Volume 30, Issue 2 United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920

Royal Alberta United Services Institute April — June 2021

Contents President’s Report RAUSI Reports By Maj Mark Soehner, CD President’s Report...... 1 (Ret’d), RAUSI President Digitizing RAUSI Documents ...... 3 Finance Committee Update ...... 4 Greetings Members. All of us are into the second year of the Programs Committee...... 7 pandemic, and all of us are Vice President’s Report ...... 6 tired of the various lockdowns Communications Committee...... 8 and restrictions. 2020 Journal Update ...... 10 Governance Committee Update ...... 11 Concurrently, this was the year leaving us 1 September, when Honorary Chaplain Reverend Major Lloyd of my Presidency, so that leaves limited access was permitted, Northcott, CD (Retired) Departure...... 12 me doubly exhausted. Leading I was culling files and turfing Padre’s Corner ...... 13 to the Presidency was my effort stale dated paper records. With RAUSI Social Media Update...... 14 in the Secretary-Treasurer pos- no one to answer the phone ition for 8 months, and the plan- or use the computer, both the HMCS Tecumseh Fire Revisited ...... 15 ning of the potential Royal Visit landline and Internet cable HMCS Tecumseh, 1923-1981...... 16 of our Patron Prince Andrew. were cancelled. The Calgary Highlanders...... 18 For those who may have nodded The King’s Own Calgary Regiment...... 19 off during this recent two year We have had qualified contract- Cadet Program Update...... 20 period, the Royal Visit and the ors physically do the bookkeep- When the Robocall Scam Rings...... 21 Grand Centennial Dinner of 8 ing, monitor social media, and 41 Canadian Brigade Group (CBG)...... 22 May 2020 did not take place. build the website, and that will continue remotely. 5 Things to Never Do With Passwords...23 With the declaration of the Homes for Heroes Foundation...... 24 Pandemic last March, our office Our office lease with DND New Acquisitions for the Royal Canadian room #312 at Mewata and access expired one year ago 1 April Air Force...... 26 to it, was declared out of bounds 2020 and I have not seen a The Last Post Fund...... 27 to us by DND. The Officers’ replacement contract. Perhaps Veteran’s Corner...... 27 Mess (CGOM) too has been out we will return to compliment- Valour Canada Update...... 28 of bounds and closed. We have ary accommodations like we Stay Safe On Public Wi-Fi...... 30 not had a function or meeting at saw in the first 97 years of Interesting Dates in History...... 31 Mewata since February 2020. our existence. We do need secure and significant accom- Upcoming Events...... 32 With Mewata not being avail- modation to retain our many In Memoriam...... 32 able, and our office assistant Continued on page 3

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 1 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

Calgary Garrison Officers’ RAUSI Foundation Mess (CGOM) Maj Mark Soehner, CD (Ret’d) Commanding Officer of the Mess Maj Steven Gasser, CD (Ret’d) LCol Ryan Palmer, CD Royal Alberta United Maj Joe Howard, CD (Ret’d) President of the Mess Committee Services Institute TBA LCol Bill Schultz, MSM, CD (Ret’d) Patron Vice-President of the Mess 2Lt Morris Smeltz, QC (Ret’d) HRH The Duke of York, Committee Maj Bruce Henwood, MSM, CD (Ret’d) KG, GCVO, ADC(P), CD Lt Stefan Sabo-Walsh Maj Ken Sivertsen, CD (Ret’d) President Email Maj Mark Soehner, CD (Ret’d) [email protected] MGen Paul Bury, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Vice-President Email Maj Steven Gasser, CD (Ret’d) [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair Maj Joe Howard, CD (Ret’d) Disclaimer for RAUSI Newsletter Publication Programs Committee Chair RAUSI News is a quarterly publication of the Royal Alberta United Services Institute MGen Paul Bury, OMM, CD (Ret’d) (RAUSI) dedicated to the expression of opinion and views of RAUSI, its members and other Communications Committee Chair interested parties. The Editor of RAUSI News welcomes contributions and comments, and Maj Kent Griffiths, MMM, CD (Ret’d) reserves the right to edit same for reasons of space and or clarity. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or the RAUSI. Information contained in our published Membership Committee Chair works have been obtained by RAUSI from sources believed to be reliable. RAUSI does not Col Eppo van Weelderen, CD (Ret’d) guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein nor shall it Governance Committee Chair be responsible for any errors, omissions, claims for damages, arising out of use, inability LCol Ross Wickware, CD (Ret’d) to use, or with regard to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information contained in RAUSI Directors publications. No part of any RAUSI published work may be reproduced, or transmitted in MGen Paul Bury, OMM, CD (Ret’d) any form or by any means, without written permission from the RAUSI Publisher. m Maj Kent Griffiths, MMM, CD (Ret’d) Lt Tom O’Sullivan LCol Bill Schultz, MSM, CD (Ret’d) RAUSI Office Col Eppo van Weelderen, CD (Ret’d) LCol Ross Wickware, CD (Ret’d) The RAUSI Office is closed Website Honorary Piper until further notice. The virtual www.rausi.ca Pte Michael O’Sullivan office can be reached by email. Honorary Chaplain Instagram Office Administrator @rausi_alberta Rev Maj Lloyd Northcott TBA Rev Capt Derwyn Costinak Facebook Honorary Solicitor Address @TheRAUSI 2Lt Morris Smeltz, QC (Ret’d) Mewata Armoury Newsletter Editor 801 - 11 Street SW LinkedIn company/therausi Maj Bruce Henwood, MSM, CD (Ret’d) Calgary, AB T2P 2C4 Webmaster Email: [email protected] YouTube Angela Craig RAUSI Social Media Tokie Brideaux

2 | RAUSI News United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920

Continued from page 1 situation has changed, and he Honorary Chaplain. has now cut back in his many President’s Report various charitable Chaplain The Institute AGM is 22 April archival records. roles. Rev Northcott has done and I look forward to addressing excellent work serving the everyone via Zoom. We will have Our annual payment to CGOM Institute and others, and I wish a list of candidates willing to was made for 1 April 2020 – 31 he and Grace “All the Best” join the Board of Directors, and March 2021, however we did in their new residency and thank those who have served in not receive any use as we have reduced activities. the past. either been shut out by DND or the Provincial COVID gath- I am pleased to announce that For me personally, after the erings rules. I have appealed to Capt Derwyn Costinak, pastor AGM I look forward to continu- the Mess President for a rebate for the Anglican Good Shepherd ing to serve but in the role as for the year ending and relief for congregation and Chaplain the Immediate Past President. the year starting. Time will tell for the Kings Own Calgary I do this with enthusiasm, as I if both our annual $2,006 pay- Regiment, has graciously can imagine in the new role as ment is adjusted retroactively accepted the Institute’s Call that “President emeritus,” the daily and the one going forward. he continues the good works of hours expended will be reduced Chaplain Maj Northcott as our with great significance! m Our 2020 financial results are being audited with the report Digitizing RAUSI Documents expected very shortly. I am RAUSI’s President Mark had them bound into books, pleased that the Institute was Soehner has invested a great these files previously took up able to break the recent decade deal of time culling RAUSI dozens upon dozens of three of annually running in the red. digital and paper files, collating ring binders. I expect to report to you of the documents, requesting histor- Institute having a $2,662 sur- ical records from members all The President has reported that plus in the Operating Account with the intent of preserving this project is now complete and for the year. RAUSI’s history. Over the past there are approximately fifty year, the President has com- similar bound books as shown The Auditors, MGen Barry below (in both digital and paper Ashton and BGen Robert Millar piled documents and sent them versions). m have completed their thorough to Western Digital to scan paper audit of the Foundation for files that were not digitized, and the past year 2020. Secretary- Treasurer Maj Joe Howard and I worked with the auditors and thank them for their detailed examination. The Foundation’s 2020 Financial Statements are available in the Members only section on the website.

