Episode 057 – Brigadier Alastair Bruce of Crionaich
ARMY
Alastair was a regular soldier for four years (1979-1983), seeing active service in the Falklands War of 1982 and also on peace keeping duties in Northern Ireland with the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards. He is still a reserve officer, currently serving as Deputy Commander (R), 3rd UK Division in the rank of Brigadier, having served in Media and Communications and commanding the Media Operations Group (Volunteers). In March 2004 he completed his period of mobilized service on active operations in Iraq, on Operation TELIC. In 2010, Alastair was given an OBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
TV & FILM
Alastair Bruce is Historical Advisor on film and TV projects, including Victoria, Downton Abbey, The Young Victoria, The Prince and the Pauper and The King’s Speech. He has also supported Indian Summers and is preparing other series.
TV COMMENTATOR
Alastair Bruce is the Royal, Constitutional and Religious Commentator for Sky News, the UK’s premier 24hr satellite news channel. He was appointed 23 years ago and has covered all Britain’s great occasions, including the 90th birthday of The Queen, her Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Royal Wedding, Papal events, and the funerals of both the Queen Mother and Diana, Princess of Wales: the latter to a worldwide audience of 87.5million viewers. Alastair contributes to FOX News, ABC and the BBC.
AUTHOR & DOCUMENTARIES
Alastair has written many books, including Days of Majesty, Keepers of the Kingdom and The Oldest that lists the oldest things in Britain. The Queen’s Birthday Parade was published last year, with a foreword by Prince Philip. He likes to tell history in an entertaining way, in order to open the rich culture of the United Kingdom, its style and romance to as wide an audience as he can reach. He has worked with many independent production companies in the preparation of TV documentaries. Many are regularly aired on PBS, Discovery and A&E channels. Among these are Manners of Downton Abbey, Nicholas and Alexandra, Victoria and Albert and Days of Majesty. Alastair is currently writing a new book for the American market.
OFFICER OF ARMS
In 1998, The Queen appointed Alastair one of her Officers of Arms, with the odd sounding title of Fitzalan Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary. This means that he has some responsibility for the heraldry of Britain, its Royal Family and the history it tells. He also offers advice to the Palace and Government on how the nation should ‘celebrate’ itself, and in due course he will help to plan the coronation of the next monarch, using his knowledge of the ancient rites.
ROYAL HOUSEHOLD
In 2004 Alastair was appointed to be an Extra Equerry to Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex. This is a part-time role to support The Queen’s youngest son and his wife when they perform Royal Duties in the United Kingdom and overseas, as representatives of Her Majesty, as Head of State. He also supports Prince Michael of Kent as Equerry. Alastair is also in The Queen’s Body Guard in Scotland, which is called the Royal Company of Archers.
Alastair delivers the following extra-curricular voluntary work:-
- Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London, Lieutenancy of London
- Professor of the Faculty of Media and Film, University of Winchester
- Chairman of the City of London RFCA and Lieutenant of the City
- Trustee of the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel, at Pangbourne.
- Lay Steward of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
- Member Royal Company of Archers, Queen’s Bodyguard for Scotland
- Governor Emeritus of Milton Abbey School, Blandford
- Knight of St John and former Director of Ceremonies
- Ambassador for Scouting for Hampshire Scouts
- Aide de Camp to The Queen since January 2015.
- Colonel, London Scottish Regiment
- Vice Patron, Winchester Cathedral Appeal
- Councillor, Winchester Cathedral Council
- Patron, Friends of Hospital of St Cross
Brigadier and Professor Alastair Bruce of Crionaich, OBE KStJ VR ADC DL
Alastair Bruce serves in the Falkland Islands as a Platoon Commander in 1982.
Brigadier Bruce in the attire of the Royal Company of Archers, Queen’s Bodyguard for Scotland
Episode 056 – WO Aly Hirji
Warrant Officer Aly Hirji a member of The Royal Regiment of Canada was born and raised in East York Ontario. Warrant Officer Hirji completed his basic training through the Cooperative Education Program during February 1995 and May 1995 not earning any money, but in turn earning two High School Credits.
Warrant Officer Hirji was promoted to Corporal in 1997, to Master- Corporal in 1999, Sergeant in 2007 and Warrant Officer in 2009.
He has deployed to Israel in support of Operation Danaca; to Ethiopia in support of Operation Augural and returned in 2010 from a deployment to Kandahar Afghanistan in support of OP Athena Roto 9 (TF 1-10).
Warrant Officer Hirji has participated in various training exercises with his Regiment. He had the opportunity to accompany the 32nd Canadian Light Infantry Brigade to Fort Knox Kentucky. He was also employed within the Company Headquarters during the major Snowstorm in the City of Toronto and the Ice Storm in Eastern Ontario in 1998. More recently, he was instrumental in the planning of HRH The Prince of Wales’ visit to Toronto in November 2009 for the Presentation of Colours ceremony and May 2012 for the Military Muster Ceremony at Fort York Armoury.
Over the course of his career, he has received numerous Canadian Forces Honours and Regimental/Brigade/Area awards. In November 2013 he was presented with the Commander of the Canadian Army Commendation; in November 2012 he was presented the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal; two Commendations from the Commander of Land Force Central Area (now 4th Canadian Division); and was also presented with a commendation from the Commander of 32 Canadian Brigade Group in Toronto.
In 2010, Warrant Officer Hirji reverted to the rank of Sergeant and has been employed on a full time basis at his Regiment since 1997. He currently resides in East York.
Sgt Aly Hirji, CD of The Royal Regiment of Canada.
Sgt Hirji meets BGen Stafford in Afghanistan.
WO Hirji poses with CWO Nick Webb, RSM of The Royal Regiment of Canada at the Toronto Garrison Ball in 2012.
Sgt Hirji attends a Mess Dinner with some life-long friends from the Royal Regiment of Canada in May 21, 2015.
Sgt Hirji in Afghanistan.
Sgt Hirji on Op Danaca in Israel.
Sgt Hirji with his mentor, WO Anthony Jones of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
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, France, to visit and participate in commemorative activities in Toronto.
CWO Budden is also involved in a wide range of other veteran-related activities; including assisting veterans with benefit entitlements and driving them to ceremonies. Brian helps to prepare those being interviewed by the History Channel or the Memory Project. He regularly visits residents at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto and other long-term care facilities.
As a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, CWO Budden participated in “The Living History” at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 258, which helps to initiate new Canadian citizens, and he is active in the annual Poppy Fund drive.
CWO Budden serves as one of the Parade Marshalls at the Annual Warriors’ Day Parade at the Canadian National Exhibition.
CWO Budden is a victim of a workplace accident which resulted in the loss of a limb. As an amputee, he has been very supportive to other amputees at the St.John Rehabilitation Hospital and, on occasion, to those injured in Afghanistan.
CWO Brian Budden served a term as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Forces’ Decoration.
CWO Brian Budden, CD, Former Regimental Sergeant Major of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada.
CWO Budden is presented his Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal by LCol Peter St Denis, MSM, CD and CWO Mark Shannon, CD
CWO Budden chats with the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jonathan Vance, CMM, MSC, CD
CWO Budden recalls some good times in the snow via newspaper clippings from the time.
Brian Budden acts as the Parade Marshall of the Warriors’ Day Parade at the Canadian National Exhibition.
Brian meets with a former Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, OC, CMM, ONL, MSC, CD
Brian enjoys a trip in a historic Jeep.
Episode 054 – Capt Terry “Stoney” Burke
Captain Terry (Stoney) Burke joined the Royal Canadian Regiment in October 1964. He completed basic recruit training at the Regimental Depot, in Wolseley Barracks, in London, Ontario.
In October 1965, he was posted to the Second Battalion of the RCR, in Fort York, West Germany, where he became a member of the Assault Pioneer Platoon. Over the next three years he completed the Junior NCO Course and was promoted Corporal in December of 1968.
In November of 1969 he returned to 1RCR in London, Ontario. In March of 1970 he completed his first tour with the United Nations Force, in Cyprus. Two days after returning from Cyprus, in October 1970, he along with his entire battalion, were sent to Quebec, to perform security duties, during the FLQ Crisis. In 1973 he was promoted to Master Corporal and completed both the Advanced Pioneer and Small Arms Courses, in Gagetown, New Brunswick.
In June of 1974, he was an instructor on Basic Officer Training in Shilo, Manitoba. That same year he completed his second UN tour, in Cyprus, after which he returned to London, as an instructor on the TQ 3 course. In 1976 he was a member of the security force for the Montreal Olympics and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant shortly thereafter.
In 1977 he was posted to Baden, West Germany, as a member of 3 Mech Commando, which later became 3RCR. The following year he returned to Canada to complete both the Senior Leaders and TQ6B courses and was promoted to Warrant Officer in 1979. Over the course of the next three years, in Baden, West Germany he went from Infantry Platoon WO, to Detachment Commander in Anti-Tank Platoon, to CQ of Battalion Headquarters. He also completed all the requirements to receive his Grade 13 Ontario High School Diploma.
In 1982, he was posted to Gagetown, NB, where he became the CQ of Lima Company, 2RCR. Within a couple of months he was Commissioned from the Ranks and became a Lieutenant and the Battalion Transport Officer. In the fall of 1983 he completed his third and last tour of duty with the UN Force in Cyprus. In 1984 he was posted to The Brockville Rifles, as the Regular Force Support Officer and promoted to the rank of Captain soon after that. In 1987 he completed the Para Course, in Edmonton and soon after was posted to the UN Truce Supervisory Organization. Over the next two years, he was employed as a Military Observer, in Israel, Syria and Lebanon. In 1990 he returned to Canada and became the Chief Standards Officer for all Army Reserve courses, in South Western Ontario. In 1996, he returned to UN duty in the Middle East, as an observer with the UN station in Damascus Syria and later on, as a Patrol Commander in South Lebanon. In 1999, he retired from the Regular Force and joined 4RCR, in London. For the next eight years he was the Standards Officer for the Land Force Central Area Training Centre, in Meaford, Ontario.
In 2007, he retired from the Reserves, having served a total on 43 years, in the Canadian Armed Forces. Since retirement, he has written two books, based upon his experiences in Europe and the Middle East. He is currently completing a third book, which he hope to have published by the end of 2016.
Terry Burke serves as a Royal Canadian Regiment Master Corporal in Cyprus in 1974.
Episode 053 – LGen Guy R. Thibault
Lieutenant-General Guy R. Thibault, CMM, MSC, CD joined the Canadian Forces in 1978 and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Physics at the Royal Military College. Upon completion of Army Signal Officer training in Kingston, he served in various operational capacities within the Special Service Force in Petawawa as well as 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, and Canadian Forces Europe in Lahr, West Germany.
He has held a wide range of command and staff appointments within the Army, and at National levels including assignments in the National Defence Operations Centre, Communications Security, Signals, Training and Doctrine and various positions within the Defence Information Services Organization and the Information Management Group including command of 79 Communications Regiment providing strategic communications for CF deployments world-wide. He also served as the Executive Assistant to the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and in 2001 upon promotion to Colonel he led the DND/CF Information Management Strategic Review under the authority of the Associate Deputy Minister.
In 2002, he was appointed Commander, Canadian Forces Base Kingston prior to deploying in early 2004 with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Upon return from ISAF, he attended full time postgraduate studies and completed a Master’s degree of Public Administration (Management) from Dalhousie University. He is a graduate of the Land Forces Command and Staff College, the Canadian Forces Staff College and the National Security Studies Program.
As a General Officer, he has served as Commander Land Force Central Area – Joint Task Force Central Region; Deputy Commander Canadian Army – Assistant Chief of the Land Staff; as well as the Canadian Forces J6 and Chief of Staff for ADM (Information Management). In this latter capacity, he also assumed the role as Branch Leader for the Canadian Forces Communications and Electronics Branch.
Upon promotion to Lieutenant-General in 2011, he served as the first Chairman of the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB) in Washington, DC. This international organization is an entity of the Organization of American States and is the oldest regional defense cooperation organization in the world. Lieutenant-General Thibault assumed the duties of Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) in September 2013, and as such serves as the second in command of the Canadian Armed Forces, Commander of the VCDS Group and is responsible and accountable to the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Deputy Minister to coordinate and direct activities to ensure departmental defence policy and strategic objectives are achieved.
Defence Minister Jason Kenney, Lieutenant-General Guy Thibault, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, and members of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council honoured Twenty-three business, government and educational institutions from across Canada at the Eleventh Biennial National Employer Support Awards held on 28 May 2015 at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
Hon. Col. Blake Goldring with Lt. Gen. Guy Thibault, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, at a special First World War commemorative evening held at the National Gallery of Canada on Monday, Nov. 10, 2014.
Episode 052 – Col Kevin Cameron
Colonel (Ret’d) Kevin Cameron joined the Canadian Forces in 1989 under the Officer Candidate Training Plan (OCTP), was commissioned into The Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) and posted to 3rd Battalion, The RCR at Canadian Force Base (CFB) Baden-Solingen, Germany. During his two years with 3 RCR Germany, he deployed to Croatia and Sarajevo in 1992.
Upon return from the Former Yugoslavia, and with the close-out of CFB Baden-Solingen in 1993, he was posted to 2nd Battalion, The RCR at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick where he served as the Battalion Intelligence Officer and Assistant Adjutant before being posted as the Regular Force Support Officer to 2nd Battalion, The Nova Scotia Highlanders (Cape Breton) in Sydney in 1995.
In 1997, after specializing in Parachute Operations, Kevin was posted back to 3 RCR, which by then had been re-roled as a Light Infantry Battalion at CFB Petawawa, Ontario. While in 3 RCR from 1997 to 2003, he was employed in various key staff and command roles. Promoted to the rank of Major in 2000, he finished this span of six years as Officer Commanding Parachute Company. Also during this timeframe, he was deployed to Ice Storm 98, completed two more overseas operational tours of duty in Bosnia, and commanded Parachute Company in a security role during the G8 Summit in 2002.
In 2003, the Army sent Kevin to the University of Ottawa for educational enhancement, where he graduated with a degree in Political Science & Psychology in 2004. He was then posted to the Canadian Forces College in Toronto for two years; the first year as staff, and during the second year he undertook and graduated from the Canadian Forces Command and Staff Course. Upon graduation, he was posted to the Directorate of Land Strategic Planning in the Land Staff (Army Headquarters) in Ottawa. During his first year with the Land Staff he was employed as a strategic planner before being promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 2007 and assuming command of the Strategic Plans branch within that directorate.
In 2008, Kevin was posted back to CFB Petawawa, first to the position of Chief of Staff 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, then in 2009 he assumed command of 3rd Battalion, The RCR. As Battalion Commander, he prepared his sub-units for deployment to Afghanistan and led the 3 RCR Battalion Group as the primary security unit for the G8/G20 Summits in 2010.
Following Battalion command, he was appointed J3/G3 JTFC/LFCA (now the 4th Canadian Division/JTFC) in Toronto. Promoted to his current rank in May 2014, he was immediately deployed to Op REASSURANCE (Ukraine/Crimea) as a Senior Strategic Planner at SHAPE Belgium, and upon redeployment in September 2014, he assumed the appointment of Chief of Staff 4th Canadian Division.
After close to 26 years of service, Kevin retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in June 2015 to pursue a civilian career path as Director of the Military Employment Transition (MET) Program at Canada Company. He brings with him vast experience within the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as substantial professional relationships within both the private and government sectors. As Director of MET he will further develop and advance the strategic vision and campaign plan for MET. He is superbly well-positioned to collaborate with corporate partners and work with government agencies in order to enable transitioning CAF members as they embark on their post-service career path.
Colonel Kevin Cameron, CD
Colonel Cameron at the steps of the Vimy Memorial.
Kevin Cameron is promoted to the rank of Colonel by a fellow Royal Canadian; Brigadier General Omer Lavoie at the 4th Canadian Division Headquarters.
Episode 051 – WO2 Paul Baines
WO2 Paul Baines, MC joined the British Army on the 6th of April, 1996 at the Exeter Recruiting Office. He completed his Basic Training at the Guards Depot in Pirbright, Surrey, then completed Infantry training at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick. He passed in October, 1996 as a Guardsman and joined the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards in Oxford Barracks, Munster in Germany.
