The Regimental Trust Fund
Routine Orders
Miscellaneous news and happenings within The Regiment, Association and RCR Family. If you have some news you'd like to get out, please contact the webmaster.
15 May 2013
Fellow Royals
A very distinguished and long serving officer of The Royal Canadian Regiment will soon be retiring. Lieutenant-Colonel P.H. "Pat" McAdam, CD will be officially retiring on 07 August 2013 after more than 36 years of loyal and dedicated service.
Lieutenant-Colonel McAdam is currently serving in Washington, DC as the Assistant Canadian Forces Military Attaché. He enlisted in the CF on 15 June 1977 and his initial Regimental service was with 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR) at Gagetown, New Brunswick in 1978. Lieutenant-Colonel McAdam subsequently also served with 1 RCR, 3 RCR, The RCR Battle School, and the Canadian Airborne Regiment. He has, as well, a most impressive resume of out of country and overseas postings, including: Baden Soellingen, Germany with 3 RCR; Quantico, Virginia as Canadian LO to the United States Marine Corps; Norfolk, Virginia as a staff officer with (NATO) Combined Joint Manoeuvre; and Washington, DC as the Assistant Military Attaché. Please note, for his exceptional contributions while serving in the USA, first at Quantico and then at Norfolk, Lieutenant-Colonel McAdam has twice been awarded the United States Meritorious Service Medal.
Following retirement, Lieutenant-Colonel McAdam and his wife Mary will move to Kingston, Ontario.
On behalf of Regimental Headquarters I would like to extend thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel for his significant service to the Regiment and our country; I would further offer him best wishes on his future endeavours.
An informal Departure with Dignity (DWD) will take place in Washington, DC sometime in late June. The OPI for the DWD is Major Dan Robichaud. Please send your best wishes and anecdotes to Major Robichaud at: daniel.robichaud3@forces.gc.ca. Please see below for US MSM photo and citation and the complete retirement message.
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SUBJ: RETIREMENT OF LCOL PH (PAT) MCADAM, CD, 00180 INF, BILINGUAL MESSAGE/MESSAGE BILINGUE - RETRAITE DU LCOL PH (PAT) MCADAM CD, 00180 INF 1. AFTER MORE THAN 36 YEARS OF SERVICE TO CANADA AND THE CANADIAN ARMY, LCOL PAT MCADAM WILL RETIRE ON 7 AUG 13. 2. HAVING ENROLLED ON 15 JUN 77, LCOL MCADAM COMMENCED HIS REGIMENTAL SERVICE WITH 2ND BATTALION THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT AND WENT ON TO SERVE WITH 1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD BATTALIONS, THE RCR BATTLE SCHOOL, AND THE CANADIAN AIRBORNE REGIMENT. HIS OUTCAN POSTINGS INCLUDED REGIMENTAL DUTY WITH 3RD BATTALION IN BADEN SOELLINGEN, WEST GERMANY; LIAISON OFFICER TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS IN QUANTICO, VIRGINIA; STAFF OFFICER JOINT MANOEUVRE IN NATOS COMBINED JOINT OPERATIONS FROM THE SEA CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN NORFOLK, VIRGINIA; AND AS THE ASSISTANT MILITARY ATTACHE WITHIN THE CANADIAN DEFENCE LIAISON STAFF IN WASHINGTON, DC. 3. PACKING AWAY HIS RUCKSACK AND RANGER BLANKET, LCOL MCADAM WILL SETTLE INTO RETIREMENT IN KINGSTON, ON. WHILE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE ARE NOT YET FIRM, LCOL MCADAM WILL INITIALLY EASE HIMSELF INTO RETIREMENT BY SPENDING EVERY DAY WITH HIS WIFE MARY, WORKING A BIT ON HIS GOLF GAME ON NICE DAYS, AND RIDING HIS HARLEY ON EVEN NICER DAYS. 4. IN ACCORDANCE WITH HIS DESIRE FOR A SILENT WITHDRAWAL, THERE WILL BE A VERY INFORMAL DEPART WITH DIGNITY EVENT ON A LOCAL GOLF COURSE IN THE WASHINGTON DC AREA IN LATE JUNE. 5. MAJOR DAN ROBICHAUD IS THE DWD COORDINATOR AND BEST WISHES OR ANECDOTES MAY BE SENT TO HIM AT: DANIEL.ROBICHAUD3 AT FORCES.GC.CA |
RCR Officer Receives Second Meritorious Service Medal from the United States
On 15 June, 2011 at the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC, Rear Admiral Richard Greenwood, the Commander of the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff in Washington, presented the United States Meritorious Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Pat McAdam. Lieutenant Colonel McAdam currently serves as the Assistant Military Attaché in the Canadian Embassy. The United States Meritorious Service Medal is awarded on behalf of the President, and is presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United Sates. In the case of Lieutenant Colonel McAdam, this is his second such award. His first Meritorious Service Medal followed a four year tour of duty in Quantico, Virginia where Lieutenant Colonel McAdam completed the United Sates Marine Corps Command and Staff College. Following this course he remained in Quantico for an additional three years as the Canadian Forces Liaison Officer to the United States Marine Corps. The recently presented second award follows a four year tour of duty in the NATO Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence where he served as the Staff Officer Joint Manoeuvre inside the United States Navy's Second Fleet Headquarters. Lieutenant Colonel McAdam commenced his Regimental duty with Second Battalion in 1978 and has since served with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions as well as The RCR Battle School and 3rd Airborne Commando. |
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
13 May 2013
Fellow Royals
After 28 years of loyal and faithful service to The Royal Canadian Regiment and the Canadian Armed Forces, Warrant Officer W.T. "Billy" Gibson will be retiring from the service.
