everyone happy 41 years later! 

Some valentine.  Your headline "Coming of Age" is over the flashback showing the lowering the Canadian flag (Red Ensign) on Feb15, 1965.  You must have an inferiority complex over the considerable military and economic accomplishments of your country if you think that we hadn't already achieved a coming of age by 1965. 

No, the lowering of the flag had more to do with politics, i.e. deference to Quebec.  That is, if anyone on the Federal payroll would care to admit it.  And until that issue is ultimately resolved, neither nation will achieve its destiny. 

Little noted in Canadian history is that immediately upon Pearson trashing our heritage, every province without a flag adopted some form of the Union Jack.  The flag of Newfoundland is the most bizarre example.  Next time you're in Hawaii - you will be tanning under a state flag sporting the Union Jack - imagine the pressure the Hawaiians have been under for 150 years, to preserve their heritage.  Canada?  We just dump ours.     

The new "flag" isn't a flag - it's a logo.  Something you proudly wear on your backpack or your funnel.  But a flag - now that's your heritage. 

RCNC326 John K. Kennedy, (RR’47) 

P.S.  A quote from Captain (N) Pat Ryan, Captain of the Naval Air Station HMCS Shearwater.  It was Sunday Divisions, the Sunday after Feb 15, 1965.  

"We have Danish pilots here today on exchange for training, and they are most welcome.  They tell me that the Danish flag came down to them from heaven.  I refrain from saying where ours came from."

Big “Coggie” fan. 

Thank you for your email.  I think your e veritas is superb - but I must confess I have really only glanced at a few articles.  I am however saving them and will do it justice soon.  I will certainly check out that article which I must say I overlooked – I am glad you brought it to my attention, as "Coggie" remains one of the most memorable persons I have ever known.  

3532 William Bill McMurtry RMC (’56)

More on WO1 Coggins 

I don't know how far back your collection of issues of The Marker go, but I still have some from my years at the college from 1954 to 1958, if you would like to see any of that vintage.  I know West Point weekend is over for this year, but I think I still have the issue following the disaster of the 1956 game.  On the day of the game the ice making machine at the Jock Harty arena broke down, and with such short notice no other venue could be found, so it was decided to go ahead with the game anyway.  By the third period the ice was covered with large pools of water, making it literally a very sloppy game.

I must agree with Robert Kompf's comments in the February 21st issue of e-Veritas.  The only thing I ever heard Sergeant Major Coggins say on the parade square was "oive seen better, oive seen worse..........BUT NOT MUCH!", giving his hapless charges the idea that they were not up to his exacting standards, or to use another of his colourful phrases, they "looked like a Chinese fire drill".  In the same issue of e-Veritas however, there was a reprint from The Marker of his farewell message on his departure from the college in which he himself turned the words around and said "Oive seen worse, oive seen better, but not much", perhaps a veiled admission that maybe we weren't so bad after all, and he was justly proud of his efforts.

A few days after that Marker was published during the last practice parade before graduation it was announced that, in light of Sergeant Major Coggin's retirement, he would be taking the salute at the march past.  The feeling permeated the cadet wing that "This one's for Coggie", and everyone seemed to, as he would say, "Put some Blimey into it".  As each squadron marched past and the "eyeballs clicked" to the right, there he was on the dais, saluting, ramrod straight, unsmiling, medals gleaming, small in stature but a towering presence.

It was probably a sharper parade than the one on graduation day.

4110 T. K. Morton (RMC ’58)

  UP

 

Extra Innings
Manches supplémentaires
 


Bill and Rolande


Over the past few weeks much has been written about the late WO1 Coggins and Major (ret’d) Danny McLeod, two giants who both served at RMC for lengthy periods of time.  WO1 Coggins from 1948 to 1958 and Danny McLeod from 1961 to 1971.   

Of course, all the ‘Coggie’ & ‘The Maj’ stories are well deserved and undoubtedly bring back many great memories for a large number of Ex cadets from these two time periods.  

It has us thinking!   

Surely there were “other” giants who served at RMC during the 1970s; ‘80s; ‘90s and beyond.  Also, there must be similar military or civilian staff from CMR & Royal Roads who graced both campuses from the 1950s right up to closings in the 1990s.  

Do you have some “fond” memories and stories on a former CMC staff member which you would like to share? 

On another note, as we mentioned a few times over the past year, we are always looking for articles.  In particular we would appreciate receiving more articles written in French.  Our quick turn around time, from one edition to the next, does not permit us the opportunity to translate articles.   

Finally, if you are not a current member of the Club in good standing, you may have received a Special 2006 Edition a few days ago.  The special link is   http://www.rmcclub.ca/eVeritas/2006/Special2006.htm 

We appreciate the quick positive response from many readers. If you have not already done so, please take out a Club membership now. We really do need your support.

Au cours des dernières semaines vous avez pu lire, dans e-Veritas, plusieurs récits au sujet de feu WO1 Coggins ainsi que du Major (ret) Danny McLeod, deux géants qui ont servi au RMC durant de longues périodes.  WO1 Coggins de 1948 à 1958 et Danny McLeod de 1961 à 1971. 

Bien entendu, toutes les histoires ‘Coggie’ & ‘le Maj’ sont bien méritées et rappellent de bons souvenirs à un grand nombre d’Anciens de leurs époques.

Ce qui nous mène à la conclusion suivante! 

Il existe sûrement d’autres géants qui ont servi au Collège durant les années 1970; ’80; ’90 et au delà.  Il y a sans doute des membres du personnel militaire ou civil du CMR (St-Jean) et de Royal Roads qui ont enrichi ces deux campus dès leur ouverture jusqu’à leur fermeture. 

Avez-vous des souvenirs et/ou des histoires que vous chérissez concernant un ancien membre du personnel CMC et que vous désirez partager avec nous? 

Tel que mentionné auparavant, nous sommes toujours à la recherche d’articles.  En particulier, nous aimerions recevoir un plus grand nombre d’articles en français.  La rotation rapide d’un numéro à l’autre ne nous permet pas de traduire les articles. 

Finalement, si vous n’êtes pas présentement un membre du Club en règle, vous avez probablement reçu l’édition spéciale 2006 qui se trouve au lien spécial suivant :
http://www.rmcclub.ca/eVeritas/2006/Special2006.htm

Nous apprécions la réponse positive de plusieurs de nos lecteurs.  Si ce n’est pas déjà fait, veuillez vous procurer dès maintenant votre adhésion au Club.  Nous avons réellement besoin de votre appui.

 

Trivia Answer: 

d.  Can You Tell Me The Reason Why?

1.  Follow the link.  2.  Turn up your volume.  3.  Enjoy 

http://members.shaw.ca/tunebook/canutell.htm

"Many Hands - make the burden light".   « L’aide de plusieurs rend la tâche facile »

S125 Bill & S134 Rolande Oliver

 

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.

  UP


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