I joined the Canadian Armed Forces in October 1970 as a member of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, The Royal Canadian Artillery. That was a few years ago and I have to admit, times were different back then! We're talking itchy battledress uniform with midnight blue berets, weights, regimental brass belt buckles and putties. Sigh....you've probably never heard of a putty that you wrap around your ankle. Look them up the next time you step into a military museum or if you happen to see some military re-enactors at a local event.
A large project that I'm currently working on is bringing the history of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA on line in time for its 100th Anniversary in 2020. The Regimental Museum has done a wonderful job of collecting and archiving much of the history and I'm moving a lot of that history on the internet for the current serving members, the past serving members and the families of members that have served with the Regiment over the years. Has your family ever been connected with the Regiment? Has that connection been yourself? a Father or Mother? an Uncle or Aunt? a son or daughter? Take a moment and check out the collection at www.vancouvergunners.ca Use the search function and type in your family name.
Please contact me at president.vcrgunners@gmail.ca if you have any pictures that should be included in the collection.
Please contact me at president.vcrgunners@gmail.ca if you have any pictures that should be included in the collection.
The Canadian Armed Forces have changed considerably since the day I joined as it has kept pace with the changes in the world.
In 1970, the United States Of America was still in Vietnam. We were part of the Cold War with a Brigade Group in West Germany waiting for the inevitable Soviet attack on Europe. I've seen the Wall that divided the Germanies and watched the Wall come down as the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact crumbled. I've been involved in our Peacekeeping mission in the former Yugoslavia and was there as the mission evolved into Peacemaking with NATO as the lead. I was working in Ottawa as our involvement in Afghanistan was announced and participated as the Canadian Armed Forces evolved to meet that challenge.
I've been proud of my career and continue to serve the military community as the President of the Vancouver Artillery Association, President of The Royal Canadian Artillery Association and as a member of the Royal United Services Institute-Vancouver Society. I believe that I'm 'still on my watch' and will continue to be on that watch as long as I feel that I can be of value to the military community, both serving and retired, hence my involvement in the Association and Society.
In 1970, the United States Of America was still in Vietnam. We were part of the Cold War with a Brigade Group in West Germany waiting for the inevitable Soviet attack on Europe. I've seen the Wall that divided the Germanies and watched the Wall come down as the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact crumbled. I've been involved in our Peacekeeping mission in the former Yugoslavia and was there as the mission evolved into Peacemaking with NATO as the lead. I was working in Ottawa as our involvement in Afghanistan was announced and participated as the Canadian Armed Forces evolved to meet that challenge.
I've been proud of my career and continue to serve the military community as the President of the Vancouver Artillery Association, President of The Royal Canadian Artillery Association and as a member of the Royal United Services Institute-Vancouver Society. I believe that I'm 'still on my watch' and will continue to be on that watch as long as I feel that I can be of value to the military community, both serving and retired, hence my involvement in the Association and Society.