Our Chaplain Rev Maj Lloyd Northcott approached me last month asking for relief as our spiritual leader. His personal

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 3 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

2. On the one hand, having the to increase. Regardless of the Foundation remain extant amount of annual financial and requires a separate regime cash flows of RAUSI, which will of bookkeeping, auditing, vary from year to year, the extant financial reporting and stew- arding, all of which incur requirements for stewarding, costs in terms of not only bookkeeping, auditing, financial financial expense, but also a reporting, budgeting and monitor- great deal of time and profes- ing continue to become more com- sional expertise from several plex. RAUSI and its directors must volunteers who have other satisfy an increasing number of duties to perform. On the technical regulatory requirements other hand, to wind up the Foundation would require emanating from many adminis- Finance a large amount of time not trative regimes, including but not only from volunteers to limited to those of the Alberta Committee investigate how to wind up Gaming and Liquor Commission, the Foundation and analyze the Canada Revenue Agency, the Update the effect(s) of winding it up, Alberta Provincial Registrar, and By Maj Joe L Howard, CD but also, perhaps, from out- Service Alberta. For example, (Ret’d), Secretary-Treasurer side experts at a commen- surate financial cost. starting from February 2021, and Chair Finance Committee select RAUSI directors must now 3. Moreover, a wind up may complete criminal background Two issues may interest readers. require relinquishing the status of being a registered checks and submit fingerprints, Firstly, some preliminary discus- charity and the capacity to hence putting further demands on sion among a few members has accept donations, a status volunteer time for no immediately arisen recently about revisiting and capacity that is admin- visible value added. istratively difficult to acquire the purpose of the R.A.U.S.I. in the first place. Further, with fixed income yields Foundation and the real effect it at historically low rates, RAUSI’s is having on the community it is In sum, at this time, this issue is intended to serve. As a registered directorship and its conserva- merely an idea whose advantages charity for income tax purposes, tively managed investment port- and disadvantages are being out- the Foundation holds a particular folio requires more credentialed, lined in principle. More discussion status in its being able to accept more astute and more experi- will follow, and your comments on donations and issue tax receipts. enced investment acumen than this sensitive issue are warmly wel- Several arguments arise. it currently has. While RAUSI comed. See 2020 Summarized may currently have directors with 1. On the one hand, recent his- Statements for more details credentialled financial account- tory suggests the number of (page 5). ing literacy, it has no directors donations has declined. On with credentialled financial the other hand, such past Secondly, as noted previously, investment literacy. performance is not neces- RAUSI’s demand for credentialed sarily an indicator of future financial management by which performance, and donations Moreover, directors of RAUSI the directors of RAUSI can meet may once again increase. are now curating and posting an their fiduciary duties continues

4 | RAUSI News United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920 increasing amount of research, all THE ROYAL ALBERTA UNITED SERVICES INSTITUTE Summarized Statement of Financial Position constituting intellectual property. As at December 31, 2020 Such research emanates from Operating Casino Total many nations, including but not Fund Fund 2020 2019 limited to Canada. In turn, this Assets Current Assets $ 18,125 $ 47,951 $ 66,076 $ 101,707 requires that RAUSI and its direc- Investments 236,483 - 236,483 249,810 tors remain fully cognizant of and $ 254,608 $ 47,951 $ 302,559 $ 351,517 Liabilities and Net Assets compliant with all Canadian and Current liabilities $ 5,761 $ 5,761 $ 104,007 international copyright law. Deferred Contributions - $ 47,951 47,951 - Net Assets: Internally restricted 160,773 - 160,773 182,762 Lastly, with such greater Unrestricted 88,074 - 88,074 64,748 responsibilities being assumed by 248,847 - 248,847 247,510 RAUSI and its directors, greater $ 254,608 $ 47,951 $ 302,559 $ 351,517 demands are placed upon the Summarized Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Assets For the Year ended December 31, 2020 directors of RAUSI to satisfy the Operating Casino Total complexities and limitations of Fund Fund 2020 2019 its corporate governance model. Revenue $ 20,158 $ 44,033 $ 64,191 $ 77,074 These include gaining a better Expenses 19,928 44,926 64,854 87,346 Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses $ 230 $ (893) $ (663) $ (10,272) understanding of all the nuances Net Assets - beginning of year $ 160,543 $ 88,967 $ 247,510 $ 257,782 of not-for-profit organizations, Net Assets - end of year $ 160,773 $ 88,074 $ 246,847 $ 247,510 related fiduciary duties and liabil - THE R. A. U. S. I. Foundation ity for breach of contracts and for Summarized Statement of Financial Position torts accruing to directors, and of At December 31, 2020 the related Directors and Officer’s 2020 2019 insurance extant. Assets Current Assets $ 7,853 $ 16,118 Investments 162,270 142,279 In sum, with RAUSI’s becoming $ 170,123 $ 158,397 more relevant to members and Liabilities and Net Assets Current liabilities $ 2,060 $ 2,000 to civil society in the 21st cen- Net Assets: tury, its financial administrative Unrestricted $ 9,663 $ 12,000 and related burden is materially Internally restricted 158,400 144,397 Total Net Assets $ 168,063.00 $ 156,397.00 increasing. Yet, its critical demand for credentialed talent to assume Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 170,123 $ 158,397 these various tasks competently THE R. A. U. S. I. Foundation remains only partially fulfilled. Summarized Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Assets Hence, should you know of pro- For the Year ended December 31, 2020 fessionals with intellect, courage, 2020 2019 an affinity for matters military Revenue $ 14,993 $ 16,626 and a desire to enrich RAUSI’s Expenses 3,327 5,257 bench-strength in leading in these Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses $ 11,666 $ 11,369 functional areas, please let me Net Assets - beginning of year $ 156,397 $ 145,028 know at ljosephhoward@gmail. Net Assets - end of year $ 168,063 $ 156,397 com. Thank you. m Full financial statements are available on the website, Members > Financials.

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 5 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

security situation in the Arctic Canadian Armed Forces based region on our website. The upon their component of service, Arctic is embedded in Canada’s we provide the following paper historic narrative. However, entitled Income Replacement climate change and the aggres- Benefit Calculation for Reserve sive stance taken by competing Force Veterans. Written by nations vis-à-vis the Arctic is the Veterans Ombudsman, the forcing Canada and its allies to paper confirms that Reserve rethink how we protect our inter- Force members remain at a ests in that region. In a recent significant disadvantage, when article published by The Canada compared to their Regular Institute, US General (Retired) Force peers when the calcula- Programs Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy and tion of the Income Replacement USAF BGen Peter M. Fesler, Benefit (IRB) for a service-re- Committee discuss how competing nations lated injury is being completed. By MGen Paul Bury, OMM, CD are able to take advantage of This will lead to an unfair out- (Ret’d), RAUSI Director and current weaknesses in North come for Reservists and may Chair, Program Committee American defence capabilities. place their families in financial With the ongoing discussions distress. Many of the RAUSI In my discussions with many between the US and Canada on members are Reservists; they individuals across the country, NORAD modernization, and the need to understand how the cur- I hear time and again of the expenses that will need to be rent DND/CAF policy may place great anticipation many hold for incurred by those nations in a them at a disadvantage. all that Spring 2021 will bring. post-pandemic world, this issue RAUSI shares this anticipa- will remain topical for months tion and looks forward to being to come. able to eventually engage with our members on a more per- sonal level. However, until that time, we are working to pro- vide RAUSI members with sev- eral products which we hope all will find interesting. The first item I would like to highlight is the upcoming RAUSI-Valour Canada, Battle of Vimy Ridge’s 104th Anniversary web-based presentation. This will be held Thanks to all of our mem- on 8 April 2021 (Thursday) at bers who continue to provide 1800hrs. Information on how to their input to ongoing discus- join is available on our website. Additionally, with a view to sions surrounding Canada’s providing our members with defence and security matters. Secondly, RAUSI has recently current information regard- Your views add significantly to m begun to post a number of arti- ing systemic inequities which the discussions. cles related to the changing exist between members of the

