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Where are they now?

Posted by rmcclub on 17th July 2011

New Dean of Arts

By: E3161 Victoria Edwards

9144 Dr. Lawrence McDonough was appointed the Director of Learning and Innovation at the Canadian Defence Academy in 2008 and has recently taken on the duties of the Dean of the Arts Faculty at RMCC. He hails from Sherbrooke, PQ. After completing high school in New Brunswick he followed the ROTP path through the College Militaire Royal de St. Jean and the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston. He graduated from RMC, 1972, served for a short while in the Navy (both coasts), and then attended Queens University graduating with a PhD in economics in 1980.

Dr. McDonough joined the faculty in the Department of Politics and Economics at the RMCC in 1979. He has spent periods of time at Queen’s University in the Economics Department and in the School of Policy studies. He took a two year leave of absence to teach and research at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore in 1991-1993.

Professor McDonough served as the Treasurer of the Canadian Military Colleges Faculty Association and later as the President of the Association. Professor McDonough also served as the Head of the Department of Politics and Economics. His research interests and publications include the theoretical analysis of racetrack betting (uncertainty), government grants, and trade models. His policy related work includes child care, education, constitutional issues, defence economics, and most recently, institutional frameworks and interagency governance.

The Class of 1972 Endowment Fund was established in 2004 thanks to his hard work. He is a member of the Canadian Military Journal / Revue militaire canadienne, which is the official professional journal of the Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence.

 

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Johanna Kendall, Helen Stowe, Gerry Stowe and Wayne Kendall on the afterdeck of the MS Eurodam in June 2011

EX-CADETS MEET EVERYWHERE

Submitted by 5611 Gerry Stowe

We thought we would take a cruise through the North Sea and Baltic Sea, and get away from everything and everyone so there we were, having dinner onboard the MS Eurodam, when I got a tap on the shoulder, turned around and met 8828 Wayne Kendall (’71), fellow member of the Kingston Branch and fellow member of the RMC Club Executive Committee, taking the same cruise with his wife Johanna. You can’t escape – you will run into Ex-Cadets all over the world. Wayne said that, as he and Johanna were passing through Gatwick Airport, he spotted another member of the Kingston Branch, too far away to hail; it turned out to be 5256 Gwyn Griffith (’61), arriving for a three-week holiday in England and Wales.

 

We encourage Ex cadets, other former students & staff to submit short articles of – Where they are now.

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Where are they now?

Posted by rmcclub on 26th June 2011

8014 Mr Brian Barrie is a trial lawyer specializing in Civil Litigation and Criminal Law with Greenfield And Barrie, serving Owen Sound & Grey-Bruce Counties. He graduated with an honours English degree from RMC, followed by a Masters degree from the University of New Brunswick. He wrote his thesis on obscure poet and lawyer Abraham Moses Klein. Then Barrie was accepted into medicine but he chose law. He worked at the Somalia Inquiry and represented an environmental officer at the Walkerton inquiry.

His first book is “The Neighbour That Wasn’t”, (Ginger Press, 2008) a ghost story centred on what was a spooky old house at 932 3rd Ave. W., the former American consulate which his kids walked past on their way to and from school. His second book “The Lady of the Cat” (Ginger Press, 2010) is based on a myth about the Northern Lights, he told his daughters Alexa & Talya and his son Morgan, when they were much younger. His third children’s book is “Est: The Story of a Bear Twice-Told” (Ginger Press, 2011).

He writes the stories for his children and his three grandchildren Rachel, Andrew and Grace. Local artist Bonita Johnson De Matteis illustrated all three books and also produced full-size paintings based on the illustrations.

Brian thinks one of his best accomplishments is that he has stayed married to his wife Helen for 42 years and they still love each other. She was a Kingston girl and he married her in his graduation year.  bdb@bmts.com

 

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Métis Rear Admiral Honoured by Governor-General

Tyrone Pile entered RRMC 1975

Article first appeared: NetNewsledger By: James Murray – June 22, 2011

12324 Retired Rear Admiral Tyrone Pile received the Meritorious Service Cross from His Excellency, David Johnston, Governor General and Commander in Chief of Canada’s Armed Forces at a ceremony in Rideau Hall on June 10th. Rear Admiral Pile is Métis and the brother of Tim Pile, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO). The decoration recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner, according to a rare high standard that brings considerable benefit or great honour to the Canadian Forces.

The citation for the award reads: “As Commander of Joint Task Force Games for Operation Podium, the Canadian Forces’ mission in support of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Rear Admiral Pile led one of the most complex domestic military operations ever conducted in Canada. He demonstrated exceptional leadership in shaping a co-operative and effective working environment among dozens of partners, including all levels of government and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as their civil and military counterparts in the United States. His ability to facilitate the collaboration and coordination of these entities, while ensuring that strategic and operational goals were understood, respected and met by all, was instrumental to the success of Operation Podium and brought great credit to the Canadian Forces.”

Retired Rear Admiral Pile is the son of Eileen Pile and the late Herbert Pile of Geraldton. As a teenager he was the senior cadet at 227 Raven Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets. He enrolled in the Canadian Forces upon graduating from Geraldton Composite High School and attended both Royal Roads and Royal Military College, graduating from the latter in 1979. During his career as a naval officer he served in a number of Canadian warships, including a brief tour aboard Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia in 1983 during the Queen’s Royal Visit to North America. In 1995 he was appointed as Commanding Officer of the new frigate HMCS Regina, later becoming the first Canadian warship to fully integrate with a United States Carrier Battle Group on deployed operations. He subsequently served as Director of NATO Policy and as Commander of Maritime Operations Group Four in Victoria before being promoted to Commodore and appointed as Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic in 2003. Promoted to Rear Admiral in 2005, he served as Chief Military Personnel and Commander of Military Personnel Command until being appointed Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific in 2007. From 2007 to 2010, he was also concurrently appointed as Commander Joint Task Forces Games, leading Canadian Forces support to security and public safety for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games for which he received this award.

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Kingston man lands spot at defence headquarters

A Kingston man is the new director general of Land Capability Development at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa.

13041 Jim Simms Article

Home Town article

 

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Where are they now?

Posted by rmcclub on 19th June 2011

 

Class of 1956 – Annual Golf Tournament – Pictured (left to right) are: 3535 Bob Sexsmith, 3630 Marmoru (Sugi) Sugimoto, 3461 George Jackson, 3557 John Rutherford, 3671 Norm Freeman, 3583 Steve Oaks, 3521 Charlie Simonds, 3613 Barry Culham, 3528 Paul Manson, 3448 Andy Henning and (kneeling) H3550 Murray Johnston. In addition 3646 Fred Simpkin participated in 19th hole and dinner activities.

Golf-not-at-the-Farm (a.k.a. Golf – Class of 1956 style)

For the past many years the Class of 1956 has held an annual golf tournament at Tweed, Ontario and was hosted by H3536 Jack Vance at his farm. Annually about a dozen and a half participants enjoyed a couple of rounds of golf mixed in with some gourmet meals and a bit of bridge. This popular event rekindled the traditions of classmate camaraderie and easy-going competition and was dubbed Golf-at-the-Farm.

However, time has taken its toll on our host and on the number of golfers able to participate. So last year the tournament was held in Ottawa. This year it was held at Smugglers Glen near Gananoque June 14th and 15th and is now called Golf-not-at-the-farm.

This year there were 11 golfers who enjoyed two days of warm, breezy golfing weather, excellent accommodation and gourmet meals at the nearby Glen House. As they gathered at the Club House for a tournament photo before teeing off on the second day, a Beer Store delivery van drove up to ensure that there were adequate refreshments for us during the day and at the 19th hole – it also provided a suitable back drop for the official tournament group photo.

 

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11488 Dr Gordon Fleming was appointed President of BMT Fleet Technology Ltd, a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, the leading international maritime design, engineering and risk management consultancy on 12 May 2011.

A former Canadian Naval Officer, Gordon has over 30 years of experience in the aerospace and defence industry with a focus on the naval marketplace. He holds a BSc from Royal Roads Military College as well as an MSc and a PhD in Physical Oceanography from the United States Naval Post-Graduate School.

Gordon joins BMT from Rolls Royce where he led the company’s activity with respect to the new Canadian Naval and Coastguard Shipbuilding Programs that are unfolding as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).

Prior to this Gordon worked for a number of high profile defence contractors. His wide ranging experience includes involvement in the HYDRA sonar program for Sweden’s Visby corvettes, advanced concept systems design work for the USN’s DD21 Project, engineering management on the Aurora Modernization Project and the Maritime Helicopter Project and time with MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) as the General Manager in Halifax.

http://www.fleetech.com/News/?/1708/0/809


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2PPCLI: Wright takes over command

19431 Mike Wright /16591  Shane Schreiber

 

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Canada shuffles key diplomatic, military duties

12966 Marquis Hainse / 13337 Stu Beare11275 Marc Lessard

 

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Veterans not pushed out: CF

14369 Andy Smith

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Dr. Erika Behrisch Elce is now an Assistant Professor (tenured) in theDepartment of English at the Royal Military College of Canada. Her Queen’s PhD thesis was called “Voices of Silence, Texts of Truth:

Imperial Discourse and Cultural Negotiations in Nineteenth-century

British Arctic Exploration Narrative.”

