Tag Archives: Army
Episode 055 – CWO Brian Budden
CWO Brian Budden, CD is a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran. He is the past president of the Toronto Branch of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Association, and he currently serves as the 1st Vice-President and Health & Welfare Chairman. Following his first tour of Normandy and northwest Europe in 1974, CWO Budden began organizing historical tours to Normandy, Belgium and the Netherlands for First and Second World War Veterans. He arranged for the Westlake Brothers Souvenir Association in Normandy, […]
Episode 045 – LGen Peter Develin
Lieutenant General Peter John Devlin CMM, MSC, CD was a senior officer in the Canadian Army and is currently President of Fanshawe College. He served as Commander of the Canadian Army from 2010 to 2013. Educated at the University of Western Ontario, Peter Devlin was commissioned into The Royal Canadian Regiment, having joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1978. He served in an operational role in Cyprus between 1984 and 1985 and in the Former Yugoslavia in 1992. He commanded […]
Episode 044 – CWO Scott Patterson
Chief Warrant Officer Scott Patterson, CD joined The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada 1 Apr 1979, after transferring from Central Militia Special Training Unit. He completed his Basic Parachutist Course January 1982 and Airborne Indoctrination Course August 1983, making his an original member of The QOR of C Jump Platoon. Scott was a devoted member of the Regimental Pioneers, participating in numerous commemorations and parades. Some of his more enjoyable tasks have been as an instructor and platoon warrant for […]
Episode 036 – MGen Lewis MacKenzie
Lewis MacKenzie was born in Truro, Nova Scotia a long time ago. He is a graduate of Xavier Junior College of Sydney Nova Scotia and the University of Manitoba. During his thirty six year military career he served nine years in Germany with NATO forces and managed to avoid service in Ottawa by fitting in nine peacekeeping tours of duty in the Gaza Strip, Cyprus, Cairo, Vietnam, Central America and Sarajevo. In 1990 Lewis was appointed commander of the United […]
Episode 028 LCol Matthew Richardson
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Richardson has over 30 years of leadership and management training and operational experience through dual police and military careers. As a police officer, he planned and led over 1000 successful ETU operations in Niagara and on Multi-jurisdictional operations in Toronto, Hamilton, Waterloo, Ontario and Niagara Falls and Buffalo, New York. As a soldier Matt was promoted to Battalion Command of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment in 2006. In April of 2010, he embarked on a 10-month deployment […]
Episode 027 BGen Rob Roy MacKenzie Part II
In Part 2 of the interview with Brigadier-General MacKenzie, as he continues to describe his back-to-back tours in Afghanistan and the soldiers who influenced him. Follow me on Twitter @MikeLacroix32 and keep track of my results on #Mike100Workouts You can support this site by shopping on Amazon. You still enjoy Amazon’s great prices, but a portion of your purchase goes to supporting the show. LColMacKenzie – Old Kandahar City Gate with MWO Green LColMacKenzie – OC OCC-P Kandahar with MWO […]
Episode 026 BGen Richard ‘Des’ DesLauriers Part II
Brigadier-General DesLauriers is the Canadian Military Engineer Branch Colonel Commandant and is celebrating the 111th Anniversary of the Corps on 1 May 2014. Please visit The Canadian Military Engineers Association web site for more information about this proud Corps. Follow me on Twitter @MikeLacroix32 and keep track of my results on #Mike100Workouts You can support this site by shopping on Amazon. You still enjoy Amazon’s great prices, but a portion of your purchase goes to supporting the show. Des […]
Episode 025 Cpl Frank Reid Part I
Corporal Frank Reid is a veteran, author and playwright who spent 8 years (1972-1979) in the Canadian Army with the majority of the time spent on overseas taskings. Frank is an expert on this military time period during the Cold War. Frank does extensive public speaking on military living history. Frank works with veterans groups to further the cause of veterans’ issues. Frank is a founding member and past President of the Royal Canadian Regiment Association of Waterloo. He has […]
Episode 024 CWO Mike Lacroix Part IV