6 | RAUSI News United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920

shooting competitions, happy in March, and serving on the hours at Mewata, and guest lec- Executive Committee, as well as turers at the Danish Canadian the RAUSI Foundation Board. Club to online zoom meetings of the Board – what a difference a We transitioned to an all online year makes! zoom presence in March of last year and experienced the largest Your President has worked dili- turnout for our AGM in years! gently over this past year to pre- With the roll-out of the vac- serve the heritage of the Institute, cine and promises to have every and the Board of Directors have Canadian adult receive their first been hard at work creating new shot by Canada Day things are Vice President’s content for the various social beginning to look hopeful for a media platforms. All of this in return to near normal in the fall. Report concert with the Strategic Plan By Maj Steven D Gasser, CD developed in June 2019. I encourage all members to par- (Ret’d), RAUSI Vice President ticipate in the virtual webinars Personally, I have assisted both that can be found on our calen- It has been a pleasure serving as the current and Past Presidents dar until then, our social media the RAUSI Vice President over during my tenure, taking over channels, as well as to plan to the past three years. There has as Acting President in January return to face to face sessions as m been an incredible transition 2020 until the conclusion of the soon as they are safe to do so. over this period. From pistol Annual General Meeting (AGM) Are you a 2021 Member? The Board and volunteers affiliate organizations, such have been active during the as a recent registration dis- COVID-19 pandemic, creat- count of $200. ing new ways to deliver value • Membership supports for members. Your continu- ongoing development of edu- ing support of the Institute is cational resources, research very important. and communications. If you do not have a PayPal account, you can still make a • Ordinary Members in good • When safe to do so, mem- one-time payment through standing may stand for elec- bers enjoy social events and PayPal. When taken to the tion and vote at the AGM. a sense of community with PayPal page, choose “Pay with fellow members. • Active members receive a credit or Visa Debit card,” as circled above. monthly emails, quar- The website (rausi.ca) has been terly newsletters, and updated and you are now able to Payments can also be made access to resources on the quickly join or renew your mem- RAUSI website. via Interac e-transfer to bership online with a PayPal [email protected]. Please make • Active members receive Account, Visa, Mastercard or a note that the payment is for privileges with RAUSI’s debit card payment. 2021 Membership. m

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 7 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

added a new logo. Monthly centres and limited infra- Dispatches include personal- structure, Canada rightly exerts ized, email type information as its influence and sovereignty in well as links to website articles. the Arctic on a continual basis, through several initiatives. The website has incorporated However, with climate change Communications event information such as the allowing increased maritime 2021 Speaker Series: The Battle access to Canada’s Arctic region, Committee Of Vimy Ridge - RAUSI and RAUSI believes it is prudent to By Maj Kent Griffiths, MMM, Valour Canada are jointly organ- review Canada’s current posture CD (Ret’d), RAUSI Director izing a virtual presentation and its ongoing work with the and Chair, Communications about The Battle of Vimy Ridge Arctic Council. In the coming Committee on 8 April 2021 (see “Valour weeks, we will contrast these Canada Update” on page 28). efforts with those of other Arctic With no update on future casino and near-Arctic nations. events from AGLC, the update There are also timely articles on on communications focusses on Research and world affairs: The social media and the website, Relationship Between Sexual www.rausi.ca. Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military - RAUSI The team of Angela Craig – notes that sexual harassment Website Manager and Tokie leading to sexual assault is an Brideaux – Social Media and institutional issue. This recent Cross Promotions Coordinator US RAND Corp’s study explores have done a fantastic job in depth this phenomenon revamping our website and within the US military establish- postings on social media with ment. RAUSI questions if the the goal of supporting the study’s conclusions may very The Arctic Council: A Quick RAUSI Mission: To encour- well apply to many other nation’s Guide - Canada was one of the age and promote the Arts, military establishments, includ- chief architects of the Ottawa Sciences and Literature related ing Canada. RAUSI suggests Declaration and a found- to Canada’s Defence and that the RAND Corp’s study will ing member of The Arctic Security Community. make for credible, informative Council. This international body and timely reading. meets regularly to discuss trans- Log in and Payment Options national issues pertaining to are working well as they have There has been a focus on the the Arctic. The Arctic Council streamlined the processes and arctic. With small population

8 | RAUSI News United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920 represents far more than nation to climate change and inter- state perspectives as it includes national pressure exerted by Indigenous and stakeholder competing Arctic and near-Arc- voices. The Arctic Council tic nations. Over the next few primer will update RAUSI months, RAUSI will curate a members on their current work series of articles which will allow and goals. our members to update their knowledge on current Canadian • “BETSY” — Six-pounder policy and our cooperative work Anti-Tank Gun; and with Allied nations. The fol- lowing infographic issued by • What Became of Previous the Government of Canada will Trophy Winners? (which quickly allow readers to under- is an interesting read when stand the aim, scope, and time- combined with “RAUSI lines which our government is Honours Top Cadets.” working to. All in all, more articles are being Interesting items have also been posted and more people are extracted from the Archives. reading them. Highlights of Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework • The Geoffrey Jameson por- We look forward to your com- - Canada has a long and robust trait of Lieutenant Colonel ments. Find out more about narrative which surrounds Mark Tennant, President of joining RAUSI debates below. all aspects of the Arctic. This the RAUSI 1979; m narrative is under attack due Introduction to Disqus Software Several sections of the RAUSI Login is not required to rate an These discussions are open to website now encourage inter- article, a general indication of the general public. Invite your action with Disqus software. whether you found the infor- peers to participate! mation informative, agreed, Disqus is used on several or disagreed. major websites, and you can sign up for a free account that will work on any site with Disqus integrations.

Login is also available through your Facebook, Twitter or Google account. Once logged in, you can comment on articles and reply to other people’s comments.

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 9 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

To further explain this shift alternative views from foreign in RAUSI’s main campaign perspectives on issues of con- effort, and taking a cue from cern to Canada and its allies. its financial management, the large proportion of RAUSI’s As such, and except for bur- financial resources are now saries, RAUSI has had to limit being deployed to empower its earlier practice of donating the RAUSI website, www.rausi. Casino funds to third parties. ca, with which RAUSI provides In sum, the Journal will be a sig- members and readers with rel- nature statement of the forego- evant and timely information ing intent. In the meantime, if on defence and security, infor- the opportunity presents itself, mation that they might not I hope you might advise your 2020 Journal otherwise receive. To date, that friends and colleagues who pre- information includes an array viously allowed their RAUSI Update of analytical briefings and notes memberships to lapse, or who By Maj Joe L Howard, CD written by credentialed RAUSI might be inclined to join RAUSI (Ret’d), Secretary-Treasurer members, of curated articles now, that there is a concerted and Chair Finance Committee written by informed Canadian effort to optimize the real-time and foreign practitioners and value of being a member. As noted previously, the 2020 academics, and of links to Journal [to be issued shortly] Canadian and international Please visit www.rausi.ca to see m adopts a more serious tone than online symposiums offering evidence of my point. previously. Its theme centers on how RAUSI must create new value, renew legacy value and include both in its value propos- ition offered to members and pro- spective members alike. Doing so enables RAUSI to be more rel- evant to more members of civil society. Recognizing provincial/ regional economic complex- ities in employment and dispos- able income, RAUSI endeavours to provide current and future members with greater value for their dues. Check out Journals from the last 100 years in Members > Journals.

Interesting Websites Last Post Fund ensures that no Canadian veteran is denied a dignified funeral, burial and military gravestone www.lastpostfund.ca and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Field_of_Honour

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of the Executive and Board. Additionally, we will pro- pose some amendments to our Interesting Bylaws and engage members Websites with your opportunity to help guide the Institute forward. We Canadian Research and are pressing forward to adjust Mapping Association and overcome some barriers to interactive maps “The our continued success and the Road to Liberation” battle is arduous. Please plan to www.project44.ca participate with us to keep the Institute viable. A BBC article on Canada and the CF105 Avro Governance There are seven (7) vacancies Arrow on the Board for your election www.bbc.com/future/ Committee vote: President; Vice President; article/20200615-the-record- and five (5) Board positions. In breaking-jet-which-still- Update the last newsletter there was haunts-a-country a call for nominations to the By LCol Ross Wickware, CD (Ret’d), Board and your Nomination History of the C130 Chair Governance Committee Hercules Committee has been successful. skiesmag.com/press-releases/ It seems like forever since we We are excited to have Kent history-behind-the-hercules/ were able to get together, in our Griffiths nominated as 100th year of the Royal Alberta Canadian Defence President, Eppo van Weelderen United Services Institute, a his- Review on-line magazine as Vice President, and Karen tory that includes the warriors on Canadian and Storwick, Doug Stinson and and families from too many International military Anna Kocot accepting nom- wars and operations since 1920. affairs ination to our Board. Tom Spring and vaccines bring new canadiandefencereview.com/ O’Sullivan and this scribe have energy to our lives. agreed to seek yet another term, Canadian Army Today We are trying to bring our gov- with your agreement. The elec- canadianarmytoday.com/ erning documents in-line with tion will be conducted electron- category/news/ the necessities of today and the ically, with hard copy ballots future continued operations of being provided to members who our Institute. have requested them.

