DEATH NOTICE
4576 James Archibald McCulloch (RMC ’59) 

West Point Weekend

As we go to press, we have very few details on the weekend.  We do know the hockey team pulled their goalie during the last minute of play and earned a 3-3 tie.  Results from the other events are expected soon and we hope to give full coverage next week. 

RMC / Army Hockey Links: 

RMC Scores Two in 3^rd period to Earn Tie 

http://www.thewhig.com/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=144969&catname=Local%20Sports&classif=Sports%20-%20Regional 

http://goarmysports.collegesports.com/sports/m-hockey/army-m-hockey-body.html 
 

The unofficial home of the Royal Military College of Canada Paladins. 

http://www.geocities.com/rmc_redmen/ 

Historic duel at risk

http://www.thewhig.com/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=144962&catname=Local+News&classif=
News+Alert 

Short video history of the RMC / West Point Hockey Series (recorded in 2005)

http://goarmysports.collegesports.com/sports/m-hockey/
spec-rel/021505aaa.html

Some years ago, my family and I were fortunate to be able to stay in a house in the village of Knocknagoshel, County Kerry – population 200, four pubs – my kind of place!  Indeed, we rented the house from Eamon Walsh, keeper of Walshs’s Pub.  We had a lovely visit and vowed to return.  

Several years later, we were in Ireland again and decided to drive through Knocknagoshel.  I walked into Walsh’s Pub and greeted Eamon.  He squinted through the haze of smoke and clearly did not recognize me from the King of Siam.  “It’s Rick Skinner, Eamon, remember?” I called out.  Smiling and still not having any idea who I was, he nevertheless responded.  “Ah, you’re home again, aren’t you.” 

The people of Royal Roads University may not recognize you at first glance as we greet you.  Few of us shared those years of your youth with you.  We’ve heard tales about you and some, we suppose, are probably true -- though is a wee bit difficult to imagine exactly how all those deeds were done and no one arrested. 

And then, of course, you’ve changed a bit – all for the better, to be sure.  You cut a fine figure these days, though the figure is a bit more oval in shape for some. 
 

We want you to know that Royal Roads will always welcome you home whenever you choose to pay us a visit.  Like Eamon, we will say “You’re home again, aren’t you.” 

Dr. Richard Skinner
President & Vice Chancellor
Royal Roads University 

Royal Roads Homecoming / Western Reunion 2006 is a joint undertaking of Royal Roads University and the Vancouver Island Ex-Cadet Club.  For Ex-Cadets, this is a continuation of those Western Reunions that were held at Royal Roads Military College until the College closed in 1995.  This year we are inviting back the classes that would have graduated or left the College in the years indicated: 

(a) Royal Canadian Naval College class of 1946;

(b) Canadian Services College Royal Roads classes of 1951, 1956, 1961, and 1966; and

(c) Royal Roads Military College classes of 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986 and 1991. 

Click here for: homecoming / Western Reunion 2006 weekend Activities and Events

For the third time in the four years, RMC was victorious in the Annual Historic Hockey Series that was held Sunday, 5^th Feb. on the rink in Kingston’s Market Square.  The College was represented by a group of cadets who play in the College’s intramural hockey league.  The Series, which is played using the rules and, as much as possible, the equipment of the late 19^th century commemorates the longest standing rivalry in hockey: Queen’s and RMC.  The Series also includes the artilleryman of 2 RCHA in Petawawa who represent the British gunners who played hockey while garrisoned in Kingston during the mid 19^th century.  Some of the more prominent rules of the game are no forward passing the defencemen (Point and Cover-Point) not allowed to cross the centre ice, the addition of a 6^th skater, the Rover, and the team’s roster consisting of a maximum of 10 players. 

  
Photo by Steve McQuaid 

The cadets played two games, tying 2 RCHA 1-1 and then defeating Queen’s 3-1.  This year’s MVP for the College was Marco Larouche who scored two important goals in the second game. 