And now, Finally, the conclusion of the interview with CWO Mike Lacroix. Follow me on Twitter @MikeLacroix32 and keep track of my results on #Mike100Workouts You can support this site by shopping on Amazon. You still enjoy Amazon’s great prices, but a portion of your purchase goes to supporting the show. Kieran helps with the clippers at the Cops for Cancer event in Vaughan. Kieran and Aidan gave the RSM a new haircut! The Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth, the […]
Episode 024 CWO Mike Lacroix Part III
In an unprecedented third part of the episode, CWO Mike Lacroix describes the arrival of the Toronto Scottish at their new home in Etobicoke and becoming the 32 Canadian Brigade Group Sergeant-Major. Follow me on Twitter @MikeLacroix32 and keep track of my results on #Mike100Workouts You can support this site by shopping on Amazon. You still enjoy Amazon’s great prices, but a portion of your purchase goes to supporting the show. Members of the Toronto Scottish Regiment visit Hoevelakken […]
Episode 024 CWO Mike Lacroix Part I
Chief Warrant Officer Michael Lacroix enlisted in 1988 as a Private in The Toronto Scottish Regiment. He completed his Basic Infantry Reconnaissance, Machine-Gunner and Section Commander’s courses early in his career as an Infantry Soldier. He worked his way up to Sergeant by instructing on countless basic courses and, in 1994, became a full-time Army recruiter. During his first year as a Sergeant he completed his Senior Leaders Course and his Infantry Platoon Second-in-Command Course. In 1998 CWO Lacroix was […]
Episode 023 Sgt Tristan Bankasingh
Tristan O’Neil Bankasingh, the son of Jamaican parents, was born in Etobicoke, Ontario. Deciding to take a career path different than other members of his family, he enrolled in the Canadian Forces after completing high school and was sworn-in as an artilleryman on October 21, 2004 at Moss Park Armoury. He completed his basic training in the spring of 2005 and finished within the top three of his class. After completion of his DP1 Artillery course in the summer 2005, […]
Episode 020 Sgt Christopher Murdy
Sergeant Murdy was born in London, Ontario and joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1999. He follows his Great Uncle Morris Murdy, a WWII signaler who served in the Italian Campaign, as the last known serving member in the family. Sergeant Murdy has served exclusively with the 4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. He joined the military while completing his Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Western Ontario. Upon completion of his Basic Infantry Qualification, Sergeant […]
Episode 019 CWO Carl Deroche
This week’s guest is CWO Deroche who enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in July 1980, initially serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment in Gagetown. After completing the Basic Para Course at CFB Edmonton in 1981 he was posted to the Canadian Airborne Regiment in Petawawa. He served with the Airborne Regiment for a total of eight years and is the youngest person to successfully completed the demanding Patrol Pathfinder Course. He subsequently served extensively in […]
Episode 017 Col R.G. (Geordie) Elms
Geordie Elms was born in Toronto. In 1967 he followed his grandfather and father into the ranks of the 48th Highlanders of Canada when he joined as a piper. He served with the Pipes and Drums until 1972 when he applied to become an officer under the Reserve Officer University Training Plan (ROUTP). He transferred to the Regular Force, joining 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment. As an RCR officer he has served on regimental duty with the 2nd and […]
Episode 016 CWO Grant Lawson
This week’s episode is with CWO Grant Lawson. Grant has served as a crewman in the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps in two Regiments: the Ontario Regiment and the Queen’s York Rangers. He has deployed to the Middle East, the former Yugoslavia and most recently to Afghanistan. His current appointment takes him out of his usual arcs and into the Infantry, serving as the Regimental Sergeant-Major of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. Grant is a good friend and a trusted advisor. […]
Episode 015 WO2 Sam Magee Part 2
In Part 2, Sam leaves the mountains and training environment of Montana and heads off to Europe where he comes face-to-face with the Foe. He used raw guts and trickery to convince a platoon of Germans to surrender to Sam and his wounded fire team partner. On his way back, he stops to rescue three soldiers that had been pinned down by the very platoon he had captured. Sam goes on to describe his peace-time service with the Royal Canadian […]
Episode 015 WO2 Sam Magee Part 1