On April 22, 2021 we will be Have a healthy and happy having our Annual General Spring, let’s get together again m Meeting including the election on April 22, 2021.

Mark your Calendar 22 RAUSI Annual General Meeting via Zoom Thursday, 22 April 2021, 1900 hours

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 11 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

Honorary Chaplain Reverend Major Lloyd Northcott, CD (Retired) Departure By Maj Mark Soehner, CD love of history has led to several Grace all the best with their (Ret’d), RAUSI President historical walks through the old upcoming move (downsizing) Currie Barracks, and his most and settling into their new place. I am taking this moment to give recent “Inside Mewata” video Once COVID-19 restrictions are a public thank you to Reverend tour sharing the history of the over, I am sure Lloyd and Grace Major Lloyd Northcott, CD, Armoury and the Institute’s will be seen at various RAUSI (Retired) for his excellent ser- connection with Mewata over and other activities and events vice to the Institute and the the past 100 years. around the City. Until then!!! many organizations that he has assisted in the Calgary Military All members of the Institute Thank you Chaplain, and God Community. Notably being wish Padre Lloyd and his wife Bless You. m the Chaplain at the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies at The Military Museums. Inside Mewata with Rev Maj Lloyd Northcott Armoury to film a behind the Major Northcott accepted the scenes tour. position of Institute Honorary Chaplain in 2013 and has served Lloyd takes us from the base- our Community exception- ment to the bar, sharing stor- ally well the past 8 years. We ies about the history of the have been fortunate to have Armoury and the Institute’s had Chaplain Northcott as our In November 2020, Rev connection with the building spiritual leader. Maj Lloyd Northcott, MGen over the past 100 years. Paul Bury, and Angela Padre Lloyd was much more than Craig went to the Mewata Watch the video. m just our Honorary Chaplain; his

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stint in the CAF. I entered pas- local parish. After completing toral ministry as a Pentecostal my Master’s degree and then my minister back in 1994. While wife, Wanda, earning her B.Ed., pastoring a church in Squamish, we moved to Calgary in 2013. BC, I was introduced to the Canadian Cadet Movement and I served as the Assistant Priest enrolled in November 2000 at St James Anglican Church in to serve as an officer with 835 Ranchlands for 3½ years, and Griffin Royal Canadian Air Cadet during this time I was approached Padre’s Corner Squadron. I served initially as by Ken Nettleton about taking the Admin O before taking on on the role of Chaplain to the leadership as the CO. This was Calgary Highlanders, since he short-lived, however, as I ended would soon be leaving the unit. up relocating to take a church in Unfortunately, the timing wasn’t Nelson, BC, in 2003. In Nelson, right for me at that point, but it I attached myself to 561 Osprey sparked my interest in military Squadron and became the CO chaplaincy again. When I left St there a year later. After that, I James, it was to become the sole took command of 531 City of priest at the Church of the Good Trail Squadron. With a move to Shepherd in Spruce Cliff, and Toronto in 2009 to do graduate this transition opened the door By Rev Capt Derwyn Costinak, studies, my final posting before for me to enrol. RAUSI Honorary Chaplin retiring from the Air Force was to serve as Duty Ops O at Since LCol Darryl Watts and Greetings to you all! As I step into the Blackdown Cadet Summer I were already friends, it was a the role of Honorary Chaplain— Training Centre in CFB Borden. simple matter to ask him about knowing full well that I cannot the possibility of coming on fill Rev Lloyd Northcott’s shoes While in Toronto, I switched strength with the KOCR ... and — I look forward to making my teams, as it were, and became an the rest, as they say, is history! contribution to the ongoing Anglican. I also began to explore More of my story will come out work of RAUSI. It makes good military chaplaincy as a career in future articles, and I hope sense, then, to begin with an option. My change of religious my experiences and observa- introduction… denomination, however, created a barrier to easily moving into tions will help paint a picture I am currently the Chaplain the Regular Force, so we shelved of my desire to support those for the King’s Own Calgary that idea for the time being, giving of themselves to serve Regiment, having enrolled in focussing instead on re-entering in the Canadian Armed Forces. m June 2019, but this is not my first full-time pastoral ministry in a Onward!

Did you Know... You can find the latest newsletters from Edmonton United Services Institute, USI Nanaimo and North Island, RUSI Nova Scotia and The Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health in the Members area of the RAUSI website. Go to Members > Newsletters.

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 13 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

Our profile photo is updated Facebook once a month with the same image we use in the month’s facebook.com/TheRAUSI Dispatches (except LinkedIn) (@TheRAUSI) for continuity and to provide Page Followers: 91 (+4) a new and fresh look. We con- Page Likes: 86 (+4) tinue encouraging photo sub- mission through social media and Dispatches to engage with Instagram our followers and readers. instagram.com/rausi_alberta (@rausi_alberta) Currently, we are cross-promo- ting the co-sponsored virtual Page Followers: 88 (+6) RAUSI Social talk event with Valour Canada Media Update (scheduled for April 8th). We Twitter expect this cross-promotion will twitter.com/TheRAUSI January through help their followers to discover (@TheRausi) our organization through their March 2021 social media posts. Page Followers: 15 (+5) By Tokie Brideaux, RAUSI’s Social Media Coordinator We continue to reach out and LinkedIn encourage other USI organ- With an addition of a com- linkedin.com/company/ izations to follow our social therausi pany profile page on LinkedIn, media channels. RAUSI’s four social media plat- Page Followers: 22 (+22) m forms – Facebook, Twitter, Some key statistics from January Instagram, and LinkedIn - con- 1st to March 15th are as follows. tinue to see an increased number of engagements. Facebook con- tinues to be RAUSI’s most popu- lar social media platform (with 91 followers), followed closely by Instagram (88 followers). All social media platforms con- tinue to see a steady pace in the increasing number of Followers and Likes.

In addition to our regu- lar posts, we offer sub-ser- ies such as “Introducing Canadian USI organizations” (Facebook, January 2021) and “Highlighting women in the Canadian Armed Forces” (Facebook, March 2021).

14 | RAUSI News United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920

HMCS Tecumseh Fire Revisited By Maj Mark Soehner, CD (Ret’d), RAUSI President

I am introducing the following archival story on the Great Fire of HMCS Tecumseh that took place 40 years ago. The story was published in the 1981 Institute Journal and is reproduced after this introduction. Mark Soehner battling the HMCS Tecumseh fire — note the mustache! Forty years past, I was a junior Photo by CFD photographer Orlo Tveter. member in the Calgary Fire the Lieutenant and I could see Lt McLean radioed “Fire Department (CFD). I had been a haze drifting across 17 Ave at Dispatch. Do you have a call away for a university semester HMCS Tecumseh. I expected to from Tecumseh?” and on my return, gladly proved see a roofing crew at Tecumseh, through station drills to the sta- as I knew on my recent return to A pause, not too long, not too tion crew, that I had not forgot- the city, that there were various short, not too hot, not too ten what the job was about. roofing projects currently on the cold, “Negative Eight Aerial. No call from Tecumseh” came The day in question, Lt Ian go up the road at Base Calgary. the male dispatcher’s reply in a McLean and I left #8 Station There was quite the commotion calm voice. located at 17 Ave and 45 St SW in on the North side of Tecumseh the standard shift 8 Aerial Ladder as we passed. You would think Lieutenant McLean: “You better on a driver training excursion we were Santa Claus and his send everything you’ve got — after our lunch. Our destination eight reindeer passing by, with Tecumseh’s on fire.” was to the Children’s Hospital all the happy and excited people at 17 Ave and Crowchild. I knew waving at us, and waving and And that was the reported start as a crew member at 8 Station, waving and cheering and shout- of the fire at HMCS Tecumseh, we were dispatched here usually ing and cheering us we casually the Stone Frigate, on a gor- weekly for alarm bells, so our trip drove East on 17 Ave on the geous sunny early afternoon 30 was to confirm that I knew the north side of Tecumseh. April 1981. With a dried wood route, could shift the gears, and structure, a delayed report of knew the specific staging loca- My goodness ... what is that fire, Tecumseh was doomed. tion on arrival. glow from the drill hall win- Stations dispatched were #2, dows. What is the commotion #5, #8, #20. Nothing could be I was the driver of 8 Aerial with these people? done to save the drill hall and Ladder and as we drew closer to the immediate structure. m the destination on 17 Ave SW, Hey — this place is on fire!

