The Week That Was…

Above: Dr. Enayatullah Nazari signs the official RMCC guestbook to mark his visit to the College. He is accompanied by, from L-R, Mr. Joseph Doyle, Administrative support; Mr.Mohammad Halimi, Interpreter; Mr. Bill Railer, CDA; Col Battista, Canadian Defence Attache in Afghanistan; Capt (N) (Ret’d) Thomas, Volunteer College Guide – Kingston Branch; LCol Paziuk- SA Principal; Col Cote- CDA; BGen Mark Matheson, Director General Plans; Lt Fakhruddin Sahibi, Aide de camp for the Deputy Minister; Dr. Hennessy, Dean Continuing Studies RMCC; LCol Hartnett- CDA

Afghan Deputy Minister Visits RMCC

Article and Photos by 25366 Mike Shewfelt

Dr. Enayatullah Nazari, Afghanistan’s 1st Deputy Minister of Defense, visited the Royal Military College of Canada last week as part of a trip to the United States and Canada. After spending time in the US, Dr. Nazari spent several days in Ottawa meeting with senior members of the Department of National Defense before coming to Kingston. While here, he signed the RMCC guest book before being briefed on aspects of the Canadian military’s professional development programs. He was then given a tour of the College grounds and had lunch with the senior staff of the College.

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“To be the best you can be…” The 2012 ALOY Graduation Parade

Article and Photos by 25366 Mike Shewfelt

With thanks to Capt Cynthia Kent, RMCC Public Affairs Officer

The 17 Cadets of the 2011-12 Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year (ALOY) program celebrated the end of their time at the Royal Military College of Canada with a Completion Ceremony held on the RMCC Parade Square. ALOY is a one year program at RMCC for Aboriginal youth that focuses on academic education, military and leadership skills, athletics and cultural awareness. The main aim of the program is to help individuals develop their leadership potential to better serve their communities and their country. This year’s graduation is the third and largest of the program to date.

In addition to the standard program, this year’s cadets participated in a training exercise in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, with the Canadian Rangers, attended two cultural events-Toronto’s Canadian National Pow-Wow and Georgian College’s Pow-Wow in Barrie, Ontario-and, participated in RMCC’s athletic and intramurals program, with several ALOY cadets making the men’s varsity basketball, hockey and taekwondo teams.

With family and friends in the bleachers, RMCC staff on hand, and College Commandant BGen Eric Tremblay and Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Donald Maracle as reviewing officers, the ALOY Cadets marched onto the Parade Square to receive their Certificates of Achievement. Individuals who have made significant contributions to the ALOY program were also honored at the ceremony with the awarding of Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals.

In his address to the parade, BGen Tremblay spoke highly of the ALOY Cadets. “You have shown through your commitment and perserverance over this past year that you have what it takes to be true leaders for your communities and Canada as a whole,” said Brig.-Gen Tremblay. “No matter which path you choose, I know you will take the leadership skills you have learned here and apply them in your lives every day. You have the right to be the best you can be; live your dreams to the fullest.”

Chief Maracle also praised the accomplishments of the Cadets. “You made it this far by keeping your eye on your goal,” he said, “and that is how you will continue. Keep your eye on your goal always, and you will accomplish much in life.”

Of the class of 17, three have applied to the Regular Officer Training Program (ROTP); three will join the Canadian Forces as non-commissioned members; and a number have also applied to pursue their studies with civilian universities.