Enlisting in May 1985 he served initially with 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment at Gagetown, New Brunswick. After successfully completing the Basic Para Course in 1986, WO Gibson began a long and productive tour with the Canadian Airborne Regiment that lasted from 1987-1995. He returned to 2 RCR from 1995-1997, was promoted to Sergeant and posted to the Canadian Parachute Centre in Trenton, Ontario. In 2003 he once more returned to 2 RCR, was promoted to his current rank and began his final posting in 2004 with the Infantry School. WO Gibson has also served with the Sky Hawks.
On behalf of Regimental Headquarters I would like to congratulate WO Billy Gibson on his impressive career, thank him for his dedicated service to his Regiment and country, and wish him and his family all best in the future.
WO Gibson has elected not to have an official retirement function. However, retirement messages can be forwarded to MWO B.A. Miles at the Infantry School. His e-mail address is: blair.miles@forces.gc.ca& his phone number is: CSN 432-3228.
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
9 May 2013
Fellow Royals
It is my distinct honour to forward the following outstanding news concerning investiture in the Order of Military Merit of two very distinguished and long serving Royals. In a ceremony taking place on 05 March 2013 at Rideau Hall, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnstone, Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada bestowed the Order of Military Merit upon Master Warrant Officer James G. Blackmore, MMM CD, of the 1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment; and Warrant Officer Eric J. LeClair MMM CD, of the 1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment. Both Master Warrant Officer Blackmore and Warrant Officer LeClair were invested as Members of the Order of Military Merit. At the same investiture ceremony, the Governor-General bestowed the Order of Military Merit on three Commanders, 10 Officers, and 37 Members, for a total of 50 recipients. Created in 1972, the Order of Military Merit recognizes meritorious service and devotion to duty by members of the Canadian Forces. The Order honours them for their commitment to Canada, according to the following three levels of membership: Commander (CMM), Officer (OMM) and Member (MMM).
MWO Blackmore has been a member of The Royal Canadian Regiment since 1983, serving with great distinction in 2 RCR, 3 Commando and 1 RCR. He served in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan as CQMS of Charles Company, 1 RCR in 2010. He was promoted to his present rank while in theatre; upon re-deployment to Canada he was appointed Company Sergeant-Major of Bravo Company, 1 RCR. MWO Blackmore is currently the CSM of Foxtrot Company, 1 RCR.
 MWO Blackmore (and wife, center) with other MMM recipients. |
WO LeClair served in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan as a Platoon Warrant Officer with Bravo Company, 1 RCR. He was wounded in action twice, quite severely in the latter incident. No one who knows WO LeClair at all will be surprised to learn that despite the gravity of his injuries, he stayed on his feet returning fire with maximum effect on the enemy. Following the Afghanistan tour, WO LeClair continued to serve with Bravo Company until this last year. He is currently a French language student with the Base Language School at Petawawa. WO LeClair comes from a military family with long and deep bonds with The Royal Canadian Regiment. His father, Master Warrant Officer J.E. LeClair, MMM, CD (Ret'd) is a Regimental icon and himself a recipient of the MMM. WO LeClair's brother, Sergeant Mike LeClair, is serving with 3 RCR.
 LGen P.J. Devlin, CMM MSC CD, MWO Leclair, MMM CD (Ret'd) & WO LeClair, MMM CD |
It has been my privilege to serve with both MWO Blackmore and WO LeClair throughout their careers. To say that they are outstanding soldiers and leaders is to state the obvious. They are perfect exemplars of the saying, "Service Before Self." Each one possesses those sterling, bedrock virtues that are the hallmark of our Regimental Cadre of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers. On behalf of Regimental Headquarters I would like to express my personal admiration and whole-heartedly congratulate MWO Blackmore and WO LeClair for their well deserved receipt of the MMM.
