Over the past few days we have received a mixed-bag of year-end articles.
They are all interesting but because of limited space in this particular final 2013 edition – they are mixed up a bit. Enjoy!
Ex-Cadets in the News
16094 Richard Hewson – Class of 1987 – appointed to the British Columbia Provincial Court
“On December 11, I was appointed to the British Columbia Provincial Court. My law practice will be closed immediately. This video explains some of the details.
Here are links to the announcement made by The Honourable Chief Judge Thomas Crabtree, and to the press release issued by the Ministry of Justice.
I have enjoyed every minute of my career as a lawyer. I am honoured to have been appointed, and I am looking forward to serving as a judge in the Provincial Court. At the same time, I will miss my clients, and I will miss the people I got to work with every day.
Thank you all very much.” Short video announcement by Richard Hewson
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RMCC’S 2014 Artist-in-Residence: Gord Sinclair of The Tragically Hip
It’s time to rock. Or to play and sing, and maybe get a band together that does not have to march.
Whether you are eager to strut your stuff in a rock and roll band or are a singer/songwriter on an acoustic guitar or piano, or want to work on your vocal chops, there is an opportunity for you to play and make music next term under the direction of RMCC’s 2014 artist-in-residence, Gord Sinclair. Gord grew up in Kingston and earned an Honours degree in History at Queen’s—and pursued post-graduate studies—before making history as a member of one of Canada’s most celebrated contemporary rock bands, The Tragically Hip. His career as a rock musician has spanned over three decades in a band that has sold millions of records worldwide, penned twenty #1 hits, and won 14 Juno awards. In 2005, Gord and his Kingston-based band mates were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Gord Sinclair has a passion for creating music and for creating the kind of camaraderie and community which results when musicians play together. As Gord explains, “As seriously as I take my career as a songwriter and musician, I’ve always believed that you play music, you don’t work it. Playing music provides a tremendous relief from the demands of our day-to-day lives.”
Gord is very articulate and thoughtful about the importance of music in our lives. Along with his role as a kind of headmaster for a school of rock at the College, Gord will be speaking in a number of RMCC classrooms next term about the value of music and musical performance in developing leadership qualities. Music is also a business and a vocation that both develops and requires personal confidence, planning skills, market savvy, and effective communication skills.
Gord expresses his credo as a musician and vision as artist-in-residence this way: “When we cultivate the musician, the artist-within, our possibilities are limitless. It has the potential to improve every aspect of our lives. It is my hope over the upcoming term at RMCC that I will be able to help as many as I can discover the musician within themselves. They will forge new friendships, enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow players, and move forward with something that will give them joy throughout their lives.”
Further details will be posted in the new year about how to contact RMCC’s artist-in-residence Gord Sinclair and to connect with other pop/rock musicians at the College and on the Base. Bring those musical talents honed in the dorm room, the rec room, the shower stall, or on karaoke nights, and come out to play.
L’artiste résident du CMRC en 2014 : Gord Sinclair du groupe The Tragically Hip
Devenez une star du rock! Ou alors, venez faire de la musique et chanter, et peut-être former un groupe qui n’a pas à jouer de marches.
Que vous ayez envie de faire valoir vos talents dans un groupe rock, que vous soyez un auteur compositeur ou interprète armé d’une guitare sèche ou d’un piano, que vous souhaitiez travailler à votre maîtrise vocale, vous aurez l’occasion à la prochaine session de faire de la musique sous la direction de l’artiste résident du CMRC en 2014, Gord Sinclair. Gord a grandi à Kingston et a reçu un diplôme spécialisé en histoire de l’Université Queen’s — et fait des études supérieures — avant de passer à l’histoire comme membre de l’un des groupes rock contemporain les plus célébrés du Canada, The Tragically Hip. Sa carrière de musicien rock s’étend sur plus de trois décennies, au sein de ce groupe qui a vendu des millions d’albums dans le monde entier, a signé vingt chansons qui se sont hissées en tête des palmarès, et a gagné 14 prix Juno. En 2005, Gord et les autres membres du groupe, établis à Kingston, ont été intronisés au Panthéon de la musique canadienne.
Gord Sinclair se passionne pour la création musicale, et pour la camaraderie et l’esprit de communauté qui naît de celle-ci. Comme l’explique Gord, bien qu’il prenne sa carrière d’auteur-compositeur et de musicien au sérieux, il croit depuis toujours que la musique est un jeu, et non un travail. Jouer de la musique est pour lui une excellente façon d’alléger un quotidien exigeant.
Gord s’exprime très bien et est très réfléchi en ce qui concerne l’importance de la musique dans nos vies. En plus de son rôle de directeur, si l’on veut, d’une école de rock au Collège, Gord prendra la parole dans un certain nombre de classes du CMRC la session prochaine afin d’aborder l’utilité de la musique et de la prestation musicale dans le développement des qualités de leadership. La musique est aussi un commerce et une vocation qui développent et nécessitent de la confiance en soi, des compétences en planification, la connaissance du marché et des aptitudes en communication.
