Issue 029/2005

Numéro 029/2005



In This Issue - Dans ce numéro

Featured Partner

Featured Partner

Featured Partner

 

Quotation of the Week
 

“Time, is the great eraser on history.”

Gerry Locklin RMC Staff, 2005

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Trivia  
 

Which Crown is used in the crest on the RMC Club Blazer?  Why? 

a.                   Imperial;

b.                   Elizabeth II or St. Edwards;

c.                   King George VI;

d.          Queen Victoria.

d.                   Queen Victoria.
 
 

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DEATH NOTICES

Nicholas LaHay passes away at 15 months.  

Members of the RMC community were mourning last week over the loss of Nicholas LaHay.

Infant Nicholas passed away, November 14th, succumbing to breathing difficulties, at the precious age of 15 months.  Nicholas was the son of Ex-cadet 21252 Paul LaHay (RMC ’98).    

A twin brother and his parents Paul and Joline survive Nicholas.  Funeral services for

Nicholas took place last weekend in Kingston.
 

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Flashback from the Archives


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22975 Matt Maurice (RMC '04) Flying Off to Cold Lake
by WJO

Just over six years ago we were involved in hosting a young man and his dad during a visit to the college.  Matt Maurice was close to finishing high school and the purpose of the visit was that he was checking out RMC.  Two minutes into the visit he made it clear that he planned to be a “fighter pilot” – not just a pilot.  Now, it was not unusual or new to us for keen young visitors to tell us that they wanted to be pilots.  The difference between Matt and most of the others, he backed it up with his transcripts and obvious focus.  It was not our experience before (or after) to run into someone with the combination of focus; school marks and maturity.  We have seen better school marks but not the other two intangibles at that high level.    

Andy Scott was the RMC hockey coach at the time.  He had high standards on who he thought should be classified a student-athlete.  Shortly after, we both went to a play-off game to scout young Matt.  He was a so, so player but showed lots of grit every shift.  We liked what we saw and spoke with him and his parents (Tim & Rosemarie) that day and eventually created chemistry over a few weeks that led us to the conclusion that he had the potential to succeed at RMC – in all four pillars.  

Matt possessed what we felt a “potential student-athlete” that the RMC varsity program should have.  His marks were impressive and although he was only with a Midget “A” team at the time - he did plan to try out for Jr. “A” during his last year of high school.  His attitude was very positive and he had an aura about him that just gave you the feeling he was the real goods.

Would we have preferred a student-athlete with more impressive hockey credentials such as a couple of years of Tier I Jr. A under his belt?  Absolutely.  Did we have any regrets?  Absolutely not!  We would have taken a whole lot more
 


Matt Maurice with Mom & Dad, Rosemarie & Tim, at the BOTC graduation ceremony, St. Jean, 2000.

Matt Maurice type of player if we had been fortunate enough to find them.  Definitely, at the price of a few wins in a hockey season.  

The fact that Matt Maurice wasn’t going to lead the RMC hockey team to any OUA titles never really entered any of our minds.  It certainly didn’t bother Coach Scott.  Among his RMC hockey accomplishments; Matt & his teams made the OUA play-offs all four years.  This included knocking off Queen’s in the first round during the last season that Andy Scott coached.  He was a key player in the West Point O.T. win in '02.  And if my memory serves me correctly, he scored a hat trick in a play-off game in his IV year when he was the RMC team captain.  Not too shabby at all - for a so, so player out of midget! 

All the while he earned an Electrical Engineering Degree; he was a full participant in the RMC experience, well liked and highly respected around the Wing and in the Squadron.  Any time we bumped into him around the college over those four years, his attitude was always positive; and the maturity obvious.  The focus of being the fighter pilot was always present. 

The rest they say is history.  Matt received his “Wings” last week in Moose Jaw.  He is now slated for Cold Lake and – fighters.   Congratulations from Mrs. O and me. We feel pretty proud too!


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JOUR DU SOUVENIR et PORTE OUVERTE
CAMPUS DU FORT SAINT-JEAN
 6 NOVEMBRE 2005

par André Durand OL CMR

Dimanche le 6 novembre dernier, l'Escadron Richelieu, de concert avec la section locale de la Légion canadienne, a participé aux cérémonies du Jour du Souvenir à Saint-Jean sur Richelieu. Comme c'est le cas depuis plusieurs années, les Élèves-officiers de l'Escadron, sous le commandement du 13302 Maj Bruno Castonguay, ont formé le corps principal du défilé et des cérémonies.  La Vigie était aussi sous la tutelle de l'Escadron.