Her book, ‘As affecting the fate of my absent husband’: Selected Letters of Lady Franklin Concerning the

Search for the Lost Franklin Expedition, 1848-1860, was published by McGill-Queen’s University Press in 2009. Erika also worked in the Disraeli Project as a Research Associate, and worked at RMCC as an

Instructional Designer, Special Projects Manager, and Director of Quality Assurance.

http://www.rmc.ca/aca/eng-ang/per/behrisch-elce-e-eng.asp

 

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Christine Powers-Tomsons sees her job divided into four main responsibilities: (a) running the intramural sports program; (b) overseeing the recreation programs, which involve management of 23 clubs such as Climbing, Debating, Paintball, Theatre, Triathlon, Sailing; (c) organizing the Cadet Wing Sports Days; and (d) managing the Non-Public Finances for the Athletic Department.

Over 700 students at RMC are involved in both the intramural sports and recreation clubs. Organizing the programs, scheduling, booking facilities and gathering equipment requires close cooperation between Christine, Chad Blundy (Rec & IM Assistant) and the Officer-Cadets placed in leadership positions within these programs.  ” Getting the opportunity to work with the Officer-Cadets is what I enjoy the most out of my position,” she says. “We’ve made many positive changes to the Intramural and Recreation programs in the past few years and although there is always room for improvement, I feel we are in very good shape. I’ve just returned from being on maternity leave for a year so I look forward to getting back into the swing of things at the College.”

For more information about our programs visit the following links:

RMC Intramurals – http://www.rmc.ca/da-ds/cis-sci/index-eng.asp

RMC Recreation Clubs – http://www.rmc.ca/da-ds/rc-cr/index-eng.asp

 

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Dr. Michael Hurley is a poet and graphic novelist as well as a professor at the Royal Military College of Canada, where his motto is the old Celtic saying, “Never give someone a sword who hasn’t learned to dance.”

Dr. Hurley considers himself eminently prepared to cope with day-to-day life at RMC thanks to occasional stints over the decades as a stand-up comic, a clown (“Soofee”), a cartoonist, a community volunteer/activist, and a guy psychiatrists contact to do his schtick or present his poems as therapy for folks.

As the icing on the cake, he is also the spiritual runt at retreats led by Tibetan lamas, Buddhist monks and nuns, Hindu pujaris, Sufi whirling dervishes, Zen fools, aboriginal elders conducting sweat lodges, and assorted non-denominational wise guys. How could he not end up teaching poetry to the military?

A student of yoga and meditation for time out of mind, Hurley introduces cadets to world literature (including the planet’s sacred scriptures and mystical writings, both dear to Northrop Frye) and Canadian literature, film, and music. Besides giving conference papers on authors from Atwood to Purdy, he has recently completed a book-length manuscript focusing on the novels of Graeme Gibson in the context of Southern Ontario Gothic, as Atwood and others have called a curious strain of writing emerging out of a curious province.

Dr. Hurley’s published works include The Borders of Nightmare: The Fiction of John Richardson and The Blue Heron Press Anthology: New Voices from Kingston.

http://www.rmc.ca/aca/eng-ang/per/hurley-m-eng.asp

 

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20035 Geoff Kliza is Managing Partner / Business Development on the Hybrid Forge Leadership Team. Geoff holds a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada, Project Management Professional (PMP) certification through the Project Management Institute, and an MBA from Queen’s University.

Geoff has been active in the Telecommunications and IT sector for over twelve years. His leadership, operations, project management, and construction management experience were gained in service of the Canadian Forces and Bell Canada, among others. Geoff was responsible for Bell’s commercial network deployment within the Alberta SuperNet project, leading the implementation of wire-line and wireless networks through 27 of Alberta’s largest communities.

Most recently, Geoff has been providing strategic operations and IT consulting to a number of Alberta-based technology start-up companies.  geoff@HybridForge.com

 

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19915 Chad Smith is Managing Partner / Software Architect on the Hybrid Forge Leadership Team. Chad Smith holds a computer engineering degree from the Royal Military College, is a Microsoft-certified Solutions Developer and a member of both IEEE and CIPS. He is a software design, development, and deployment expert with a diverse background of software lifecycle experience.

Following military service as an Aerospace Engineering Officer in the Canadian Air Force, Chad provided database application design and development, systems integration, and consulting services to companies across many industries such as broadcast television, mining, manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceutical and healthcare in Canada and the United States. As a result of his technical leadership productivity enhancing IT systems were deployed at Abbott Laboratories, BP, Chevron, Weatherford, Bank of Montreal as well as many small and medium-sized businesses.

As a principal of Hybrid Forge, Chad offers innovative and successful IT solutions to his clients by integrating proven processes with the smart application of technology. chad@HybridForge.com

 


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21 Years Later He Makes it Back Through the Arch

Posted by rmcclub on 5th June 2011

Former ROTP cadet graduates twenty one years later

For newly minted 19326 2LT Jeremy D’Souza the circle is now complete. After first marching through RMC’s Memorial Arch in August 1990, he has succeeded in “marching out” of the Arch over two decades later – degree in hand!

D’Souza, was fortunate to return to the CF as a member of the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC), part of the Class A Reserves, after being released in 1994 from the ROTP one year prior to graduation from RMC, during the Force Reduction Plan (FRP), in the early 1990s.

“For many of the cadets in their scarlets, including myself, the Canadian Cadet Movement (CCM) was their first exposure to the military. After volunteering with both an Air Cadet Squadron and then an Army Cadet Corps for four years, I was privileged to be offered a position in uniform once again.”

The goals of the cadet program are to teach and instil good citizenship and leadership practices, physical fitness, and an interest in the related element of the Canadian Armed Forces.

One of the added bonuses for its officers is to take university courses via RMC Division of Continuing Studies (DCS)”.

During that summer following enrolment, D’Souza contacted RMC’s DCS to enquire about studying towards a new degree.

“I told them that I was once a cadet at the College and I was asked for my old college number, which I quickly rhymed off and was told to await a return phone call as they verified their records”

Within thirty minutes, he was called back and told by DCS that he would be able to “recover” his incomplete Bachelor of Science by taking just a few more courses.

D’Souza asserts, “I was off work at the time, availing myself of parental/paternity leave with my newborn daughter. My wife was extremely supportive of me which allowed me to study during the evenings whilst she settled our baby. I now have the utmost respect for UTPOs and UTPMs, who are able to complete their RMC studies while juggling home and family commitments on top of those academic, second language and military at RMC.”

D’Souza thoroughly enjoyed the online learning opportunities as well as the varied experiences, worldwide, of his “virtual classmates”, some of whom were deployed throughout the world in places such as exchanges with the USAF, Canadian embassies overseas, and even Khandahar, Afghanistan.

“The contribution that they made via online postings was invaluable to the class, as their perspectives and collective experiences complemented the learning of all students”.

Academic staff at RMC DCS were also extremely accommodating with deadlines, for example – knowing that priorities change and online access is not always available (limited internet access in different time zones across foreign lands and telecom systems).

2LT D’Souza is extremely proud to finally be a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada. He wishes to be a standing testament to lifelong education and professional education. As an Administration Officer with an Army Cadet Corps in Tottenham, ON – he hopes that he will continue to mentor and advise young men and women who may not have thought of the innumerable benefits of a career in the CF – Regular or Reserve Forces.

Upon returning to Kingston for his 15 year, Class of 1995 Reunion and marching in the Ex-Cadet Parade on the Sunday – he was sure to mention and invite his former classmates to attend his convocation and graduation from RMC. He was fortunate to have present this past Graduation Week, classmates: Erin O’Toole, member of RMC Board of Governors, LCdr Roman Antoniewicz, C Div Comd, Major Nick Vlachopoulos of the Civil Engineering department and Secretary – Class of 1995, Captain Lee Wendland, 3 & 4 Sqn Comd, and Lt(N) Ian Flannagan (who found a sword to loan 2LT D’Souza as he made his trek through the Arch following the 4th Year Graduates).

Dr. Thomas Racey, Dean of Science and one of 2LT D’Souza’s former professors twenty years ago bestowed the Bachelor of Science Hood upon him at the convocation. His RMC Club of Canada tie was given to him by LCdr(Ret’d) Gerry Stowe, Adjutant of the Old Brigade, who he first met as a high school student on a tour of RMC in autumn 1988.

2LT Jeremy D’Souza hopes to continue in a career in educating youth as he embarks on applications to various faculties of education in an attempt to become an elementary school teacher, specializing in French language learning.

Bravo Zulu!

jeremy.dsouza@rogers.com

 

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Where are they now?

Posted by rmcclub on 8th May 2011

Canada has 28 officers and NCMs deployed with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai, Egypt. The Canadian Contingent is part of a unique 12 nation Peacekeeping mission of military and civilians responsible for enforcing the 1979 Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel. The MFO mission, which began on 25 April 1985, is Observe, Report and Verify the limitations on military forces and equipment in the Sinai and border region with Israel as stipulated in the Protocol to the Treaty.

Currently, there are 3 ex-cadets serving with the MFO: Colonel John Roeterink (12231 – class of 79), the Commander Task Force El Gorah and the MFO Chief of Liaison; Captain Jody Hanson (21784 – class of 2000), the MFO Staff Officer Air Traffic Control; and Lieutenant (N) Charles Brunet (21918 – class of 2002), the MFO Staff Officer Protocol and Visits.

