From the Army to Parliament: Alex Ruff, MSC, CD, MP, RMC Class of 1997
After retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces, Alex chose to continue serving in a different way. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound, bringing with him years of military experience and a practical understanding of leadership, defence, and public service.
From Royal Roads to Reinvention: Chris Theal’s Unconventional Path
Chris graduated from Royal Roads Military College with a degree in Economics and began his career as an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. That early experience gave him a strong foundation in responsibility, decision-making, and service. He later earned an MBA in Finance from the University of British Columbia, became a Chartered Financial Analyst, and completed the Directors Education Program, earning the ICD.D designation.
From RCAF Officer to AI Innovator Driving Global Change: Devashish Paul (CMR RMC 1988)
After leaving the military, Devashish moved into the tech world just as it was starting to accelerate. Over the next 20+ years, he built a career across Canada, Silicon Valley, Europe, and Asia, working in semiconductors, networking, and high-performance computing. His focus was always on solving big, practical challenges, helping build technologies that sit behind everyday systems, from global communications networks to advanced computing platforms.
Alumni Spotlight: Colonel (Ret’d) Nishika Jardine, RMC 1986 — A Career Built on Service
In November 2020, she was appointed Veterans Ombud, taking on a national role focused on fairness for Veterans and their families. The work of the Office of the Veterans Ombud is direct and important. It reviews complaints related to the Veterans Bill of Rights, looks at issues connected to programs and services administered by Veterans Affairs Canada, and identifies systemic problems that affect Veterans and their families.
Test Pilot. Combat Leader. Global Aviation Strategist. Billie Flynn, CMR RMC 1981
A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, Flynn went on to serve 23 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring as a Lieutenant-Colonel and Combat Squadron Commander. During that time, he built a reputation as a highly capable fighter pilot and leader, entrusted with demanding operational responsibilities at home and abroad. He led 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron and commanded Canadian Task Force Aviano during Operation Allied Force, flying combat missions over Kosovo and the former Republic of Yugoslavia. The unit’s contributions were later recognized with Battle Honours awarded by Queen Elizabeth II, marking an important chapter in Canadian military aviation history.
Shape the Future of Canadian Military Colleges: Join the RMC Alumni Association Board of Directors!
Do you have a passion for the Royal Military Colleges of Canada and a desire to make a real difference? The Royal Military Colleges Alumni Association Inc. (RMCAA) invites you to bring your expertise and enthusiasm to our Board of Directors!
A Gift That Brings History to Life
The endowment further supports participation in international forums and exchanges, where cadets engage with peers from military academies around the world to explore issues of peace, security, and resilience. It also enables experiential opportunities in Canada, such as exposure to aviation and defence environments, strengthening their understanding of modern military operations.
These experiences are not ancillary—they are formative. They provide cadets with profound, perspective-shaping opportunities that extend far beyond traditional academic learning. By placing them directly in the context of history, conflict, and ethical decision-making, these activities challenge cadets to think critically, lead with integrity, and fully understand the responsibilities of military service.
Marching into the next chapter, RMC Class of 2026
RMC would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of the graduating students and wish them success as they start their careers.
Congratulations to the RMC Class of 2026!
You carry exceptional knowledge and skill, but you also carry the distinctive values forged over one hundred and fifty years that define the alumni of our Canadian Military Colleges. With time, you will see how these values guide you through the missions, the expectations, and the decision-making moments that lie ahead.