Throughout his Army career he has participated in high profile state ceremonial events such as the Trooping of the Colour, visits of foreign dignitaries and more frequently Queen’s Guards at Buckingham Palace, St James’ Palace, Windsor Castle and Her Majesty’s Palace and Fortress at the Tower of London. As a Colour Sergeant, he was the Senior Sergeant of the Colour party on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee when the 1st Battalion trooped their new Colour in 2012.
He has completed a number of overseas exercises in places such as Belize, Poland, Canada, Germany and the United States of America to name a few. He has also a wealth of experience in operational theatres such as The Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone.
WO2 Baines’ career has been exceptionally varied and diverse; he began as a Guardsman in a Rifle company, but soon demonstrated that he had the skill set to specialize in other areas. He seized the opportunity early and became a ski instructor and then spent his first two winters in Germany posted to Bavaria. On returning to England, he joined the Reconnaissance Platoon and completed two tours in Northern Ireland; one as a patrol team member working with an intelligence group and the second in the Close Observation Platoon working in support of Special Forces. It wasn’t long before he was promoted again and spent two years as an instructor at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick as a Section Commander. When he finished at the ITC, he joined the Battalion on a tour in Iraq. He had already qualified as a Sniper earlier in his career, so after completing the Platoon Sergeants’ Battle Course, he was then promoted and given the Command of the Sniper Platoon in charge of some of the best and most highly trained soldiers in the Regiment. Being the man he is; when a volunteer was needed to take away a Platoon of Coldstreamers to Afghanistan attached to the right flank of the Scots Guards, he obliged. He then completed a six-month tour in command of a Rifle Platoon of 30 soldiers living and operating in the harshest conditions. Whilst on this tour of Afghanistan, he was given a Joint Commander’s Commendation for his actions carried out in a Taliban ambush. Within 18 months, he found himself with the remainder of the Battalion going again to Afghanistan. By now Baines was a Senior Sergeant and still in Command of the Sniper Platoon and deployed to one of the most hostile areas of Helmand. This operational tour would prove to be exceptionally brutal with many members of the Battalion returning seriously injured and a number of fatalities. WO2 Baines was awarded the Military Cross for actions carried out under enemy fire. Shortly after returning from Afghanistan, Baines was promoted and posted to Sierra Leone for 14 Months as an Infantry Instructor at the International Military Training and Advisory Team. He worked with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, the British Embassy and other non-governmental run agencies proving that he could communicate well with a whole spectrum of people and their cultures. He returned to Windsor and joined the Battalion where he was placed in to a Company Quartermaster Sergeant’s role where he administered a company of 150 soldiers. WO2 Baines assumed the position of Regimental Recruiting Warrant Officer and records show that in 2014-15, the Coldstream Guards recruiting tame had hit 98% of its recruiting target; this was testament to his hard work and dedication.
WO2 Baines was medically discharged from the British Army in 2015 with an exemplary assessment written by his Commanding Officer. Paul collaborated with members of his Regiment, before and after his release to produce a book; the Commemorative Album entitled 10 Years In Afghanistan; Guardsmen’s Stories which is available for purchase at the Regimental on line shop. All proceeds of this book go to injured and struggling veterans of the Coldstream Guards.
Paul resides in Torquay with his wife and is pursuing an apprenticeship as a plumber.
Sergeant Paul Baines in Afghanistan where he and his comrades were awarded the Military Cross.
Paul Baines serves as a Lance Sergeant while deployed in Iraq.
Paul Baines training in the UK as a Lance Sergeant; an appointment given to a Corporal so they could fill a post usually held by a Sergeant.
Paul patrols through some early corn growth in Afghanistan.
In 2010, Colour Sgt Paul Baines was awarded the Military Cross with Sergeant Adam Swift, Corporal Sarah Bushbye, Lance Corporal Daniel Fletcher and Lance Corporal Marc Reader. The medals were presented by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth at a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace.
WO2 Baines during the Trooping of the Colour in 2012.
WO2 Paul Baines meets with HRH Prince Harry on Poppy Day, 2014.
WO2 Baines collaborated with members of his Regiment to produce the Commemorative Album entitled 10 Years In Afghanistan; Guardsmen’s Stories which is available for purchase at the Regimental on line shop.
Episode 050 – Sgt Sean Wickett & Cpl Allan Wickett
Sgt Sean Wickett joined The Grey & Simcoe Foresters in 2002, at the age of 18, after serving as a youth in the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. In the past 14 years, Sean has deployed to Afghanistan as part of Roto 3-08, deployed to the Middle East on Op Proteus as well as the Arctic and sub-arctic with the 4th Canadian Division’s Arctic Response Company Group as well as on Operation Nanook. In the summer of 2015, Sgt Wickett led a team of Grey & Simcoe Foresters on an International Skill-at-Arms Competition where the team placed First, internationally and Fourth overall. Sgt Wickett is currently undergoing training to become an Infantry Warrant Officer and Platoon 2iC.
Cpl Allan Wickett initially enrolled in the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment in the City of Belleville, Ontario, in 1954, at the age of 15, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. After a lengthy absence from the Canadian Forces, Al re enrolled in the Princes of Wales Own Regiment in Sept 1993 to participate in competitive shooting as a service member. After relocating with his family due to work, Cpl Wickett transferred to the Gray & Simcoe Foresters in 1998, where he changed trades to Vehicle Technician. He applied the skills of his new trade at the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group at CFB Borden. Cpl Wickett had the opportunity to deploy on a Technical Assistance Visit to Afghanistan to conduct required upgrades and maintenance on the LAV-3 and the T-LAV (formerly the M-113) in 2008. Al retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in June of 2014. He has been awarded the Afghanistan Star, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Forces’ Decoration.
Cpl Wickett takes Sean to the range to fire the FNC1 Sub-caliber insert at the Princess of Wales Own Regiment rifle range. Father and Son, Shooter and Spotter.
Sean and Al attend a dinner together for the first time at the Grey and Simcoe Foresters in 2008.
Cpl Al Wickett visits Afghanistan in 2008.
MCpl Wickett visits his father at the maintenance shop in Afghanistan.
Cpl Wickett poses with a baby polar bear while in the Arctic with the 3rd Canadian Range Patrol Group.
MCpl Wickett patrols the areas in Afghanistan.
Sean poses in front of his RG-31 in Afghanistan.
Three Foresters enjoying some down time in Afghanistan.
Episode 049 – BGen Omer Lavoie
Brigadier-General Omer Lavoie was born and raised in Marathon, Ontario. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1983 as a private soldier in the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment. Upon high school graduation, he transferred to the Regular Force and attended Royal Roads Military College from 1985 – 1989. Upon completion of infantry phase training, he was posted to Second Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. Brigadier-General Lavoie’s regimental employment includes service with 2RCR, 1 RCR and as the Regimental Adjutant. As a member of 2 RCR, he was employed as a platoon commander, Officer Commanding reconnaissance platoon and as a company second-in-command. While posted to 1 RCR, he served as the Battle Group Operations Officer, Officer Commanding the Duke of Edinburgh’s Company and Commanding Officer.
Brigadier-General Lavoie’s extra regimental service has included postings to Canadian Forces Northern Area Headquarters in Yellowknife, Director General Strategic Planning at National Defence Headquarters, and as the first commander of the Canadian Forces Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force. He has served in all three of the Canadian Army’s mechanized brigade groups and commanded 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group from May 2010 to June 2012. Brigadier-General Lavoie’s operational experience includes employment as a rifle platoon commander during the Oka Crisis, as a company second-in-command in Croatia and Bosnia in 1992-1993, as a battle group operations officer in Kosovo in 1999 – 2000 and as a Battle Group Commanding Officer of the 1 RCR Battle Group in Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2006-2007.
Brigadier-General Lavoie has been awarded the Meritorious Service Cross for his role in leading the First Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group in Afghanistan and has been awarded the NATO Meritorious Service Medal for leading NATO’s first offensive ground operation at the Battle Group level, Operation Medusa. Brigadier-General Lavoie was appointed to the Order of Military Merit as an Officer. His formal education includes an Honours degree in Military Leadership and Applied Psychology from Royal Roads Military College and a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from Royal Military College.
Brigadier-General Lavoie assumed Command of 4th Canadian Division and Joint Task Force Central in Toronto on 28 June 2012. He completed a highly distinguished tenure of command on 11 July 2014. Brigadier-General Lavoie is currently the Director General Defence Force Planning, at NDHQ, in Ottawa.
Brigadier-General Omer Lavoie, OMM, MSC, CD, Director General Defence Force Planning
Col Lavoie and CWO Bobby Girouard take a break in Afghanistan in August, 2006.
Brigadier-General Omer Lavoie, commander of Joint Task Force Central/Land Force Central Area, inspects members of the 21st Electronic Warfare Regiment at a ceremony where more than two dozen members of the regiment received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal at CFB Kingston.
Brigadier-General Lavoie presents the patch of the 4th Canadian Division to the Command teams at a ceremony held at Fort York Armoury on April 25, 2014,
Brigadier-General Lavoie addresses members of the media in Wainwright, Alberta after a tragedy on Ex Maple Resolve in 2014.
Brigadier-General Lavoie addresses the soldiers who served with him in Afghansitan via YouTube.
Command of 4th Canadian Division officially changed hands on July 11, 2014 during a ceremony held at the Lieutenant-Colonel George Taylor Denison III Armoury in Toronto. Brigadier-General Omer Lavoie was succeeded by Brigadier-General Lowell Thomas during the ceremony presided over by Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander Canadian Army.
Episode 048 – CWO Bill Darling Part 2
Part 2 of the Episode with Chief Warrant Officer Bill Darling continues!
Cpl Bill Darling, 1983 – hard at work!
Bill’s uncle, HCol (LCol ret’d) Robert Darling, CD (a 3rd generation Highlander) & RSM (CWO) Bill Darling, CD 1999
HEGG David Johnston, CC, CMM, CD presenting CWO Bill Darling with his Military Medal of Merit in 2011
Episode 048 – CWO Bill Darling Part 1
William Darling joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1979 as a Gunner with 2 Field Royal Canadian Artillery, located in Montreal, Quebec. After completing Recruit and Basic training, he completed his TQ1 Artilleryman training at CFB Gagetown. He remained with 2 Field as a Gun Detachment member, being promoted to Bombardier in 1980. In 1982 he relocated to Toronto, Ontario, re-mustered Infantry and joined The 48th Highlanders of Canada, becoming the Regiment’s first 4th generation Highlander. The Darling family has served the Regiment continuously from 1896 to present day with his Great-Grandfather, Great-Great-Uncle, Grandfather, 3 Great-Uncles and his Uncle all serving as Officers. Bill’s 2 brothers also served in the Regiment.
Bill Darling served as a section commander in C Company in 1983 and 1984. In 1983 he was awarded the Regiment’s Eaton Trophy as the Top Jr. NCO. He completed his Jr. NCO course in 1984 and was appointed Master Corporal the same year. After a 2 year posting to the Militia Training Centre at CFB Borden he returned to service with the Regiment in 1987 having been promoted to Sergeant in 1986. Sgt Darling was awarded the Eaton Trophy for a second time in 1988 as the Regiment’s Top Sr. NCO, the first NCO in Regimental history to be awarded both the Top Jr. and Sr. NCO awards. He continued to serve the Regiment in a variety capacities including Platoon 2I/C, Company Transport Sergeant, Company Quarter Master Sergeant, Company Sergeant Major and Regimental Training NCO, earning promotions to Warrant Officer in 1990 and Master Warrant Officer in 1996. In 1992, WO Darling was awarded a Central Militia Area Commander’s Commendation for his dedication and professionalism during the Area’s annual Infantry Competition. In 1996 MWO Darling was again extra-Regimentally employed as a CSM with 32 Canadian Brigade Group’s Battle School instructing recruit and primary leadership courses.
In 1997, Bill Darling deployed as a Duty Officer with the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment, for the Red River flood relief operations in Manitoba as part of Operation Assistance.
When Bill returned to Regimental service, he was appointed the Regiment’s Drill Sergeant Major. He further had the honour and privilege of being promoted to the rank of CWO and appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of the 48th Highlanders of Canada in 1999. He had the privilege of representing the Regiment at various exercises and events around the country, most notably the Netherlands‘ Millennium Celebration of the Liberation of Holland in 2000.
When Chief Warrant Officer Darling relinquished the appointment of RSM in 2002, he was appointed the RSM of 32 CBG Battle School a position he held until 2005. In 2005, CWO Darling deployed on Op Boreas to Bosnia Herzegovina as the 2I/C of the European Union’s Multi National Task Force (North-West) Liaison and Observation Team Detachment in Sanski Most. Upon his return he was appointed the Brigade Sergeant Major of 32 CBG in 2006 a position he held until 2008. He was transferred to Land Force Central Area as the Reserve Sergeant Major at that time. CWO Darling was honoured to be appointed as a Member of the Order of Military Merit in 2010. CWO Darling was transferred to Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre in Kingston, Ontario as the Army Reserve Training Sergeant Major in 2011. Bill completed his appointment as the Army Reserve Training Sergeant Major in 2014, and he Commissioned from the Ranks, to the rank of Captain and he has been parading back “home” as the company second-in command of Administration Company, 48th Highlanders of Canada.
Captain Darling is a Construction Manager with CH2M Hill Canada Limited, a multi-national consulting engineering firm. He currently resides in Whitby, where he enjoys golf, playing and coaching hockey and the occasional quiet weekend at his cottage with his 3 children.
Chief Warrant Officer WM Darling, MMM CD
CADTC HQ Reserve Sergeant-Major
CSM (MWO) Ron Alkema & CQMS (WO) Bill Darling, 1995
Regiment’s 100th Anniversary Parade, Monument sentries: WO Marty Dupuis (RCR), WO Bill Darling (Review Order), WO Bud Gillie (Modern Day), Sgt Peter Rosa (Boer War), Sgt Guy Bowie (WWI), Sgt John Van de Vegte (WWII); 1991
Commanding Officer, LCol George Turner, CD & RSM (CWO) Bill Darling, CD. Holland 2000
3 of 4 generations of 48th Highlanders. LCol W.W.G. Darling, DSO, ED (2nd generation, Commanding officer 1946-1949); a furture RSM now Capt W.M. Darling, MMM, CD at age 4, LCol C.W. Darling, VD (1st generation, Commanding Officer Home battalion 1915-1919, Commanding Officer 1919-1923), my brother Pte E.A. Darling (age 2 who served with the Regiment in 1983) and Bill’s father Lt (Ret’d) C.W.W. Darling (RMC 1953-1958). Missing are Bill’s Uncle LCol R.G. Darling, CD (3rd generation) and his baby brother Pte W.C. Darling (served in 1985) because he wasn’t born yet!
Episode 047 – BGen Garry Thomson
Brigadier-General Garry S. Thomson, CD was born in Dundee, Scotland, attended High School in Thunder Bay and Kincardine, and university at Waterloo College, and holds a B.Sc. in Business from Pacific Western University, Los Angeles.
From a police and military family, (his father was a wartime officer in the British Army, captured at Anzio Beachhead as a Platoon Commander, 6th Gordons, 1st British Infantry Division) he was an Army Cadet, then began his own military career as ROTP (Infantry) in 1958, and was commissioned in The Royal Regiment of Canada in 1963. He commanded his Regiment from 1976 to 1979. He is currently Immediate Past Chair of The Royal Regiment Foundation and Chair of the G & SF Foundation. Brigadier-General Thomson commanded Toronto Militia District (now 32 Brigade Group) from October 1986 to October 1988 and served subsequently on the staff of Central Militia Area, and later Land Force Central Area as Deputy Chief of Staff, Administration. He was promoted on March 1, 1992 to Brigadier-General, and was appointed Deputy Commander Land Force Central Area on March 8, 1992. He was Acting Commander, Land Forces Central Area (LFCA) from February to May 1995 and completed his term as Deputy Commander in April 1996. While at LFCA, he spent time with the UN forces in Croatia and Bosnia, and was in Rwanda a few short months after the massacre in 1994. Brigadier-General Thomson was appointed in December, 2011 as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of The Grey and Simcoe Foresters Regiment, and looks forward to contributing to their long and distinguished service to Canada, and the chapters yet to be written.