Their very interesting one-year deployment in the Sinai will end on 21 July 2011.

 

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” The co-tour leaders of the Kanata Nepean Bike club leading a tour to Wakefield QC resplendent in their RMC Club cycling shirts – left 6602, Jim Cale (65) and 6776 Tim Sparling (66)

 

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After 40 years of government service 11075 Commander (ret’d) Bob Gebbie has started a new career as a triathlon coach. Bob recently joined his wife, Carolyn, to run TriStars Training which was established in 2004. Both are nationally certified Triathlon coaches. Bob Gebbie, served in the Navy as a Marine Systems Engineer onboard HMCS TERRA NOVA as well as shore positions in NDHQ and both dockyards in Halifax and Esquimalt. He then served 15 years in the BC provincial government as a Director of Information Protection.

Bob’s sports credentials include being the 2005 Canadian Long Distance Triathlon Age Group Champion, a 4 time Ironman finisher, and a 3 time age-group member of the Canadian National Triathlon Team. TriStars Training provides a fun and supportive environment to develop and improve swim, cycle and run skills both for beginners or seasoned triathletes. New for 2011, the company is now offering training camps in Oliver and Penticton, BC and Kona, Hawaii. TriStars Training is featured in the May issue of Triathlon Magazine Canada. Find out more about TriStars Training by visiting their website at www.TriStarsTraining.com

Contact: bob@TriStarsTraining.com or carolyn@TriStarsTraining.com

 

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The Spilkin brothers – George & Jeremy

23537 Captain Jeremy Spilkin,  retired from the Canadian Forces on 2 May 2011. Born Oct 10 1984 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in Ottawa and Gatineau area. He has one older brother who has served two tours in Afghanistan and also just recently retired from the military. When he was 12, he moved, with his family, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he started his first business. Surrounded by 118 golf courses, he became an expert at retrieving golf balls, washing them and selling them to vacationing Canadians between the 9th and 10th hole, just when they were starting to run out. While in the U.S, Jeremy followed in his older brother’s footsteps and joined the Junior ROTC. At the end of his first year, he was awarded the Outstanding Cadet Award, Military Order of World Wars award for academic achievement and selected to command the unit’s competitive drill team.

His family returned to Canada in June 2000 and his brother was off to RMC. Jeremy joined the CF two years later and left his home in Buckingham, QC in June 2002 for BOTP in Saint-Jean-sur –Richelieu. In 4th year, his team from the department of Civil Engineering had entered and won the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race as a rookie team. Video is available on Youtube. He graduated from RMC in May 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and was posted to the AERE School in Borden, ON, for a final year of training. Throughout 5 years of training, he had the opportunity to work in Trenton, Shearwater, Gatineau, Bagotville, and Cold Lake.

In May 2007, he was posted to his current position with the Air Technical Training Renewal project with the Materiel Group in Ottawa.

In Jan 2008, he decided to get his real estate license in the province of Quebec, his chosen field of employment upon retirement. He is an agent with the Royal Lepage Vallée de l’Outaouais in Hull, Quebec. We have also included the logo of his National Military Relocation Network (NMRN). The network was founded in Jan 2010, and spans across the nation. The goal is to directly or indirectly assist members of the Canadian Forces with their relocations throughout the country. Using the network is free of charge to all.

jspilkin@me.com 613-858-2322

Note: George Spilkin (23035) officially retired on February 25th, 2011 after having completed two tours in Afghanistan and having served 5 years as a Non-Commissioned member of the Canadian Forces. George has settled down in Toronto, and is currently working on completing his undergraduate degree through RMC. He’s also pursuing a career in the building trades with a focus on green technologies.

 

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We missed one – 5th Ex-Cadet Running in Federal Election

Posted by rmcclub on 25th April 2011

Last week we ran an article about 4 Ex Cadets running in the 2 May Federal Election. We were advised of another one – 8927 Patrick Hunt – a classmates – 8788 Geoff Bennett brought the omission to our attention.

Conservative takes the high road discussing chances at defeating NDP incumbent

By: VIVIAN MOREAU – OAK BAY NEWS

“What makes you think you can knock off Denise Savoie?”

Federal Conservative candidate Patrick Hunt doesn’t miss a beat as he shakes hands with the group of seniors having beers around a table at Smuggler’s Cove Pub.

He immediately launches into how he has the most respect for Savoie, Victoria’s NDP MP seeking re-election, “But I feel that I can help out the citizens of Victoria even more,” he says.

Hunt had been door-knocking in the Ten Mile Point area all afternoon, but had stopped by for a chat and a pint at the pub. Sipping a glass of Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale, Hunt noted that in two days he would turn 62.

He’s long past the days when he was the youngest MLA elected to the Nova Scotia legislature, in the riding of Hants East in 1978. He served a three-year term then moved to Victoria with his family in 1983. He ran as Reform party candidate in Victoria in 1993 and has worked behind the scenes since for the Conservative party.

Before being elected in 1978 he served eight years in the Canadian Navy, receiving a B.A. in economics and political science from the Royal Military College in Kingston. He has worked in the high tech industry.

Hunt is unfailingly polite. When the opportunity opens up to slag Savoie he declines, then admits he would want to “duplicate her efforts in the way she helps out her constituents.” He differs from her in that he thinks a mega-yacht marina in Victoria harbour would be a good thing – “They bring money into the harbour,” he says.

His main talking point is that he’d like to build Victoria up as a corporate training centre, something he says he’s already discussed with Immigration Minister Diane Findlay. Victoria is ideally suited to be a national training hub for corporate executives, he says

“There are lots of assets in the tourist trade. It’s very busy in the summer, but under-utilized in winter. It would be a great perk for someone to come out here.”

Hunt and his wife, Deborah, live on Cook Street near Kiwanis Village. They have two adult children, Adrian, 35, and Jen, 33, who have both left the Island to find work in Kelowna and Vancouver, respectively.

“They would both love to be in Victoria, but the jobs are there,” Hunt says.

“We do a disservice to young people if we don’t create jobs.”

It’s a concern he heard a lot while door-knocking earlier that afternoon, he says. “People are a little worried, if not about their own jobs, then their children’s, or the economy in general.”

Hunt allows a little poke at Savoie’s leadership.

“The things she talks about are either provincial or municipal issues: health care, homeless(ness), the needle exchange … I’m going to go to Ottawa for strong foreign affairs. We need to make sure we have a strong national defence,” says the man who as a teen wrote an essay about the positive aspects of nuclear submarines.

“If we don’t have a strong nation that’s well protected, all the rest doesn’t matter.”

Source

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Où sont-ils? Que font-ils?

De temps à autre, e-Veritas mettra en vedette un Ancien, un membre du personnel d’autrefois et ou un ami du Collège. Ces articles seront reproduits dans le langage reçu et rarement traduits. Nous invitons nos lecteurs à soumettre des articles a william.oliver@rmc.ca dans la langue de leur choix.

Where are they now? What are they doing?

From time to time, E-Veritas will focus on an Ex cadet; former staff member; and / or a friend of the college. Articles will be reproduced in the language received and in most cases not translated. We invite readers to submit articles to william.oliver@rmc.ca in the language of their choice.

 

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At Least 4 Ex Cadets Running in 2 May – Federal Election

Posted by rmcclub on 17th April 2011

We have been checking around and have identified four Ex Cadets who have won nominations and are running for election May 2nd.

Let us know if there are others!

7977 John Kidder

Grit Kidder has ‘deep, personal understanding’ of Merritt area

Robin Poon – News Reporter – Merritt News

His family ranch is in Ashcroft and his campaign headquarters are in Penticton, but Liberal Okanagan-Coquihalla MP candidate John Kidder has deep roots in the Merritt area.

“Douglas Lake is kind of an old stomping ground for me,” says Kidder.

“I cannot think of a greater honour than being the MP for the Nicola Valley after coming of age there on a saddle horse.”

According to Kidder’s website, he “was born in the North, grew up in the East, and came of age in the West.”

Among his extensive travels over the years were stints as a working cowboy at Douglas Lake and time spent mining Highland Valley Copper’s deposits.

“I’m sure I’m the only candidate who worked as a flotation operator in that mine,” says Kidder.

He has also founded and ran several companies centred on fibre-optic and software technology. According to his biography, he studied mathematics, agriculture, and economics at College Militaire Royale de Saint-Jean in Quebec and the University of British Columbia.

Kidder says his “deep, personal understanding” of both the area and small businesses make him the right man for voters to send to the House of Commons.

The major issues voters that have brought up to him on the campaign trail are local economic development and health-care.

“There are so many retired people that it’s a real issue,” he says.

He notes that the basic question of how health care will be funded is “just the thin edge of the wedge.” Kidder adds that some wealthier voters have told him they are prepared to pick up a greater share of costs.

For his part, he says the campaign is an opportunity to bring the environment back into the forefront of Canadian political debate. Kidder says he believes that the Nicola Valley could take the lead in a debate on water issues and that young people would more likely get involved in politics if topics of interest to them, like the environment, were under discussion.

Accepting from the 2008 election that a carbon tax would be a hard sell even if it did reduce greenhouse gases, Kidder says, “Cap-and-trade is perhaps the second-best way to go about it.”

