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.
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.
Can psilocybin ease distress in the dying? Research shows promise
On a late winter day, the sun seeped into Andrew Chernysh’s RRMC RMC 1997 room inside Ottawa’s century old Saint-Vincent Hospital. It illuminated family photos and postcard-sized Group of Seven prints that blanket one wall and bounced off a bouquet of birthday balloons suspended near his wheelchair. The military veteran and cybersecurity specialist smiled. Chernysh, 52, has advanced ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). He was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease five years ago. He is paralyzed from the neck down and is fully dependent on others for his needs. He relies on a ventilator to breathe.
Alumni Spotlight: Leadership, Service, and Representation Colonel Chung Wong, RMC 2004
Beyond his leadership role, Col Wong is a champion for diversity and inclusion within the Defence Team. As the military Champion for the Defence Team Canadian Asian Network (DTCAN), established in 2025, he works to amplify the voices of Asian Canadian members and foster a more inclusive culture across the CAF.
From Royal Roads to National Leadership: Major-General Krista Brodie, RRMC Class of 1993
Major-General Krista Brodie, a graduate of Royal Roads Military College and a distinguished leader in the Canadian Armed Forces, continues to exemplify service, professionalism, and leadership on the national and international stage. As Chief of Staff of Canadian Joint Operations Command, she brings decades of operational experience to one of Canada’s most senior military appointments.
Navigating Leadership: From Aerospace Command to Ocean Adventure — Max Shaw, RMC ’93
A Mechanical Engineering graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC ’93), Max’s academic journey continued through the prestigious Athlone Fellowship, leading him to complete a Master’s degree in Flight Dynamics at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. His time abroad was marked not only by academic excellence but also by a pursuit of challenge—whether in whitewater kayaking or climbing—reflecting the resilience and determination instilled during his formative years at RMC.
BGen (Ret’d) William Fletcher: Leading with Courage, Humility, and Honour
His defining moment came during his deployment to Afghanistan in 2006, where, as a Major commanding C Company, he led from the front in some of the most dangerous combat conditions faced by Canadian forces in recent history. Repeatedly exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, Fletcher personally rendered first aid to wounded soldiers before continuing to lead the assault, actions that earned him the Star of Military Valour, making him only the second recipient in Canadian history. His courage, tactical acumen, and unwavering commitment to his soldiers embodied the highest standards of military leadership.
