Colonel Angie Thomas (RMC 2003) Assumes Command of 14 Wing Greenwood
A distinguished aerospace leader and dedicated officer, Colonel Thomas has built an impressive career marked by operational excellence, professional achievement, and a steadfast commitment to service. Her journey from Officer Cadet at the Royal Military College of Canada to Wing Commander reflects the values of Truth, Duty, Valour that continue to shape generations of RMC graduates.
Representing Canada Abroad: Ryan Ward, RMC 2004, Appointed Incoming Consul General in Bengaluru
A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Ryan began his career as a Logistics Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force, completing specialized training in human resources, transport, and leadership, and working at National Defence Headquarters on officer assessment for senior staff positions.
Alumni Spotlight: From Military College to Market Leader and Author – Jason Donville, RRMC RMC Class of 1986
Like generations of alumni before him, Jason arrived at Royal Roads Military College as a young cadet, where he learned the enduring values of leadership, discipline, resilience, and service. Those lessons would become the foundation of an extraordinary career that would take him from the parade square to the boardroom, and ultimately to the pages of a deeply personal and compelling book.
RMC 2007 Alumna Leah West Helping Shape Canada’s Cybersecurity Future
A former armoured officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, Leah served for 10 years and deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. She later transitioned into law and national security, serving with the Department of Justice’s National Security Litigation and Advisory Branch, clerking at the Federal Court of Canada, and appearing before courts and national security review bodies, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Today, she is an Associate Professor at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, where her work focuses on national security law, international humanitarian law, and cyber operations.
From Small-Town Ontario to International Leadership
The journey of Colonel (Ret’d) Brian Akitt, RRMC/RMC Class of 1974, is a powerful reminder that extraordinary opportunities often begin with a single decision.
Geoff Bennett: A Legacy of Adventure, Volunteerism, and Giving Back
H8788 Geoff Bennett (RMC 1971) has long understood that the strongest traditions at the Royal Military Colleges are carried forward by those who choose to give back. As the organizer behind La Chasse-Galerie, the memorable voyageur canoe fundraising initiative that brought graduates together in support of the CMC’s, Geoff helped transform camaraderie, adventure, and alumni…
A wide-ranging career in the Engineers
25914 Major (Maj) Jaemok Lee’s (RMC 2013) journey in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is a testament to discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Born in Korea, his values were shaped during his early life growing up in a small town on Vancouver Island. From a young age, Maj Lee displayed exceptional athletic ability, particularly in soccer and rugby. These formative years in sport would become the foundation for a leadership style that fosters teamwork, perseverance and mental toughness – complemented by career‑defining traits like leading by example and leading from the front.
Beyond the Cockpit: Phil Garbutt’s Path from Military Service to Global Aerospace Leadership
Phil Garbutt’s career reflects a remarkable journey through military leadership, international operations, and the global aerospace industry. A graduate of Royal Roads Military College in 1988 with a degree in Physics and Computer Science, Garbutt spent more than three decades in uniform, building a reputation as a leader who could bridge technology, operations, and strategy.…
The Man in the Arena: Merging tradition with responsibility, Lieutenant (Lt) Jaeyoung (Dave) Seo
Lt Seo enrolled in the CAF through the Regular Officer Training Plan at the Royal Military College of Canada, choosing to become an Engineer Officer. While his Korean heritage carries a deep‑rooted tradition of mandatory military service, as a Canadian Lt Seo was not obligated to serve. Instead, he made a conscious decision to join the CAF because he believed it was his responsibility to serve his country.
A Lifetime of Leadership: Paul Hook (RMC 2002) and the Enduring Strength of the RMC Connection
For Paul Hook, RMC Class of 2002, the connection to the Royal Military College of Canada began long before he marched through the Arch as a cadet. RMC was already part of his family story. His father, Brian Hook (RRMC/RMC 1968), and his uncle, Doug Smith (RMC 1968), had both attended the College, giving Paul…
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.