 Près d'une centaine de personnes ont participé à la journée porte ouverte

Profitant de l'occasion, l'Officier de liaison du CMR (Québec), 12944 André Durand, a organisé, en partenariat avec l'Escadron Richelieu, une journée porte ouverte pour les parents, amis et postulants intéressés par le PFOR.  Près d'une centaine de personnes ont participé à cette porte ouverte.  Somme toute une activité annuelle qui est appelée à prendre de l'ampleur avec les années.

Looking Back, at Joe & His Pals
 By WJO 


Summer of ’01.   Liam Doyle; Sean Danchuk; & Joe Grozelle taking a
break during ’01 summer BOTC training in St Jean, PQ.


Time out from training. Jamie Routledge; Carleton Pope;
Allan Wilson; Ryan Lizotte; Liam Doyle; Sean Danchuk;
Joe Grozelle.  In the background Brad Schur
 

Over the course of the years when we were involved “attracting” student-athletes to RMC, each summer, we used to visit “our recruits” in early August, at about the half way mark of their BOTC at St Jean, PQ.  These were the particular recruits who we personally were involved with prior to, during and after the formal recruiting process.  In some cases we were like surrogate Uncle and Aunt.  In others, a recruit may have established a strong rapport with one of the varsity coaches and we were no more than messengers. 

We knew this particular crop of individuals all had the potential to eventually succeed; but for the most part they were still quite “green” on the ways of the military.  In particular, when compared to many of their peers who had come from military families; cadets & / or Reserves in some cases it was easy for them to feel frustrated in certain aspects of the military training.  This was due mainly, because they had only been in the “CF system” a very short time, prior to leaving for “Boot Camp”.  It was not unusual that a couple of other recruits whom we had not known about (but not worked with) would join our little social.  Mostly I suppose just to get away from the routine. 

The aim of our visit was designed to be a morale booster and to get a feeling on how things were going.  For the most part, we didn’t have to turn our collar around too often, although a few of them didn’t adapt and one or two dropped out by the end of a summer.  We tried to assure them with a short pep talk - “they would catch up before long. Hang in there; …don’t quit; …suck it up and you can do it”, are just a few of the terms that we used in attempt to motivate them and to lift their spirits.  In some cases, we did have one on one, face to face talks which usually led to advice to seek help from the chain-of-command.  Without exception all these fine individuals did catch up and by the time they got settled into RMC and we bumped into them in and around the college, a few months later, they were all comfortable and confident young officer cadets. Consequently, many of them have graduated and are still in the CF system and doing very well with their careers.  Others are still at the college and doing well too.  A few who dropped out still stay in touch with us and are making positive contributions to society.  One other young man is always on our mind. 

The summer of 2001 seems like yesterday.  That was the time when we visited 23160 Joe Grozelle and a number of other “recruits” at St Jean at the half way mark of “boot camp”.  By now, I’m sure most, if not all, the readers are well aware of the Joe Grozelle tragic story.  None of us can even come close to imagine the terrible grief that the family is still enduring not knowing – what really happened to Joe. 

A day doesn’t pass that we don’t think of and say a prayer for Joe.  We pray that the family finally does get closure and they soon get an answer to the question.   

The photos below are from that Bill & Rolande visit to Joe & the boys in St Jean during the summer of ‘01.  

Follow the links to the latest updates we have at press time on the Joe Grozelle case.

http://www.thewhig.com/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=134017&catname=Local+News&classif=News+%2D+Local 

http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=1813 

http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2005/11/18/pf-1312049.html 

Click here for more photos of Officer Cadet Joe Grozelle and friends enjoying a break from summer training during BOTC training in the summer of ’01.
 
 

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FEATURE ITEM
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Remember:  Order your RMC Club wine online for Christmas!

Top Headlines


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Gracing the November cover is 4860 General A.J.G.D. de Chastelain, OC, CMM, CH, CD.    Gerry Stowe has pieced together a great story on The General who has been a career soldier and diplomat since he graduated from RMC in 1960.

Top stories include:

  • Engineers in Afghanistan;

  • New Board of Directors for the RMC Club Foundation; 

  • The Canadian Experience - American Exchange Cadets on the RMC Rugby Team; 

  • Cadet Track Star 23326 Craig Greeley; 

    Note:  please ensure we have your current mailing address. 
    If you are not sure, contact us at rmcclub@rmc.ca  

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New Email Service

The Club is now offering a new free email service to Members ($25 per year for non-Members).
The format will be firstname.lastname@rmcclub.ca.