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 15 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

H.M.C.S. TECUMSEH, 1923-1981

A Naval Reserve in Calgary? H.M.C.S. Tecumseh, when newly built, in around 1948. What a preposterous idea He felt the need for a readily of members was increased from having a Navy in the Prairies! available trained force which 50 to 80 members. This is the kind of thinking that could be called upon in times of has plagued the Prairie Naval emergency to support the regu- On September 10, 1939 an offi- Reserve Units for years. But lar Navy. This is the primary cial telegram was received, and really, who can blame these purpose of the Naval Reserve. within 24 hours the Reserve non-believers? Unless a person members were off to Esquimalt. can understand the purpose of In March 1923 the Naval Reserve With their departure replace- the Naval Reserve Unit, whether came to Calgary in the form of ments were required. Many it be on the coast or in the middle what was called a Half Company people volunteered, and with of Canada, its usefulness cannot of 50 members. All billets were this great influx it was obvious be fully appreciated. quickly filled, and there was that new barracks were neces- even a waiting list! Equipment sary. New premises were found The Naval Reserve was first such as hemp, block and tackle, on the comer of 7th Avenue formed in Canada when she was rifles, and a twelve pounder and 3rd Street S.W. Mr. George struggling to have a Navy of her gun was supplied by Esquimalt. Lancaster, the owner of the own, apart from the Royal Navy. Members met twice a week to building, had it renovated at his In 1922 Commodore Walter parade in a building located own expense. Hose thought of developing a across from the Stampede body of “citizen sailors” who grounds. The men received 25¢ On November I, 1941 all the would be trained in the ways of per drill. In the 1930’s as unrest Naval Reserve Units were the Navy. It was Commodore was being felt in Europe, more named and Commissioned as Hose’s belief that a Naval supplies and equipment were Ships. Calgary’s Unit was named Reserve force was important for sent to Calgary. Training was HMCS Tecumseh after a famous the future defence of Canada. increased and the complement Algonquin Indian. Tecumseh

16 | RAUSI News United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920 was known for his achievement parade planned for the follow- all three messes, offices, class- in uniting the Indian tribes ing Sunday, May 3rd was held ... rooms, and a drill deck compar- in an effort to save their land, on the Parade Ground below the able in size to the old one. and for fighting on the side of still warm remains of the well- the British in the war against loved building. Apart from a few The completion date is set for the Americans. classes for students undertak- early 1985. In the meantime, ing ‘Student Summer Training’ Tecumseh is not sitting idle. As the war progressed, it became all training and all activities Upper “B” Block has been reno- evident that present facilities not only of the Naval Reserve vated to provide more office, were no longer adequate. 15 but of all the various groups storage, and classroom space. acres of land located on the whose home is on board HMCS The two remaining ends of “A” comer of 17th Avenue and 24th Tecumseh have been carried out Deck are being sealed off and Street S.W. were donated and ‘on board’ ... under considerable fitted with power and heating. this is where Tecumseh moved difficulty on occasion but none An Atco complex has arrived into permanent quarters in have left home! from Kelowna which will pro- 1945, although now there are vide more offices and class- only I0 acres as 5 were returned Instead of bringing an end to rooms. Tecumseh is to receive a to the City for the construction the Naval Reserve in Calgary, permanent boatshed which will of Crowchild Trail. it has sparked a new begin- serve as the drill deck until the ning. Priceless memora- new building is completed. During the war and since, the bilia which were generously Naval Reserve in Calgary has donated and collected through- Although many artifacts were proven its worth time and again. out Tecumseh’s history were lost, many of which we were Walter Hose’s goals have been destroyed and valuable train- all proud of, such as the twin realized. From September 3, ing aids lost, but the spirit of 4” guns the memories of times 1939 to June 30, 1947 4,506 Tecumseh remains undaunted. spent there still remain in all officers and men and women A Restoration Committee has of us. With the support of the have passed through the gates of been set up among the members members of the unforgettable Tecumseh to serve Canada, and to try to restore or replace lost Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Tecumseh has earned the repu- artifacts. People who originally Reserve (RCNVR, the Wavy tation of being one of the finest donated trophies are being con- Navy), the Royal Canadian units in Canada. Many organiz- tacted and many are replacing Navy Reserve and today’s Naval ations have formed through this the lost ones. All donations are Reserve - past and present, and establishment such as the Sea gratefully accepted whether they civilians alike we can rebuild Cadets, Navy League Cadets, be artifacts or money. One dona- H.M.C.S. Tecumseh once again and “Jenny Wren” Wrenette tion which has been received to be a Ship which we can serve Corps and there are a number of was a $4,000.00 cheque from with pride. Naval Associations in Calgary. the Calgary No. I Branch, Royal Canadian Legion. “Shipshape and Bristol fashion On April 30, 1981 the main she were, and will be again.” m building, “A” Deck of Tecumseh, HMCS Tecumseh will hopefully burned to the ground. In accord Source: The Royal Alberta United be rebuilt early in 1983. Plans Services Institute Journal 1981, with the best traditions of the have been approved for a two- pages 29-31. Royal Canadian Navy, the storey masonry structure of Article is reproduced in full. “Battle of the Atlantic” Church 40,000 square feet. It will house Ellipses are part of original article.

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 17 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

pictured) completed the final range shoot in Suffield between 19-21 March, which included C6 sustained firing (SF) PWT 1-3 range appli- cations and tactical employ- ment of the C6 in the sus- tained role.

The Calgary The C6, 7.62-mm Medium Machine Gun is a fully-auto- Highlanders matic, air-cooled, gas- and they cannot see due to fog, spring-operated machine gun smoke or darkness. The C6 that is belt-fed. Restricted to is light enough to be carried firing in full-automatic mode and used by soldiers on a var- from the open bolt position, iety of operations or may be the C6 machine gun can fire vehicle-mounted. from 750 to 1100 rounds per Plans for the Regimental minute. This machine gun Birthday on 01 April, the can be carried by dismounted commemoration of the battle soldiers to provide either of St. Julien, and the change fire support or sustained fire of Commanding Officer in on a tripod mount. The C2 June are all planned to be in a sight is used in conjunction By Maj Kent Griffiths, MMM, virtual format. Watch social with an aiming post to allow CD (Ret’d), Regimental Major media for highlights. m the crew to engage targets and Regimental Secretary, and RAUSI Director

The Calgary Highlanders have been conducting both live and virtual training during the COVID-19 period.

On 21 March 2021, they graduated the newest class of qualified Machine Gunners The 17 Calgary Highlander candidates are as follows: Pte Celis-Gue- as the Infantry Basic Machine vara, Pte Aguilar, Pte Kennedy, Pte Adu-Boahen, Pte Pasishnek, Pte Gunner (IBMG) Course 0067 Castro, Cpl Williams, Cpl Campbell, Cpl Kiddell, Cpl Arndt, Cpl Khalil, wrapped up with two days Cpl Nilson, Cpl Massarotto-Hinojosa, Cpl Watson, Cpl Fisher, Cpl La- of live fire ranges at CFB yug, and Cpl Campusano. The candidates were supported by their Suffield, Alberta. Seventeen dedicated course staff: Sgt Lodge (A Coy), Sgt Oliver (A Coy – not Calgary Highlanders and pictured), MCpl Huynh (A Coy), MCpl Sargent (A Coy), MCpl Green eight members of the Loyal (B Coy), MCpl Janzen (B Coy), Course Warrant WO Malenfant, and Edmonton Regiment (not Course Officer Lt Sabo-Walsh.