Asked if the controversy surrounding Conservative candidate Dan Albas’s nomination has been a major talking point, Kidder says some voters have mentioned it to him.

Still, he says, “The Liberal party platform is the platform.

“I just don’t play those games. I’m not interested in them.”

He stresses that the “Canadian” way of decision-making is through consensus and notes that he has found good ideas among the NDP, Green party, and the former Progressive Conservatives.

“We can all go out for coffee while we disagree.”

Kidder will be in Merritt all day on Friday and will return for the Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce all-candidates forum at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology on April 20.

His sister, actress Margot Kidder, perhaps most famous for playing Lois Lane in the Christopher Reeve Superman films of the 1970s and ’80s, will join him in campaigning in Merritt Friday.

Source

More

 

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14872 Pierre Lemieux is running for reelection as Federal Conservative candidate in Glengarry Prescott Russel. He obtained a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from the Royal Military College and a Master of Science degree from the Cranfield Institute of Technology, in the UK. He went on to pursue a distinguished career with the Canadian Forces, serving his country for 20 years before he retired with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. A Professional Engineer since 1994, Pierre was first elected to the House of Commons in 2006. He was re-elected in 2008. Most recently he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture. He also served as a Member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Living in a bilingual rural community, Pierre is committed to its farmers, families and seniors. He has worked diligently to represent their best interests in Parliament. He is dedicated to the promotion of the Franco-Ontarian and Celtic cultures ever present in his riding. Having been a small-business owner, he understands the importance of small- to medium-sized business for the riding’s economic well-being. Pierre has also employed his skills in the service of the community through extensive volunteer work. Pierre has been married for over 20 years and has been blessed with five children.eMail: pierrelemieux@hotmail.com Web: www.pierre-lemieux.com

 

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Westland answers the call of duty

By: Michelle Nash

A 22-year veteran from the public service, 8475 Rem Westland has put his name forward to run as a Conservative for the federal seat in Ottawa-Vanier.

A former Canadian Forces officer, Westland said he will fight for local issues he knows well and would jump at the chance to represent the residents of this riding.

Westland immigrated to Quebec, Canada from the Netherlands in 1954. Growing up in Quebec City, he became involved in the Canadian Forces. A dutiful son, the young Westland went to the Royal Military College and joined the Canadian Forces because it was a family tradition to serve in the military.

“For me it was something I did because I felt the call of duty, as expressed by my father at the time… In my family growing up, I had that sense that it was my duty and I became very proud of my RMC (Royal Military College) background,” Westland said.

A logistics officer in the army, Westland served four years and then went back to Carleton University. After finishing university, Westland joined the public service with the Department of Indian Affairs, where he spent the next eight years.

At the Department of National Defence, Westland was responsible for Aboriginal issues and real property. He said it was the best years of his career.

“I was happiest, with out any shadow of a doubt, at the National Defence. I felt it was a very meaningful involvement,” he said.

When it comes to issues that have plagued Ottawa-Vanier for the last few years, such as the redevelopment of CFB Rockcliffe and the inter-provincial bridge, Westland said he believes he is the best man for the job because of his long history as a public servant.

“I have overseen the successful sale and redevelopment of Masset, Nanaimo, Chilliwack, Calgary, Downsview, Shearwater, of a dozen places and stations working with Canada Lands Company, the same company that is involved here (CFB Rockcliffe),” he said.

A family man who believes in the value of eating at the supper table, Westland indicated he has had many discussions about politics with his family.

“I’ve never been a small talk kind of guy and that meant that at home as well, the discussions would be in depth.”

Westland retired from the public service and began work as a consultant and was the associate vice-president with the Corporate Research Group. There, Westland was doing what he likes best, delivering the substance of an issue to people.

The father of five said that running for parliament wasn’t necessarily on his “bucket list” for things to do, but when offered the chance, the long-time Conservative could not turn it down.

Now, with a sense of pride to be able to take this next step in working towards serving his country and his home of over 20 years, Westland felt now was the best time to fight for Ottawa-Vanier.

“I want to restore vibrancy in democracy in Ottawa-Vanier,” he said.

Westland answers the call of duty

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8276 Marc Garneau

The Endless Campaign

“We have a message of hope. [Prime Minister] Harper has a message of fear.”

Liberal MP Marc Garneau’s blunt assessment of this year’s federal election embodies the balancing act his party has employed since the last time Canadians went to the polls in September 2008.

For what has essentially been a 30-month-long campaign, the Liberals have scrambled across the country trying to inspire new voters while attempting to capitalize on a number of highly publicized Conservative blunders.

But for all their efforts, bus tours and town hall meetings, the Liberals have failed to gain much traction on their political rivals.

Since being elected to a minority government nearly three years ago, the Conservative Party has bobbed and weaved its way out of political defeat, escaping two potential no-confidence votes by proroguing parliament twice in a 12-month period.

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11002 Bill and Monika Sergeant’s Efforts Help Children of the Philippines

Posted by rmcclub on 17th April 2011

 

Caption: Bill and Monika Sergeant are pictured with 10 of the 6,000 children who received a bedkit during their distributions. 100% of the $35 donated goes towards purchasing the items shown in the picture. Each bedkit had 59 items in it, including a mat to sleep on and mosquito net to protect them from Dengue fever, which is prevalent outside of Manila.

11002 Bill and Monika Sergeant’s Efforts Help Children of the Philippines

Bill (RMC ’76) and Monika Sergeant, who are from Barrie, travelled with four other volunteers to the Philippines with the Canadian charity, “Sleeping Children Around the World” (SCAW) from 25 March – 9 April 2011. Working closely with volunteers from the Philippines, they helped the ‘100% Charity’ distribute 6,000 bed kits to needy children at 19 villages surrounding Manila.

Monika has been on previous SCAW trips to various parts of the world but this is their first trip to the Philippines. For Bill, it is his first trip with SCAW although his parents have been involved with the charity for over 25 years. His parents were the team leaders on a previous distribution to the Philippines in 1990 when they distributed 3,500 kits to needy children there.

SCAW is one of the few charities that can claim that 100% of each donation goes towards the bed kits for needy children. It is operated by volunteers, from the processing of donations to the distribution of bed kits. The Travelling Volunteers do so at their own expense and without benefit of a tax receipt. Travelling volunteers supervise the distribution of bed kits, photograph children with their bed kits, and write articles for the donor newsletter. Since SCAW’s inception, over 200 individuals have gone on bed kit distributions. Requisites for travelling volunteers are a love of children and travel experience — with the physical and emotional capacity to withstand this form of travel. All pay their own travel expenses. SCAW offers volunteer information workshops twice a year. If you are interested in travelling with SCAW, please contact us to attend an upcoming workshop.

SCAW relies on Overseas Volunteers in the country of distribution who select children with the greatest need, organize the manufacture of bed kits, choose distribution sites, and help travelling volunteers distribute bed kits. Examples of overseas volunteers include groups such as Community Service Clubs, Salvation Army, and Religious Orders. Locally produced bed kits result in:

- elimination of transportation costs

- provision of materials and labour at minimal cost

- employment for families in the country

- assistance to the local economy and the country as a whole.

More information about SCAW can be found at www.scaw.org

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Robert Medeiros Back At RMC

Posted by rmcclub on 10th April 2011


22051 Lieutenant Navy Robert Medeiros – 11 Squadron Commander

Article by: 25323 OCdt Kate Haddon & WJO

Above phot: 25323 OCdt Kate Haddon

This week, I (Kate)  have had the opportunity to get to know 22051 Lt(N) Robert Medeiros, 11 Sqn Com.

As an officer-cadet, Robert was one of the better hockey players from his era. He had three great years with the Paladins before a wobbly knee prevented him from playing in IV Year. The flashy forward wore #22.  In 2000, he  scored the first goal and added an assist in a 3-0 victory against the Black Knights from West Point. This had been the first RMC win against USMA since 1987; their first shutout since 1938 – in what was then the longest international hockey rivalry in the world.

Following RMC, Lt(N) Medeiros, completed MARS training at NOTC Venture, Esquimault. His first posting was to HMCS Winnipeg where he earned his BWK, and had to opportunity to be deck officer taking WINNIPEG into refit in 2007. In August of 2010, he received his current posting to RMC as a Squadron Commander.

As a Squadron Commander, the Oakville, ON native expects 11 Sqn to work hard because when “you improve individually, you will improve as a team.” He also expects accountability because “responsibility is not accepting the consequences for your actions, it’s making sure there are never any consequences from the results of your actions in the first place.”

With warm weather approaching, his big plans for the summer include: “Fishing, camping, fishing – in that order,” he jokes. The message was a little vague; I think he may enjoy fishing… Photo left – Post varsity hockey game social – (Left – right) JJ Verran, Andy Anderson & Robert Medeiros

In his opinion, it is important “to drive home the importance that the best asset we  have in the Canadian Forces is our people.” It is paramount that we, as leaders,  dedicate our time and effort to ensure that the needs and well-being of our members  are being addressed.

“Every aspect of having Charge of a Major Warship at sea; specifically the duty to  keep the ship and her company safe, and the bond of trust between yourself and the  Commanding Officer” is, from his leadership experience, one of the most rewarding  past leadership positions.

Spending quality time with his three children, ages five, three, and 23 months, is his favourite past time.  “Whether it be ice fishing, bike rides, t-ball or just playing in the backyard; taking the time with them now” is important.