In civilian life, Brigadier-General Thomson had many years’ experience in the insurance industry, including Vice-President, Group Operations and Vice-President, Association Business with Constellation Assurance Co., then as Assistant Vice-President, Association with Sun Life of Canada. He moved to the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board of Ontario as General Manager in Operations from 1997 to 2005. After a brief retirement he returned to business for a year as President of ATF Canada Corporation. He recently completed 28 years as a Governor of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, Great Lakes Division, is a member of the Probus Club of Mississauga South, a Chevalier of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, a member and past First Vice-President of The Royal Canadian Military Institute and a Past President of Fort York Branch, Royal Canadian Legion. He was for 7 years, ending 2012, the voluntary Producer of the RCMI’s Annual Massed Band Concert held every October at Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto.
A new activity he has taken on is taking select groups on battlefield tours in Europe, tracing Canadian and allied armies through WW1 and WW2, introducing Canadians to their military history. He has been passionate about flying as an aircraft owner and instrument pilot for 40 years, although he has now hung up his headset. He is an avid average golfer. Brigadier-General Thomson and his wife Sandra live in Mississauga, Ontario, and have their vacation home in Kincardine, Ontario.
Brigadier-General Garry Thomson, CD – The Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of The Grey & Simcoe Foresters.
Major Thomson escorts the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, Pauline McGibbon, during an inspection of The Royal Regiment of Canada at the Royal Winter Fair. The mascot on parade is Sgt Royal!
Lieutenant-Colonel Garry Thomson, CD in his role as the Commanding Officer of The Royal Regiment of Canada
Brigadier-General Garry Thomson, CD. Deputy Commander of Land Force Central Area.
In his role as the Deputy Commander of Land Force Central Area (now the 4th Canadian Division), Brigadier-General Thomson visits the troop overseas on a UN Tour.
Brigadier-General Thomson poses with the Junior Ranks of The Royal Regiment of Canada during a visit by His Royal Highness, Charles the Prince of Wales.
Episode 046 – WO Glen Moore
WO Glen Moore (Ret’d) CD joined The Royal Regiment of Canada in October 1981.
He completed Recruit, Basic and TQ1 Infantry courses and attended MilCon in the Summer of 1982 as a fully trained Private. He was promoted to Corporal in the Fall of 1982 and over the course of the next couple of years he passed the TQ2 Smalls Arms Instructor and TQ2 Communications Courses. Concurrently he was chosen to be a member of the Pioneer Platoon and participated in numerous commemorations and parades. He achieved the Rank of Pioneer Sergeant which was an honor and he enjoyed very much.
In 1984 he passed the Junior NCO Course and also participated in the Sesquicentennial Guard during the Summer. In 1985 he was promoted to the rank of Master Corporal. He then taught Recruit, Basic, TQ1 Infantry, Small Arms, Communications and Junior Courses as a Section Commander both within The Royal Regiment of Canada and in Toronto Militia District. In 1986 he passed the TQ3 Infantry Course which was conducted at CFB Aldershot, Nova Scotia. In 1987 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant while performing duties as a Platoon Second in Command while also being the Pioneer Sergeant on Regimental Ceremonial parades.
In 1992 he passed the Senior Leaders Course which was conducted at CFB Downsview, Toronto. In 1993 he was awarded the Canadian Forces’ Decoration for 12 years of continuous service. In 1994 and 1995 he attended Exercise Southern Drive at Camp Blanding, Florida, USA. Also in 1995, he passed the First Regular Force Standard QL6B Warrant Officers Infantry Course at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick. In the Summer of 1993 he participated in the filming of the CBC’s Two Part Mini Series Dieppe.
He was promoted to Warrant Officer in the Winter of 1995. In 1996 he was chosen as the winner of the LCol Bell, CD Trophy for the Most Proficient Senior NCO. He then passed on the duties of Pioneer Sergeant while still carrying on the Regimental duties of Platoon Second in Command, Transport NCO, Company Quarter Master and Company Sergeant Major. He also instructed a Senior Leaders course. In 1998 he performed the duties as the 32 Canadian Brigade Group Company Quarter Master during The Ice Storm where he was deployed to Hawkesbury, Ontario. He retired a year later in the beginning of 1999. After retirement he continued to attend Regimental parades and functions.
In 2007 he joined The Royal Regiment of Canada Association where since then he has performed the duties of Director, Secretary, Sergeant of Arms, Vice President and President. He’s currently performing the duties of Vice President as well as Webmaster for the Association’s website and Facebook page.
He was the Commander of The Association’s marching contingent during the last 4 years at the CNE Warriors’ Day Parade. On that parade, in 2013 they placed Third and 2015 they placed First as well as won the Canon Scott Trophy for Veteran Marching Formations of 15 or less. He’s been responsible for the success of The Operation Support The Troops Coffee and Donuts events for when the troops come back from field exercises, organizing Small Arms Trainer nights, Veterans Concerns Committees and has also helped and volunteered at Sunnybrook Hospital K-Wing Blythwood Social Club to serve the Veterans who live and stay at the hospital.
Glen has had recent successes by participating and completing the 4 Day Nijmegen (4 x 50 KM = 200 KM) March for the last 3 years in a row and received a medal and a certificate. This year he received a certificate of participation when he was selected by The Nijmegen 4 Day March Organization and Sunset March Team to be the Veteran of the Day to participate and lead the Lights Crossing over the City of Nijmegen New Bridge called De Oversteek which is a nightly ceremony to honor the lives of the 48 members of the 506 PIR from the US 82nd Division who lost their lives crossing the Waal River during Operation Market Garden on Sept 20th 1944.
WO Moore (Ret’d) is employed with Cadillac Fairview as a Network Engineer. He’s an avid walker, enjoys ice skating, classic rock music, travel, attending sporting events, friends and family.
Glen Moore in his role as a Pioneer Lance Corporal posting the guard with the Royal Regiment of Canada.
Glen Moore’s 1st Nijmegen 4 Day March (4 x 50 KM = 200 KM) July 2013. He received the Gladioli Flowers and 1st Year Medal.
Cpl Glen Moore on his TQ3 Infantry in Aldershot (1983) with Nick Webb and others.
Glen Moore assigned as aPioneer Private during an early 80’s Sorrel Day Parade with The Royal Regiment of Canada.
Glen Moore, in his Royal Regiment of Canada Association blazer and tie, outside BMO Field before a TFC game on D-Day 6 June a few years ago.
The Royal Regiment of Canada Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess Birthday Dinner 2009 with Nick Webb.
WO Moore marches ahead of the group during the completion of the 3rd Nijmegen 4 Day March (4 x 50 KM = 200 KM). He was selected as the Veteran by the Nijmegen 4 Day March Organization & Sunset March Team to lead the Lights Crossing across the City of Nijmegen New Bridge “De Oversteek” to honor the lives of the 48 soldiers of the 506 PIR from the US 82nd Division who lost their lives there while crossing the Waal River during Operation Market Garden on September 20th 1944.
The Royal Regiment of Canada Association CNE Warriors Day Parade August 2015.
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 from the platoon to Army level, most notably commanding 1st Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment, 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group and the Canadian Army. He has several operational tours including UN, NATO and Coalition missions in Cyprus, the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq. He served with the International Security Assistance Force as Commander of the Kabul Multinational Brigade in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2004. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross in 2004 as well as Orders of Military Merit from the United States, Brazil and Colombia for international leadership and encouraging collaboration.
Peter Devlin was appointed to Commander of the Canadian Order of Military Merit in 2010 and retired in August 2013 at the rank of Lieutenant General. Peter Devlin received an undergraduate degree in Honours Economics from Western University, a graduate degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College and a certificate in Advanced Executive Management from Queen’s University. He has also studied at Command and Staff Colleges of the Canadian Defence Academy.
Peter Devlin currently serves as the 5th President of Fanshawe College in London, Canada. That appointment was effective as of 3 September 2013.
Peter has been married for 29 years, and together he and his wife Judy have four children.
Lieutenant General Peter John Devlin CMM, MSC, CD, Commander of the Canadian Army from 2010 to 2013.
Cyprus – Lt Devlin, a Platoon Commander in 1RCR, in the Joint Operations Centre, Cyprus 1984
Balkans – Maj Devlin, OC November Company 3 RCR, in his M113 Command Post, Balkans 1992
Balkans – Maj Devlin, OC November Company 3 RCR, in his M113 Command Post, Balkans 1992
CoC Kabul – BGen Devlin, Commander 2 CMBG, taking command of the Kabul Multinational Brigade in Kabul, Afghanistan 2003. The was NATO’s first out of area operation.
Task Force Kabul Roto 10 – LGen Devlin, Commander Canadian Army, in a school renovated by Canadian soldiers in Kandahar, Afghanistan 2010.
Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin, as Commander of Canada’s Army, with Chief Warrant Officer Giovanni Moretti formally appoint Mr. Blake C. Goldring as the Honorary Colonel of the Army at a ceremony in March of 2011 at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.
Lieutenant-General Devlin with Chief Warrant Officer Mike Hornbrook, near the end of his term as the Army Commander, in the Summer of 2013.
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 leadership training at 32 Canadian Brigade Group Battle School. As a Master Warrant Officer, he was attached to 25 Medical Company [now 25 (Toronto) Field Ambulance] as a Support Company Sergeant Major, thereby seeing the Reserves from a completely different perspective. In 1998, Scott served as the Company Sergeant-Major during a sovereignty exercise in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut.
When Scott was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer, he served as the Regimental Sergeant-Major of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. This appointment was from February, 2004 to April, 2008. CWO Patterson was given a second opportunity to serve as a Regimental Sergeant-Major when he was appointed to 32 Service Battalion, a Regiment that his father once commanded.
CWO Patterson’s fondest memories are participating with Veteran’s during the 50th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings with the Gypsy Wagon Crew. One of his more recent highlights was participating in the Lieutenant Governor (Ontario)’s book drive in Northern Ontario where he controlled drop zones where books were parachuted in. CWO Patterson is employed with the Toronto Paramedic Services. He is a member of the Maple Leaf Rifle Club and an avid collector of military memorabilia.
The Regimental Sergeants-Major of 32 Canadian Brigade Group in 2006 with CWO Scott Patterson, The RSM of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada on the bottom right of the photo.
Maj Allan Champion and CWO Scott Patterson, lay a wreath from the Regiment commemorating the life of D-Day veteran, CQMS Jack Martin.
CWO Scott Patterson acts as a pall bearer for the funeral of Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Sergeant Major Harry Fox, MBE in 2011.
The Command Teams of 32 Canadian Brigade Group at the conclusion of the 2013 Battle of York Parade. CWO Scott Patterson is in the back row on the right and is the Regimental Sergeant-Major of 32 Service Battalion.
Scott presents CWO Mike Lacroix with some parting gifts in November 2014.
CWO Scott Patterson in front of portraits of MGen R. Rennie, CB, CMG, DSO, MVO, (left) who commanded The Queen’s Own Rifles 1916-1920 and Col G.C. Royce, 1920-1921.
CWO Scott Patterson (rear, left), poses with two of his successors, CWO Shawn Kelly (rear, center, right) and CWO Mark Shannon (rear, center, left) and five of his predecessors, Capt John Wilmot (rear, right), Capt Robert Chan (front, left), CWO Brian Budden (front, center, left), CWO Mike Holland and CWO Eric Simundson; RSMs of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada.
Scott looks back on this picture and says “That must have been taken at the start of the march, because I wouldn’t be smiling like that at the end!”
Episode 043 – Col Dwayne Hobbs
Colonel Dwayne Hobbs joined the Essex & Kent Scottish in 1988. In 1992, while a student at the University of Toronto, he enrolled in the Reserve Entry Scheme Officer (RESO) program with the Toronto Scottish Regiment. Following completion of Phase IV Infantry at the Combat Training Centre in 1995, he commanded at the Platoon level for multiple iterations of Combat Readiness Evaluation cycles.
In 1996, he joined the Staff of Toronto District Headquarters as the G6 and completed the Militia Officer Staff Course and the Intermediate Tactics Course. In 1998, he commanded 4 Platoon Bravo Company of the 1 RCR Battle Group in Bosnia. From 1998 until 2001 he held Company Second-in-Command positions for large Reserve collective training exercises and was eventually appointed Operations Officer of the Toronto Scottish Regiment. He was consequently involved in the preparations for the Queen Mother’s 100th Birthday celebrations. He completed the Dismounted Company Commander’s Course in 1999 and Militia Command and Staff College in 2000.
Colonel Hobbs was deployed on Roto 65 of Op DANACA as the Contingent Operations Officer and served in the Golan Heights during the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon and during the Al Aqsa intifada. Upon return to Canada he served as the G3 Plans for 32 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters until he was selected to be the Officer Commanding for the Composite Reserve Infantry Company for OP PALLADIUM Roto 13 where he served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons Battle Group from June 2003 until May 2004.
Upon returning to Canada, he served in the Land Staff under the Land Force Reserve Restructure project where he worked as the Desk Officer for CBRN, Domestic and Information Operations capabilities while concurrently serving as the Deputy Commanding Officer of his home unit. He completed the Joint Reserve Command and Staff Course at the Canadian Forces College in 2005. In 2005, he returned to Toronto and assumed command of the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s Own). Concurrent to his time in command he served as the Information Operations Advisor to Defence Research & Development Canada’s Adversarial Intent Section. He relinquished command in January 2008 to serve as the Officer Commanding the Joint Provincial Coordination Centre as part of Task Force Kandahar. For his service, Col Hobbs was awarded the Chief of Defence Staff Commendation. He returned to DRDC Toronto in June 2009 and was appointed Commanding Officer of the 32 Canadian Brigade Group Battle School. On 5 October 2010, Col Hobbs was appointed Deputy Commander, 32 Canadian Brigade Group. On 1 January 2012, he assumed the role of Deputy Commander of the Influence Activities Task Force (Kingston, ON) and subsequently promoted to full Colonel.
Besides all of his time in Command, the highlights of his career include dining with the Queen Mother at Clarence House, briefing Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman during the snowstorm of 1999, serving very briefly as the United Nations Christmas tree officer for the Middle East, being presented the Supreme Allied Commander Europe’s coin in Kandahar, and receiving the CDS Commendation for his service overseas.
Colonel Hobbs lives in Muskoka with his wife, Laura, and enjoys politics, history, film, travel and of course hockey and golf time permitting. In his civilian life, Colonel Hobbs is the Director of the Global Security Operations Centre for Scotiabank.
Colonel Dwayne Hobbs, CD – Commander of 32 Canadian Brigade Group
Lt Hobbs and the Platoon House of 4 Platoon Bravo Company of the 1 RCR Battle Group in Bosnia 1998.
LCol Hobbs leads the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s Own) in the annual Church Parade in November, 2007.
LCol Hobbs and CWO Mike Lacroix travel to Pleasantown, California with the Pipes and Drums of the Toronto Scottish Regiment, who performed with the band of the United States Marine Corps.
Col Hobbs reviews the Change of Command Parade of the Royal Regiment of Canada.
Col Hobbs checks his equipment prior to a Blackhawk flight in South Dakota during Exercise Golden Coyote.
Col Dwayne Hobbs Presents CWO Mike Lacroix an Infantry Officer’s Sword to mark the conclusion of his service as the Brigade Sergeant-Major and the pending commissioning to the rank of Captain.
Episode 042 – Ranger Cpl Joelie Qaunaq
Ranger Cpl Joelie Qaunaq serves with the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group out of Arctic Bay, Nunavut.
He has been involved with the Canadian Ranger Program since 1986 and has earned the Special Service Medal with the Ranger Bar and his Canadian Decoration. On NorEx 15, Cpl Qaunaq was awarded both the 4th Canadian Division Commander‘s Coin and the 31 Canadian Brigade Group Commander’s Coin for his outstanding contribution to the success of the exercise.