Please email the Webmaster, 5070 Bob Cross  if you are interested in having a unique email address.
Please also send a password with your request!!

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Catching Up With the News!   /   Anciennes nouvelles!

Class Secretaries (and others) We Need Your Help! 

We have been trying to clean out and update our Data Base over the past few months.  During this exercise we had to delete about 500 e-mail addresses that “bounced” (we were unable to deliver for a host of reasons, when we sent out e-Veritas) which indicated the address was no longer valid.   

We would appreciate, Class Secretaries and other readers going over the list by class / college number etc and if you recognize a name(s) and you have access to his / her address, please contact him / her and let them know that we do not have a current e-mail address.  (Key word “current”). Of course, if a Class Secretary has a current list of the Class just send the list to Panet House and we will quickly update our records.  

Snail mail and e-mail address changes should be sent to rmcclub@rmc.ca   (not Bill Oliver). With up-to-date addresses, the RMC Club will be better able to send both the e-Veritas and the Veritas magazine out in a timely manner  

Please Click to recognize names that we do not have a current e-mail address for at this time.

Road Dedication to Miles Selby

http://www.cbc.ca/sask/story/selby051109.html


Lieutenant colonel Alain Pelletier,
Op Allied Force, Kosovo

L'ancien combattant do demain a un visage

http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/news/2005/11/15_f.asp

Putting a face to the veterans of tomorrow

http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/news/2005/11/15_e.asp 

 

 
Dr. James Downey.
New Chairman, BoG, RMC

New Chairman Appointed to Royal Military College Board of Governors

http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=1812
 

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Member Sale price, this week only $6.99!

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Focus
Profiles of our People

Jeffery Upton - New 18 Member Since 1999
 by Corinne Deshaw



Jeffery Upton and Mary Sheffield dressed in 19th century garb
at the Reunion Weekend VIP reception Sept. 30

3387 Jeffery Upton, Class of ’55, was once one of Canada’s senior intelligence officers.  These days he is enjoying his retirement restoring microcars and donating generously to the RMC Foundation.  

After graduating from Royal Roads and RMC, Jeff was commissioned into the PPCLI.  A serious accident two years later changed his career plans and Jeff transferred to the Canadian Intelligence Corps where he quickly rose through the ranks.  His career included a posting to MI 3 in the United Kingdom, Headquarters Allied Forces Central Europe in the Netherlands, an appointment as Commandant of the CF School of Intelligence and Security in Borden and service on the Intelligence Steering Group overseeing the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.  When he retired in 1985, Jeff was a Colonel and Secretary of the Intelligence Advisory Committee at the Privy Council in Ottawa.    

Jeff has been a member of the New Eighteen since 1999, meaning he has consistently been one of RMC’s top 18 donors.  He is motivated by a desire to give back to the College.  “It’s thanks to RMC that I’ve had the life I’ve had.  They prepared me for it and it’s only right that I should recognize that.  I owe so much to Royal Roads and RMC.” 

He also has another reason for giving – the satisfaction of directing his money to causes that he believes in.  “Instead of paying higher taxes to the government, I can reduce my taxes through charitable donations and direct the money to go where I want it to.  ”This was particularly important to Jeff after his wife passed away in 1996.  But he says even younger Ex-Cadets should consider giving what they can afford.  “I think they should work it in, they owe a lot to the place (RMC) and they will realize it as time goes by.” 

Jeff chooses to direct his charitable donations to RMC to academics.  He is a strong supporter of the museum and a new library for the college.  He has also donated generously through his Class of ’55 by supporting construction of the RMC Arch.  “The class raised $100,000 over five years by each donating $200 a year for five years.  It was our gift for joining the Old Brigade.  ”And on its recent 50th anniversary, the class pledged $51,000 to update the RMC Museum. 
 

Military service is in Jeffery Upton’s genes.  His father served in the Canadian Army in World War One and his mother was a war bride.  Jeff’s grandfather served in the Royal Navy and the Coast Guard, and his great grandfather was press ganged at the age of 14 into the Royal Navy where he served for ten years before transferring to the Coast Guard.  

After his retirement Jeff set up a stained glass business and worked on a security contract for the National Capital Region.  These days one of his favourite hobbies is restoring microcars.  He has a 1955 Messerschmitt KR200, (a three wheeler that is nine feet three inches long and gets 63 mi. per gallon), a 1957 Berkeley roadster, and a 1968 NSU Prinz IV.