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
10 May 2013
Fellow Royals
I have received news concerning the impending retirement of a distinguished and long serving member of The Royal Canadian Regiment.
After 32 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Army and the Regiment, Master Warrant Officer J.D.A. "Dave" Doucette will officially retire on 27 December 2013. He is currently serving at Gagetown, New Brunswick with Land Force Atlantic Area Training Centre (LFAA TC), as the Infantry Standards MWO.
MWO Doucette enrolled in the CF on 01 December 1981 and was posted to 1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment on in July 1982. MCpl Doucette was posted to Lahr, West Germany in July 1988 where he served first with 4 Service Battalion as the Combat Arms Advisor and then at 4 CMBG HQ. MWO Doucette was subsequently posted to 2 RCR in August 1992 where he served until July 2011, eventually being promoted to his present rank, MWO. He has been serving with LFAA TC since 2011.
During his career, MWO Doucette has completed a remarkable seven operational tours overseas, including two in Afghanistan. Following retirement MWO Dave Doucette will remain with wife Dale in the Oromocto, NB area. On behalf of Regimental Headquarters I would like to thank MWO Doucette for his exemplary service to his country and Regiment and wish him and his family all the best in the next phase of his life.
A Depart With Dignity (DWD) ceremony in combination with a Regimental farewell is planned on 06 September 2013 at 1200 hrs at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #093 Oromocto NB - cost is $10.00 plus tax per person, meal included. Those planning on attending the event and or wishing to contribute congratulatory messages, well wishes or humorous anecdotes are requested to send confirmation of attendance and or their messages to WO Trevor Lavallee: trevor.lavallee@forces.gc.ca or fax 506-422-1439 NLT 06 August 2013.
Pro Patria
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
9 May 2013
Fellow Royals
After 26 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Regiment and Army, Warrant Officer Gerald D. "Gerry" Hebert, CD will be retiring from the CF. His career in the Regular Force dates back to 20 January 1987. WO Hebert served extensively with both 3 RCR and 1 RCR. Most impressively, he served on a total of seven operational overseas tours. More he recently he successfully completed the highly demanding Army Technical Warrant Officer's Program (based on the old Mater Gunner's Qualification). Since 2011 WO Hebert has been employed at the Directorate of Land Requirements. His official retirement date is 31 May 2013. His longer term intention is to move to Trenton, Ontario where he will work for a military equipment company. On behalf of Regimental Headquarters I would like to congratulate Warrant Officer Hebert on his outstanding career and thank him for his selfless service to the Regiment and the country.
The Departure with Dignity function will be held on Friday, 31 May 2013, upstairs at the Fox and Feather Bar and Grill, 283 Elgin Street (Corner of MacLaren) in Ottawa. The room is reserved starting at 1100 Hours (under the name Eric Plante), and the festivities will start around 1130 Hours. Dress is casual or dress of the day. Stories, pictures, and best wishes can be sent to Capt Andre Fournier, at andre.fournier@forces.gc.ca or to Capt Eric Plante, at eric.plante2@forces.gc.ca
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
6 May 2013
Fellow Royals
Yesterday, Regimental Headquarters received tragic news of the untimely loss of a member of our Regimental family. Major John Scott (Ret'd) died Saturday night, 04 May 2013, near Stony Plain, Alberta, as the result of a civilian free fall parachuting accident. He was 49 years of age and was living in Edmonton. Major Scott had an extensive background with both The Royal Canadian Regiment and Airborne Forces dating from 1984-2005. Within the Regiment John Scott will be especially remembered for serving with 3 RCR and, later, 1 RCR. He completed Infantry Officer Training in 1984 and was posted to 3 RCR at Winnipeg, qualifying Basic Para in November 1984. John Scott was posted to 3 Commando, Canadian Airborne Regiment, at Petawawa in 1987. He went on to serve with the Canadian Airborne Centre (CABC) at Edmonton until 1992. Major Scott was posted to 1 RCR in Petawawa in 1992, serving as 2IC of first Echo Company and then Delta Company. In 1998 he was back with the Airborne again, serving at the Canadian Parachute Centre (CPC) in Trenton until 2004. Major Scott was also a member of the Sky Hawks Military Parachute Display Team. He concluded his career in the CF, serving with the Calgary Highlanders from 2004-2005. I would like to thank Major DL Berry, Lieutenant-Colonel SB Luckhurst, Lieutenant-Colonel PA Lockhart, Colonel CJJ Mialkowski, and Colonel JP Davis for their assistance in putting together the details of Major Scott's military service (please note that some of the dates given are approximations).