18 | RAUSI News United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920

The King’s Own Calgary Regiment Commanding Officer’s Unit Update The Regiment continues with our and take time to recognize the armoured crewman training and recipients of Regimental awards. driver training on the Tactical Patrol Vehicles (TAPV). We In April, the Regimental Funds have personnel assigned to Op Foundation (RFF) will launch VECTOR and a logistics planner a virtual tour of the Regimental assigned to the First Nations and Museum. Although we started Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB). working with Valour Canada Like everyone else, we are push- last summer on a virtual tour, it ing on with our routine work and is a long process. Thanks to the By LCol Darryl Watts, CD, training while being prepared for hard work and dedication of our Commanding Officer further requests. With the train- Curator, Col (Ret’d) Roy Boehli ing year wrapping up soon, we and two of our RFF Directors, Like much of the province, are looking forward to further MGen (Ret’d) Jay Milne and The King’s Own had to reduce roll out of the COVID-19 vac- BGen (Ret’d) Bob Millar the tour operations in November due to cines and the likely resumption will soon be available. Watch COVID-19 restrictions. Work of more routine operations in the our social media and website for from home began again and con- late summer and fall. the launch. tinued into January. Although routine administration at the Until then we are working in Like so many Canadians we Regiment is still done mostly the current COVID-19 restricted have been following COVID-19 from home, activities that sup- environment. For what is likely precautions and physically dis- port OPERATION VECTOR the first time for the Regiment, we tancing, and I’m sure like many (CAF support to COVID-19 vac- will be recognizing St. George’s of you we are looking forward cine delivery), individual train- Day while deployed in the field. to more normal activities. Until ing and collective training have With no ceremonial activities pos- then, stay safe and stay healthy. resumed while following all pre- sible we will parade the Guidon ventative health measures. while on exercise in CFB Suffield Onward! m

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 19 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

Image from Department of National Defence

training also impacted the 2020 resulting programming is very Cadet Program cadet summer training plan as different from typical years. In all in-person were cancelled. In Alberta, with the exception of Update the absence of in person summer a 6-week period from October By Capt Krissy Doner, training, which normally con- to mid-November when local CD, Zone Training Officer stitutes a very large part of the PHM’s allowed, cadets have met (Calgary1), Regional Cadet cadet experience, 23 virtual exclusively by virtual means. Support Unit (Northwest) cadet summer training courses This has offered opportunity for were developed and delivered cadet corps and squadrons to over the 6-week summer train- interact with other groups from Retrospective ing time frame. around the country and across In March 2020, the Commander the commonwealth, engage with of the Cadets and Junior Current posture a wide variety of guest speak- Canadian Rangers ordered a ers, and has included an area pause of all in-person activities The Cadet Program has adopted wide CO’s conference, year 5 until further notice. Creativity an asymmetric approach to cadet workshop, regional level became paramount during this returning to in-person pro- music clinics and SCOP train- pause as program staff at all gram delivery, which follows ing. The formation of a new levels developed new plans for local public health measures army cadet corps is in prog- virtual connection at the corps (PHM’s) in every area. Training ress and, while final approval is and squadron level. The remain- is being delivered virtually at pending from Cadets and Junior der of the 2019-2020 training the 53 cadet units in Southern Canadian Rangers, they are year was spent putting these Alberta, the objective is to keep functioning as a satellite of 1292 engagement plans into action. program participants engaged Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal The order to pause in-person and mentally healthy, and the Canadians) Army Cadet Corps.

20 | RAUSI News United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920

knowledge to deliver the cadet The way forward training programs. In summary The Cadet Program will con- While the past year has been tinue to follow its asymmetric This summer, Cadet Activity challenging for many, the Cadet approach to returning to in-per- Programs (CAP) will be run in Program has capitalized on the son training and prioritizing major cities, targeting 1,000 opportunity to reinvest in its the health and safety of its par- cadets within 1 hour of the people and the organization as ticipants. Cadet summer train- physical location. The CAP will a whole has come through more ing in 2021 will be composed be a day camp style program run resilient and modernized. While of a variety of delivery methods by local COATS members and this is a continual process, the and will reduce the number of staff cadets targeting younger Cadet Program and its partners in-person Cadet Training Centre cadets and offering fun and celebrate the many successes (CTC) courses, billets and CTCs engaging general activities that that have materialized and look operating. In-person training support the aims of the CCO. forward to continued growth will be focused on force gener- The summer of 2021 will also and development. ation meaning that the limited see the return of Virtual Cadet number of in-person courses Training Centers and these To learn more about the Cadet being offered will focus on train- courses will up make the vast Program check out www.canada. ing cadets in specialty elemen- majority of summer training ca/en/department-nation- tal skill sets that must be deliv- opportunities, taking advantage al-defence/services/cadets-jun- ered in-person. This training of the current situation to offer ior-canadian-rangers/cadets. will ensure that cadets, and in more training opportunities to a html. m the future adult staff members greater number of cadets. continue to have the required

Don’t Say “Yes” When the Robocall Scam Rings

If you still have a landline When a caller says, “YES,” that phone, make sure you aren’t they can hear the robocall, their snared in the latest robocall reply is recorded and used to scam. authorize fraudulent charges via telephone on the victim’s utility Anyone who still has a trad- or credit card account. itional home phone dreads the hated robocall. As part of the The scam is prevalent, the latest scam, the caller, instead fraudulent callers may of mentioning who they are, impersonate familiar organiz- instead asks “Can you hear ations to get you to answer and me?” talk.

That could be a sign that a Don’t ever say “YES” when the scammer is on the other end phone rings. m of the line.

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 21 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

Parks Canada and the Town of With the summer fast approach- Canmore. LCol Mike Onieu, the ing and the COVID-19 vaccin- new commanding officer (CO) of ation program underway, 41 the South Alberta Light Horse, CBG is preparing for another is also our current TBG CO. busy season of individual and collective training. Following The focus of the exercise was the success of the Brigade’s germane given 41 CBG’s ongoing Battle School last summer, 19 support to Operation VECTOR, courses will be conducted at 3rd the Canadian Armed Forces’ Canadian Division Support Base 41 Canadian support to sub-national gov- ernments for the distribution of in Wainwright between May and Brigade Group vaccines. To this end the Brigade August of 2021. Several hun- has force-generated a Domestic dred candidates are expected to (CBG) Update Response Company (DRC) of 68 participate and the courses will personnel capable of responding be administered primarily by to an RFA from the Province of instructors from 41 CBG. To miti- Alberta. Potential tasks include gate the risk posed by COVID- transportation of personnel 19, force health protection and goods, assistance to ware- measures will again be applied, housing operations and general in addition to the ongoing vac- duties. Located in Calgary, the cination program. LCol Ryan DRC’s headquarters includes Palmer (Calgary Highlanders) three additional personnel for and CWO Troy MacGillivray planning, and the remaining (King’s Own Calgary Regiment) members of the company are will reprise their 2020 roles as By Col Mike Vernon, CD dispersed throughout the prov- the CO and RSM of the Battle Commander, 41 CBG ince. Since late February, four School this summer. DRC members have provided So far 2021 has presented 41 real time support to COVID 41 CBG’s summer training will Canadian Brigade Group (41 screening efforts at the Coutts culminate in Wainwright at the CBG) with a host of challenges border crossing as well. end of August with Exercise and experiences. Adapting to operations within the pandemic environment, the Brigade has continued to train both virtually and in-person where practical. Recently, Exercise GRIZZLY READY took place in Calgary, where the Brigade’s Territorial Battalion Group (TBG) was validated on its readiness by 3rd Canadian Division. The exercise focused on a wildfire scenario, based upon a Request for Assistance (RFA) from

22 | RAUSI News United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920

5 Things You Should Never Do With Passwords 1. Don’t use the same password changing a password is a twice. This is key, because waste of time, especially if if the bad guys get your doing so makes you write password—no matter how down the password or com- strong—for one site, they’ll municate it insecurely. try it on other sites. If you’re unsure of the best way 2. Don’t share passwords with to create a strong password, try anyone you don’t trust com- taking the first letter of each pletely. That’s especially true word in a sentence you can of passwords to accounts remember, and also change a WESTERN SABRE, in col- that contain sensitive infor- few words to digits. Then “Now laboration with 38 and 39 mation or that can be used to is the time for all good men to Brigades. This will be the first impersonate you, like email come to the aid of the party!” Army Reserve concentration and social media. However, becomes a password along the in the West in five years. LCol sometimes you have to share lines of Nitt4agm2c2ta0tp!. So Mike Fawcett, former CO 41 a password, such as to a club that no eavesdroppers learn Signal Regiment, is the Exercise blog with multiple authors. your password, avoid saying Director. The week-long exer- In that case… your sentence out loud when- cise will focus on training at ever you enter it! Or, combine 3. Don’t send passwords to Level 2 (section) live-fire and four or five unrelated diction- shared sites via email or text conclude with a Level 3 (pla- ary words, like correct-horse- message. If someone hacks toon) live-fire event, designed battery-staple, that add up to at into your recipient’s email or to provide soldiers exposure to, least 28 characters. (Don’t use steals their phone, the pass- the examples in this paragraph!) and confidence in, the weapons word could be compromised. and capabilities resident within When possible, take advan- the Army Reserve. m 4. Don’t write your passwords tage of two-factor authentica- Fortune Favours the Bold on sticky notes. Yeah, it’s a tion on sites like Apple, Google, cliché, but people still do it. Dropbox, Facebook, Twitter, Above: 41 CBG’s bi-annual publi- Similarly, don’t put all your and more. Accounts protected cation “Live It” was re-branded as passwords in a text file on by two-factor authentication “The Grizzly,” with the first publi- your computer, if some- cation released in January 2021. It essentially require that you features cover art by Cpl Reid Fisher one steals your computer, enter a second, time-expiring of the Calgary Highlanders. they could open that text password as part of the login Page 22: Lt Col Mike Onieu, right, file easily. process. You’ll get that second CO of 41 Canadian Brigade Group’s password via text message, Territorial Battalion Group, de- 5. Don’t change passwords authenticator app, or other livers orders during Ex GRIZZLY regularly if you don’t have notification method when you READY at HMCS Tecumseh, Cal- to. As long as every site has gary, Alta 12-14 March 21. Photo by log in. m Capt D Forsythe. a strong, unique password,