Jeff enjoys spending time with his lifelong friends from Royal Roads and RMC.  At the recent reunion weekend in Kingston, he showed up with his companion Mary Sheffield dressed in 19th century garb for a Barracks Mess Dinner at Fort Henry with his former classmates.  “The weekend was fabulous and we had a great time.  The rodents are a close knit group."


Jeffery Upton driving one of his "toys," a '57 Berkeley SE328


Pictured is a 1955 Messerschmitt KR200 which Jeffery
purchased new in West Germany following graduation
from the college in 1955. 

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6772 RPW (Bob) Mason at Book Launching of 12506 Lionel Boxer in Melbourne

Photo taken by LTCOL (ret’d) Robert Sealey (RAA) 

12506 Lionel Boxer and 6772 RPW (Bob) Mason taken at the launch of Lionel's book at Naval and Military Club in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.  Copies are available at the RMC Club. 

Lionel Boxer CD PhD MBA - 0411267256 - lboxer@hotmail.com

Sustainability and leadership - see http://intergon.net

Read The Sustainable Way: http://intergon.net/tsw

Hands on Leadership: http://intergon.net/handson
We pick-up our news sources from wherever we can. Readers are encouraged to forward any item on an Ex Cadet, former staff member from any of the three military colleges.  College number & photo will make our life a lot easier.   William.oliver@rmc.ca

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Où sont-ils?  Que font-ils?

Where are they now?  What are they doing?
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. 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.
 

 

  We get e-mails . . .

Bill,

Just a short note on the Chris Ouimet article.  He returned to RMC as the FIVE Squadron Commander not #2 as specified.  I was a recruit and Second Year Cadet under his leadership.  He helped me tremendously as I attempted successfully to adapt to College life. 

Chris saw potential in me despite my rebellious nature.  I am happy to say that his confidence in me paid off and my success to date is a credit to that confidence. 

Thanks...and hello. 

13860 Steve Davenport (RMC ’83)
LCol (ret'd)
Sr Manager, Human Resources
Convergys
Truro NS

Bill and Rolande, 

I was sorry that I didn't get to see you while I was at Gord Hawkins' memorial last Saturday; as it was Phil Antonsen, Dick Byford and others "took me in", as it were, to their Class of '61 group and made me most welcome.  Certainly a warm and memorable celebration of Gord's life and contributions.  I couldn't have been happier to be able to be there.  And such a complimentary day weather wise. 

I was to enjoy another mini-RMC get-together the very next day in Milford.  Four of my Class of '62 classmates and their wives made the trip to Milford to catch the final performance of my play, THE WIDOW'S WALK.  I don't know if they'll send along a copy of the photo taken after the show. Included were Murray "Skip" Schelter, Ron Murray, Craig Kerr (who is not on your list but is "softening" towards becoming involved with the class finally - "another story" there), and Don Gilliland.  (Craig lives in Brighton and has the ReMax office in Trenton.) .... the production itself seemed to tickle everyone's funny bone substantially. 

I'm home in Yarmouth now after ten weeks away.  Our cats have welcomed me enthusiastically, which has not always been the case upon our return.  My wife Lori remains in London (Ontario) for another week, grand mothering.  Our youngest daughter gave birth to our fifth grandchild / fourth grandson two weeks ago: Tristin (with an "i" at the end, not an “a") William Alexander Lemon-Nurse.  We are all more than a little excited by his arrival, especially his 2 1/2 year old brother Ely.  Wonderful part of this Life journey! 

Thank you to you both most sincerely for all you do producing e-Veritas. 

Best wishes!  ..... must go now and tackle the "mountain" of mail, newspapers, flyers and miscellaneous STUFF which found its way through our mail slot while we were away. 

James (Colbeck) - No 5472

Bill, 

Thanks for the piece on my father - Sweet Old Bob, his friends called him - and for the additional note about "le bourgeois" and the canoe trip.  And thanks again for the hockey book - a splendid effort! 

Cheers,

Geoff

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Extra Innings
 Manches supplémentaires

 
 Bill and Rolande

We have been gratified by the positive response to e-Veritas over the past year!  We received many favourable comments, and we are glad that so many of you have enjoyed hearing from us.  We were especially happy to receive contributions for articles from so many different sources.  Please keep them coming!   

Thank you!

