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Pure Blood Roadent Takes Over
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Media Links to the Change of Command
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Chiefs of the Defence Staff – Military College Numbers Where Applicable
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Son One Ups Dad who would be so proud
MORE…
Pure Blood Roadent Takes Over
By WJO
This past Friday, 17th July was quite a day in Ottawa!
12192 General Tom Lawson (RMC ’79) the 18th Chief of Defence Staff moved out of the big chair and made room for 15696 General Jonathan Vance (RRMC ’86).
The 19th CDS is the very first pure blood Roadent to fill the top military position in the Canadian Armed Forces. 12320 Walt Natynczyk (RRMC / CMR ’79) spent his first two years at ‘Roads’ but moved on to CMR to – study, play football and pursue other interests. Also, note the comment from Dave Wightman following this article.
We were fortunate to be in attendance at the Shaw Centre during the impressive CDS Change of Command Ceremony.
The event was presided over by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.
The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence and the Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence were also in attendance.
Spotted very prominently in the packed auditorium in what is called the ‘Ottawa Room’ were a ‘ton’ of Ex Cadets; far too many to mention names. The media was high-profile and the event was televised.
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Media Links to the Change of Command:
‘It must stop now’: New top soldier vows to end sexual misconduct
New head of Canadian military sends strong anti-harassment message
New military boss warns he’ll crack down on sexual misconduct
Gen. Jonathan Vance becomes chief of defence staff, vows to tackle harassment
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Chiefs of the Defence Staff – Military College Numbers Where Applicable
A side note: The new CDS, 15696 Jonathan Vance is the son of 3536 Lieutenant-General J.E. “Jack” Vance, CMM, CD Class of 1956 who passed away 10 September 2013.
Lieutenant-General Jack Vance was 80 years of age at the time of his death. He was Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in 1985 before retiring in 1988; serving with his classmate, 3528 Paul Manson who was the CDS – 1986-1989.
The elder Vance visited RMCC often in the years leading up to his death. Anyone who knew him can attest to the pride he would have knowing that his son was named CDS.
Like many from the Class of ’56, Jack Vance set the bar extremely high when it involved TDV.