His sudden and tragic loss has resonated deeply with soldiers and officers of John Scott's generation. Since yesterday I have received many heartfelt e-mails from shocked and saddened Royals. The reaction of Lieutenant-Colonel Marty Lipcsey, as expressed to the CO of CFLAWC, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Lockhart, was typical. "I suspect you have already heard of the tragic death of John Scott over the weekend in a parachute accident near Edmonton. He was well know in the RCR and in the skydiving community. He will be surely missed but remembered as a great soldier and leader that loved to jump. My sincerest condolences." Major Scott was known for his great spirit of adventure. He was an expert freefall parachutist with over 9,000 parachute descents to his credit. Many Royals recall shared adventures and happy experiences with him, from climbing Monte Bianco, cruising the highways on Harley-Davidsons, or simply sharing a good time at his former Petawawa home on Doran Road. John Scott was a larger than life figure who will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered. Many Royals will also recall his brother, Terry Scott, who also served with 1 RCR and 3 Commando in the 1980s. All of our thought and prayers go out to the bereaved family and friends of John Scott at this time. As I learn of further details concerning memorial or funeral services I will be sure to pass these on. Please see below for a news story about the tragic accident.
Following his retirement from the CF, Major Scott retained very close ties with The RCR and the military parachuting community. He was an ongoing trainer with CFPT. John Scott's death has been keenly and especially felt at CFLAWC. This morning at a unit parade in Trenton, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Lockhart, the Commanding Officer, informed all ranks of CFLAWC of this grievous news.
 Major (Ret'd) John Scott |
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
30 Apr 2013
Fellow Royals
The Director Infantry, Colonel I.R. Creighton, has informed all units of the Infantry Branch as to the restoration of the historical name, Royal Canadian Infantry Corps. See the attached document, HISTORICAL DESIGNATION - ROYAL CANADIAN INFANTRY CORPS, dated 22 April 2013. The Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Peter MacKay, had made an earlier earlier announcement to the same effect.
The Infantry Corps has been known as the "Infantry Branch" since 27 August 1971. The Infantry Corps was originally created on 02 September 1942, during the Second World War, and was initially known as the "Canadian Infantry Corps". This was changed to "Royal Canadian Infantry Corps" as of 30 April 1947 and then to "The Royal Canadian Infantry Corps" on 22 March 1948. Then on 17 February 1964 the designation was changed back to "Royal Canadian Infantry Corps". I'm not entirely sure of the significance of the dropping of or previous non-use of the article, "The", in the designation; it was always my belief that the article, "The", is always used and capitalized in conjunction with the designation, "Royal"; for example, "The Royal Canadian Regiment".
At any rate, the Corps was indeed re-designated as the Infantry Branch on 27 August 1971 and has now become once again, "Royal Canadian Infantry Corps".
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
30 Apr 2013
Fellow Royals
Please see below for a schedule of upcoming events taking place at the Regimental Museum at Wolseley Barracks, London, Ontario. For those who live in London and SW Ontario, or who may be visiting. Also, another reminder that the Regimental Museum Grand Opening will take place 28 September 2013.
The RCR Museum Upcoming Events
Reminder:
22 May 2013 Organization of Military Museums in Canada (OMMC) OMMC holds their 2013 conference in London at the Delta Armouries between 22 - 27 May. The afternoon of 22 May is booked for a visit at Wolseley Barracks with the following schedule:
May is Museum Month with 18 May as the International Museum Day.
Staff Away
Dr. Georgiana Stanciu: 28 May to 2nd of June (Canadian Museums Association Annual Conference).
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
5 Apr 2013
Fellow Royals
Royal Canadians will be interested to know that there is a Bill before Parliament that if passed would make the 27th of July in Canada, "Korean War Veterans Day", in perpetuity.
This would be no more than fitting and would be, at long last, another well deserved symbol of appreciation from the Canadian government and people for our Veterans who served in Korea. The special significance of 27 July, is that this is the date in 1953 when the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed at Panmunjom.
Each Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment served in turn in Korea during the war (2 RCR: 1951-52; 1 RCR: 1952-53; and 3 RCR: 1953-54). For further information, please read this article from The Korean War Veteran.
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
5 Apr 2013
Fellow Royals
Two distinguished and well known officers of The Royal Canadian Regiment were recently awarded well deserved Meritorious Service Medals.
In a recent ceremony at Rideau Hall, on 22 March 2013, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented 34 Meritorious Service Decorations (Military Division) to members of the Canadian Forces, as well as of Allied Forces. These decorations were presented to "individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada."
Among the 34 recipients were: Brigadier-General James B. Simms, OMM MSM CD; and Colonel Steven J.R. Whelan, MSM CD
Brigadier-General Simms, a former Chief of Staff within Regional Command (South) HQ in Afghanistan, will be known throughout the Regiment as the Chairman of the Regimental Senate. He serves as the Director-General Land Capability Development/Chief of Staff Land Strategy.