After the tournament was completed, the teams retired to the RCHA Club where the trophy was presented by the Mayor of Kingston, His Worship Harvey Rosen, to team captain, Marco Larouche.  This year’s team that represented the College did so in spirited fashion while wearing the College colours.  Well done to all team members for carrying on such a long tradition!  

Editor’s note:  Over the past number of years, the driving force behind the success of this RMC Hockey Historical team is Captain Brent Mills.  He has been both Manager and / or Coach.  Hats off to Captain Mills!

From February 1^st through the 5^th, fourth year civil engineering students from the Royal Military College of Canada competed in one of North America’s largest engineering competitions.  The 32^nd Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race (GNCTR) was held in Montreal this year.  

This was RMC’s first time entering a toboggan in the competition in the last several years.  The concept was to design a simple cost-effective sled and enter in the race, hopefully building experience for years to come.  On February 1^st the opening ceremonies were held, and RMC students arrived at the dinner in full scarlets.  Everyone else wore costumes mainly composed of coveralls covered in paint.  It seemed that the only people who knew who we were those from Ontario, and those who had applied to RMC.  Trying our best to display a positive image amidst the party and flying packets of butter and coffee creamers, we were definitely the odd ones out.  

The following day the technical exhibit was held in the Montreal Science Center.  Twenty-seven toboggans were entered into the competition, including teams from Halifax to Vancouver.  RMC’s small exhibit was overshadowed by elaborate displays and highly technical designs.  Teams boasted hydraulic brakes, pneumatic steering, and advanced materials totaling upwards of $30,000 per toboggan.  RMC’s toboggan was designed from basic construction more economical materials, totaling approximately $400.  Though the design was simple, every detail was precisely calculated and each component was developed to ensure sufficient strength.  The judges seemed to be impressed with our technical calculations and our presentation.  However, many teams warned us that as first time competitors, not to expect much from our design on race day. 

The next Ontario Winter Games is fast approaching.  With 22 indoor and outdoor sports it is one of the larger multi-sport events in the province.  The Winter Games will host traditional winter sports such as skiing, speed skating and hockey but also has many indoor sports like fencing, gymnastics and badminton.  There will be 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials, 800 volunteers and over 10,000 spectators all coming together in Collingwood Ontario for this exciting sporting extravaganza.    

After a busy fall season of provincial fencing competitions the Ontario Fencing Association (OFA) has published the final selection lists.  The Royal Military College will be proud to see six officer cadets and eight youth fencers, from the RMC Cutting Edge Fencing Program, selected to compete at the Ontario Winter Games March 8-10 2006.  These athletes were chosen based on their competitive strength at specific tournaments, from which they earned points, including open events and provincial level competitions.   

Representing Ontario East will be officer cadets:  I Brendan Kilburn (men’s epee) I Alan Morgan (men’s epee) I Jackie Power (women’s epee) I Natalie Mailot-Montgrain (women’s sabre) II Chantel Lemay (women’s sabre) and II Morgan Oliviero (men’s sabre).  The athletes from the Cutting Edge Program are sons and daughters of RMC staff and military

families here in Kingston.  Selected athletes include Andrew Sheahan (men’s epee) Jonathan Hutchinson (men’s epee) Meredith English (women’s epee) Sarah Kelly (women’s epee) Chris Brimacombe (men’s sabre) Becca Howes (women’s sabre) Cassandra Harvey-Tremblay (women’s sabre) and Kacey Hicks (women’s sabre).  The RMC cadets will compete in the Junior Under 20 age group while the Cutting Edge fencers will compete in the Cadet Under 17 age group.

The Opening Ceremonies will be held at the spectacular Blue Mountain Resort.  Rogers will tape the opening ceremonies and events for later broadcast.  RMC can expect some top results and strong performances from its athletes as they strive to achieve excellence and maintain their competitive edge against the best amateur athletes in the province. 

For more information visit:

www.ontariowintergames.ca

www.fencing.on.ca

Padres Major Eric Reynolds and Major Jean-Yves Fortin, the two RMC chaplains, sponsored a trip to the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa on January 28, 2006. 