Today’s episode highlights the service of World War II veteran William (Sam) Magee. Sam tried to enlist in every branch of the Canadian Military at age 14. After the loss of his father, he was the sole bread winner for his family and the military was the best place to earn enough to care for them. At the age of 17, he managed to sneak past the recruiters and get enrolled in the Toronto Scottish Regiment. During his training he […]
Episode 014 Maj Bruce Mair Part 2
In part two of this episode, Bruce will reflect on those that have influenced him and the challenges he’s had to overcome. Follow me on Twitter @MikeLacroix32 You can support this site by shopping on Amazon. You still enjoy Amazon’s great prices, but a portion of your purchase goes to supporting the show. MWO Andy Price (Linc Welld R), Maj R. Bruce Mair (Link Welld R) and your host, CWO Mike Lacroix (32 CBG) The Mair Family
Episode 014 Maj Bruce Mair Part 1
In this episode, I will be interviewing another life-long friend, Major Bruce Mair of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. Bruce joined the Toronto Scottish Regiment as a Private and has also served with the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment. As a Master Warrant Officer, he took his commission to Captain and has been subsequently promoted to Major. He currently holds the appointment of Deputy Commanding Officer. You can support this site by shopping on Amazon. You still enjoy Amazon’s great […]
Episode 013 BGen Fred Lewis
Welcome Back and Happy New Year. This episode follows a short break which gave me an opportunity to get caught up and also rest a bit. I am very pleased to have been able to interview Brigadier General Fred Lewis, who has recently retired from the Canadian Armed Forces after a career that spanned over thirty years. General Lewis is an inspiring leader who always knew and spoke of the value of military families. As a military Engineer and Combat […]
Canadian Military History Podcast Promo
Welcome back to a new season of the Canadian Military History Podcast. For those that are just joining, here is a short promo that serves to demonstrate what this podcast is all about. Please have a listen and feel free to share with your friends and contacts. More new episodes are coming and will be released weekly. Don’t forget that you can support this site by shopping on Amazon. You still enjoy Amazon’s great prices, but a portion of your […]
Episode 012 MCpl Jody Mitic Part 2
Thanks for waiting – Here is the second part of the episode with MCpl Jody Mitic. In this episode Jody discusses his influences in his decision to become an Infantry Sniper as well as the genesis behind the Never Quit Foundation which he founded. He also discusses the challenges of going from the master of the battlefield to the recovering wounded warrior he is today. I truly appreciated the candor and openness of not only Jody Mitic, but also all […]
Episode 011 LCol Clifford R Baker
This episode features the experiences of LCol Clifford R Baker, MC, CD. LCol Baker started his military career as an officer in the 10th Battery of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. He served during World War II as a Forward Observation Officer assigned to armoured regiments in the 4th Canadian Armoured Division and the Lake Superior Regiment. After his war-time service, he continued to work in a variety of posts, including the military advisor to the Canadian Ambassador to […]
Episode 010 Maj Andrew Hrycajkiw
My guest for this episode is the G1 Branch Head at 32 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters; Major Andrew Hrycajkiw. Major Hrycajkiw is the first guest from the Logistics Branch. He joined in 1996 after having to choose between policing or the Army. He says in the interview that he truly grew and developed into the person he is today because of his experiences in his officer training courses. As a Logistics Officer, he was very fortunate to experience a wide […]
Episode 009 Lt Ryerson Maybee
The guest this episode is Lt Ryerson Maybee of the Queen’s York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC). Lt Maybee is a Officer in the Armoured Corps who started as a Non-Commissioned Member, and commissioned from the rank of Warrant Officer. He is a highly skilled instructor and leader. He has served in the former Yugoslavia as well as in Afghanistan. As a Warrant Officer, Ryerson had the distinct duty to be a Liaison Officer to fallen soldiers and their escorts […]
Episode 007 WO2 Stan Egerton Part 2
The second part of the episode with Stan Egerton explores his fight through the Scheldt, his return home from the war and his start with the Toronto Fire Department. The CTV Episode with Stan Egerton can be found at Here. You can support this site by shopping on Amazon. You still enjoy Amazon’s great prices, but a portion of your purchase goes to supporting the show. The Canadian Soldiers march through Dieppe with pipes playing. Somebody got in trouble for […]