Colonel Whelan is a former Commander of Task Force Jerusalem. He is currently the Chief of Staff, Chief of Force Development at NDHQ, Ottawa.
On behalf of Regimental Headquarters I would wish to extend heartfelt congratulations to both BGen Simms and Col Whelan on the award of their Meritorious Service Medals.
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
29 Mar 2013
Fellow Royals
On 27 February 2013, Royal Canadians around the world, wherever their respective duties may have taken them, took time to observe and commemorate what is, arguably, one of the two most important anniversaries in the storied history of our Regiment. The Battle of Paardeberg Drift, fought in South Africa from 18-27 February 1900, was a defining event in early, formative days of The Royal Canadian Regiment. The South African War (1899-1902) marked the very first occasion when Canadian troops had been deployed overseas to fight in a military campaign as part of a Canadian unit, entirely made up by Canadian soldiers, led by Canadian officers. Significantly, on 27 February 1900, at the climactic moment of the battle, it was the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, which struck the decisive blow which led to the defeat of the Boer enemy. As a result, the Royal Canadians were lionized in the British press and British House of Commons. Later, in November and December 1900, soldiers of the Battalion were celebrated as heroes by the British public when they made a brief tour of England before returning to Canada. Paardeberg marked a vital step in our march to nationhood.
Outside of The Royal Canadian Regiment, the Battle of Paardeberg has now been largely forgotten by ordinary Canadians. However, before the cataclysmic First World War came to overshadow all else that had gone before it, the battle at Paardeberg fired the imagination and patriotism of Canadians. Paardeberg Day was something of a national event and Paardeberg Dinners were hosted at Rideau Hall by the Governors-General of Canada. In the years immediately following the battle itself, Canadians tended to regard the Battle of Paardeberg Drift with the same sense of pride and reverence now reserved for the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
And yet, to this day Royal Canadians still remember and still re-create, as circumstances permit, their own Paardeberg Dinners. One such occasion occurred this past 27 February in the Armenian Quarter of the ancient city of Old Jerusalem, surely on of the more exotic, even spectacular settings for a Paardeberg Dinner. There two old friends and distinguished Royals came together to remember one of our finest hours, commemorate an immortal battle, and toast the health of the Regiment. Brigadier-General James B. Simms, our serving Chairman of the Regimental Senate, and Brigadier-General Michael J. Pearson, a former Regimental Colonel, were the two Royals whom duty had placed in Jerusalem at this moment in time. Brigadier-General Pearson is deployed to Jerusalem as Commander Canadian Contingent Operation PROTEUS; and Brigadier-General Simms is the Director-General of Land Capability Development/Chief of Staff Land Strategy. Please see attached photos of: Brigadier-General Simms and Brigadier-General Pearson commemorating Paardeberg Day in Jerusalem, 27 February 2013; and a somewhat earlier Paardeberg Dinner that took place only a few years after the actual battle.
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
Subject: Paardeberg Celebration 27 Feb 2013
Ross,
I had the honour or celebrating Paardeberg with my friend BGen Michael Pearson over dinner in the Armenian Quarter of Old Jerusalem and raised a toast to our Regiment.
Pro Patria,
BGen Jim Simms
Chief of Staff Land Strategy/Director General Land Capability Development
 Brigadier-General Simms and Brigadier-General Pearson commemorating Paardeberg Day in Jerusalem, 27 February 2013. |
 A somewhat earlier Paardeberg Dinner that took place only a few years after the actual battle. |
28 Mar 2013
The retirement of a very distinguished and long serving member of The Royal Canadian Regiment has now been officially announced. After more than 38 years of the most loyal and dedicated service, Major Eric Christensen, MMM CD, will retire from the Canadian Forces. Major Christensen will perhaps be best remembered as a former Regimental Sergeant-Major of 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment and as Regimental Chief Warrant Officer. He enrolled in the CF on 08 April 1975 and was posted to 2 RCR at Gagetown, NB, following recruit training at Cornwallis, NS. Major Christensen had a long and distinguished record of service with the 2nd Battalion, eventually rising to become a Company Sergeant-Major with first Hotel Company and then Combat Support Company. After then serving with 3 RCR as Drill Sergeant-Major, he was promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in 1998 and posted to the Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa as the Regimental Sergeant-Major.
In 2000, then Chief Warrant Officer Christensen returned to Gagetown and the 2nd Battalion. In fulfilling surely one of his most cherished dreams, he served as Regimental Sergeant-Major of 2 RCR from 29 June 2000 - 18 July 2003. Following his tenure at 2 RCR, Major Christensen became first Base CWO at CFB/ASU Gagetown and then LFAA CWO at Halifax, NS. In 2006 he was appointed as the very first Command CWO of Canada Command at Ottawa. In terms of ongoing Regimental service it is noteworthy that Major Christensen was in addition serving as the Regimental Chief Warrant Officer of The RCR from 18 July 2003 - 12 April 2007. In 2010 he was commissioned and promoted to the rank of Major. Major Christensen has been serving in Ottawa as the Section Head at the Directorate Military Careers Policy and Grievances 4. Following retirement he will remain in Ottawa with wife Janice.