Twenty-nine officer cadets, two squadron NCOs and the Padres left RMC at 7 a.m. on January 28 to begin the first of two guided tours that introduced all to the War Museum in general.  This was followed by other guided tours in the afternoon that focused on the Cold War, peacekeeping, and recent conflicts.  In between the official guided tours, the participants had ample

time to explore the museum on their own, and to delve into those areas of our military history and heritage that interested them. 

Everyone expressed a great deal of satisfaction from the day's events, and a bus-load of tired "campers" returned to RMC at 7 p.m..  This activity was judged such a success that the RMC chaplains are seriously considering adding it or something similar to their activities with officer cadets in the future. 

E.T. Reynolds

(Corinne Deshaw left)
I am wrapping up my tenure this week at the RMC Foundation as Events and Marketing Coordinator with mixed emotions.  Starting next week I will trade in my waterfront view of historic Kingston harbour in Panet House at RMC for new digs at St. Lawrence College, where I’ll begin a new position as Marketing Officer. 

I was hired last September on a HRDC job creation contract to help with event coordination and general publicity.  Job creation contracts are designed to provide a “boost” to eligible job seekers while filling a need for employers.  It was a “win win” situation for both the RMC Foundation and myself.  While carrying on an active job search, the government paid me to work for the Foundation and gain valuable experience in a fundraising environment.  In turn, the Foundation had the benefit of my services for 4 ½ months without incurring salary costs. 

In my case, the experience paid off as I now have a permanent, full-time job in my field.  The RMC Foundation and Club has also benefited from three other HRDC contracts during my time here, an administrative assistant position, a lost trails investigator and a data analyst.  Since I am the third contract recipient to find gainful employment, the RMC Foundation has an excellent track record!  

Reporting to Annual Giving Manager Cindy Shelley, I began my contract just a few days before the 2005 Reunion Weekend and Legacy Dinner.  With a multitude of details to arrange it was a very busy time for Foundation and RMC Club staff.  Despite a last minute flurry of activity setting up tables in Yeo Hall, the dinner was a big hit.  It’s amazing how smoothly such a large event can work out when everyone chips in.

I have learned a great deal about Royal Military College during my brief time here, as well as the rewards and

challenges of fundraising.  I have particularly enjoyed writing Donor Profiles for E-Veritas because it taught me about our donors and what motivates them to give.  A common theme is the desire to give back to RMC.  Many Ex-Cadets have gone on to become very successful in the military and in other areas of their lives.  Years after leaving RMC they realize how the College played a vital role in shaping their success.  

Deceased Air Commodore Leonard Birchall’s statement still resonates with me.  When asked by his wife what carried him through the torture and deprivation endured in a Japanese POW camp during World War II, he replied, “It was my training at RMC.  It was my training in those early formative years.” 

The RMC Foundation is a bare bones organization with three full-time employees and three part-timers shared with the Club.  It’s a small organization with big responsibilities.  Updating information on a database that contains the names of thousands of Ex Cadets, alumni and corporate donors is an ongoing job.  Information must be accurate to be used for mail-outs and solicitations.  Financial records must also be kept up to date.  “We have a responsibility to be accountable and if you find an error, let us know and we will fix it fast,” says Cindy Shelley.  

Fundraising is all about relationship building.  The relatively small class size at RMC allows the Foundation to have a relationship with its donor pool that many larger organizations would envy.  The closeness and camaraderie of military college alumni makes it possible to organize class-giving projects with relative ease because Ex Cadets are more likely to stay in touch with each other after graduation.  I look forward to staying in touch with my former colleagues at RMC after I leave Panet House.  

Thank-you for letting me help you and get to know you.  

Editor’s note: Corinne was only part of the Panet House team for a short time but during this period, she certainly has made a number of positive contributions with the Foundation, in general and with our e-Veritas, in particular with her highly professional focus articles.  She will be missed!