Cpl Qaunaq is an instructor on the Arctic Operations Advisor course and also teaches the Canadian Search and Rescue Technicians survival skills. These courses are conducted by the Canadian Armed Forces Arctic Training Centre.
One of the things that makes Joelie successful as a Canadian Ranger is his love of the outdoors, his proficiency with snowmobiles and komatiks and his passion for hunting.
Canadian Ranger, Cpl Joelie Qaunaq of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, Arctic Bay, Nunavut.
Canadian Ranger Joelie Qaunaq, 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (left) and Master Corporal Pierre-Luc Vallieres from the 1st Battalion Royal 22nd Regiment (1R22eR) construct an igloo out of snow blocks during Operation NUNALIVUT 2014.
Corporal (Cpl) Joelie Qaunaq from 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group and Cpl Colin Wood from The Grey and Simcoe Foresters cut snow blocks for a wind-break for their bivouac site on Little Cornwallis Island, Nunavut during NOREX 15 on March 24, 2015.
4th Canadian Division’s Arctic Response Company Group (ARCG) at the end of NOREX 2015 in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Sunday, March 29, 2015.
Episode 041 – Deputy Chief Thomas Carrique
Deputy Chief Thomas Carrique, MOM, MA, CMM III
Deputy Chief Thomas Carrique has been a member of York Regional Police since 1990. He is currently the Deputy Chief of Operations and previously served as Deputy Chief of Administration. Before being named deputy chief, he was the officer in charge of Staff Services, which includes Recruiting, Training, Professional Development and Human Resources.
Prior to being the superintendent of Staff Services, he was a Special Investigation Unit liaison officer and the officer in charge of the Organized Crime Bureau, which included the Intelligence Unit, the Special Services Unit and the Drugs and Vice Enforcement Unit. As the officer in charge of the Organized Crime Bureau, Deputy Chief Carrique was a member of the Joint Management Teams for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Combined Forces Special Enforcement and Integrated National Security Enforcement units, the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Section, the Asian Organized Crime Task Force and the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force.
He was previously assigned to Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Investigative Services, Traffic, Marine, Public Order and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services – Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario.
The deputy chief earned a certificate in terrorism studies from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He is a graduate of the National Policing Improvement Agency’s International Commanders’ Program in the United Kingdom and the United States Department of Justice Drug Unit Commanders’ Academy. He also holds a masters degree in leadership and training, with a specialty in justice and public safety from Royal Roads University. He also received a chartered management designation from the Chartered Management Institute in the United Kingdom and has a certified municipal manager police executive designation from the Ontario Municipal Management Institute and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.
A gold medalist at the Canadian Police Olympics, Deputy Chief Carrique is also a recipient of the Ontario Premier’s Award of Excellence for Fighting Crime and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Terry Ryan Memorial Award for Excellence in Policing Services.
Deputy Chief Carrique championed the York Region Methamphetamine Strategy, which was awarded the 2007 Kaiser Foundation National Award of Excellence in Mental Health & Substance Abuse Programming, and he co-developed the York Region Community Guns, Gangs and Youth Violence Strategy, which received the prestigious International Association of Chiefs of Police Webber Seavey Award for Quality in Law Enforcement.
Deputy Chief Carrique serves as a member of Board of Governors at Seneca College and on the Board of Directors for St. John Ambulance – York Region Branch.
Deputy Chief Carrique has received the Police Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2013, the Governor General of Canada presented the Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces medal to Deputy Chief Carrique.
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Thomas Carrique, Deputy Chief of Operations, York Regional Police
As a Constable, Tom’s arm was injured during an arrest.
Inspector Tom Carrique and Chief Armand La Barge speak to the press about an ongoing murder investigation.
Superintendent Tom Carrique forms up beside his good friend Superintendent Eugene Kerrigan on the annual Ontario Police Memorial parade.
The Dalai Lama visits York Regional Police Chief Eric Jolliffe and Deputy Chief Tom Carrique.
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Deputy Carrique launches the annual Project ERASE counter street racing initiative for 2014 at Buttonville Municipal Airport.
Deputy Chief Carrique receives his Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces from the the Governor General of Canada in May, 2013.
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Tom presents his son, new Auxiliary Police officer, Daniel Carrique, with his Auxiliary Officer badge and ID with South Simcoe Police Chief Rick Beazley. Tom and his son then pose with Bevan Carrique, Tom’s father.
Episode 040 – HCol Bill Graham
William Carvel “Bill” Graham PC QC CM (born March 17, 1939) is a former Canadian politician, who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of National Defence, Leader of the Opposition and interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.
Graham grew up in Montreal and Vancouver, and he was educated at Upper Canada College, Trinity College at the University of Toronto, the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law, and the University of Paris. As a student, he traveled in the Middle East and Europe. He married the former Catherine Curry in 1962, and they have a daughter, Katherine and a son, Patrick.
After his graduation from law school, Graham went to Paris to pursue a doctorate of laws, with a focus on international law, as well as to improve his French. He also represented a Toronto law firm, Fasken’s, in Europe. Upon returning to Toronto in 1968, Graham remained at Fasken’s with a practice devoted largely to international trade and commercial law.
He moved from the practice of law to academia in 1981, when he took a faculty position at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law, teaching EEC law, public international law, and international trade law until 1993. Graham also held visiting lectureships at McGill University and the Université de Montréal. In 1999, he endowed a chair in international law at the law school.
Graham twice sought election unsuccessfully to the House of Commons as a Liberal in the riding of Toronto Centre-Rosedale, losing in 1984 to the Conservative incumbent, former Toronto Mayor David Crombie, and in 1988 to Conservative candidate David MacDonald. He defeated MacDonald in the 1993 federal election, and was re-elected in 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006.
He served as a member, and for six years as Chair, of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Law. Under his chairmanship, SCFAIT produced public reports on the role of nuclear weapons in world politics, Canada and the circumpolar world, the future of the World Trade Organization, the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, hemispheric free trade, and Canadian relations with Europe and the Muslim world. Graham also promoted “parliamentary diplomacy” and was active in the creation or operation of many international fora for parliamentarians, including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, of which he was Treasurer, and the Canada-US Parliamentary Association. He was also the Liberal Party of Canada’s representative to Liberal International and the first elected Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the Americas.
In January of 2002, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien appointed Graham as Minister of Foreign Affairs. His tenure was largely dominated by the changes to world affairs flowing from the 9 / 11 terrorist attacks and the increased unilateralism of American foreign policy. Canada did support important elements of the US-led War on Terror, and Canadian troops participated in the UN-sanctioned invasion of Afghanistan to oust the Taliban regime in October of 2001. In the summer of 2003, Chrétien and Graham committed Canada to assume the lead role in the International Security Assistance Force, the NATO mission in Afghanistan. ISAF was initially responsible for securing Kabul and its environs, but an October 2003 Security Council resolution authorized its extension through much of the country.
When Graham’s former law school classmate Paul Martin succeeded Chrétien as Prime Minister in December of 2003, Martin left Graham at Foreign Affairs, but after an election in June of 2004 reduced the Liberals to a minority, Martin moved him to National Defence. This would normally be regarded as a demotion, but Martin had promised during the election campaign to increase defence spending, and he indicated to Graham that he would enjoy prime ministerial backing in his efforts to rebuild the Canadian military after the economies resulting from the deficit-reduction program that Martin had implemented in the early 1990s as Minister of Finance.
In July of 2005, as part of a tour of Canada’s arctic defense installations, Graham visited Hans Island, the sovereignty of which was disputed by Canada and Denmark. Denmark publicly protested the visit, but subsequently entered into negotiations to settle the island’s status.
Perhaps Graham’s biggest success as Defence Minister was implementing a new doctrinal and budgetary framework for Canadian defence policy. He persuaded Martin and Finance Minister Ralph Goodale to accept a $13 billion increase in defence spending, the largest in a generation, as part of the 2005 budget. This entailed significant capital expenditures, including the acquisition of Hercules aircraft to provide the Canadian Forces with tactical airlift capability. In addition, the CF command structure was overhauled to improve the capacity to respond to either domestic disaster or terrorist threat, including the creation of a new Canada Command.
Graham and General Rick Hillier, whose 2005 appointment as Chief of the Defence Staff he recommended, sought to transform the CF into a more mobile force, capable of conducting armed “peacemaking” and humanitarian interventions. This broke with both the Cold War emphasis on preparation for large-scale conventional hostilities across defined international borders, and the recent Canadian tradition of lightly armed peacekeeping under UN auspices. Restoring security and order to the failed or failing states that served as bases for terrorists was placed at the centre of CF doctrine. This conception of the CF’s future role was set out in a Defence Policy Statement that fed into the Martin government’s broader review of Canadian foreign policy.
Graham and Hillier persuaded Martin to make Afghanistan a laboratory for the new doctrine; in the spring of 2005 the Canadian government announced that the 1,200 Canadian troops in Kabul would be transferred to Kandahar province. Canada assumed a major role in Southern Afghanistan, with 2,300 personnel there by early 2006. Graham and Hillier supported a “3D” or “whole of government” approach, based on the concept of the Provincial Reconstruction Team, in which diplomats, military, police, development and reconstruction specialists work together to provide security and rebuild societal institutions. During Graham’s tenure as Defence Minister, Canada’s Disaster Assistance Response Team provided emergency relief to Sri Lanka after the 2005 tsunami.
In the weeks leading up to the January 2006 federal election, Graham oversaw the negotiations of an agreement, signed by Hiller and the Afghan Defence Minister, governing the treatment of Afghan detainees captured by Canadian personnel and turned over to Afghan authorities. After revelations in 2010 that some detainees had been tortured, Graham appeared before a parliamentary committee investigating the matter. He conceded that the agreement had been imperfect, lacking as it did a mechanism for monitoring the treatment of prisoners after they were placed in Afghan custody, but pointed out that its omissions were more readily apparent in retrospect than they were at the time, and that it had been developed on the best available advice to meet unprecedented circumstances.
After the Liberals were defeated in the 2006 election, and the Conservatives formed a minority government under Stephen Harper, Graham served as interim Leader of the Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition, until the December 2006 leadership convention that elected Stéphane Dion as Leader. Two highly charged issues debated in the House of Commons during his leadership were the recognition of Quebec as a “nation” and the extension of the mission in Afghanistan until 2011. Graham was neutral in the race to choose a new leader. On February 22, 2007, he announced he would not be a candidate for re-election in the next federal election. On June 19, he announced that he was stepping down as an MP, effective July 2. This freed up the seat for former Ontario Premier and leadership contender Bob Rae to run as the Liberal candidate in the resulting by-election.
Since his departure from electoral politics, Graham has been active in a number of organizations and business concerns. In 2007, he was elected Chancellor at Trinity College, Toronto. He is a Senior Fellow of Massey College and Visitor at Green College. He is also the Chair of the Atlantic Council of Canada, Co-Vice-Chair of the Canadian International Council, and a member of the Trilateral Commission. He is the Honorary Colonel of the Governor General’s Horse Guards and received an honorary doctorate from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2010. As a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada since 2002, Graham is entitled to use the style of “The Honourable” and the post-nominal “PC” for life. He has received various honours for his services to the French language and culture in Ontario, including appointment by the French government as Chevalier of the Legion of Honour and Chevalier of the Order of the Pleiade.
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Royal Canadian Navy Cadet Bill Graham (second from the left on the 2nd row) at the University Naval Training Division, Royal Roads in 1959.
Bill Graham, then Foreign Affairs minister, inspects troops at Canada’s base in Kabul on Sept. 5, 2003.
The Honourable Bill Graham, Minister of National Defence 2004-2006
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Bill Graham Salutes the Standard of the Governor General’s Horse Guards at Denison Armoury in November, 2009.
Honorary Colonel Bill Graham attends the 2014 Toronto Garrison Ball.
The portrait of Honorary Colonel Bill Graham by Canadian military artist Gertrude Kearns: The Art of Command
Episode 039 – Capt Slade Lerch
Slade Lerch joined the Canadian Armed Forces out of the 2483 PPCLI Army Cadets in Victoria, British Columbia. Arriving as a new private in November 1986, as a military driver with 11 Service Battalion (now 39 Service Battalion), he decided to make the switch to the Infantry and started that new trade with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. In 1988, he then went on to component transfer to the PPCLI in Wainwright, Ablerta.
Having already completed his Basic Para Course, he transferred to the Canadian Airborne Regiment and returned to the PPCLI after three years in Petawawa.
In order to facilitate his commission from the ranks, MCpl Lerch transferred to the Canadian Scottish Regiment to complete is degree and was made a Lieutenant. With the C Scots, Slade served domestically fighting forest fires in Kelowna, BC.
He returned to the PPCLI as an officer and was promoted to Captain. His deployments include one tour in Bosnia and three in Afghanistan.
An interesting highlight in his career was that he served as a Private during the 75th Anniversary cerebration of the PPCLI, then served as the Regimental Major during the 100th Anniversary.
Captain Lerch continues to serve with the 3rd Battalion of the PPCLI in Edmonton, Alberta.
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.Captain Slade Lerch of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in the mountains of Afghanistan.
In 1988, Private Lerch (centre) joins the PPCLI.
Slade takes part in live-fire training in CFB Petawawa as a member of the Canadian Airborne Regiment.
Slade wears the distinctive maroon beret and jump smock of Canadian Paratroopers.
As a Lieutenant, Slade Carries the Queen’s Colour of the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) in the streets of Victoria, British Columbia.
Slade speaks to local Cub Scouts as part of the Remembrance Day Speaker’s Program.
Captain Lerch poses with his US Army counterpart in Afghanistan.
Major Lerch serves as Aide-de-Camp for the PPCLI Colonel-in-Chief, Madame Adrienne Clarkson for the 100th Anniversary Parade of the Regiment.
Episode 038 – CWO Terry Garand
CWO Terry Garand enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces on November 15, 1984 in Ottawa, Ontario. During his career he has served with the 2e Battalion Royal 22e Regiment, 1er R22eR in Lahr, Germany, the Canadian Airborne Regiment, the École de Combat du Royal 22e Régiment, the 3e R22eR, the 5e RGC and the Infantry School in Gagetown. His deployments have been to Cyprus (1987), the First Gulf War (1990-91), The Former Yugoslavia and Sarajevo (1992), Haiti (1997), Bosnia (2002), Afghanistan (2004) and Afghanistan (2009). CWO Garand is a graduate of the Army Technical Warrant Officers Programme and has been the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps Sergeant-Major since 2011. He is currently the Base Chief Warrant Officer of Canadian Forces Base Kingston.
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CWO Terry Garand, MMM CD – Base CWO of CFB Kingston and Corps Chief Warrant Officer of the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps.
Trooper Terry Garand of the Canadian Airborne Regiment
Terry is wed at the Citadelle in Quebec City, the Regimental Headquarters of The Royal 22nd Regiment
Terry and his section of ‘VanDoos’.
Terry serves in Cyprus in 1987.
Terry serves in the Balkans.
CWO Garand in Afghanistan.
Episode 037 – Col John Conrad
Col Conrad has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Masters in Defence Studies from the Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario. He was commissioned as a Naval Officer (MARS) in May, 1987.
After retraining as an army combat logistics officer he has served in virtually every command billet possible in 1 Service Battalion in Western Canada from platoon commander to Commanding Officer in 2005-2006. Over half of his career has been spent with the Army of the West in 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Subsequent postings have included a year on Atlantic Area Staff (now the 5th Canadian Division) in Halifax, a year at the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre in Kingston as well as the G4 (Principle Staff officer for Logistics) for HQ Land Forces Central Area (now the 4th Canadian Division) in Toronto.
He has served in late 2006 to May 2007 as an instructor at the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College and most recently finished up a two-year tour serving as a Deputy Director and Instructor at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.