There will be both a Regimental Farewell and unit-sponsored Depart with Dignity (DWD) retirement function taking place in Ottawa on 03 May. The timing will be from 1200 Hours and the venue is the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess. Cost is $15.00 (plus tax) with meal included. Confirmation of attendance is requested no later than 22 April. Please contact Captain L. Malloy at the following FAX: 613-947-1519; or e-mail address: lew.malloy@forces.gc.ca
Also send congratulatory messages and anecdotes to Captain Malloy. For further details please read text of official retirement message below. Also find attached (below) the retirement message. On behalf of RHQ I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to major Christensen for his outstanding service to his country and Regiment and best wishes to him and his family for the future.
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DISTRIBUTION LIST: AIG 1704 AND 1705 (ALL BASES, STATIONS, COMMANDS AND SHIPS) SUBJECT: RETIREMENT - MAJ ERIC CHRISTENSEN, MMM, CD 1. MAJ ERIC CHRISTENSEN WILL RETIRE FROM THE CF ON 06 MAY 13 AFTER OVER 38 YEARS OF LOYAL AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO CANADA AND THE CANADIAN FORCES 2. MAJ CHRISTENSEN ENROLLED IN THE CF ON 08 APR 75. AFTER COMPLETING HIS BASIC RECRUIT TRAINING IN CORNWALLIS, HE WAS POSTED TO THE 2ND BATTALION OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT (2 RCR) FOR HIS INFANTRY TRAINING. HE WAS EMPLOYED IN A VARIETY OF JOBS EVENTUALLY BECOMING A RIFLE PLATOON WARRANT OFFICER (WO), SIGNALS WO, ANTI-ARMOUR PLATOON WO, COMPANY QUARTERMASTER FOR HOTEL COMPANY AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMPANY AND THEN AS THE COMPANY SERGEANT-MAJOR (SM) FOR HOTEL COMPANY AND COMBAT SUPPORT COMPANY. UPON COMPLETION OF THE YEAR LONG FRENCH COURSE MAJ CHRISTENSEN WAS POSTED TO 3 RCR AS THE DRILL SM. PROMOTED TO CWO IN 1998 HE SERVED AS THE REGIMENTAL SM (RSM) FOR THE CEREMONIAL GUARD IN OTTAWA. IN 2000 HE BECAME THE RSM FOR 2 RCR AND, IN 2003, THE RCR RCWO AND THE BASE CWO IN 3 AREA SUPPORT GROUP. LATER THAT YEAR MAJ CHRISTENSEN WAS APPOINTED AS THE LFAA CWO AND IN 2006 HE BECAME THE FIRST CANADA COMMAND CWO. MAJ CHRISTENSEN HAS SERVED ON UN TOURS IN THE GOLAN HEIGHTS, CYPRUS TWICE, THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA, ERITREA, AND AS THE FORCE SM FOR THE MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE AND OBSERVERS IN EL GORAH EGYPT. IN 2010 HE WAS PROMOTED TO MAJOR AND SERVED AS THE SECTION HEAD IN THE DIRECTORATE MILITARY CAREERS POLICY AND GRIEVANCES 4 3. MAJ CHRISTENSEN PLANS TO REMAIN IN OTTAWA WITH HIS WIFE, JANICE AND SPEND TIME WITH HIS GRANDCHILDREN. HE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK ON HIS GOLF GAME 4. A DEPART WITH DIGNITY (DWD) CEREMONY IN COMBINATION WITH A REGIMENTAL FAREWELL IS PLANNED ON 03 MAY 2013 AT 1200 HRS AT THE WO AND SGTS MESS OTTAWA. COST IS $15.00 PLUS TAX PER PERSON, MEAL INCLUDED. THOSE PLANNING ON ATTENDING THE EVENT AND OR WISHING TO CONTRIBUTE CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES, WELL WISHES OR HUMOUROUS ANECDOTES ARE REQUESTED TO SEND CONFIRMATION OF ATTENDANCE AND OR THEIR MESSAGES TO CAPT L MALLOY EMAIL: LEW.MALLOY@FORCES.GC.CA OR FAX: 613-947-1519 NLT 22 APR 13 |
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
12 Mar 2013
Fellow Royals
A long time Royal will be retiring shortly from the CF. After 31 years of loyal and dedicated service, Corporal George M. Myatte, currently the OR Clerk of the MPSS at ASU London will be retiring on 31 March 2013.