Gord expose son credo de musicien et sa vision d’artiste résident dans les termes suivants : « Lorsque l’on cultive le musicien en soi, l’artiste intérieur, nos possibilités sont illimitées. On peut améliorer tous les aspects de notre vie. J’espère, au cours de la session prochaine au CMRC, être en mesure d’aider autant d’élèves que possible à découvrir le musicien qui se cache en eux. Ils noueront de nouvelles amitiés, pourront apprécier la camaraderie des autres musiciens, et emporteront avec eux une source de joie qui les suivra toute leur vie ».
De plus amples renseignements seront affichés au début de la nouvelle année sur la façon de communiquer avec l’artiste résident du CMRC, Gord Sinclair, et d’entrer en contact avec d’autres musiciens pop/rock du Collège et de la Base. Mettez à l’œuvre ces talents musicaux acquis dans le dortoir, dans la salle des loisirs, sous la douche, ou dans des soirées de karaoké, et venez jouer.
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CBSA Border Trip
By OCdt Colin Cook (IV) 26219
As many Ex-cadets can testify some of the best lessons they learned during their time at the College cannot be taught in the classroom. RMC professor Dr. Christian Leuprecht constantly strives to take the study of Political Science beyond the classroom by arranging engaging opportunities for Cadets to see how Canadian political institutions function in the real world. Recently Dr. Leuprecht took III and IV year Cadets on an excursion to the Canada-US border crossing at Landsdowne, ON.
The trip was conducted in conjunction with some of Dr. Heather Nicols’ geography students from Trent University and offered an excellent opportunity for students from both institutions to bring different perspectives to questions of border security. During the visit students were given tours of the CBSA facilities that offered insight into the border screening processes, both “traffic” and “commercial”.
The CBSA staff was very welcoming and helped provide the students with a greater understanding of the complexities of border operations and their role in the greater security community. After the tour the students from Trent were invited back to RMC by Dr. Leuprecht and the Cadets for pizza and discussion at the Cadet Mess.
The trip was a valuable experience for Cadets and gave them an incredible opportunity to see the inner workings of an institution that many Canadians will use but never truly understand. Dr. Leuprecht and Dr. Nicols successfully offered the Cadets a unique educational experience, certainly an experience that was as instructive as it was memorable. It is precisely these types of experiences that make both the RMC faculty and an RMC education so unique.
Plusieurs anciens élèves-officier vous le diront: les meilleurs leçons de vie ne s’apprennent pas en classe au CMR. Il y a longtemps que le professeur en science politique, Dr. Christian Leuprecht, a retenu ce discours. C’est pourquoi il tente de créer pour les élèves-officier des opportunités pour que ceux-ci puissent voir comment fonctionne les institutions politiques canadiennes dans la vraie vie. Récemment, Dr. Leuprecht a amené des élèves de troisième et quatrième année en direction des douanes à Landsdowne en Ontario.
Ce voyage était conduit en affiliation avec des élèves du Dr. Heather Nicols de l’université Trent et offrait une belle opportunité aux étudiants des deux institutions d’apporter plusieurs perspectives différentes sur la sécurité aux douanes.
Durant la visite, ils ont eu l’occasion de visiter les bureaux du CBSA qui projetaient une bonne indication des processus utilisés aux douanes pour le trafic et le commerce. Les employés de l’endroit ont été très accueillant. Ainsi, ils ont aidé les étudiants à mieux comprendre la complexité des opérations effectuées aux douanes. Suite à cette visite, les élèves de Trent ont été invité au CMR par le Dr. Leuprecht pour une soirée pizza et discussion au Mess des élofs.
Ce fut une belle opportunité afin de voir l’intérieur d’une institution peu connu des canadiens, mais très importante. Dr. Leuprecht et Dr. Nicols ont réussi à offrir aux élèves-officier une expérience académique incroyable, constructive et mémorable. C’est le genre d’expérience qui prouve encore une fois que l’éducation au CMR est unique.
par Elof Frederic Thouin (III) 26065 et Elof Colin Cook (IV) 26219
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6513 John Bart Dinner
By 25982 Officer Cadet (IV) Colin Strong
This past Tuesday the first year cadets of Tango Flight (7 Sqn) and the obstacle course team leaders (ICs) from the remaining first year flights were invited to attend the annual Capt (ret) John Bart Dinner. This dinner recognizes the accomplishments of the winning first year flight from the FYOP obstacle course, as well as the leadership displayed by the other flight ICs that day.