I asked Lt (N) Medeiros what one of his favorite pieces of advice given to him. He  replied: “Just before our first long deployment, two Navy buddies and I were talking  about the stress of leaving our families. A senior officer, a veteran of many  deployments, overheard our conversation and offered the following advice: “You  must be sensitive to your partners emotional needs,” he said. “Never, ever, whistle  while you pack!”

 

Caption: Pictured are proud parents, Lourdes and Manuel Medeiros on Robert’s first day at RMC following Basic Officer Training at Ste Jean, PQ in 1997. The Medeiros couple were constant visitors and big supporters to the college while their son was an officer cadet.

 

 

 

 

 

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Where are they now?

Posted by rmcclub on 27th March 2011

22525 Jodi-Jane Longley, Returns As New 5 Squadron Commander

By: 25323 OCdt Kate Haddon

This week I have had to the opportunity to get to know Captain Jodi-Jane Longley, the new Squadron Commander of five squadron. She is an RMC graduate, class of 2003, with a degree in Chemical Engineering. At our first meeting I saw the outgoing and enthusiastic attitude she carried about starting this new posting so late in the school year, and on occasion, so late at night; it was definitely hours past working hours but she still had a smile on and a pile of paper on her desk. She hopes to bring energy and motivation to the members of five squadron in order to achieve and succeed here, as well as some “professional guidance and resources to the cadets based on experiences and knowledge (she) gained since graduating.”

She signed up as an Air Navigator in 1999 (currently known as Air Combat Systems Officer) and during her four years at RMC she was a member of the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team, held multiple bar positions, such as FYOP Section Commander , participated in the Winter Exercise, as well as tried out for Sandhurst. As an active student at the college, Captain Longley started her military career in the same fashion.

Freshly graduated, Longley went to navigation school in Winnipeg for a year, and then was posted to Trenton where she was trained as a tactical navigator. After training, she completed five short two to three month deployments overseas. After four years in Trenton and abroad, she was selected to go to Ottawa where she was the first Assistant aide-de-camp for the CDS, General Walt Natynczyk for the past two years.

Captain Longley takes pride in the fact that she was selected to come to RMC as a Squadron Commander and hopes to take this opportunity to give back to the college. With only a short two months to go until graduation, she understands that it is not ideal to come in and “shake up the system and make changes for the sake of changes.” She has asked two things of her cadets: honesty and integrity.

Beyond that, some noticeable changes that she has witnessed so far within the college are the uniforms and the multiple changes over the last eight years , fourth years being allowed to live off, and “construction (around campus) as an excuse for dust in cadets rooms,” she lightly jokes. However, one thing that she noticed has not changed is “the level of expectation for cadets to perform under stress in a broad range of capacities which is the bread and butter of producing competent leaders to send out into the CF.”

As for the upcoming months, on her spare time she claims: “I love being active and will spend my summer mountain biking, playing soccer, and training for my first triathlon.” Also, she plans on enjoying the many sushi and Thai restaurants that Kingston has to offer.

The driving quote that has given Captain Longley the strength and ability over the years to complete everything she starts, for example, the 20 MSR or CISM Soccer, has circulated many e-mail accounts over the years and the author is unknown: “I have learned that you can always keep going, long after you think you can’t,” which is “what gets (her) through every run.”

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Life after RMC rugby

The RMC rugby team was delighted to welcome back one of their own Tuesday  as 24111 Capt Chris Wood (Royal Canadian Dragoons) took some time away from his leave schedule to share his experiences since graduation. Chris who played loose head prop for the Paladins from 2006-2008 and was a Phil Cowie Memorial recipient has had a busy three years getting married to Karen, Phase 4 armoured at CFB Gagetown, deploying to TF 1-09 as Recce Troop Leader, returning from post deployment leave and assuming the role as EA to the 2 CMBG Comd.

Woodsy; as he is affectionately know by those who were fortunate to have played with him, shared his perspective on the College, life in the army and what he believe are the building blocks to becoming a capable officer. Tying in his playing days at RMC and his operational experience, Chris led a group discussion on team work, leader ship and decision making. “The most valuable leadership opportunity I had at RMC was being a member of the rugby team. I was never the team captain but I was able to lead by example through my hard work and quickly grasped that I could learn a great deal by listening to the other members of the team. “

Capt Wood was able to bring home the vast possibilities that future RMC grads can expect, ranging from his first taste of combat to being the EA for a brigade commander within a 9 month time frame. He stressed the importance of taking advantage of all the opportunities that are present at the College. “I wished I had put more effort into the PER’s that I wrote here as a CFL, at the time I questioned the validity of the entire process, but overseas I had 22 PER’s to complete and guys careers depended on them.”

Capt Wood took some frank questions on the Afghan National Army and Police, on his favourite rugby story and why he currently drives a minivan; Capt Wood came out to team training on Wednesday where he continued to lead by example.

 

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The Principal and the Dean of Arts are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Allister MacIntyre as the Head of the Department of Military Psychology and Leadership from 1 July 2011 to 31 June 2014.

Dr. MacIntyre completed 31 years in the CF in 2006, having spent the final five years of his career as the Deputy Director of the Canadian Forces Leadership Institute. He holds a doctoral degree in Social Psychology and a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Queen’s University. He has worked as a researcher in Canada and Australia, taught psychology for three years at Royal Roads Military College, and has served on a number of international leadership and psychology panels. From 2002 until 2006 he served as the Chair of the Psychology in the Military section of the Canadian Psychological Association. Dr. MacIntyre is currently employed as an Associate Professor in the Department of Military Psychology and Leadership at the Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, Ontario. He also holds positions as an Adjunct Professor of psychology at both Carleton University and the University of Guelph. His academic and research interests include leadership, climate and culture, cohesion, and work stress.

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8181 BGen (Ret’d) G.E. (Joe) Sharpe OMM, CD has been appointed colonel commandant of the military police branch. This appointment was approved by the Minister of National Defence on 17 january 2011. Official signing ceremony will take place in Ottawa early in 2011.

He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1965 under the Regular Officer Training Plan. He attended Royal Roads Military College in Victoria B.C. and graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) in 1969 with a degree in Applied Science. He served in the Canadian Forces (CF) for the next 32 years in various operational, instructional air force and joint staff positions, including deputy Commanding Officer of 425 All Weather Fighter Squadron, the inaugural Commandant of the CF School of Aerospace Studies and Wing Commander of 17 Wing Winnipeg. He served on the Joint Staff during the Gulf War as the command and control advisor and as the Air Component Commander in the Joint Headquarters during the Winnipeg Flood in 1997. During his career he graduated from the Aerospace Systems Course and the CF Command and Staff College and was a distinguished graduate from National Defence College. He completed his military career as a Brigadier General, serving on the air staff as the DG responsible for air force development.

BGen (ret’d) Sharpe also spent a year on an academic secondment as a senior fellow with the Canadian Institute for International Peace and Security. BGen Sharpe chaired the Croatia Board of Inquiry that investigated the medical problems being suffered by CF soldiers returning from peacekeeping operations. He chaired the Special Review Group commissioned by the CDS to exam issues surrounding CF leadership during the Croatia deployments. Post retirement he served as the deputy chair of the Afghanistan Detainee Board of Inquiry examining CF members’ treatment of Detainees.

BGen (ret’d) Sharpe has served as a special advisor to the CF/DND Ombudsman on Operational Stress Injuries, specifically Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He currently serves as a Board Member with the Canadian Defence Association Institute. He works with Defence Research and Development Canada (Toronto) on various research projects dealing with the human in command and he is also working with Dr Allan English on research into command and control, leadership, and military culture, and is a frequent lecturer at the Canadian Forces College dealing with command and leadership issues as well as mental health. He currently chairs the CF/VAC/RCMP Mental Health Advisory Committee.

BGen Sharpe served for six years as the Honorary Colonel for the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Studies in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and remains involved with the CF assisting various organisations with their strategic planning activities. He is currently assisting the Government of Trinidad and Tobago with the implementation of a government wide performance management framework.  Source

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Where are they now?

Posted by rmcclub on 20th March 2011

 

MASc Thesis Oral Examination

Soutenance de thèse de maîtrise

Electrical and Computer Engineering Department

Département de génie électrique et de génie informatique

20654 LCdr Dany Ouellet

Supervisors/Superviseurs: Dr. Alain Beaulieu and Dr. Sidney Givigi

Time/Heure: 1130hrs/1130am

Tuesday/ Mardi 29 March/mars 2011

Location / Endroit Swing Space 5119

Abstract

Control of Swarms of Autonomous Robots Using Model-Driven Development: A State-Based Approach

Unmanned systems are becoming increasingly pervasive in military and civilian applications. A natural progression is to bestow autonomy upon these vehicles. In this case, the resultant robots must be able to deal with unexpected circumstances on their own and, more importantly, in real-time. In this thesis, we focus on swarms of robots, defined as the capability of robots to keep close to each other without colliding with neighbours and obstacles. We start by modeling and simulating a possible swarm solution in MathWorks® Matlab™ and, then, moving on to change the algorithm in such a way that a controller written as a Finite State Machine may be derived. We then use IBM® Rational Rose Real-Time™ to implement such a controller in emulation following the formalism of Model-Driven Development. Both model behaviours are then compared to validate their similarity.