Corporal Myatte will be very familiar to those who served with 1 RCR during the 1980s. His Regimental service dates back to 16 July 1981 when he enrolled in the Canadian Forces. After completing recruit training at Cornwallis, NS, George was posted to 1 RCR at Wolseley Barracks, London, Ontario.
He remained with 1 RCR for the next seven years until 1988, completing seven ACE Mobile tours in Norway and the Infantry Section Commanders Course in the process. Cpl Myatte was then posted to 3 RCR at Baden Soellingen, Germany from 1988-1992. While there he also served in the Gulf War and with UNPROFOR in the former Yugoslavia. While in the Former Yugoslavia, Cpl Myatte was involved in the operation to secure Sarajevo Airport. Then from 1992-1996, he was with 1 RCR again at Petawawa.
From 1996 Cpl Myatte transferred into Resource Management, specifically Financial and Administrative Management. He was posted with CFSEME at Borden, Ontario from 1996-2001.
George transferred into the Primary Reserve in 2001 and has been employed with ASU London ever since.
Though not a serving member of the Regiment since 1996, Cpl Myatte has nonetheless remained a very committed member of the Regimental family. He has also worked tirelessly to support all veterans. In retirement he will continue to do so and will be active with both The RCR Association and the Royal Canadian Legion.
On behalf of RHQ I would like to thank George for his many years of dedicated service to his country, community and Regiment. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Cpl Myatte's retirement function will take place Friday, 22 March 2013, 1300 Hours at the Wolseley Barracks Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess, London, Ontario. Dress is Dress of the Day for serving military and appropriate civies for others. The event OPI and POC is Warrant Officer C.W.H. "Chuck" Graham, phone number 519-660-5275, ext 5140. He can also be reached by e-mail at: charles.graham@forces.gc.ca. Please send any anecdotes or congratulatory messages to WO Graham.
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
19 Feb 2013
The 3rd Bn would like to announce the promotion to the rank of Sergeant:
Two outstanding soldiers, and well deserved.
Pro Patria
R.F. (Rich) Melo
MWO
DSM 3 RCR
12 Feb 2013
Fellow Royals
After 25 years of dedicated and faithful service to the Army and The Royal Canadian Regiment, Corporal Gilbert A. Blanchette will retire from the Canadian Forces effective 06 June 2013.
Corporal Blanchette is currently serving at Gagetown, New Brunswick at 3 ASG HQ as the Commander's Driver. He first joined the CF at Windsor, Ontario on 24 May 1988. He has served proudly as an infantryman ever since. Corporal Blanchette undertook his Basic Training at Cornwallis, Nova Scotia and completed his infantry trade training at CFB Gagetown. He has subsequently served throughout his career of 25 years at Gagetown. Corporal Blanchette initially served with 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment, then with the Infantry School, and now with 3 ASG. He served overseas on an operational tour at Kiseljak, Bosnia-Herzegovina, in the former Yugoslavia.
Following his retirement, Gilbert will remain in the Oromocto, NB area with his wife Nancy and two sons, Justin and Cole. Corporal Blanchette will be having his farewell function at the Relish Restaurant on 30 May 2013. Please send any well wishes or anecdotes to the event OPI, Sergeant A.R. Campbell at: anthony.campbell@forces.gc.ca or contact him by phone at CSN 432-2341.
On behalf of Regimental Headquarters I would like to thank Corporal Blanchette for his 25 years of dedicated and loyal service to the Regiment and wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavours.
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
8 Feb 2013
Fellow Royals
Regarding CANFORGEN 022/13 - 052106Z Feb 13 RR, I would draw your attention to the following significant news. During 2013 Lieutenant-General P.J. Devlin, the Army Commander and Senior Serving Royal, will retire from service. Also in 2013, Major-General J.H. Vance will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General and will be posted to Naples, Italy as the Deputy Commander of NATO's Allied Joint Force Command. I will let this news speak for itself, but will forward any subsequent related news as it becomes available.
C. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL P.J. DEVLIN WILL RETIRE FROM SERVICE, RESULTING IN THE FOLLOWING PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS:
1. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL J.M.M. HAINSE WILL BE APPOINTED COMMANDER OF THE CANADIAN ARMY, IN OTTAWA, REPLACING LIEUTENANT-GENERAL P.J. DEVLIN
2. MAJOR-GENERAL J.H. VANCE WILL BE PROMOTED LIEUTENANT-GENERAL AND APPOINTED DEPUTY COMMANDER ALLIED JOINT FORCE COMMAND, IN NAPLES, ITALY, REPLACING LIEUTENANT-GENERAL J.M.M. HAINSE
3. MAJOR-GENERAL M.J. HOOD WILL BE APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF STAFF, STRATEGIC JOINT STAFF, AT NDHQ, IN OTTAWA, REPLACING MAJOR-GENERAL J.H. VANCE
For the complete English language text please see CANFORGEN 022/13 - 052106Z Feb 13 RR
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
23 Jan 2013
Fellow Royals
After 37 years of loyal and dedicated service to The Royal Canadian Regiment, Master Warrant Officer Ernest B. "Ernie" Lajeunesse will be retiring from the CF shortly. MWO Lajeunesse is currently with the CDA Det Borden as the CSM of CDA HQ Borden and CSM of the TASM Cell. His retirement function will be held at the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess (Juno Beach) at CFB Borden, ON on 15 February 2013. The official retirement date for MWO Lajeunesse is 07 September 2013.