Bill & Rolande

 

Au cours de l’année, nous avons reçu avec plaisir plusieurs commentaires favorables concernant e-Veritas et il est agréable de savoir que vous aimez le recevoir.  Nous apprécions toujours les articles d’origines variées que vous nous faites parvenir! 

Merci!

Bill & Rolande


 
 

Trivia Answer: 

:   a.         Imperial

Reprinted from the Jul 2005 edition of the Veritas magazine.

 (Old Brigade Notes 3918 Al Roberts, Adjutant) 

Recently, 4135 George Hosang wondered why the Imperial crown is used in the crest on RMC Club blazers, but the Elizabeth II or St. Edward’s crown is used on the Old Brigade beret badge.  He directed his query to 3959 Phil Smith, resident heraldry expert, who replied in the following sense.  The Club blazer crest, which is taken from the College Coat of Arms approved by King George V in 1920, consists of a mailed arm bearing three maple leaves with the Imperial crown above and the College motto below.  Since the Imperial crown does not change with the accession of a new sovereign, the RMC Club crest does not either. 

The same cannot be said, however, for the College (i.e., Cadet) crest and badge, which bears the Elizabeth II crown.  This crown was worn by Elizabeth II for her coronation in 1953.  When, in 1959, the Old Brigade decided to adopt a beret to distinguish its members from younger Ex-Cadets, the badge that went with it was the College badge complete with the St. Edwards crown.  At the accession of a new sovereign, he or she will decide which crown to wear.  If it is different from the Saint Edward’s crown, the College will be obliged to alter its crest accordingly, as will the Old Brigade regarding its beret badge.

To avoid this inconvenience, the Club has decided to change the badge on the Old Brigade berets so that it will bear the Imperial crown, which is not subject to change with each new monarch.  At the same time, the motto will become bilingual.

"Many Hands - make the burden light".   « L’aide de plusieurs rend la tâche facile »

S125 Bill & S134 Rolande Oliver

 

The eVERITAS electronic Newsletter reaches over 5,000 readers . It is a service provided by the RMC Club for Members in good standing with current addresses in the data base.  It is designed to provide timely information on current events at RMC and to keep Members "connected".  Occasionally, it will be distributed to non-members to entice them to join or renew their membership.  Membership information is available at www.rmcclub.ca

Newsworthy articles from national or local papers that may not have been available to the majority of our readers may be reproduced in e-VERITAS.  We will also publish articles in either official language as submitted by Cadets and Staff, on "current life" at RMC.  Other short “human interest stories" about Cadets, Ex-Cadets, Alumni and current and former Staff at the College will appear from time-to-time.  Readers of e-VERITAS are encouraged to submit articles in either official language to william.oliver@rmc.ca.  In particular, up-to-date “Where are they now?” articles on Ex-Cadets, Alumni and current and former Staff would be most welcome.

eVERITAS is intended as a supplement and not a replacement of Veritas, the highly popular magazine of the RMC Club printed and distributed three times a year to Members by mail.

 

 

Chaque édition du bulletin électronique e-VERITAS rejoint plus de 5,000 lecteurs.  C’est un service fourni, par le Club des CMR, aux membres dont les adresses sont à jour dans notre base de données.  Son but est de fournir des renseignements à point nommé sur les actualités au CMR et de garder en communication les membres du Club.  Occasionnellement, il sera distribué aux membres qui ne sont plus en règle espérant qu’ils renouvelleront leur carte de membre annuelle ou qu’ils deviendront membres à vie.  Les renseignements sur l’adhésion au Club sont disponibles au www.rmcclub.ca.

Articles d’intérêt national ou local qui ne sont pas disponibles à la majorité de nos lecteurs seront reproduits dans e-VERITAS.  Nous produirons aussi des articles dans l’une des deux langues officielles soumis par les élèves officiers et le personnel du Collège sur la vie actuelle au CMR.  Nous offrirons de temps à autre de courtes anecdotes sur les élèves officiers, les Anciens et les membres du personnel d’hier et d’aujourd’hui. Nous encourageons les lecteurs de e-VERITAS à soumettre des articles dans l’une ou l’autre des deux langues officielles à Rolande.Oliver@rmc.ca.  En particulier des articles récents sur « Où sont-ils présentement? » seraient grandement appréciés.

e-VERITAS est un supplément et NON une substitution pour VERITAS la revue populaire du Club des CMR imprimée et distribuée aux membres en règle, par la poste, trois fois par année.

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