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 23 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

to Saint John, New Brunswick. CP Rail’s Spin 4 Vets Rory’s team CP’s military veter- Event an Amazing ans won the competition, cov- ering 866.8 kilometres, a mere Success 7.7 kilometres more than the It was the time of COVID-19, a second-place team. time of lockdowns, shuttering of businesses, mask-wearing, Due to COVID restrictions, only hand washing and social dis- CP employees were allowed to tancing. Many said it was the participate – so expectations Homes for worst of times; few if any would were that the event would yield Heroes have said it could be the best smaller results than in past of times. Holding a successful years. But CP itself stood up Foundation 4th Annual Spin4Vets event in and increased their matching the middle of a pandemic? They donations to cover all contri- said it couldn’t be done; they butions – not just those from said nobody could do it – but CP CP employees. Rail’s Rory Thompson and his intrepid team of volunteer spin- This is the fourth year that CP ners weren’t going to let that has run this event. Thompson deter them – and CP Rail itself says it initially started because was right there with them, “cov- he had a desire to give back. “I ering their 6.” transitioned from the military, and I was very lucky to have a On November 9th & 10th, seven seamless transition to a role at CP teams participated in the CP. However, I am very cogni- 24-hour spin competition, riding zant that through no fault of a total of 5,382 kilometres, their own, some veterans don’t By David Howard, President, which is almost the equiva- have as much luck and ultim- Homes for Heroes Foundation lent distance from Vancouver ately end up on the streets, years after leaving the service,” he explained.

BGen (Ret’d) Stephen Lacroix named as Honorary Chair of Homes For Heroes Foundation BGen (Ret’d) Stephen Lacroix has graciously accepted the pos- ition of Honorary Chair with the Homes For Heroes Foundation. vimeo.com/486602596

24 | RAUSI News United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920

With over 35 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, Stephen (Steve) Lacroix is a proven strategic leader and brings a wealth of experience to our charity.

His military career has been evenly split between duty in the Canadian Army and stra- tegic staff portfolios at National Defence Headquarters. His most recent role was as Commander of the 3rd Canadian Division/ Joint Task Force – West where he had the privilege to lead and soldier with over 15,000 military and civilians in the four western provinces and two territories. BGen (Ret’d) Stephen Lacroix at the Grand Opening of 908 ATCO Vil- Stephen is fluently trilingual lage – our first Veterans’ Village located in the community of Radisson, (English, French and Spanish) Calgary. and is competent in Portuguese. He holds a Bachelor of Military of the Trust of the 12ième Interesting Arts and Science, a Master of Régiment Blindé du Canada Defence Studies and a Master Association, an Advisory Board Websites in Public Administration from Member of No Stone Left Alone, the Royal Military College and a member of the Treble Top Aces, a Canadian of Canada. Victor Group. company, providing air force adversary training Following his retirement from Steve is happily married to receives F-16 Fighting the CAF, Stephen was appointed Ms. Isabelle Jean, a former Falcon jets as the Managing Director Canadian Army logistician now www.topaces.com of the Alberta Emergency serving in the Federal Public and Management Agency (AEMA). Service, and they are the proud theaviationist. He is currently seconded as the parents of two lovely teenagers com/2021/02/02/top-aces- Executive Lead of a multi-disci- named Ophelia and Celeste. The receives-former-israeli-f-16s- plinary team of Alberta Public family is thrilled at the prospect to-be-used-for-adversary- Service professionals, coordin- of growing roots in Alberta. training-with-the-u-s-air- ating the delivery the COVID-19 We encourage RAUSI members force/ vaccines to Albertans. to sign up for our bi-monthly He is the Vice President of the newsletter through our web site m Board of the Inter-American at www.h4hf.ca. Defense Foundation, President

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 25 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

New Acquisition for the Royal Canadian Air Force and a newer modern aircraft transport aircraft, powered by with more up to date avion- 2 Pratt and Whitney PW 127G ics was needed. The exercise to Turbo Prop Engines with a obtain new equipment dragged cruse speed of 244 knots or 281 on for many years when finally, mph. The range of the aircraft a contract was awarded to is 4,500 km or 2,439 nautical Airbus Defense and Space for miles. The crew compliment is 16 aircraft. 6 (Pilot, Co-Pilot, 2-SAR Techs, Combat Systems Officer and By HCol JE. Melbourne, CD Finally, on September 1, 2020 Flight Engineer) and it can carry the first CC-295 Kingfisher was up to passengers. During my service in The Royal received at 19 Wing Comox Canadian Air Force I partici- BC. A total of 16 aircraft were The new aircraft will be using pated in Search and Rescue ordered and they will operate integrated sensors to allow crews (SAR) Operations. During this out of 19 Wing Comox BC,17 to be able to locate persons or time the aircraft available to Wing Winnipeg, MB, 8 Wing objects such as downed aircraft us were the Dakota, the Single Trenton, ON and 14 Wing from more the 40 kilometers Engine Otter, the venerable Greenwood, NS. away allowing the aircraft to carry Lancaster and the Canso. In out critical life-saving search and the years since, SAR has gone The contract will also provide a rescue missions across Canada’s through numerous changes in complete, modern and techno- vast and challenging territory the way operations were carried logically advanced search and including the arctic. out and the air craft used. The rescue solution, including main- C-115 Buffalo and the C-130 H tenance and support servi- The addition of the Kingfisher Hercules were used. ces until the year 2042. A new CC-295 to the Royal Canadian Simulator training center will Air Force is a welcome addi- Requirement for a new Fixed also be constructed in Comox. tion and will greatly assist in life Wing SAR aircraft was long saving operations by our Search overdue. The Buffalo, although The new CC-295 is a twin engine and Rescue Squadrons across a capable aircraft was aging medium range multi-purpose the country. m

26 | RAUSI News United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920

the memory of Canadian and Allied Veterans. A national non- profit organization, the Last Post Fund’s National office is located in Montreal, supporting the Provincial Boards across the country. The Last Post Fund is supported financially by Veterans Affairs Canada and by The Last Post Fund private donations. The Last Post Fund’s mission March 2019, the Indigenous More than 160,000 veter- is to ensure that no Veteran Veterans Initiative was launched ans from across Canada have is denied a dignified funeral in an effort to commemorate received assistance from the and burial, as well as a military and honour the memory of over organization to date, with more gravestone, due to insufficient 18,000 Indigenous Veterans, than 22,000 finding their final funds at the time of death. Its many of whom are thought to lie resting place at the National primary mandate is to deliver the in unmarked graves. Field of Honour. For more infor- Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral mation see www.lastpostfund.ca The Last Post Fund owns and Burial Program which pro- or call 1-800-465-7113. vides funeral, burial and grave and manages its own military marking benefits for eligible cemetery, the Last Post Fund “To honour and protect in death Canadian and Allied Veterans. National Field of Honour in seems but a small return to The Unmarked Grave Program Pointe-Claire, QC, as well as those who have protected their provides military markers for supporting and promoting other country in life.” Arthur Hair, unmarked Veterans’ graves. In initiatives designed to honour Founder m Veteran’s Corner If you need help with a disability claim, or know someone who does, the Royal Canadian Legion can assist. The Royal Canadian Legion has Service Officers who are trained to navigate Veterans Affairs Canada myriad of Programs, Benefits and Services. You may contact the Legion at www. legion.ca or call toll-free 1-877-534-4666.