Résumé

Le contrôle d’essaims de robots à l’aide du développement dirigé par les modèles: Une approche basée sur les états

Les systèmes non-habités sont de plus en plus omniprésents dans les applications militaires et civiles. Une progression naturelle est d’accorder l’autonomie à ces véhicules. Dans ce cas, les robots résultants doivent être en mesure de faire face à des situations imprévues d’eux-mêmes et, surtout, en temps réel. Dans ce mémoire de thèse, nous mettons l’accent sur des essaims de robots, définie comme la capacité des robots à demeurer près des autres sans entrer en collision avec les voisins et les obstacles. Nous commençons par la modélisation et la simulation d’une possible solution générée avec MathWorks® Matlab™, puis nous modifions ensuite l’algorithme de telle manière à ce qu’un contrôleur écrit comme une machine à états finis puisse être dérivé. Nous utilisons ensuite IBM® Rational Rose Real-Time™ pour mettre en œuvre un tel contrôleur en émulation suivant le formalisme du développement dirigé par les modèles. Ces deux modèles comportementaux sont ensuite comparés afin de valider leur similitude.

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Chalk one up!

23855 Lt Bianca Einsfeld, an air navigator with 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, points to the submarine silhouette painted on the CH-124 Sea King helicopter signifying an “exercise submarine kill” during a US Navy submarine commanders’ course. Lt Einsfeld is currently posted to the helicopter detachment assigned to HMCS Vancouver, which participated in an under-surface warfare exercise with US Navy submarines off the Hawaiian Islands February 12–21.  Source

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Caption: 13846 LCol Kevin Bryski, Commanding Officer 76 Communication Group was among recent recipients on appointments to the Order of Military Merit (Officer level).

Governor General invests 56 individuals into the Order of Military Merit

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presided over an Order of Military Merit investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on March 11. The Governor General, who is chancellor of the Order, bestowed the honour on two Commanders, 13 Officers and 41 Members, including several Air Force personnel.

The Order of Military Merit was created in 1972 to recognize meritorious service and devotion to duty by members of the Canadian Forces. The Order has three levels of membership: Commander (C.M.M.), Officer (O.M.M.) and Member (M.M.M.).  See the complete list and the entire article here

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Mail call: Indian Ocean!

By 22057 Major Bob Mitchell

As a navigator on the CP-140 Aurora, I was quite surprised when I was asked to be the air liaison officer for Combined Task Force 151, which is a multinational task force tasked with fighting piracy in the Indian Ocean. More specifically, the position, which falls under the umbrella of Operation Saiph, would involve deploying on a British frigate and working directly for Commodore Abdul Aleem of the Pakistan Navy.

Fighting pirates seemed like an interesting concept and, I have to be honest, when I boarded Her Majesty’s Ship Cornwall to begin my deployment, I had no idea how big a problem piracy was in this part of the world. I don’t think I was expecting to see a sailing ship flying the Jolly Roger, with a pirate with a wooden leg at the helm and a parrot on his shoulder, but I definitely wasn’t expecting to find vessels that were 333 meters long, such as the M/V Irene SL, being captured. Nor was I expecting to see pirates stalking the seas with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades.   READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE

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14356 Lieutenant-Colonel Michael A. Rostek, CD, Ph.D. joined the Canadian Forces in 1979 by way of Le College militaire royal de Saint-Jean. In 1984, he graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada with a Bachelor of Arts (Commerce) and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. Upon completion of armoured training in 1985 he became a member of The Royal Canadian Dragoons stationed in Lahr, West Germany. He has held a variety of command and staff appointments as well as various school and training positions. He was promoted to his current rank in 1999 and has served as Directing Staff at both the Canadian Forces College in Toronto and the Australian Command and Staff College in Canberra. He holds two Master’s degrees – a Master’s of Arts (Defence Management and Policy), Royal Military College and a Master’s of Management in Defence Studies, University of Canberra, Australia and a doctorate in War Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada. He is currently employed as the Concepts Team Leader in the Directorate of Land Concepts and Designs. Source

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Where are they now?

Posted by rmcclub on 13th March 2011

Ex Cadet, Among Top Canadian Immigrants: 22008 Ihor Kozak -

Canadian wide competition to decide on who should make it to the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2011 list. More details here

Ihor Kozak represents the best of what Canada offers in terms of opportunity and service. He immigrated to Canada as a teen from Ukraine and settled in Oshawa, Ontario amid a strong and proud Ukrainian-Canadian community. While working several part-time jobs – including as a janitor – to help support his family in Canada and Ukraine, Ihor learned English and completed high school. After less than a decade in his new country, Ihor then made the decision to serve his new country in the military.

He attended the Royal Military College and graduated with an engineering degree and fluency in both of Canada’s official languages. He was commissioned as an engineering officer and at the end of his 10 years of service he had served Canada in Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf and helped integrate the new C-17 aircraft into Canada’s Air Force. For these exploits, he was decorated twice before being honourably discharged. He went on to complete an MBA and now runs a successful aerospace consultancy with operations in Canada and abroad. He accomplished all this by age 36.

The wonderful thing about Canada as a nation of immigrants is that we benefit immensely from the talents and commitment of those who come to our country. Ihor is an example of one Canadian that chose to almost immediately decided to serve his new country at the highest level – in the Canadian Forces.

We think such service should be recognized with this award and we urge e-Veritas readers and all members of the RMC community to please click the link and take the 2 minutes to vote for Ihor Kozak.

BIO SNAPSHOT – IHOR KOZAK

In 1975, born in Tenropil, Ukraine.

In 1992, after finishing high school with the highest honours, immigrated to Canada – spoke no English and knew very little about his new homeland.

1992 – 1995: Settled in Oshawa, ON. That time was dedicated to learning English, integrating into Canadian society and working as a manual labourer (farm worker, construction worker and janitor) to support parents in Canada and extended family in Ukraine. Became an active member of Ukrainian-Canadian community in Oshawa and Toronto.

1995 – 1997: Student, Msg John Pereyma high school in Oshawa & Ukrainian Ciopa Paliiv Saturday school in Toronto; honour student, received numerous awards for academic, sport and extracurricular accomplishments, including from Durham Catholic District School Board. President of a Multicultural Club. Extensive engaged in public speaking, especially on the topic of Canadian Multiculturalism and the roles of immigrants in Canadian society.

In 1997, after extensive selection process, was admitted into the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) under a full four-year ROTP (Regular Officer Training Plan) scholarship. Became one of the first (if not the first) Canadian immigrants to join RMC.

1997– 2001: Student and Officer-Cadet at RMC. Obtained Bachelor of Computer Engineering; in addition to English, became fluent in French; held various leadership positions within RMC’s self-governing body (in charge of up to 100 junior officer-cadets). At the summer military training camp (BOTC), was voted by peers to receive a Leadership Award.

2001 – 2006: Occupied a number of leadership Engineering Management positions; at his very first job at the Canadian Forces Base Trenton was put in charge of 180 personnel and made responsible for multi-million military assets. Received two Commanding Officer Commendations for outstanding performance.

In 2003 took part in Operation ‘Apollo’ (counter-terrorist operation in the Persian Gulf), for which received military decoration (South-West Asia medal) from the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada John Manley.

In 2004 participated in Operation ‘Athena’ (peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan), for which received military decoration (General Service medal) from the Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson at a special ceremony in the Rideau Hall. Also received Commanding Officer Commendation for his leadership and organizational skills.

In 2006 completed Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree (at RMC).

Between 2006-2008 occupied a leadership position in the Major Projects Directorate of the Department of National Defence in Ottawa, working on the Canadian Air Forces’s $3.6 billion capital project (C-17 Globemaster aircraft fleet procurement).

Throughout military career, thanks to linguistic and interpersonal skills as well as understanding of political and cultural nuances of the modern global environment, in parallel with the above listed regular jobs, conducted a great deal of diplomatic work on behalf of the Canadian and US Governments, NATO, United Nations and the European Union. As a military diplomat under auspices of such international programmes as Reduction of Nuclear Threat, Arms Control and Verification, Open Skies, Partnership for Peace, and Foreign Military Training Assistance Program, participated in a myriad of international diplomatic missions, contributing to various high-level military and political undertakings in Ottawa, Washington, Vienna and Brussels, as well as in Ukraine, Russia, Armenia and other parts of the world.

In 2008 took an early retirement from the CF to become a business consultant and an entrepreneur. It this capacity, has been supporting Canadian and US Governments, and a wide range of Private Sector enterprises in Canada, US and Europe.

Active member of the Ukrainian-Canadian community. Director of International Relations (volunteer position) for non-profit organization League of Ukrainian Canadians. Vice President of the Ukrainian-Canadian Cultural Centre. Has been spearheading various initiatives to promote growth of the Ukrainian-Canadian community as part of the overall Canadian multicultural mosaic. Completed several not-for-profit projects in Ukraine aimed at: promoting Canadian style freedom, democracy and transparency within the Ukrainian government and society; commemorating tragic events of the past (crimes of Nazi & Soviet regimes); and supporting those in need (old, sick and poor).

An active participant in the Canadian political life.

Avid public speaker; delivered public addresses across North America and Europe.

Fluent in English, Ukrainian, Russian and Polish; functional in French, Slovak and Serbo-Croat; learning Arabic.