Col Conrad has previous operational experience in Cambodia (March to November, 1993) with UNTAC and North West Bosnia (March to September 2000) with NATO’s Stabilization Force (SFOR). He has completed a tour as the Commanding Officer of the National Support Element, the logistics battalion responsible for sustaining the Canadian Task Force in Southern Afghanistan from February to August 2006 (Operation Archer/US Operation Enduring Freedom).
Col Conrad was decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership in Kandahar on this difficult tour. Colonel Conrad currently commands 41 Canadian Brigade Group in the army reserve and works full time as a senior manager with the Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resources Development. A published freelance author, his first book, What the Thunder Said, was selected by the Book of the Month Club and was nominated for the 2009 Canadian Writers Trust Award in the Non Fiction category.
He is married to Martha Rutherford Conrad and has four children Aidan, Morgan, Harriet and Grace.
You can purchase Col Conrad’s book through my Amazon link.
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November 1984, Royal Military College, Kingston. Getting crushed by West Point in Rugby as a member of Royal Roads RFC.
A vital supply convoy in the Sha Wali Kot District, Northern Kandahar Province in 2006
Forward Operating Base Martello. Lunch with Captain Chris Wood.
Signing for the battalion on the Kandahar Airfield March 2006.
John Conrad is an author with more than 28 years experience in the Canadian Forces and has published “What The Thunder Said” and “Scarce Heard Amid The Guns Below”.
Col Conrad poses in front of a Universal Carrier, also known as a Bren Gun Carrier.
Col Conrad assumes command of 41 Canadian Brigade Group on September 7, 2013
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 Nation’s Observer mission in Central America. Two years later he was assigned to the United Nation’s Protection Force in Yugoslavia. In May of that year he created and assumed command of Sector Sarajevo and with a small contingent of soldiers from 31 countries opened the Sarajevo airport for the delivery of humanitarian aid during the height of the Bosnian civil war. As a result he became the first Canadian, military or civilian to be awarded a second Meritorious Service Cross.
Since his retirement from the military, Lew has been under contract to CBS and CTV and frequently appears on many of the international TV and radio networks as a commentator on international affairs. He is a regular contributor to the Globe and Mail and is in demand as a lecturer on the subject of leadership.
Lew is still active in motor racing having won national and provincial titles in sports car and formula car racing commencing in 1979. He is the 2010 Quebec – Ontario interprovincial champion in formula ford racing and defended his title in 2011. He continues to race competively in his 74th year. A documentary, “General Racing”, was released in 2014.
Lew was made an Honourary Chief of the Metro Toronto Police Force in 1993. He holds Honourary Doctorates from numerous Canadian Universities, is a member of the Board of Advisors of the Canadian Federation of AIDS Research and sits on a number of corporate boards with international interests. Following the attacks of 11 September 2001 General MacKenzie was appointed one of two advisors to the Premier of Ontario on counter-terrorism and emergency measures.
In 2002 and 2006 respectively Lew was invested with the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada for his humanitarian work in Africa.
In spite of the above, Dora MacKinnon of Baysville, Ontario is still married to the General. Their daughter Kimm works, rides, races formula cars with her father’s team and resides in Ottawa.
For ore information about the Never Forgotten National Memorial project, please visit www.nfnm.ca
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Lieutenant Lew MacKenzie of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada at 26 years old.
LCol Lew MacKenzie Serves as the CO of 1PPCLI in Cyprus.
General MacKenzie briefs the President of France, François Mitterrand during an unexpected visit to the Former Yugoslavia.
MGen MacKenzie takes control of the Sarajevo Airport.
Honorary portrait of Lewis MacKenzie in the Canadian War Museum.
Lew visits with Colin Powell.
Lew’s other passion – Race cars!
Episode 035 – Col Peter Dawe
Colonel Dawe joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1990 as an artillery officer. Following a tour to Cyprus as a troop commander, he reclassified to the infantry, and joined the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. Col Dawe’s regimental experience has included command appointments at the platoon, company and, most recently, at the battalion level as Commanding Officer of 3 PPCLI.
Col Dawe’s extra-regimental employment has included tours at the Canadian Forces Recruit and Leadership School as a recruit and basic officer training company commander, Land Forces Central Area Headquarters, now the 4th Canadian Division, as the G3 Operations, the Canadian Special Operations Regiment as the Operations Officer, and Canadian Special Operations Forces Command Headquarters as the J3.
Col Dawe’s operational tours include Cyprus, Bosnia, and two tours in Afghanistan, the first of which was in 2002 as the battle-group operations officer for Operation APOLLO in Kandahar. From May 2011 to March 2012 Col Dawe deployed to Kabul as the Deputy Commander of Canada’s Contribution to the Training Mission in Afghanistan.
On 18 June, 2013, Col. Peter Dawe became the 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group‘s 12th commander, at a ceremony in Petawawa, Ontario.
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Capt Dawe and the members of 2PPCLI Recce Platoon.
Col. Peter Dawe, Deputy Commander of the Canadian Contribution Training Mission – Afghanistan, speaks with Gen David Petraeus, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force, at the headquarters of CCTM-A.
Col. Peter Dawe, Deputy Commander of the Canadian Contribution Training Mission
Col Dawe takes command of 2 CMBG in June 2013.
Army Commander LGen Marquis Hainse and the Deputy Minister of National Defence Richard Fadden pose for a photo with Colonel Peter Dawe, Commander of 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, at the end of their visit of at Garrison Petawawa on January 17, 2014.
LGen Hainse speaking with Col Peter Dawe, in May 2014 at Ex Maple Resolve in Wainwright.
Episode 034 – HCol Blake Goldring
Blake Goldring was approached by Major General Reginald Lewis to become a successor to the post of Honorary Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Canada. Blake achieved that appointment in 2006 and immediately started identifying with the regiment and the members of the Canadian Armed Forces that he encountered.
HCol Goldring is the Chairman and CEO of AGF Management Limited and he has also founded Canada Company, which is a charitable, non-partisan organization that serves to build the bridge between business and community leaders and the Canadian Military. The goal of Canada Company is to ensure that the men and women in our Canadian Armed Forces receive the widest support, care and recognition that they deserve.
In June 2008, the RMC bestowed upon him an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree. In February 2009, the Governor General of Canada awarded him with the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division).
At the conclusion of his term with the Royals in 2010, HCol Goldring was formally recognized as the Honorary Colonel of the Canadian Army by Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin, then the Commander of Canada’s Army, at a ceremony at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.
At the ceremony, HCol Goldring was quoted as saying “I am deeply honored to accept this appointment. Our soldiers make great sacrifices in the service of Canada and Canadian interests. I am grateful for this opportunity to support them by continuing to be a bridge between the business community and the men and women in uniform who make us proud at home and abroad.”
With this new appointment, HCol Goldring will focus on expanding Canada Company’s support base to over 500 business and community leaders to enhance the Canadian Forces’ efforts to connect with Canadians. HCol Goldring continues to participate in various ceremonial events to raise greater awareness about the important work that the Army and soldiers do and to show them that Canadians care.
Canada Company’s most recent venture is The Canada Company Military Employment Transition (MET) Program is an initiative developed to assist Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Members, Reservists and Veterans who are seeking to find jobs in the civilian workforce. The program serves as a bridge between the CAF and Canada Company’s “Military Friendly Employer Partners”.
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Blake Goldring, Chairman and CEO of AGF Management Limited
Honorary Colonel Goldring is appointed as the Honourary Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Canada at Fort York Armoury in 2006.
Blake visits the troops in the field and escorts like-minded CEOs on a Canadian Army Execu-Trek Exercise.
Honorary Colonel Blake Goldring is appointed by Lieutenant General Peter Devlin as the first Honorary Colonel of the Canadian Army.
Honorary Colonel Blake Goldring, MSM
Episode 033 – WO Justin Thorn
At 17, Warrant Officer Justin Thorn joined The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada in June of 1988. During his 26 years in the Canadian Forces he has completed several taskings and exercises abroad, most notably in France, England, and the United States. Additionally, he has deployed twice domestically during the Ice Storms of January 1998, and during the Toronto winter deployment of January 1999.
Warrant Officer Thorn has held several notable Regimental positions: section commander, platoon warrant, and Company Quartermaster. During his Class B service from 1995 – 2002, he was the Recruiting NCO and Regimental Quartermaster for 5 and 2 years respectively; this service earning him a Commanding Officer’s Commendation. He has also taught on numerous recruit, machine gun, driver-wheel and leadership courses.
Currently Warrant Officer Thorn is the Company Sergeant Major of Buffs Company, The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. Of note is that The QOR is the only Reserve infantry airborne unit in Canada; Warrant Thorn also serving in various capacities within the airborne contingent. Warrant Thorn completed his Canadian Basic Parachutist Course in August 1990. He obtained his British jump wings in 1992 and U.S. wings in 1994.
Some of Warrant Officer Thorn’s significant military related memories are:
- Marching The QOR’s 50 person guard onto Rue (road) de Queen’s Own Rifles in Bernieres-sur-Mer, Normandy, France on 6 June 1994 in celebration and remembrance of the Regiment’s D-Day landing exactly 50 years earlier.
- Being awarded the 2001 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Association’s Reginald A. Walker Award, given to a QOR ‘Soldier who most exemplifies the spirit and physical fitness required’ of QOR members.
- Being awarded top candidate on his Senior Leadership Course in 2002
- In December 2005 – Canada’s Year of the Veteran – having the opportunity to participate in several ceremonies commemorating the 60th anniversary of the release of Canadian Hong Kong Prisoners-of from War World War II. This included the humbling opportunity to escort several Hong Kong Veterans at graveside ceremonies to pay respect and honour those who had fallen.
- Being selected to, and subsequently meeting, the QOR’s Colonel-in-Chief, Her Royal Highness Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall – current QOR Colonel-in-Chief – during a post-ceremony gathering in 2012.
Beyond his military career, Justin has a degree in Bachelor of Arts (Honours Political Science). Commencing in 2002, he joined the Peel Regional Police. Warrant Officer Thorn has served in numerous capacities within Peel Police, including: uniform patrol, training officer, traffic enforcement, criminal investigation, neighbourhood policing and bike/cycling patrol duty, and as an Acting Sergeant. Additionally, he currently leads a Scouts Canada Troop in Toronto; an organization that has seen him work with several Scouting sections during 35 years of membership, with 25 years of this service as a Scout leader.
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Then Rfn Thorn immediately following his QL2 Basic graduation parade on the balcony of Moss Park Armoury, 1988
Then Rfn Thorn on his QL4 Machine Gunner Course, Meaford, 1990.
Then MCpl Thorn ‘on the advance’, Meaford, 1990s
Then Sgt Thorn during a summer field exercise in Petawawa, 1990s
Then Sgt Thorn with wearing a AN/PRC headset at the end of an evaluation exercise, c. 1999.
WO Thorn with friends.
Members of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada including WO Thorn with The Prime Minister and the the CDS at a War of 1812 Reception at Fort York in Toronto
The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada tour Europe.
Episode 032 – CWO Emmett Kelly
CWO Kelly was born in Montréal, Québec in 1965 and was raised and educated in the Montreal area. In 1982, after five years as an Army Cadet with the 3 Field Engineers and The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, he joined the Black Watch as a private soldier in B Company.
CWO Kelly was with the Black Watch from December of 1982 until transferring to The Calgary Highlanders in August of 1995. During his tenure with the Black Watch, CWO Kelly qualified as an Infantry Communicator and Basic Machine Gunner. In 1985 CWO Kelly attended the Ecole de Combat with the Royal 22nd Regiment in Valcartier and successfully completed the Regular Force Infantry Section Commanders Course. This was followed with the completion of the Basic Parachutist Course at CFB Edmonton in December of that same year. While employed with the Black Watch, CWO Kelly was employed as a Section Commander and eventually as a Platoon WO in A Company. He was also employed as the Platoon WO with the Reconnaissance Platoon with 3rd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment within the 10/90 establishment. CWO Kelly was attached to 2eme Regiment Artillerie Leger de Campagne during Operation Salon (Oka Crisis) in 1990 as a platoon WO.
In 1995 CWO Kelly transferred to the Calgary Highlanders where he filled all available positions for a Senior NCO within A Company. From 1999-2002 CWO Kelly was employed as the HQ Company Sergeant Major at the Western Area Training Centre in Wainwright, Alberta. CWO Kelly was appointed as Regimental Sergeant Major of the Calgary Highlanders in 2008, eventually handing over the position in January 2012.
CWO Kelly deployed to Sierra Leone on Operation Sculpture Roto 21 as the Staff College Sergeant Major within the International Military Advisory Training Team (IMATT). While there in 2011 he instructed on a Sergeant Major Course and on a Machine Gun Instructor course for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF.) CWO Kelly returned to Sierra Leone in 2012 using his civilian skills to oversee construction of a FOB and FIBUA Training Site sponsored by IMATT in support of RSLAF pre-deployment training. Upon return to Canada CWO Kelly was appointed as the Brigade Sergeant Major for 41 Canadian Brigade Group.
CWO Kelly attended Dawson College in Montreal studying Languages and Literature. CWO Kelly has worked in the construction industry in Calgary as a project manager and operations manager for various developers and construction firms.
CWO Kelly is married to Ottilie Kelly (nee Ermel) of Wainwright, Alberta and they have a daughter in the Calgary area. CWO Kelly also has a daughter who resides in the Montreal area. His hobbies include golf and when possible, more golf.
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CWO Emmett Kelly, CD – Brigade Sergeant-Major of 41 Canadian Brigade Group.
CWO Emmett Kelly – Regimental Sergeant-Major of the Calgary Highlanders 2008-2011
CWO Mike Lacroix, CWO Derek Munroe and CWO Emmett Kelly, three Canadian Chief Warrant Officers on the same tour in Sierra Leone boosting morale in the Mess!
I have to admit that Emmett was a Passenger when this happened!
LCol Mike Vernon, CWO Derek Munroe and CWO Emmett Kelly present the Sierra Leone Minister of National Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the command staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces with genuine Calgary Stampede Smithbilt Hats.
CWO Kelly’s assigned IMATT Land Rover – Note the distinctive sticker!
LCol Mike Vernon and CWO Kelly pose with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Emmett uses his contacts in Calgary to get a legendary BBQ shipped to the task force in Freetown.
Episode 031 – Pte Joshua Rigg
Pte Joshua Rigg was born in Walkerton, Ontario. He is currently 19 years old and he is a single child. Though, he considers his closest female cousin as his sister since they grew up very closely together. His immediate family consists of himself, his mother, aunt, sister, grandmother and grandpa. Most of his family lives in Brampton; however he has had to move to Toronto in order to go into grade nine at Jarvis Collegiate Institute.
When he was 12 years old his mother signed him up in the Army Cadet program because she thought he could use more discipline. Throughout his cadet career, he transferred from two different cadet units before his found his home at the 48th Highlanders of Canada. There he achieved the Cadet rank of Master Warrant Officer and held the position of Drill Sergeant Major and the highest award in the Canadian Cadet program: the Lord Strathcona Medal. Before aging out of the Cadet program, he received the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence and a scholarship from law firm for college.
In September of 2014, he’ll be starting his second year of the Police Foundations Program at Humber College. In April 2015, he’ll be graduating with his diploma and has the intention to transfer his credits to Ryerson University for Criminology. The lawyer who presented him the scholarship saw his interests in becoming a police officer with the Toronto Police Service and a soldier with the Canadian Army. He has helped Pte Rigg enlist as a Private in the 48th Highlanders of Canada. Today, he is one of his mentors and is a Major with the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada.
Pte Rigg was sworn into the Canadian Army in October 2013 and started his Basic Military Qualification course a week later. The course was 13 weekends long and was very memorable. He learned a lot of new things, gained new skills and made new friends. He also earned the distinction of being named the course top candidate. That is his biggest accomplishment to date, but after completing his infantry trade courses by the end of the summer of 2014, he expects that that would likely be his biggest accomplishment.
Before entering the Canadian Army he took a year off after graduating high school in the summer of 2012. Before entering college, he worked security at different sites around downtown Toronto. He has worked at Scotiabank Plaza, Bell Media/CP24 Building and a mall across Dundas Square. Pte Rigg has also had the opportunity to work with the Toronto Police Service as Youth in Policing Initiative summer student and spoke at their media launch in front of Police Chief Bill Blair.