Alternatively you can contact Veterans Affairs Canada directly at www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/ or call toll-free 1-866-522-2122.

Image from veterans.gc.ca

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 27 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

Valour Canada Update By Aaron Curtis, Valour Canada Our museum program, the Character of Canadian Military History program (CCMH), is Soldiers’ Memorial, and the other To experience our virtual tours, on hold until late October in showing the Field of Crosses please visit our VT page valour- the hopes that the virus situ- at Mount Royal University. In canada.ca/virtual-reality/. ation will have stabilized by addition, we have added an edu- then. In the meantime, we have cational package for each of the Trench Warfare, with been busy creating additional Lancaster FM159, HMCS Haida, educational materials and new and Dieppe tours. We have also Andy Robertshaw: virtual tours. started to build virtual museum Educational short and regimental history tours! Virtual Tours: videos on YouTube Battlefields, Assets, Watch for the King’s Own Valour Canada has partnered Calgary Regimental History with battlefield archaeologist Monuments, and tour to launch on the Regiment’s Andy Robertshaw to produce a Regimental Histories birthday (April 1) and a virtual 12-video series of short educa- We have launched two new vir- tour of the Calgary Highlanders’ tional vignettes that will inform tual tours, one of the Calgary gallery to follow soon after. young Canadians about trench warfare on the Western Front during the First World War.

As of March 1, the following videos have been released: Trench Tour, 24 Hours in a

To help us continue educating young Canadians about Canada’s military history, please consider becoming a member or making a donation. Connect with us at: [email protected]

28 | RAUSI News United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920

Trench, Trench Construction, and Weapons of Trench Warfare, and can be viewed on ValourCanada.ca or on our YouTube channel’s “Valour Canada at War” playlist.

Valour Canada History & Heritage Scholarship Contest 2021: Now Open The aim of Valour Canada’s History and Heritage Scholarship (VCHHS) is to support Canadian high-school students in their college or uni- versity pursuits by providing an engaging, thought-provoking, and memorable scholarship contest. Eligible entrants have until June 16th to create the best essay and video response to:

Visit a local Canadian war memorial or monument and analyze its historical context, significance, and current meaning. Finish with a brief discussion about the role of Canadian war memorials in the 21st century.

The first-place winner will be awarded $1,500; second place will receive $750. Visit our scholarship page for the rules and regulations.

Last year’s award-win- ning student videos can be viewed here. m

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 29 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

Stay Safe On Public Wi-Fi Essential numbers Free public Wi-Fi at the coffee for seniors in Calgary shop, airport, or hotels can be great. But having your ID stolen isn’t. Just because a Wi-Fi net- work has a password, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Help protect 9-1-1 403-SENIORS (403-736-4677) Emergency (24-Hour) The Way In yourself online with these tips: For EMERGENCY medical, fire Information, advice and help • Be selective about which sites and police response. accessing programs and you visit—avoid those with a Call the non-emergency police benefits for older adults. login. Check your accounts, line at 403-266-1234 to report online email, and social sites an incident that is not 403-266-HELP (403-266-4357) later on a secure site. an emergency. Distress Centre and SeniorConnect (24-Hour) • Avoid making purchases 8-1-1 Crisis support and urgent social while on public Wi-Fi. Health Link (24-Hour) work response (including if you are concerned about a senior • Be aware that antivirus pro- Health advice (including dementia advice) from a registered nurse. at risk in the community). tection can’t protect you from public Wi-Fi threats. 3-1-1 403-943-1500 City of Calgary (24-Hour) Access Mental Health Courtesy Norton by Symantec m Information on all Non-urgent advice on City of Calgary services. navigating the addiction and www.calgary.ca mental health system.

2-1-1 403-705-3250 Community Resources (24-Hour) Elder Abuse Resource Line (24-Hour) Information and referrals for community and social services. Confidential information and support, or to report a www.ab.211.ca suspected case of elder abuse. 19-0002791

Telephone language interpretation service available on all lines.

Interesting Website City of Calgary Age-Friendly links for seniors in Calgary www.calgary.ca/csps/cns/seniors/seniors-age-friendly-strategy.html

30 | RAUSI News United in Service of Defence and Security Since 1920

Interesting Dates in History 1 APR First Canadian April Fools’ Day on 15 MAY England declared war on France 1865 record 1756 starting the Seven Years’ War HMS Erebus and HMS Terror 1 APR Nunavut territory is established 20 MAY 1999 under Franklin’s command sail 1845 from England 5 APR Firestone Tire Co starts producing 1923 inflatable tires 26 MAY The evacuation of Dunkirk begins 1940 8 APR The Venus de Milo discovered on 1820 the Aegean island of Melos 27 MAY The Bismarck is sunk 1941 Matthews and Lount are publicly 12 APR hanged in Toronto for their part in 31 MAY The Battle of Jutland, the largest 1838 the Upper Canada Rebellion 1916 naval battle of World War 1 15 APR Fort Pitt surrenders to Cree warriors 1 JUN Tobacco advertising is banned on 1885 during the Northwest Rebellion 1969 Canadian radio and TV 16 APR The Royal Yacht Britannia is 5 JUN British troops take Pretoria in the 1953 launched 1900 South African War Canadian ANIK A2 becomes 1st David Thompson reaches the 20 APR 7 JUN 1973 commercial satellite in orbit mouth of the Saskatchewan River in 1800 Manitoba The Canadian Air Force (at that time) 23 APR adapts the motto “Per Ardua ad Astra” 10 JUN John Dillinger robs his first bank in 1923 (Through Adversity to the Stars) 1933 Ohio Syria withdraws from Lebanon, 29 APR 14 JUN Walt Disney’s “Bambi” is released 2005 ending 29 years of occupation 1942 1st bombing by a B-52 in the 1 MAY Batman Comics hit the street 17 JUN 1939 Vietnam War, just 50 km north of 1965 Saigon Chief Sitting Bull and his band cross 5 MAY The University of Oxford receives 1877 into Canada and remain for 4 years 20 JUN 1214 its charter 6 MAY Hindenburg disaster in New Jersey The RAF discover Wernher von 1937 23 JUN 1943 Braun’s V1/V2 base in Peenemunde Canada’s mission ends in 9 MAY Afghanistan with a National Day of 27 JUN PTSD Awareness Day 2014 Honour 30 JUN British sixpence demonetised after 11 MAY Einstein’s Theory of General 1980 being in use since 1551 1916 Relativity presented

April — June 2021 Volume 30, Issue 2 | 31 The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

2-4 Good Friday and 6 Canadian Armed Upcoming APR Easter Monday JUN Forces Day PTSD Awareness Events 6 Tartan Day 27 JUN Day All planned events are subject APR Speaker Series: to change due to COVID-19 pre- 1 8 The Battle of Vimy Canada Day cautions and restrictions. JUL APR Ridge (18:00) Snowbirds at Wings All in person Board Meetings are Battle of Vimy 24-25 Over Springbank cancelled until further notice, 9 Ridge’s 104th JUL Air Show occuring remotely by Zoom. APR Anniversary RAUSI Annual 7-8 Railway Days at Please note that dates and times 22 General Meeting by AUG Heritage Park TBC are accurate at the time the APR Zoom (19:00) Peacekeepers’ Day Newsletter is sent out. Things do 8 at Peacekeepers’ change, especially with COVID- 25 ANZAC Day AUG Park TBC 19 impacting many events. APR Battle of Atlantic 6 Labour Day Members are kindly requested 2 Sunday SEP to check the RAUSI website at MAY www.rausi.ca regularly. The 19 Battle of Britain 9 website has been revamped and Mother’s Day SEP Day MAY there are many interesting links to follow for general interest. m 24 Victoria Day MAY

In Memoriam

Donald “Don” Glen SKINNER Former Royal Alberta United Services Institute Director On 17 February 2021 in Edmonton, AB, age 92 Originally from Brisbane, Australia Jack THOMPSON Former Royal Alberta United Services Institute Director On 4 March 2021 in Calgary, AB, age 91 Originally from Oakworth, Yorkshire, England

LCol Henry Vincent “Vince” O’CONNOR, QC CD Former Royal Alberta United Services Institute Honorary Solicitor and Former Commanding Officer The Calgary Highlanders On 20 March 2021 in Calgary, AB, age 91 Originally from Calgary, AB

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