In attendance were members of the training wing including RMCC Cmdt, BGen Meinzinger, DCdts LCol Lemyre, College Chief CPO1 Davidson, Acting C Div Commander Capt Weaver and 7 Sqn Commander Capt Nam. Representing the RMC Foundation was Executive Vice-President Mr. Rod McDonald accompanied by his wife Micheline. With support from Mr. McDonald and Senior Staff Mess Manager Roch Carriere, Capt Nam and CFL Tango OCdt (IV) Strong were able to organize a memorable and enjoyable evening for the first years, even if most had an exam waiting for them the next morning. All guests enjoyed great food, conversation and a slideshow montage of memorable moments from the obstacle course.
As guest of honour and keynote speaker for the event, RMCC welcomed back ex-cadet Capt Simon Mailloux to speak on his experiences and provide some hard-learned advice for all to share. After being introduced by Tango Section Commander OCdt (III) Sarah Staples and a few words of commendation from BGen Meinzinger, Capt Mailloux recounted lessons he learned as a young commander in Afghanistan, specifically the importance of mental and physical resilience. Capt Mailloux also extolled the importance of developing teamwork and camaraderie within the “bubble” of the RMC peninsula, urging all cadets to form friendships now, as they would serve them for a lifetime. When asked about his remarkable return to active duty after the amputation of his left leg (the outcome of an IED blast in 2007) Capt. Mailloux explained that in order to move past life’s greatest obstacles, you have to fully embrace them, make them part of you and push forward. A full biography is available at the link provided at the end of this article.
Capt. Mailloux later joined the first year ICs for a presentation of $2500.00 to Soldier On, the prize donated to the cadets from the John Bart Annual Endowment.
At the end of the evening Tango Flight cadets and staff were awarded for their teamwork and leadership by BGen Meinzinger, each receiving a plaque as a memento for their hard work during FYOP 2013. The flight then presented a cheque for the Cmdt’s Discretionary Fund. The $10,000.00 benefaction to the Cmdt is for the purpose of leadership Development amongst the Cadets as he sees fit. This cheque is made available due to the generosity of Mr. Bart.
Both the $10,000.00 donation and the $2,500.00 donation are made by John and Mary Bart through the Foundation.
Capt Nam and OCdt Strong would like to extend a sincere thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Bart for their continued support of RMCC leadership development, as well as BGen Meinzinger, Capt Mailloux and all other head table guests for sharing their evening with the first years and staff.
Biography: Capt. Simon Mailloux
http://www.cimvhr.ca/content/captain-simon-mailloux-gala-dinner-keynote-speaker
Dinner Guest List:
Head Table:
Bgen Meinzinger; Capt Mailloux; CPO1 Davidson; LCol Lemyre; Capt Marryatt; Mr. McDonald; Mrs. McDonald.
Tango Flight: CFL Tango OCdt Strong; CSC T1 OCdt Newcombe; CSC T2 OCdt Staples; CSC T3 OCdt Reeves;
NCdt Prommer; OCdt Chubb; OCdt (2 IC) Corriveau; OCdt Weeks; OCdt St-Amand; OCdt Lee; OCdt Pagé; OCdt Paquet; OCdt Laviolette; OCdt Doucette; OCdt Frowen; OCdt Hawes; OCdt Kiltz; and OCdt Wood.
Flight Leaders (ICs)
1 OCdt Prutchick 5 OCdt Gonzalez 9 OCdt Grimshaw
2 OCdt Beresford 6 OCdt Gillespie 10 OCdt Widmeyer
3 OCdt Pouliot-Maillette 7 OCdt Castagner 11 OCdt Sauvé
4 OCdt Buchanan 8 OCdt Scott 12 OCdt Raymond
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE BART DINNER BY
CURTIS MAYNARD
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Photography Club gets a tech upgrade
Another Project Funded by the RMC Foundation
By: 26346 OCdt (III) Dan Ryan
Recently the Photography Club received new studio lighting equipment including several flash units, stands, and umbrellas.
This equipment is extremely beneficial to the club as it provides countless opportunities for members to learn new and exciting photography techniques. The acquisition of this equipment was made possible by a generous donation from the RMC Foundation.
This generous support from the Foundation and its members has allowed the Photography Club to continue pursuing its goal of bringing together cadets interested in Photography and broadening and sharpening their technical skills in photography.
On behalf of the Photography Club, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Foundation and its members, and we look forward to bringing new and exciting photo’s to the college in the new year.
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Seven Members of the Class of 1989 at RMCC
Members of the Class of 1989 who work at RMCC met at the SSM to reminisce and do some 25th reunion planning. Can any other graduating class boast of this many working at RMCC?
Left to right, 16902 Kurt Schobel (Management and Economics), 16888 BGen Al Meinzinger (Commandant), 16766 Louise Meunier (Mechanical Engineering), 16887 Maj Sean McKnight (Electrical and Computer Engineering), 16870 Kevin Jaansalu (Chemistry and Chemical Engineering), 16916 Dave Varey (History). Absent was 16885 Maj Randy Hartmann (Electrical and Computer Engineering)