Pte Rigg continues to progress towards his goal to become a police constable with the Toronto Police Service and progressing through the ranks as a Canadian Soldier. He says “Without the help of many people in what I’ve done so far, I wouldn’t be anywhere as close to my dreams as I have expected.”
During the intro to this episode, I mentioned the Bunker Military Museum in Cobalt, Ontario. Please check them out if ever you find yourself between North Bay and New Liskeard. The museum can also be found at this link.
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Pte Rigg participated in the Toronto Police Service Youth in Policing Initiative
Cadet MWO Rigg visits Toronto Police HQ
Cadet MWO Rigg is awarded the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence by MWO Pat Love of the 4th Canadian Division HQ.
Pte Rigg on his Basic Military Qualification course at Fort York Armoury.
Pte Rigg poses for a ‘selfie’ on the range during his BMQ.
Pte Rigg wearing his new Infantry cap badge after topping his BMQ in the Spring of 2014.
Pte Rigg relaxing in a Canadian modular tent.
Pte Rigg and a friend from the 48th IBCT
Pte Rigg with his section mates from the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, The Royal Regiment of Canada, The 4th Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment, The 48th Highlanders of Canada and The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) and instructors from the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) and The Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother’s Own).
Pte Rigg on Exercise Stalwart Guardian ’14.
Episode – 030 Year One Look-Back and Review
In this episode, I look back at some of the highlights from the first year of the Canadian Military History Podcast as well as one clip from the cutting room floor.
The clips come from LCol Mike Vernon, LGen Andrew Leslie, WO2 Sam Magee, WO2 Stan Egerton and Sgt Chris Murdy. Although I would like to include all of my guests as highlights, their words are still preserved within their own episodes.
New episodes will be posted in September for your enjoyment as we kick-off Year Two!
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Episode 029 CPO1 Tom Riefesel
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Tom Riefesel, MMM, CD joined the Royal Canadian Navy on 22 December 1982 as a Signalman Sea 261.
In September 1983, he joined his first ship, HMCS Assiniboine. Over the length of his career, he progressed from Signalman, to Yeoman Signals, Combat Chief, Chief Yeoman of Signals NATO Standing Naval Force Atlantic, Chief Naval Communicator at Sea Training Atlantic. CPO1 Riefesel served on 8 different destroyers, frigates and AORs, HMCS Assiniboine, HMCS Ottawa, HMCS Protecteur, HMCS Margaree, HMCS Preserver, HMCS Athabaskan, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Toronto and HMCS Ville de Québec from the Atlantic Fleet, and shore establishments such as the Maritime Command Headquarters, Canadian Forces Language School Shearwater, and the Canadian Naval Operation School.
Promoted Chief Petty Officer 1st class in February 2005, CPO1 Riefesel immediately joined and served with Maritime Force Atlantic Headquarters N6 as the Unit Chief and was appointed Coxswain of HMCS Ville de Québec in June 2006. On completion of his tour in 2008 he was appointed as Coxswain for Sea Training Atlantic where he remained until July 2009.
In July 2009, he was appointed as the Formation Chief Petty Officer for Maritime Forces Atlantic, a position he held until his current appointment as Chief Petty Officer of the Navy in August 2012.
You can follow the Royal Canadian Navy Bravo Zulu of the week on Twitter at #RCNBZoftheweek and CPO1 Riefesel @RCNCPO
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On 29 June 2010, the Royal Canadian Navy celebrated its 100th anniversary…
… and marched with the National Colours of the Royal Canadian Navy.
CPO1 Riefesel hosts the Senior Chief Petty Officers of the Pacific Fleet.
CPO1 Riefesel, MMM, CD and Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, CMM, CD visit with Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Ralph Hennessey, DSC, CD, the oldest living Vice-Admiral of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Chief Petty Officer First Class Tom Riefesel receives his Medal of Military Merit from the Governor General.
Tom calls this his ‘Office’! CPO1 Riefesel is the Cox’n of HMCS Ville de Quebéc.
The Ensign of the Royal Canadian Navy.
CPO1 Riefesel and the former Chief Petty Officers of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Tom staying fit on land.
CPO1 Riefesel and the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, Vice-Admiral Mark Norman attends the presentation of the Meritorious Service Medals (Military Division) to seven members of the Royal Canadian Navy and an Honorary Navy Captain from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, September 12, 2013 at Rideau Hall.
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Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Tom Riefesel, Command Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy addresses HMCS Trentonian’s veterans during the launch of White Ensign Flying. On 12 April, 2014 the Chief stressed to the crowd the RCN today has been built on the strength of the veterans and the actions and sacrifices they made.
CPO1 Riefesel meets with the veterans of HMCS Trentonian.
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 as part of Canada’s contribution to the Middle East Peace Process in Palestine instructing Palestine Authority police and security force senior officers in leadership and operational planning. He also authored a research paper on the nine Palestinian Civil Police Explosive Ordinance Unit capabilities for the European Union Mission for the Palestinian Territories.
Following this, he assumed command of the Brigade Battle School and was appointed Deputy Commander of 31 Canadian Brigade Group in London Ontario.
In 2013, Matt retired from the Niagara Regional Police Service to take on the full-time command of the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group in Northern Ontario.
Matthew is a graduate of the Ontario Police College and has completed a Master of Arts in Leadership Studies with the University of Guelph.
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LCol Matt Richardson
LCol Richardson inspects the ranks at the Lake St Armoury
LCol Richardson and BGen Julian Chapman visits the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group to present 92-year-old Ranger Abraham Metatawabin with the first clasp to his Canadian Forces’ Decoration at his home in Fort Albany, Ontario in January, 2014.
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.
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LColMacKenzie – Old Kandahar City Gate with MWO Green
LColMacKenzie – OC OCC-P Kandahar with MWO O’Connor
LCol MacKenzie attends a provincial meeting Kandahar
Col MacKenzie – with Col Holcombe USMC Afghanistan / Turkmenistan border
Col MacKenzie – Border Crossing Afghanistan / Uzbekistan
Col MacKenzie – with the Afghan Border Police near the Pakistan Border
Col MacKenzie – Comd 39 CBG and brigade team at the Army Run
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Cpl. Duane Marais (right) is awarded the Command Commendation by Brigadier-General Rob Roy MacKenzie, the deputy commander of the 3 Canadian Division (left) during a ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. The commendation is to honour Marais’ actions during a 2008 enemy ambush that took place in Afghanistan.
Brigadier-General Rob Roy MacKenzie, the deputy commander of the 3 Canadian Division
Episode 027 BGen Rob Roy MacKenzie Part I
Brigadier-General MacKenzie was born in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1963, and spent his early childhood in Regina, Ottawa, and Victoria. In 1976, his family moved to Vancouver, where in 1985 he joined the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada as a Private. He commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1986 and the following summer he won the Canadian Infantry Association Sword as the Top Candidate on his Lieutenant qualifying course, at the Infantry School, in Gagetown.
After completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from the University of British Columbia in 1989, Brigadier-General MacKenzie transferred to the Regular Force, and joined the Second Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Winnipeg. He completed the basic parachutist course, served on United Nations peacekeeping operations in Cyprus, and then served on two missions in Central America as a United Nations Military Observer: first in Guatemala, and then in El Salvador.
On return to Canada in 1992, he was posted to the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada in Winnipeg as the Regular Support Staff Officer and Adjutant. He also taught and completed several courses, and graduated from the United States Army Ranger School.
In 1994, Brigadier-General MacKenzie joined the First Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Calgary, where his duties included command and staff appointments and service as Senior Liaison Officer during the 1997 Manitoba Flood. Posted to The Canadian Parachute Centre in Trenton, he qualified as a military freefall parachutist, and conducted all static-line and freefall basic, jumpmaster and parachute instructor courses run by the Canadian Army. In 1999, he was posted to 39 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters in Vancouver as the G3 Training.
In May 2000, Brigadier-General MacKenzie returned to the Primary Reserve and The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Following completion of the company commander’s course he was promoted Major. He then completed the Militia Command and Staff Course at the Canadian Land Force Command and Staff College in Kingston, and the Joint Reserve Command and Staff Course at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.
In May 2005, Brigadier-General MacKenzie was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, and assumed command of The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. In 2006, he was selected as one of only two Canadian Forces Reserve officers to attend the United States Reserve Components National Security Course at the National Defense University, Washington DC, where he returned the following year as a Seminar Leader at the request of the faculty.
After leaving the Regular Army, Brigadier-General MacKenzie began his second career as a Police Constable with the Vancouver Police Department. He attended the Police Academy at The Justice Institute of British Columbia, where he was awarded The Oliver Thomson Memorial Trophy for Physical Fitness. He then served as a member of the Patrol Division in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, while holding secondary duties as a police firearms instructor and recruit field trainer. He was next assigned to the VPD Emergency Response Team where he remained through the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. Together with his many police certifications, he has completed the Canadian Army Sniper Detachment Commander’s Course and the Master Sniper Course. He is currently a patrol Sergeant in the Operations Division.
Following his command of the Seaforth, Brigadier-General MacKenzie deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009 to serve in a key position as Officer Commanding the Operational Coordination Centre – Provincial, as part of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan Headquarters in Kandahar. On return to Canada, Brigadier-General MacKenzie served simultaneously as Assistant Chief of Staff – Operations 39 Canadian Brigade Group and Director of the Regional Liaison Officer Program – Joint Task Force Pacific.
Promoted to Colonel on 7 September 2010, he was selected nationally and volunteered for a second deployment to Afghanistan, wherehe served until the end of 2011 with the NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan as the Senior Advisor to the Afghan Border Police, a specialized police organization with 23,000 members.
On 27 May 2012, he was appointed Commander 39 Canadian Brigade Group. He was promoted to his current rank on 11 September 2013 and appointed Deputy Commander 3rd Canadian Division.
Brigadier-General MacKenzie’s awards include the General Campaign Star – South West Asia with 3 bars, the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, United Nations Peacekeeping Medals, the Canadian Forces Decoration, and a Chief of Defence Staff Commendation.
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Pte MacKenzie after his first field exercise 11 July 1985 – middle row 3rd from the left
2 Lt MacKenzie – new Patricia in Gagetown
2 Lt Mackenzie with then Lt Dave Anderson PPCLI Colour Party for the 75th Anniversary (1989) Ottawa
Lt MacKenzie Platoon Commander – Cyprus with WO Waugh
Capt MacKenzie UN Military Observer Cental America –
near the Guatemala / El Salvador Border
Capt MacKenzie UN Military Observer Cental America –
living with the El Salvadorian Army
Capt MacKenzie – days at the Parachute Centre Trenton – freefall course
Capt MacKenzie – days at the Parachute Centre Trenton – Course Officer – far right
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.
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Des handles some military ordinance while deployed with the UN.
Col DesLauriers commands 32 Canadian Brigade Group.
Col DesLauriers in Afghanistan.
Des in his time off.
Episode 026 BGen Richard ‘Des’ DesLauriers Part I
Today’s guest is BGen Richard DesLauriers who enlisted as a Sapper Apprentice in 1964. Completing his Basic Sapper Training as part of the two year program at RCSME, Sapper DesLauriers was posted to 2 Fd Sqn, Gagetown, After this tour he returned to Chilliwack to 3 Fd Sqn where he remained until his promotion to Sergeant in 1973. He was then selected as a member of the International Commission for Control and Supervision in Vietnam and returned to 3 Fd Sqn after this assignment.
Warrant Officer DesLauriers was posted to 5e RGC Valcartier in 1976 and immediately deployed to Bromont, QC, as part of the 5e RGC security forces for the Olympic Games. He served as 2iC of security forces for the equestrian events and was heavily involved in EOD operations. On completion of this task he returned to Valcartier as the 2 Troop WO and then Unit Training NCO Upon promotion to MWO in 1979 he became the RHQ Sergeant-Major 22until 1980 when he accepted his commission. Promoted to Captain, he moved to CFSME as the Chief Standards Officer. In 1982 he became the commander of the Mine Warfare and Demolitions Section and 24 EOD Unit and became a tactics instructor two years later.
In 1985 Captain DesLauriers was appointed DCO of 22 Field Squadron, where he served until his promotion to Major in 1986 at which time he was transferred to theCombat Training Centre as the Senior Engineer Tactics Instructor. In August 1986 Major DesLauriers took command of 45 Field Squadron in Sydney, NS, becoming the first Regular Force CO of a, Engineer Militia unit since the Second World War. During this period he also served in Turkey with the Allied Mobile Force (Land). In 1989 he moved to 1 Canadian Division Engineer Group Headquarters at CFB Kingston as G2 (Int) and subsequently as G3 (Ops).
Maj Deslaurier’s tour in Kingston was followed by a posting to 4 CER in 1991 as the DCO and participated in the CF’s first six-month tour in the former Yugoslavia. On the unit’s return to Germany, he held command of 4 CER until its closure in summer 1993. He then moved to Heidelberg, Germany as the Engineer OpsO in HQ Land Cent (NATO). In this capacity he participated in many of the Partnership for Peace initiatives with former Warsaw Pact countries and in several LandCent exercises involving multiple Corps formations.
On promotion LCol DesLauriers returned to Canada in July 1995 as the Chief of Staff, Toronto Militia District [later renamed 32 Canadian Brigade Group]. He served in this position until his retirement from the Regular Force in 1999 after 35 years of service. He then transferred to the Active Reserve Force and became the Deputy Commander of 32 Canadian Brigade Group. He was promoted Colonel in August 2000 and soon assumed command of 32 Canadian Brigade Group. In 2003 he assumed command of 2 Area Support Group and held that command until January 2005 when he was appointed Assistant Chief of Staff (Operations) and Deputy Commander for Land Forces Central Area. BGen DesLauriers was promoted to his current rank in October 2006 on his appointment at Deputy Commander Land Force Doctrine and Training System.
BGen DesLauriers retired from the CF in September 2008 after 44 years of service. His awards include being invested as an Officer in the Order of Military Merit, the Canadian Forces Decoration with three clasps and the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, along with the UN Medal for the former Yugoslavia and the ICCS Medal for Vietnam.
Brigadier-General DesLauriers became the Canadian Military Engineer Branch Colonel Commandant on 28 January 2010.
Please visit The Canadian Military Engineers Association web site for more information about this proud Corps.
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Sapper DesLauriers in 1965 – Best Marksman of the Sapper Apprentice Squadron.
1965 – Sapper DesLauriers receives the Top Athlete of CFB Chilliwack.
Sergeant Deslaurier is the top candidate on the Engineer Troop Warrant Officer Course.
MWO DesLauriers is presented his Medal of Military Merit by the Governor General, Ed Schreyer in 1979. His promotion in the order to OMM was presented twenty years later by Adrienne Clarkson.
Captain DesLauriers is the 1982 Phase 4 Combat Engineer Officer Top Candidate.
Episode 025 Cpl Frank Reid Part II
Here is the conclusion of the interview with Cpl Frank Reid of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
Check out Frank Reid’s and many other blog at The Laurier Centre for Military Strategic and Disarmament Studies Blogs.
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Cpl Frank Reid arrives for a tour of duty in Cyprus.
Frank participates in a rope slide as part of a confidence course.
Frank is a published author and his novel 1972-1979 A Canadian Soldier at Peace is available at many bookstores and also at Smashwords.
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 recently written a novel “1972-1979 A Canadian Soldier at Peace”. This novel is based on his experiences on peacekeeping operations in Cyprus in 1974-1975 during the invasion of Cyprus by Turkey as well as NATO operations in Europe during the Cold War years.
When he is not doing research for his second novel or interviewing ex-military personnel for a future documentary, Frank spends many hours doing organic gardening and studying herbalism.
You may contact Frank at frankwreid57@yahoo.com or at his website www.artistsreids.ca . Frank is also part of the Facebook Group known as The Mess Tent.
Are you looking for details about the service or sacrifice of your family members? Check out the records preserved at Library and Archives Canada.