Episode 007 WO2 Stan Egerton Part 1
This episode’s guest is WO2 Stan Egerton who served with the Toronto Scottish Regiment during World War 2. Stan is the Toronto Scottish Regiment’s version of Saving Private Ryan because he was eager to serve with his two brothers; George and Frank. Stan lost his brothers in the second world war, and yet he speaks about them like he saw them only last week. Another version of Stan’s story can be found at Vimeo. Please also check out a friend […]
Episode 006 Capt Shannon Tyrrell Part 1
This episode is the first episode with a soldier from the Canadian Forces Health Services and a member of the Canadian Armed Forces not from the Combat Arms. Capt Tyrrell started her career as a Non-Commissioned Member in 25 Medical Company which has since grown to become 25 Field Ambulance. Shannon developed as a junior leader as Medic, then became a Warrant Officer. A decision point was reached when Shannon had to choose between developing as a Medic Warrant Officer […]
Episode 005 LCol Cliff Trollope
In this episode, I review some feed back from you, the good listener, before getting into the interview with Lieutenant-Colonel Cliff Trollope. LCol Trollope served for the majority of his military career with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. He began his service at the Royal Military College and also was an instructor at the Infantry School in Gagetown, New Brunswick. He concluded his military service as the Commanding Officer of the Royal Regiment of Canada, where he lead the […]
Episode 004 LGen Andrew Leslie
In this episode, Lieutenant-General (ret) Andrew Leslie describes his service in the Canadian Army and specifically the Chief Warrant Officers who influenced him and helped guide his decisions as a senior commander. His service was both thrilling, as the Commander of 1CMBG, and heart breaking as the Commander of the Canadian Army during the fierce fighting days in Afghanistan. You can support this site by shopping on Amazon. You still enjoy Amazon’s great prices, but a portion of your purchase […]
Episode 003 Capt Pat Woods
Captain Pat Woods has served with The Canadian Grenadier Guards, The Governor General’s Foot Guards and The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment. Listen as Capt Woods describes his service with the CRIC in Bosnia as a Warrant Officer, as well as continuing his service as a commissioned officer. You can support this site by shopping on Amazon. You still enjoy Amazon’s great prices, but a portion of your purchase goes to supporting the show. The Canadian Contingent in Freetown, Sierra […]
Episode 002 Sgt Greg Briggs Part 2
This is part 2 of my interview with Sgt Greg Briggs. Now, good old Greg made a choice to take a shot at me near the end of the episode, so I hope you good listeners will forgive me if I take a cheap shot back. I know Greg can take it as good as he gives it, but I’m only taking this liberty because of our life-long friendship. Enjoy the second part of my interview with Greg! You can […]
Welcome Message
Welcome to the podcast page of the Canadian Military History Podcast. Please listen to the Introductory Episode, where I describe the origins of the podcast as well as the format and goals. Please check back weekly for future episodes. Special thanks go out to: -Scott Gardener and Chris Honeywell, the Two True Freaks -Michael Bailey and Jeffrey Taylor from the Superman Homepage, The Fortress of Baileytude, the Superman Podcast Network and From Crisis to Crisis: A Superman Podcast -Ken Ray […]
Episode 000 – The Intro
Canadian Military History Podcast The Podcast Dedicated to Our Veteran’s Own Stories; Past, Present and Eventually Future This is the introduction episode where I introduce the format of the podcast as well as the reasons and influences for starting this podcast. Feedback and comments are welcome. Mike Lacroix CD Mike Lacroix is a Senior Appointment Chief Warrant Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. His current appointment is as the Sergeant-Major for 32 Canadian Brigade Group in Toronto, Ontario. Past appointments […]
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You can automatically subscribe to this podcast by going to http://podcast.canadianmilitaryhistorypodcast.ca/?feed=rss2&cat=1 and Click on “Subscribe Now”. Mike You can support this site by shopping on Amazon. You still enjoy Amazon’s great prices, but a portion of your purchase goes to supporting the show.