MWO Ernie Lajeunesse enlisted in the Regular Force on 07 September 1976, joining 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment at CFB Petawawa, Ontario as a QL3 Infantry soldier. In July 1977 he was off to Baden Soellingen with the Battalion where he eventually became a member of Mortar Platoon. MWO Lajeunesse remained in Germany until APS 1981 when he was posted to The RCR Battle School in Petawawa as a MCpl. He returned to Mortar Platoon, 3 RCR, now at Winnipeg, Manitoba, as a Sergeant in 1984. In 1987 WO Lajeunesse was posted back to The RCR Battle School. In 1990 he was posted to 1 RCR at Wolseley Barracks, London, ON. Promoted in 1991, MWO Lajeunesse, as CSM of C Company, was one of the first from 1 RCR to make the move from London to Petawawa. After completing an operational overseas tour in Croatia, he undertook RSS positions, first in Hamilton, ON, then at Sydney, NS. He was posted to Borden in 2002, initially serving with Range Control. Since then MWO Ernie Lajeunesse has been in charge of PRETC, served as Adm Branch CSM, and then moved to CFSTG as the TASM. In retirement Ernie Lajeunesse will start a new life with wife-to-be Lorraine at Whitecourt, Alberta, where he will also start a business. For further details concerning his military career please see the attachment below. On behalf of RHQ I would like to congratulate and thank MWO Lajeunesse for his 37 years of committed service to the Regiment and wish him all the best in the future.
A farewell/retirement luncheon will be conducted for MWO Ernie Lajeunesse from 1130-1600 Hours, 15 February 2013 (doors open at 1100 Hours). The venue will be the CFB Borden Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess (Juno Beach). Cost will be $15.00 per person. The dress will be dress of the day or proper civilian attire. Please send congratulatory messages and anecdotes to MWO K.E. Surridge at: kenneth.surridge@forces.gc.ca. Also RSVP MWO Surridge.
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
14 Jan 2013
Fellow Royals
There is some news coming from The RCR Museum Curator, Georgiana Stanciu, Ph.D.
New Hours of Operation
- Tue, Wed & Fri 10:00 – 16:00
- Thu 10:00 - 20:00
- Sat & Sun 12:00 – 16:00
- Closed Mondays and Holidays
Also now to get more information (Wikipedia), to Follow (Twitter) or Like (Facebook) click on the following icons...
 Now The RCR Museum on Facebook |
 Click here for The RCR Museum Twitter Feed |
 The RCR Museum Wikipedia Page |
For more information go to The RCR Museum page.
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
14 Jan 2013
From 3 RCR
Fellow Royals
Congratulations on promotion to Warrant Officer, WO Roger Shaver.
Pro Patria
SD Gillis
Warrant Officer
Regimental Warrant Officer
11 Jan 2013
From 2 RCR
2 RCR promoted MCpl K Evong to the rank of Sgt this morning.
From RHQ congratulations to Sgt Evong.
Pro Patria
SD Gillis
Warrant Officer
Regimental Warrant Officer
11 Jan 2013
From the RSM 1 RCR
Please pass on Regimental net the following promotions in the First Battalion as of 0900 this morning.
From RHQ Congratulations to all Promoted.
To Sgt:
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To MCpl:
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Pro Patria
SD Gillis
Warrant Officer
Regimental Warrant Officer
9 Jan 2013
These photos were taken in Fredericton during Mrs. Jean Snow's 106th birthday celebration. Mrs. Jean Snow is the widow of Brigadier T.E.D'O. Snow, a former Colonel of the Regiment. She is a Regimental treasure in her own right. 2 RCR, including Command Team, always attends and supports Mrs. Snow's annual birthday event.
 There was an excellent turnout for the event. |
 CWO Rolfe (RSM 2RCR) and LCol Ruff (CO 2RCR) share stories with Mrs. Jean Snow. |
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 CWO Rolfe congratulates Mrs. Snow on her 106th birthday. |
 LCol Ruff congratulates Mrs. Snow on her birthday. |
Pro Patria
Ross Appleton
Captain
Regimental Adjutant