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Frank Joins the Canadian Armed Forces in 1972.
Pte Reid graduates from Basic Training in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia.
Pte Reid and the Infantry Basic Training graduating class of 1973, wearing the cap badge of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
Frank enjoys some down time on the back of an M113 while on exercise with 3 Mech Commando in Germany.
Cpl Reid deploys to Cyprus.
Episode 024 CWO Mike Lacroix Part IV
And now, Finally, the conclusion of the interview with CWO Mike Lacroix.
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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 Queen Mother’s Own) march out of Fort York Armoury for the last time.
CWO Mike Lacroix addresses the Bateman Mess at the Captain Bellenden Hutcheson VC Armoury; the new home of the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s Own).
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Presentation of Colours to the Royal Regiment of Canada and the Toronto Scottish Regiment by HRH, Charles The Prince of Wales.
CWO Lacroix, RSM of IMATT (SL)
CWO Lacroix turns over his second pace stick to CWO Derek Munroe.
CWO Mike Lacroix and Col James Claggett leading the Battle of York Parade in 2013.
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.
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Members of the Toronto Scottish Regiment visit Hoevelakken and the re-dedication of the Walter Strang Memorial in 2008.
WO Victor Ceni and CWO Mike Lacroix before the 2008 Mess Dinner.
Final inspections before the 2008 Regimental Church Parade.
The conclusion of the 2008 Regimental Church Parade.
Episode 024 CWO Mike Lacroix Part II
The interview with CWO Mike Lacroix CD continues. Listen as Mike describes being appointed as the Regimental Sergeant-Major of the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s Own) and planning to march out of Fort York Armoury.
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WO Mike Lacroix marches in the Funeral Procession of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother in the Commenwealth Contingent with Maj Mike Trayner, Sgt Peter Hartwig and Cpl Crystel Cuffy.
CWO Mike Lacroix with his family on assuming the appointment of Regimental Sergeant-Major of the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s Own)
In October, 2006, CWO Lacroix presented a scroll and coin at St James Palace for HRH, Charles The Prince of Wales, the Colonel-in-Chief of the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s Own)
CWO Lacroix visits Pleasantown, California with LCol Hobbs and the Pipes and Drums of the Toronto Scottish Regiment.
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 promoted to Warrant Officer and became the Company Sergeant Major of A Company, The Toronto Scottish Regiment. Four years later he was a Master Warrant Officer and served as one of twelve Canadian soldiers in the funeral service and procession of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. During this task he met and worked with Senior NCOs from across the Commonwealth. He was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and appointed Regimental Sergeant Major in 2006, completing his term in May of 2010.
The biggest event of his term as Regimental Sergeant-Major was the planning and execution of the Toronto Scottish Regiment’s move out of Fort York Armoury to the new Captain Hutcheson VC Armoury in southern Etobicoke. It was also during his term that new Colours were presented to the Royal Regiment of Canada and the Toronto Scottish Regiment by HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales. After completing his duties in the Toronto Scottish Regiment, CWO Lacroix transferred to 32 CBG HQ and worked on infrastructure and demographics projects.
From January to October, 2011, he was deployed as the Task Force Sergeant-Major of the International Military Advisory & Training Team in Sierra Leone (Operation Sculpture). In Africa he worked as the advisor and mentor to the Forces Sergeant-Major of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, planning and conducting a series of courses in drill instruction, tactics, machine-gun instruction and leadership. Along with the members of the Canadian Contingent to IMATT, CWO Lacroix aided in the rebuilding of a war-ravaged scout camp and agricultural school.
Since the beginning of 2000, CWO Lacroix has been a Constable with York Regional Police. He was deeply involved in the Joint Forces Anti-Street Racing Initiative, known as Project ERASE, and has worked in Uniform Patrol, District Criminal Investigations and the Traffic Bureau. He has achieved accreditation as a Commercial Vehicle Inspector and as a Drug Recognition Evaluator. He is currently employed as a Use of Force Trainer with the Training and Education Bureau of York Regional Police. Chief Warrant Officer Lacroix is married to Gillian, has two sons, Kieran and Aidan, and lives in Barrie, Ontario.
Cpl Mike Lacroix on the C-9 covering the movement of the Company from the Landing Zone of the Chinook (that’s why there are soldiers with no hats on!) in Meaford. Recognizable A Company members include Pte Brad Stapleton, Cpl Steve Bertrand, Sgt Drew Gilmour and Sgt Victor Ceni.
The Raid in Meaford is over, so let’s buzz the CN Tower with the Ramp down on the way back to Fort York Armoury.
May 4, 1996 – It’s great to be a Sergeant in the Toronto Scottish Regiment!
Mike Lacroix and David Hensman on the Browning .50 Cal Heavy Machine-Gun
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, Tristan was posted within 9 Battery of 7th Toronto Regiment, RCA. While serving in 9 Bty as a gunner, Tristan took his Artillery 81mm Mortarman Course in the spring 2006 and graduated as the top student.
Tristan was promoted to Bombardier in November 2006 and he took his PLQ course during the summer of 2007, completing Mods 1-5 before civilian opportunities prevented him from taking the final portion, Mod 6. Nevertheless, Tristan started a long and rewarding career as an instructor within the Canadian Forces. Between fall 2007 and summer 2009, Tristan completed the PLQ, and the Gun Detachment 2i/c courses and served in 15 Bty as a Gun Detachment 2i/c. He was part of the leadership team that assisted in re-rolling 15 Bty as the mortar battery for the first time within 7th Toronto Regiment. On November 2008, he was promoted to Master Bombardier and he was posted back in 9 Bty during the fall of 2009 as the Battery Sigs Sgt along with assisting in the running and managing of the BQ for the battery.
Opportunities to obtain a BA degree within one year drew Tristan to Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia during the fall of 2010. He transferred to 5(B.C.) Field Regiment, RCA and was assigned a dual-role as a Gun Detachment Commander and Artillery Reconnaissance Sergeant for 55 Battery. He also assisted in introducing the 81mm Mortar to the unit’s members by instructing on the unit’s first 81mm Artillery Mortarman Course. Displaying leadership and integrity, Tristan was promoted to Sergeant on October 2011.
Civilian job opportunities brought Tristan back to Toronto during January 2012 and he transferred back to 7th Toronto Regiment. He was posted in 130 Battery and was appointed Troop Sergeant Major of its Training Troop. This made him responsible for all new members joining the regiment. After a successful year as the TSM of Training Troop, Tristan was moved to 9 Battery and was appointed as the TSM of B Troop in the fall of 2012. He completed his Command Post Technician course during the summer of 2013 was received the Top Candidate award for his excellent performance. He now currently serves in the position of the TSM of A Troop and primarily performs the duties of a Gun Line TSM.
In 2008 at the request of his regiment, Tristan began his involvement with the 105 (Streetsville) RCACC. For his consistent dedication to the cadet corps, Tristan was awarded a unit commendation on December 2013.
Tristan has an Advanced College Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Administration and a BA Degree in International Hotel Management from Royal Roads University. Tristan currently resides in Whitby, Ontario and after a career with the hospitality industry now works with Cutting Edge Inc. as a Financial Referral Agent; assisting personnel of African or Caribbean descent with various solutions of their financial issues.
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Pte Bankasingh with his section on his basic training course.
Gunner Bankasingh; posing with the Canadian Flag before a Regimental Parade.
Tristan as a Bombardier; firing the gun as the #1 for the first time.
Bdr Bankasingh on a short break in between section attacks on his leadership course.
MBdr Bankasingh winning 2 free drinks after standing up 2 casings during a fire mission.
Firing the gun as a more experienced Gun Detachment Cmdr.
As a Sergeant; having a picture in front of the gun before the St. Barbara’s Day Mess Dinner.
Episode 022 WO Lise Bourgon
WO Lise Bourgon is an Administrative Clerk by trade and currently holds the rank of Warrant Officer. Her current appointment is the Unit Sergeant-Major of the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC) in New Westminster, British Columbia.
She joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1988, joining the Royal Canadian Air Force. Being an Admin Clerk does not automatically mean that a person will be assigned to their element. WO Bourgon has worked mainly with Army Units and pan-CF units like the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics (CFSAL) and the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre.
Her first posting was to CFB Borden in Ontario where she completed on-the-job-training in the Base Orderly Room (BOR) awaiting her Qualification Level (QL) 3 Training. Her QL3 was completed in December 1988 and she was posted to the BOR in Borden, ON. While at the BOR, she worked in the Records Section, Receive & Dispatch Section and the Release Section. She completed her QL 4 OJT and QL 5 course in 1991 and was promoted to the rank of Cpl in August 1991.
She was posted to CFRC Hamilton, ON in July 1993 where she worked first as a File Manager and later after her appointment to MCpl as the Finance Clerk. In September 1993, she completed the Recruiting Clerk’s Course required to work as a File Manager in a CFRC. On 1 January 1998, she became a Resource Management Support (RMS) Clerk with the amalgamation of the Administrative, Finance and CEP trades. In July 1998, she was posted to her first Reserve Support Staff (RSS) position with 705 Communications Squadron (31 Signals Regiment today) in Hamilton. She worked in the OR until her posting to CFRC Toronto, ON in July 1999. While in Hamilton, she had the opportunity to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Honours Modern Languages and Linguistics.
At CFRC Toronto, she was the Senior File Manager. She took the Recruiter’s course in September 1999 and went on to teach the File Manager’s Francophone course in 2000 and as Senior Instructor of the Anglophone course in 2001. She was also part of the working group to formalize the course and OJT package for the File Managers at CFRCs. In April 2000, she received the Canadian Forces’ Decoration.
She was promoted to Sergeant in June 2002 and posted to her second RSS position as the Chief Clerk (CC) of the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s Own), Toronto, ON. During this posting, she had the opportunity to teach at CFSAL on the QL 3, 5 and 6 courses during summer tasking and go in the field for the first and only time as CC of 32 Light Infantry Battalion in August 2005. In December 2006, she was presented the Queen Mother’s Silver Dish in recognition for her work as CC for the Toronto Scottish.
She was promoted to her present rank in June 2008 and posted to HMCS Discovery in Vancouver, BC. This was her third RSS posting and her second posting as CC. She received the Commanding Officer Commendation in March 2011. She was posted to her current position as Unit Warrant Officer at CFRC Pacific, New Westminster, BC in July 2012.
She is married to Steven Bourgon and has two children and a grand-daughter. Throughout the years, she has been involved in several community organizations such as La Fédération francophone de la Colombie-Britannique, Victoria, BC, Girl Guide and Cub leader in Victoria, BC and Alliston, ON respectively, The Oakville Drama Series as a Costume Designer and backstage help in Oakville, ON, and CFSA Vancouver as Treasurer and Secretary. She enjoys travelling, reading, sewing, music, walking and hiking.
Lise is a very skilled administrator and knows how to lead her team towards their common goal.
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Pte Bourgon at Cornwalis, NS in 1988
Sgt Bourgon teaching at the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics in 2006.
Sgt Bourgon receives a weapons handling test prior to the PWT range in 2006.
Sgt Lise Bourgon on Church Parade with the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother`s Own). She`s the one in Blue!
WO Lise Bourgon, Unit Warrant Officer of CFRC New Westminster, BC in 2014.
Episode 021 LGen Marquis Hainse
Lieutenant-General Hainse joined the Canadian Forces in 1977 and studied at the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean. He was commissioned as an officer in August 1980 and then joined the Royal 22e Régiment.
His operational postings began in 1980 with the 2nd Battalion Royal 22e Régiment in Quebec City. He served on five operational missions abroad and participated in two domestic operations, namely Oka and the 1998 ice storm. He also held diverse command appointments at every rank level. In 1996, he assumed command of the 1st Battalion Royal 22e Régiment in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
In April 2002, he served as Commander of the Bosnia-Herzegovina Task Force and on 2 September 2004, he became the 21st commander of 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. In 2007, he served in Southern Afghanistan as Deputy Commander Regional Command South (a NATO British led multinational Division). He assumed Command of Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre in May 2008.
Lieutenant-General Hainse also filled many staff positions. At National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) in Ottawa, he was a staff officer for the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and aide-de-camp to the Chief of the Defence Staff. In the summer of 2001, he held the position of Chief of Staff of Land Force Quebec Area. He was transferred back to NDHQ as J3 International in the fall of 2002. In July 2006, he was appointed Chief of Staff of Canada Command in Ottawa. In August 2010, he was appointed as Chief of Programme at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa.
He was involved in training and education on three different occasions: in 1984 at the Infantry School in Gagetown, in 1994 at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, as Director of Cadets, and in 2008 as Commander of Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre, where he oversaw all aspects of training of the Canadian Army.
Lieutenant-General Hainse has pursued professional development at the Canadian Army Command and Staff College in Kingston and at the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College in Toronto. On completion of Battalion Command in 1999, he undertook a master’s program at the École nationale d’administration publique (ÉNAP) in Quebec City. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and an advanced graduate diploma (DESS) in International Management Studies.
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Col Hainse addresses the troops of 5CMBG in Valcartier, Quebec.
Col Hainse on parade with his Brigade.
LGen Hainse accepts command of the Canadian Army from LGen Devlin in the presence of the CDS, Gen Lawson in July of 2013.
LGen Hainse refreshes some core capabilities; C-9 Light Machine-Gun handling and Parachuting.
LGen Hainse inspects the graduates at 5th Canadian Division Training Centre.
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LGen Hainse visits soldiers on exercise in Wainwright and Edmonton in November, 2013.
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LGen Hainse welcomes home troops from disaster relief efforts in the Philippines in December 2013.
The Commander of the Canadian Army addressing a dinner.
Images courtesy of the Canadian Army Public Affaires Branch.
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 Murdy served as a rifleman in Sierra Company and completed his Driver Wheel Course. This was followed by a 1RCR-led Machine Gun Course, a Small Arms Coaching Course and then it was on to the Junior Leadership Courses. Sergeant Murdy completed his Junior Leadership Course in 2002, followed by the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Course. Promotion to Master Corporal followed in 2003. It was in this year that Sergeant Murdy completed his Bachelor of Education at the University of Windsor and began employment as an Occasional Teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board. As a Master Corporal, he was employed within Sierra Company as a Section Commander. Sergeant Murdy also began to instruct on a series of military courses periodically for the next several years. In 2004, he completed his Section Commander Qualification course and was subsequently promoted to Sergeant.
In 2006, Sergeant Murdy was selected for a Section Commander position for the Force Protection Platoon of the National Support Element, for Task Force 3-06 deploying to Afghanistan. By August of that year, the role had changed to Convoy Escort Commander and the task was now to command and escort ground convoys travelling within the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan. Throughout the six-month deployment, he faced several encounters with enemy forces and survived a direct hit to his RG31 from a vehicle-borne IED. On one unique patrol, he and his team faced an IED, two minefields, a mortar attack, a linear ambush and a vehicle roll-over that resulted in a seven-hour cordon operation. This was an extremely demanding patrol that lasted well over 24 hours, testing the endurance and composure of everyone involved. After demonstrating exemplary leadership in the face of multiple enemy actions directed toward their convoy, Sergeant Murdy was awarded with a Mention in Despatches.
Upon return to Canada, Sergeant Murdy returned to Sierra Company and was tasked as a Section Commander and Acting Platoon 2IC. He completed the Observer Controller Course and was employed in a variety of Operations and Training Positions both within the Battalion and at 31 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters and Battle School. In 2010 he completed his Dismounted Platoon Second-In-Command Course and the following year the Intermediate Leadership Program course, qualifying him to the rank of Warrant Officer. He also completed the Military First-Aid Instructor Course as well. In 2011, Sergeant Murdy assumed the position of the Regimental Quartermaster and has been employed on class B contract service since then. In March of 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer, though while he is employed as the Regimental Quartermaster, his class B position contract has him limited to the rank of Sergeant.
Sergeant Murdy is married to Melissa Murdy and together they have a daughter named Kayla. They continue to reside in London.
If you are visiting London, Ontario, please take the time to visit the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum.
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Sgt Christopher Murdy, RQMS 4RCR.
