Canadian Military Engineers Association

The CMEA is a dynamic association open to all members of the Canadian Military Engineer family. Since its formation in 2000, it has grown to over 2500 members with more than 21 Chapters and six affiliated Reserve units spread across the country.
Learn More

September 3 in History

On this date in 2006, Cpl Clinton John Orr put himself at great risk to rescue soldiers trapped by enemy fire. He was awarded the Medal of Military Valour.

News

ADM(IE) Highlights Collaboration, Indigenous Partnerships, and Infrastructure Resilience in Saskatchewan

By: MWO Cameron Wallace, RPOD Dundurn Det SM Assistant Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Environment (ADM(IE)) Mr. Peter Hammerschmidt visited Detachment Dundurn on 4 and 5 Aug 26. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss infrastructure priorities, strengthen relationships with regional partners and engage directly with personnel for the following key focus: Building Cooperation with Whitecap Dakota First Nation The visit began at Whitecap Dakota First Nation,…

23rd Annual Canadian Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony

The 23rd Annual Canadian Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony will take place at the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF) Memorial at LeBreton Flats in Ottawa on Sunday, September 13, 2026. CAF Military Fire Service Involvement CAF Military Fire Service members continue to support the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation, including service on the CFFF Board of Directors: CWO Troy Noseworthy — CFFM’s Office John Sobey — CFFF Secretary (CAF Ret’d) Bruce Paradis…

2026 CMEA Memorial Bursary Winners Announced

The CMEA is pleased to announce the names of this year's twelve CMEA Memorial Bursary recipients.  The bursary provides $2500 to each scholar. To date, the CMEA has presented a total of $234,500 to further the educational needs of our members and families. If you are a CMEA member and want to sponsor a scholar, see CMEA Bursary Program for application details. This page will be updated with photos as they are received. Recipient Award…

Heritage Moments

Canadian Forestry Corps Portable Sawmill

Lumberjacks in Uniform

The Canadian Forestry Corps had provided lumber for the First World War in the United Kingdom and on the Continent. The British looked again to Canada for assistance early during the Second World War as a German blockade was expected. Lumber was required for applications such as the creation of barracks, construction of ships, aircraft and factory facilities, road surfaces, railway ties and trench construction. Forestry troops would also clear terrain for the construction of airfields.

…
Sapper Apprentices on Parade

An Investment in Canada's Youth

In 1953 the Canadian Army introduced a plan to provide a military career opportunity for young men who were between 16 - 17 years old. This “Soldier Apprentice Program” was intended to address the Army’s personnel challenges in the post-war era and ensure that there would be a sound base of talented soldiers and leaders at the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer level. The two-year program provided trades training concurrent with upgrading the soldier’s academic qualifications.…

Izzy Dolls for Humanity

The Izzy Doll is a contribution towards humanitarianism and caring for children caught up in areas of conflict around the world. It was started by a Canadian Military Engineer in the early 1990s. These dolls are now a legacy to the late Master Corporal Mark "Izzy" Isfeld, whose idea was to provide these simple dolls to children innocently caught up in war.

During his first mission to Croatia on a peacekeeping tour, when Mark had noticed a child's doll lying on a pile of rubble from a…

Retirements

MCpl Alastaire Jon "AJ" McDonald

After more than 10 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, MCpl A.J. McDonald, (00339) will retire on 7 October 2026. A Departure with Dignity (DWD) will be held on 3 September 26 at 13:00 tentatively at the Unarmed Combat Room, Base Gym, CFB Edmonton. Members wishing to be added to the fight roaster are encouraged to contact the DWD OPI Capt K.S.C. Ho at: Kyle.Ho@forces.gc.ca . Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to the same person.

CHIMO!

MCpl Alastaire Jon McDonald (A.K.A. AJ) was born in Ottawa, Ontario. Raised under the strong influence of his father and grandfather who both proud CAF members, he developed an early appreciation for service, discipline, and commitment. Motivated by a…

WO R.C. “Rollie” Winsor, CD

After more than 29 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, WO R.C. Winsor, CD, (00307) will retire on 2 October 2026. 

Departure with Dignity (DWD) 

A DwD reception will be held on 23 October at 14:00. at the “The Bunker” (Pizza Delight), in Oromocto, NB. If attending, please RSVP to WO W.G. Sutherland at: William.Sutherland@forces.gc.ca. Anecdotes and well-wishes may also be sent to the same address.

CHIMO!

Warrant Officer “Rollie” Winsor joined the CAF in December 1996 as an Infantryman in the 2ND Battalion of The Royal Newfoundland Regiment (RNR…

MWO Trevor McCoul, CD

After more than 21 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, MWO T.M. McCoul, CD, will retire on 16 September 2026.

Departure with Dignity (DWD) 

A DWD ceremony will take place on 11 September 2026. Those interested in attending may contact MWO G.K. Cornfield at: Gordon.Cornfield@forces.gc.ca. Those wishing to convey their congratulations, best wishes, or anecdotes are also invited to forward them to the same point of contact.

CHIMO!

After more than 20 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineers, MWO McCoul, CD, will retire…

Last Posts

Spr Philip Emberson Weber (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the sudden death of Sapper Philip Emberson Weber (Ret’d) on 21 August 2026 at his home in Edmonton, AB.

Phil was born in Halifax NS and moved with his parents to eventually live in Fort St. John, BC. Phil joined the Canadian Armed Forces and, after completing his basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, he served with a field squadron in Canada. Phil then served in Germany with 4 Field Squadron in the mid-1960s. 

Phil retired from the Canadian Armed Forces upon returning to Canada.  He initially lived in Edmonton but eventually settled in Fort Saskatchewan in 1978, where he worked as a paramedic for Dow Chemical until he retired. 

A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The ALS Society of Alberta.

 

Corporal Bernie Mooney, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Bernie Mooney, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on 13 August 2026 in Hamilton, ON.

Bernie joined the Canadian Armed Forces in July 1970 and served with the Canadian Military Engineer family as a Combat Engineer. During his service, Bernie was a member of the Canadian Airborne Regiment in Edmonton, AB; 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack, BC; and 4 Field Squadron in Lahr, GE (1975-77). Bernie retired from the Canadian Forces after he returned home to Canada.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Souris Legion { 56 Main Street } on Sunday, 30 August 2026 between 3:00 - 5:00 PM.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

 

Cpl John 'Gary' Gallant, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Corporal John 'Gary' Gallant, CD (Ret’d), peacefully at his home in North Rustico, PEI on 30 July 2026 at age 81.  During his military career, John served as a Firefighter with the Royal Canadian Air Force in the 1970s in his home province at Canadian Forces Base Summerside.

A graveside service will take place at 4:00 p.m. on 30 August 2026, at the Stella Maris Cemetery in North Rustico. If so desired, donations in Gary's memory may be made to the Stella Maris Cemetery, North Rustico. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.