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20771 Keri Kettle has accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Miami, and will be moving his family to Florida this coming summer.

The University of Miami is a private research university, located in Coral Gables, on the south side of Miami, Florida. According to the Financial Times, the School of Business at the University of Miami is currently ranked # 26 in the world for research, ahead of such well-known schools as Queen’s (# 40) and McGill (# 48).

Keri is currently completing his PhD in Marketing (Consumer Behavior) at the University of Alberta. Broadly speaking, his research examines how people’s behavior is influenced by characteristics of the present situation, with a particular focus on the relevance of the situation to aspects of one’s self-identity. Within the field of Consumer Behavior, Keri has had tremendous start to his academic career, with a research paper recently published in the journal Psychological Science, and another article forthcoming in the Journal of Consumer Research.

Prior to entering academia, Keri was an Army Logistics Officer, posted to 1 Service Battalion in Edmonton (1997 – 2001) and 14 Service Battalion in Calgary (2001 – 2003). Keri briefly returned to Kingston in 2004 to work at the RMC Club and to help coach the RMC hockey team, then returned to Edmonton in 2005 to undertake his doctoral studies.

Keri welcomes all friends to pay a visit to Miami … and welcomes all ex-Cadets to contact him if they are interested in learning more about an academic career.  kkettle@ualberta.ca

http://www.kerikettle.com/

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12283 LCol (Ret’d) Keith E. Gladstone is President of Gladstone Aerospace Corporation (GAC) and Gladstone Systems Solutions (GSS), consulting companies in Ottawa that help businesses in the areas of business planning in flight testing and training software, technology services, and simulation training. Keith served in the Canadian Air Force. His last position was as the chief test pilot for the Air Force at the Aerospace Engineering and Test Establishment in Cold Lake Alberta. Mr. Gladstone has a wealth of experience leading and conducting operational and engineering and flight test programs. During his collegiate career, Keith earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Redland.

He also graduated from the Royal Roads Military College. http://gladstoneac.com/about/executiveteam/ info@gladstoneac.com

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13462 Sylvain Laporte Appointed to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office

The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced the appointment of Sylvain Laporte as Commissioner of Patents, Registrar of Trademarks and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Intellectual Property Office, effective April 16, 2011.

“I am confident that Mr. Laporte’s broad experience, both at Industry Canada and across government, will strengthen the good work being done at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office,” said Minister Clement. “I would also like to thank the outgoing Commissioner, Mary Carman, for her contributions over the past four years.”

Mr. Laporte joined Industry Canada in March 2007 as the Chief Informatics Officer. In 2008, he became Executive Director of the Industrial Technologies Office and was responsible for managing the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative as well as projects contracted under Technology Partnerships Canada, the Hydrogen Early Adopters Program and the Program for Strategic Industrial Projects. Before joining Industry Canada, he worked at the Canada Post Corporation, occupying a number of director-level positions in such sectors as logistics, retail merchandising, marketing and information technology. Mr. Laporte also worked at National Defence in Ottawa and across Canada.

Mr. Laporte holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean and a master’s degree in computer engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston.

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office, a Special Operating Agency of Industry Canada, is responsible for the administration and processing of the greater part of intellectual property in Canada.

Source

Source

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23604 Captain Tawfiq Ghadban - after RMC, he deployed for a year to Jerusalem as part of a diplomatic mission (Op Proteus: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/commun/ml-fe/article-eng.asp?id=5934).

He returned in June 09 and got posted to Ottawa as an Operations officer for Director of Land Equipment. He has been on parental leave since August 2010 and has taken advantage of some spare time, to complete an MBA with University New Brunswick  through distance learning. So far, he has completed 10 out of the 14 courses required to earn the MBA.

Tawfiq has been a Certified Personal Trainer in Ottawa for quite some time. However, he no longer compete or is doing personal training at the level which he was well known for at RMC and later. MBA studies and the commitments of raising a 7 months old little boy is his current priorities.

His fitness specialties: high intensity training, weight loss muscle gain, strength training, sports specific training, outdoors training, and preparation for bodybuilding/figure competitions. Tawfiq is also a certified group fitness instuctor specializing in tae-bo, body sculpture and high intensity training.

Those of us that remember the  Electrical Engineering graduate from his RMC days will not be surprised that he will be competing in bodybuilding and fitness championships once again down the road.

http://tawfiqfitness.com/About.html tawfiqfitness@hotmail.com

tawfiqfitness@hotmail.com

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Caption: Wayne R. MacCulloch briefing the Haitian Chargé d’Affaires in his position as Vice-President of Fondation Internationale Georges Séraphin pour l’Éducation des Enfants Défavourisés de la Grand’ Anse d’Haïti (which constructs self-supporting schools and residences in southern Haiti).

Just seems to keep rocketing ahead…..

After spending a year (Jan 10 – Jan 11) with Public Works on Parliament Hill maintaining and restoring the historic edifices there, 10588 Wayne R. MacCulloch has accepted a position back in National Defence with Assistant Deputy Minister (Science and Technology) as Major Construction Program Director, and is enjoying the scientific, engineering and project management challenges accompanying the new job.

Wayne expects to see the program through to fruition in the next eight years.

wrmac50@rogers.com

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Where are they now?

Posted by rmcclub on 6th March 2011

Master’s Thesis Oral Examination

Examen oral de thèse de maîtrise

Electrical and Computer Engineering Department

Département de génie électrique et de génie informatique

Capt Matt Cossaboom

Supervisor/Superviseur: Dr. Aboelmagd Noureldin

Time/ Heure: 14:30hrs/14h30

Monday/ Lundi 21 March / mars 2011

Location / Endroit Swing Space 4200

Résumé

Intégration du GPS avec les systèmes de navigation inertielle par un filtre de Kalman augmenté avec la corrélation de cartes pour les véhicules terrestres

Dans le domaine de la navigation, il y a une demand croissante d’applications de positionnement et de navigation à faible coût, telles les systèmes de navigation de véhicule terrestre et les systèmes de navigation de soldat débarqué. Au plan mondial, le GPS (Global Position System) est fréquemment utilisé pour une multitude d’applications. C’est un système fiable sauf dans les canyons urbains et les tunnels, ou les signaux satellites sont bloqués ou brouillés par l’effet des trajets multiples créant ainsi une panne du GPS. C’est là que l’intégration du GPS avec une INS (Inertial Navigation System) à base de systèmes microélectromécaniques (MEMS) devient utile. La méthode d’intégration traditionnelle est l’utilisation du filtre de Kalman (FK). Dans cette méthode, le FK prédit les erreurs de position et de vitesse de l’INS pendant la panne du GPS; ces erreurs sont ensuite soustraites à la sortie de l’INS pour ainsi avoir une information précise de la position et de la vitesse données par l’INS.

Le FK utilise un modèle linéarisé du système et possède plusieurs limitations. Le FK nécessite un modèle stochastiques des erreurs des capteurs inertiels et une connaissance apriori de la covariance des données de l’INS et du GPS. De plus, la méthode du FK génère des divergences durant une panne du GPS à cause des approximations faites lors de la linéarisation; ce problème est accentué lorsque l’on utilise des INS à base MEMS. Ainsi, les erreurs de position et de vitesse de l’INS ont la possibilité de croître considérablement; d’ou la croissance récente de l’attention apportée au développement de méthode alternative d’intégration INS/GPS – tous ayant comme but commun de réduire l’impact des facteurs limitant du FK et d’améliorer la précision du positionnement lors de longue panne du GPS. Plusieurs approches récentes ont été proposées pour l’intégration INS/GPS. Soit qu’elles remplacent totalement le FK, tels le filtrage particulaire et l’intelligence artificielle; soit qu’elles augmentent le FK pour améliorer sa perfomance, tels les réseaux de neurones et les modules neuro-flous.

Puisque le FK est la méthode traditionnelle, et la moins complexe, cette recherche va se concentrer à diminuer les erreurs de la méthode du FK en l’augmentant à l’aide de la corrélation de care (CC). La CC va limiter l’accroissement des erreurs durant les pannes de GPS en restreignant les positions prédites à des positions possibles sur le réseau routier de la carte. L’augmentation par la CC se fera en implémentant une carte routière détaillée électronique dans le processus d’intégration. Cette méthode sera évaluée en utilisant de vraies trajectoires d’autoroute et de canyons urbains. Cette thèse se concentra d’abord sur l’hybridation lâche par filtrage de Kalman linéarisé, puis elle comparera ses résultats avec d’autres méthodes alternatives d’intégration.

Abstract

Augmented Kalman Filtering and Map Matching for INS/GPS Integration for Land Vehicles

In the world of navigation there is a growing demand for low-cost positioning/ navigation applications such as land vehicle navigation and dismounted soldier navigation. Global position system (GPS) is being very widely used across the world for several applications. It is a reliable system except for places like urban canyons and tunnels due to the blockage of the satellite signals and multipath effects. This is where the integration of GPS and micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based inertial navigation system (INS) becomes useful. The traditional method of integration uses the Kalman filtering (KF) method. The KF predicts INS position and velocity errors during GPS outages that are then removed from the output of the INS in order to obtain accurate position and velocity information.