Private Murdy learning to dig a trench on Qualification Level 3 Infantry.
A familiarization shoot with the C3 sniper rifle.
Sgt Murdy on patrol in the UK.
Exercise Maple Lightning in Texas, 2004.
Sgt Murdy on Spervan Ghar, in Afghanistan.
Convoy Commander in the RG31.
Chris visits the Panjiwai.
Tarnak Farms in Afghanistan with the RG31.
The Regimental Colours of the 4th Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, about to be consecrated.
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 both 1 RCR and 3 RCR, participating in many overseas operational tours including Cyprus, the Gulf War, Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
CWO Deroche’s final posting within the Forces was with the Chief of Force Development within the Directorate General of Capability and Structural Integration (DGCSI) as a structure integration analyst.
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Private Carl Deroche, entering the Airborne World as a new paratrooper.
At 19 years old, Trooper Carl Deroche receives the Partol Pathfinder Torch.
Sergeant Deroche on Quarter Guard duty in Cyprus.
Sgt Deroche deployed as a Section Commander in the 1st Gulf War.
Graduation day for the Mountain Warfare Instructor Course in 1990.
Keeping watch over learners on the rappel tower in London, Ontario.
Master Warrant Officer Deroche is the Company Sergeant-Major of the Combat Support Company during Roto 0 in Afghanistan.
Episode 018 BGen Gary Stafford
Today’s podcast guest is Brigadier General Gary Stafford, OMM, CD.
In 1970, Brigadier-General Stafford joined The Royal Regiment of Canada as a Private and progressed to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in 1983. He held the position of Regimental Sergeant Major from 1983 to 1987.
In 1988, Brigadier-General Stafford commissioned from the ranks, promoted to Captain and posted to Toronto Militia District Headquarters (now 32 Canadian Brigade Group) as the Recruiting Officer for one year. He returned to The Royal Regiment of Canada where, in 1992, he was promoted to Major.
In 1999, he was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer of The Royal Regiment of Canada. Gary Stafford went on to command 32 Canadian Brigade Group before deploying to Afghanistan in 2006. Upon his return, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and was appointed as the Deputy Commander of Land Force Central Area, which is now known as the 4th Canadian Division. He retired from the Canadian Armed Forces as the Deputy Commander of Land Force Doctrine and Training System (now the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre) in 2010.
As a reservist, he had a second career as a police officer with the Toronto Police Service where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.
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Young Private Gary Stafford of the Royal Regiment of Canada in 1970.
Warrant Officer Gary Stafford at the archway next to Fort York Armoury.
Col Gary Stafford, Commander 32 Canadian Brigade Group, in Toronto.
Col Stafford mentoring the Afghan National Police in 2006.
Col Gary Stafford and BGen Greg Young – Both former commanders of 32 Canadian Brigade Group.
Col Stafford back from patrol.
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 3rd Battalions, The Royal Canadian Regiment in Petawawa, Germany, Winnipeg and Gagetown. He has also served on
operations/peacekeeping duties in Cyprus (76-77), Lebanon and Israel (83-85), Afghanistan and Pakistan (88-89) and Bosnia (92-93) In 2000 he was appointed Commanding Officer of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada in Hamilton.
In 2003 he was posted as Canadian Defence Advisor (Attaché) to the Canadian High Commission in Pakistan and cross- accredited as Canadian Defence Attaché to the Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan. In 2006 he was selected to open the first resident Canadian Defence Attaché Office in Kabul, Afghanistan. His final Regular Force appointment was as Canadian Defence Attaché to Israel (2008-2010).
Colonel Elms was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for service in South West Asia (2008) and Chief of Defence Staff Commendations for meritorious service in Beirut (1985) and during the Pakistan Earthquake (2005). He was awarded by the Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs for service as part of the “Gaza Evacuation Team” in organizing the evacuation of Canadians during the Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip January (2009).
In December 2010 after 43 years in uniform (the same as his father and grandfather) Colonel
Elms retired, and with his wife Shirley and ‘Naik the Wonder Dog” and returned home to
Canada where he and Shirley divide their time between their home in Dundas and their cottage in Haliburton. On 23 January 2012 he was honored after 37 years to officially return to service in the uniform of the 48th Highlanders as the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel.
He owns operates SAGE Analysis and Insight Canada – a boutique security consultancy specializing in cross-cultural and open source intelligence analysis. A member of the Honorary
Advisory Committee of the Peace Through Valour organization, The Royal Canadian Military
Institute and the Royal Canadian Legion, Colonel Elms also serves as Special Advisor on Military on Military Heritage and Protocol to the Mayor of Hamilton and is active in the associations of all three of his regiments.
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Young Piper Elms of the 48th Highlanders in 1967
In 1977, Capt Elms received his first medal for service in Cyprus on Op Snowgoose.
Three Generations of serving Elms family members on 11 November 1979.
Winter Ex in Shilo with 3RCR in 1987.
In 1988 in Afghanistan, working with the ANA.
Maj Elms postcard from the Kabul Airport.
Two pictures from Op Hayratan with the UN in 1989.
LCol Elms on parade with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada
LCol Elms supervising relief supplies arriving in Pakistan in 2005.
Argyll Officers serving in Afghanistan in 2006.
The Governor General visits Kabul in 2006.
The Pakistan/Afghanistan border in 2007.
In 2009, Col Elms visits the Gaza border crossing.
In 2009, Col Elms was presented the MSM.
The CDS visits Israel in 2010.
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. He has a deep commitment to caring for those soldiers that serve with him.
His personal endeavour is called Toy Soldier Toronto; check it out!
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Young Grant Serving with the United Nations
Grant on Op Attention in Afghanistan
Grant arrives home and is greeted at Pearson International Airport
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 Regiment and his dedication to the Airborne.
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Sam is always proud to represent the 1st Special Service Force at reunions.
Cpl Sam Magee, wearing his US Jump Wings, earned with the 1st SSF
Sgt Sam Magee, Airborne Paratrooper
The unofficial insignia of the 1st SSF
Sgt Sam Magee of the Royal Canadian Regiment
Sam, dedicated to physical fitness
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 discovered that the Canadian Army needed soldiers to become paratroopers. This lead him and his friends, Dennis Flynn and Bill Dinette, to the 1st Special Service Force in Helena, Montana.
Despite washing out on initial selection, and a few brushes with The King’s Regulations and Orders, he made it back to the Force known as “the New Kid”.
I’m sure his story will capture you as it has me.
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Sam in his best tuxedo!
17 Year Old Pte Magee in the Toronto Scottish Regiment
The ‘New Kid’ in the 1st Special Service Force
The insignia of the 1St Special Service Force
If you’re Canadian, you must know how to teach people how to ski!!
Sam Magee at an Airborne reunion with Jan de Vries, CM and CWO Mark Shannon, RSM of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
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.
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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.
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Young Bruce with red hair and the good old FNC1A1
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 Diver, he has had the ability to deploy and serve in many of the world’s hot-spots. I am certain that you’ll enjoy this episode.
I am going to put out a little bit of a challenge for you; please email me at mikelacroixcmhp@gmail.com with the comments made by the guests of the podcast that really stand out most to you. In June, I will compile a “Best of Season One” type of episode that will re-visit those themes and those messages. I am not going to give you categories, so please come up with a category yourself when you make your suggestion.
I would like to thank Scott Gardener and Chris Honeywell, the Two True Freaks, for prompting me to produce a promo for the show which they have offered to play on an upcoming podcast. You can find the Freaks at www.twotruefreaks.com for their shows about movies, Sci-Fi, Star Trek, Star Wars, Comics, Disney and much more.
I am also looking for feedback from you about the show and also about the promo. Please take a moment and let me know what you think by email or on Facebook.
I hope that you are all as excited about the second part of season one as I am!
Thanks for Listening!
Mike Lacroix
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A Military Family in Soest Germany, Circa 1965.
Diving in Cherbourg off the Normandy Coast in 1983.
UNSTO OP in 1988 when alcohol rules were slightly more relaxed.
Major Fred Lewis as a Squadron Commander in front of his UNPROFOR Iltis in 1994.
Fred Lewis as the senior technical advisor to the Cambodia Mine Action Centre in 1999 with self-designed uniforms.
Colonel Lewis looking very tired as the Deputy Commander of Joint Task-Force Afghanistan in 2006.
Colonel Lewis and his family at the presentation of his MSM earned while serving in Afghanistan.
Op Proteus doing security sector reform with the Palestinians in 2009.
Brigadier General Lewis gearing up with his driver, Corporal Steph, for his last jump in 2012, just before his retirement. Oh, don’t let Sharon find out!
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.
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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 of my guests so far. This project started off as just an idea only four months ago and now has grown to, well, beyond my expectations. Thank you to all my loyal listeners and I’ll be back with more great episodes in January 2014!
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Episode 012 MCpl Jody Mitic Part 1
Today’s episode is with Bosnia and Afghanistan veteran MCpl Jody Mitic. Jody has served with the Lorne Scots as well as the Royal Canadian Regiment. He is the first member of the Junior Ranks to be interviewed for the podcast as well as the first television star; as he had been featured on a season of The Amazing Race Canada.
He is well known for his efforts in supporting the recovery of wounded soldiers as he had to go through that himself when a land mine blew both of his feet off in Afghanistan. He is also the founder of the Never Quit Foundation which aims to be able to raise money and awareness for adaptive living for wounded soldiers, amputee children, and first responders injured in the line of duty by conducting special events and product sales.
It was truly a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with him and listen to his experiences brought to life.
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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 NATO.
LCol Baker enjoys sharing his experiences whenever he can. At the age of 93, he continues to give armoury tours in St Catherines, Ontario and working on his memoirs. I’ve attached his Military Cross citation below and at these Links Here. This link will take you to a video interview with LCol Baker from 2010.
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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 variety of task and duties, from election monitoring in the newest nation on the planet, South Sudan, and conducting drug eradication raids with the RCMP.
Today’s show notes include a wide variety of links, mainly stemming from the podcast launch party as well as a favorite piece of equipment that I recommend. In attendance at the podcast launch party was reps from Wounded Warriors, the Toronto Scottish Regiment, the City of Toronto and the Royal Canadian Military Institute.
Look for more information about the restoration of Toronto’s Coronation Park as the date in September 2014 draws nearer. Here is the promised link to the Original Pin Saver, which is a highly recommended piece of kit! While you are waiting for the next episode, please take the time to checkout the Remembrance Project produced by York Regional Police.
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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 repatriated from Afghanistan; Specifically Sgt Prescott Shipway and Cpl Mark McLaren.
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Episode 008 CWO Kevin West
Today’s Interview is with the Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer, Kevin West, MMM, MSM, CD. Kevin’s CF Bio can be found at this Link. Kevin served in the Naval Reserve, then transferred to the regular force in the Royal Canadian Navy. After a period of five years, he transferred again to the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he worked his way towards the pinnacle of the Non-Commissioned Member corps as the CF CWO.
He also was vital to providing leadership to the members of 8 Wing Trenton during some very troubling days. While he was focused on the welfare of the members of the base, he realized that he needed support from his own troops; specifically Sgt Gilbert Laxamana.
During the opener, I mentioned the website known as SOMNIA. Please check it out for Canadian and International Military News and History.
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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.
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The Canadian Soldiers march through Dieppe with pipes playing. Somebody got in trouble for something.
Stan escorting the Regimental Colour
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 of the Canadian Military History Podcast at Afghanistan: A Soldier’s Story.
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Stan sharing his memories with school children.
The ship that carried Stan to the beaches in Europe
Episode 006 Capt Shannon Tyrrell Part 2
Here is the second part of the episode with Capt Shannon Tyrrell.
One of the memorable characters that Capt Tyrrell goes on to describe is Cpl Lui from 25 Field Ambulance. Due to the patience and dedication of his instructors, Cpl Lui went on to found a leadership group known as Monticle.
Please take the time to visit the Monticle site.
Have you signed the Canadian Military History Podcast Guestbook yet?
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Shannon and her team are visited by the Minister of National Defence, Peter McKay
Me and my guest Captain Shannon Tyrrell
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 or continue to parallel her civilian qualifications as an Emergency Nurse with the Forces. She took her commission with the Field Ambulance and progressed from the rank of Lieutenant to the rank of Captain.
Capt Tyrrell has served in Guatemala and volunteered as a nurse in the post-earthquake ravaged Haiti. She has also earned her Qualification as an Air Medivac Instructor.
One of the memorable characters that Capt Tyrrell goes on to describe is Cpl Lui from 25 Field Ambulance. Due to the patience and dedication of his instructors, Cpl Lui went on to found a leadership group known as Monticle.
Please take the time to visit the site of Bonnie Saunders known as Glass Treasures.
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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 Regiment through their period of providing individual augmentation to the mission in Afghanistan and the presentation and consecration of the Colours by HRH, the Prince of Wales.
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Lieutenant-Colonel Cliff Trollope, Commanding Officer of the Royal Regiment of Canada
LCol Trollope escorting HRH Charles, The Prince of Wales during the presentation and consecration of Colours to the Royal Regiment of Canada and the Toronto Scottish Regiment
Leading soldiers on operations
LCol Trollope on parade at Fort York Armoury – Is this a good time for some push-ups?!?
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.
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Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie
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.
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The Canadian Contingent in Freetown, Sierra Leone with their new acquisition. How do you connect the gas tank??!!
Capt Pat Woods being thanked for his efforts in restoring the Grafton Scout Camp and Agricultural School in Sierra Leone.
Pat’s favorite lunch!
The Operational Service Medal for Sierra Leone
Pat posing with former Prime Minister of the UK, Tony Blair.
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!
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Episode 002 Sgt Greg Briggs Part 1
Welcome to Episode 002 of the Canadian Military History Podcast.
This interview is with my life-long friend, Greg Briggs.
My podcast creator has an upload limit, so I’ve had to break this up into two parts. This may become more common than not, but I don’t expect that it will take away from the show.
Please enjoy my interview with Sgt Greg Briggs of the Toronto Scottish Regiment and the PPCLI.
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Episode 001 LCol Mike Vernon
For the first official episode, I am pleased to interview my former command team partner on Op Sculpture: LCol Mike Vernon of the PPCLI and the Calgary Highlanders.
In this episode, LCol Vernon describes his deployment to Afghanistan and the production of his documentary Desert Lions. Listen as he discuses how he became an officer in the CF and the mentors and influences in his life. This is a podcast worth listening to.
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Honourary Paramount Chief Mike Vernon
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 and John Champion from Mission Log – A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast
-Sgt David Hensman from Bush Troopers
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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 include the International Military Assistance and Training Team (Sierra Leone) Regimental Sergeant-Major, the Assistant Chief of Staff Chief Warrant Officer for 32 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters, and the Regimental Sergeant-Major of the Toronto Scottish Regiment.
Mike Lacroix has served as a soldier in the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps earning qualifications in reconnaissance, machine-guns as well as advanced leadership. His leadership was key during ceremonial events such as the presentation and consecration of Colours to the Royal Regiment of Canada and the Toronto Scottish Regiment, the Trooping of the Colour for the Toronto Scottish Regiment, the departure of the Toronto Scottish from Fort York Armoury, the opening ceremony of the Captain Bellenden Seymour Hutcheson VC Armoury in Etobicoke, Ontario and the 200th Anniversary Commemoration Parade for the 1813 Battle of York (now Toronto).
Mike Lacroix has earned the Operational Service Medal for Sierra Leone with first bar, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Forces Decoration with first bar.
Mike Lacroix is an amateur historian who’s primary interest is the First World War. His focus on history is not on dates, places and battles, but more focused on the people; who they were and how they became military warriors. His efforts brought to light the story of Pte Laurence Barclay Ramsay, a soldier of the 75th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force, whose pocket bible saved him from a rifle shot to his heart. The bible and Pte Ramsay’s artifacts were recovered from his family’s ‘shoe box’ and are now proudly on display at Captain Bellenden Hutcheson VC Armoury, 70 Birmingham St in Etobicoke, Ontario.
Welcome to the Canadian Military History Podcast.
I’m your host, Mike Lacroix.
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