KF uses a linearized system model and has several limitations. It requires a stochastic model of the inertial sensor errors and a priori information about the data covariance provided by both INS and GPS. KF techniques suffer from divergence during outages due to approximations during the linearization process, esoecially when utilizing MEMS based Inertial Measurement Units. As a result, the INS position and velocity errors could grow quite significantly.Consequently, the developments of alternative INS/GPS integration methods have received more attention with the common goal of reducing the impact of the limiting factors and improving the positioning accurancy during long GPS signal outages. New INS/GPS approaches have been recently suggested. They are either totally replacing KF like particle filtering and artificial intelligence or augmented by KF to enhance its performance like neural networks or neuro-fuzzy modules.

Since KF is the traditional and least complex method of integration, this research will focus on reducing the KF integration errors by augmenting it with Map Matching (MM). MM will limit the error growth during GPS outages by restricting the predicted positions to the road networks. This will be completed by implementing accurate digital maps of the road networks to the integration process. The developed method will be examined through real road tests trajectories in both highway areas and urban canyons. This thesis research will focus initially in the area of loosely coupled INS/GPS integration using KF and compare the results to other alternative methods of integration.

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Dr. Timothy Winegard is a Canadian historian, educator and scholar

He has taught at both the secondary school and university levels. During the 2010-2011 academic year, he is teaching two courses in First Nations Studies (FNS), to be cross-listed with other departments, at the University of Western Ontario. In 1994, he was drafted by the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Detroit Jr. Red Wings (now Plymouth Whalers). He earned an M.A. in War Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2006. He has a research interest in Aboriginal Peoples and the World Wars, Canadian and International Military History and Native-Newcomer Relations. He wrote `OKA: A Convergence of Cultures and the Canadian Forces`. Kingston: Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) Press, 2008. vi, 309 pp. He received a DPhil. (under the direction of Prof. Hew Strachan) from the University of Oxford, St. Antony’s College, in January 2010. He served with the 1st Hussars Regiment of the Canadian Forces Reserves as an officer from 2001 to 2010, including a two-year attachment to the British Army. Aside from his academic career and family life, he enjoys playing hockey, the guitar, fishing, cooking and travelling across the globe for both research and pleasure. http://www.timothycwinegard.com

tcwinegard@gmail.com

Reserched by E3161 Victoria Edwards

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13049 Alain Tremblay to Join Rheinmetall Canada …

Rheinmetall Canada, the Canadian subsidiary of international defence equipment supplier Rheinmetall Defence, is proud to announce that 13049 Brigadier-General Alain Tremblay will join the company’s executive team as Vice-President of Business Development upon his retirement from the Canadian Forces.

“Alain Tremblay is a respected leader who has served Canadians with distinction at home and abroad,” said the President and Chief Executive Officer of Rheinmetall Canada, Dr. Andreas Knackstedt. “He brings the operational experience and understanding of army requirements that will help our company better equip and protect members of the Canadian Forces, as well as those of other friendly nations.”

Brigadier-General Tremblay recently announced his retirement from the Canadian Army, completing a distinguished career of close to 34 years, including commanding forces during operations in Afghanistan and Bosnia. In Canada, he made important contributions to the future of the Canadian military during his assignments in the Canadian Forces Transformation Team, as the Director General Land Capability Development, and as Senior Policy Advisor at the Privy Council Office. General Tremblay retires from his current post as Commander of Land Force Quebec Area and Joint Task Force East where he led the activities of more than twelve thousand personnel.

“I am excited to join an innovative and dynamic company such as Rheinmetall who is keen to provide the best equipment to our military men and women”, said Tremblay. “This is a world-class company known for getting things done and has delivered results to the Canadian Forces and many of our allies. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of Rheinmetall in Canada. ”

Brigadier-General Tremblay will take his new position on March 7th. He will make the transition to his new responsibilities with the same integrity and professionalism displayed during his military career by respecting all Government of Canada and Canadian Forces rules for former public office holders.

About Rheinmetall Canada

With engineering and production facilities in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and a business development office in Ottawa, Rheinmetall Canada is renowned for its expertise in the design and manufacturing of defence electronics, weapon systems, and vehicle integration for both domestic and international customers. For the Canadian Forces, the company is the prime contractor on several key programs, including the repair and overhaul of the Leopard 2 A4 training tanks and the close area suppression weapon – the army’s digitized 40 mm grenade launcher.  Source

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Josée Proulx Combines Fitness, Sport & Fun

Posted by rmcclub on 27th February 2011

Recently returned to the Kingston area and employed at the Peace Support Training Centre (PSTC), 22966 Lt(N) Josée Proulx lives an active healthy lifestyle while inspiring others to do the same through her effortless combination of fitness, sport and competition with an emphasis on fun and friends.

Combines Fitness, Sport & Fun

As a Royal Military College (RMC) engineering graduate, time management and work-life balance is not a new concept for her. A true athlete, she is constantly seeking new sports and challenges, rarely staying long enough in one to rest on her laurels. Due to a transitional varsity program during her time at the college and thanks to her ability to compete at a high level in a variety of sports, Josée competed with the Varsity Rugby, Track and Field, and Basketball teams. Unable to choose just one sport upon graduation from RMC, Josée focused on three: Triathlon!

Combining competition with travel, her first Triathlon was an Olympic distance race that took her swimming through the river Thames, cycling over the London Bridge and on a tour of beautiful downtown London, England. She has since competed with the CISM Triathlon Team internationally, and completed Ironman Canada in 2008. Training for an Ironman means training for a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, and marathon; while this can consume a person’s entire life, Josée strove for balance while on the West Coast with such tactics as pre-deploying her surfboard with friends in order to free herself up to cycle the 60km to the beach and get her training miles in while not missing out on the fun.

Josée, through her unique approach, has become a fitness and lifestyle mentor to both serious training partners and friends. Always keeping the training fun, she has been known to sway even the most serious training partners to interrupt 6 hour training rides, put dietary discipline aside, an stop to enjoy a scrumptious lunch at a local café or alter her own training plans in order to accommodate any friend that may be persuade to join her for a couple kilometres. This training regime led to her first Ironman time of a very satisfying 12:33 (ask her about vanilla gel packets).

Lt(N) Proulx is currently a Running Room Half Marathon clinic instructor, training her group for the Ottawa Race weekend in May. The mixed group of young and old, novice and veteran is training for a 2:00 race time The Participant medal they will all earn to either start or add to their own collections at home will be especially satisfying to Josée, who will add it to her collection as the first of many earned as an instructor.

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He’s not clowning around

Posted by rmcclub on 27th February 2011

He’s not clowning around

20167 Joel Hinks is branching out into street performing

Port aux Basques — He wears big shoes, a red nose, a colourful costume and makeup.

Most people know him as Jodo, but behind the mask and out of costume, he’s 37-year-old Joel Hinks, who was born and raised in Port aux Basques.

He likes to laugh and make people laugh, and he’s a registered clown with Clowns Canada.

But he hasn’t always been clowning around. Hinks spent three years at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont., and then worked for the military in communications.

Jodo was born when Hinks was 23 and working at Fort Frontenac, a military base in Kingston.

“We were out for tea one day when in rolled this clown on a unicycle making a big balloon animal for a colonel,” he laughed.

About a week later, the colonel invited Hinks over for dinner to meet his wife — the clown.

The colonel told Hinks he’d be a good clown. He was skeptical at first and not really interested.

“Anyway, off I go and I had dinner with him and Silly Sally — Janet Bentley,” he said.

“I’ll never forget her. I’ve got a picture of her in my clown box, so whenever I open it, it triggers me that that’s where I started.”

Hinks started going to clown troupe meetings once a week at a park in downtown Kingston where they’d share magic, ideas and jokes and perform skits.

People looking to become certified as a clown attend clown carnivals in the summer.

“It’s school,” said Hinks. “You show up every morning at eight o’clock, have your coffee and you start classes.”

Your homework includes juggling, magic, puppetry, mime and ventriloquism.

These days, Hinks works with a tape recorder. He carries one with him all the time, and when he sees something funny, he records it.

“If your brain isn’t working like that, you’ll never make it in this world,” he said. “You can’t just stop thinking.”

Not all clowns are created equal, either. Hinks is known as an Auguste clown, which is characterized by over-the-top makeup and exaggerated movements.

“Silly, bumbling, can’t get anything to work right for him, and the laughs are always on him,” he said of his clown persona.

“I’ll do a magic trick — it’ll go wrong. Everybody will laugh and say, ‘You messed it up!’”

Of course, it’s all planned.

When Hinks left the military and moved back to Port aux Basques, he hung up his clown nose and put everything in storage.

But he wasn’t really finished. When a friend asked him to do a birthday party, he obliged, and after that it was non-stop for about a year.

Wonderful world

“I’d like to be Jodo the clown 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until the day I die,” said Hinks. “It’s not a job. It’s a life. I love it. … There’s no other world like it.”

Unfortunately, clowning is an expensive proposition and the gigs can be irregular, which is why Hinks would like to expand his act to include street performance.

He has a new character in development named Jabber Joe.

“Your typical street performer will pull out a chainsaw, juggle it, juggle bowling balls, jump on a unicycle and eat some fire,” he said.

“(Jabber Joe) is a suave, smooth-talking street performer daring to try anything to get an audience reaction.”

Hinks is planning to take his show on the road in May, to Corner Brook, Stephenville, St. John’s and Halifax.  Source

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