Article by Capt H.J. Morrison
“Exercise ROGUISH BUOY 2016 is a challenging exercise demonstrating the excellent underwater capabilities of Canada and our allies. Hosting such exercises ensures we are well prepared for a wide range of situations below the surface.”
-Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
On an uncharacteristically clear and sunny September afternoon, 11 Field Squadron of 1 Combat Engineer Regiment departed for CFB Wainwright to begin Exercise BADAJOZ II. Training was focused on section level live-fire ranges and troop level offensive and defensive operations. Months of training put both 1 and 2 Troop in good position to take on the role of a light engineer in a tactical setting.
On March 22, 2016, a ceremony was held to induct a number of veterans into France’s National Order of the Legion of Honour. This is the highest French honorary decoration awarded for eminent merit in military or civilian service to the French nation. The distinction, normally reserved for French nationals, is awarded exceptionally to foreigners, including veterans who fought in the First and Second World Wars. The ceremony was held at the Maison Paul-Triquet, where Mr. Michaud and four other veterans were in attendance to accept the honour.
Left to right: CME Branch CWO, CWO R.G. Swift, CAF Chief Military Engineer, MGen K.D. McQuillan, Mrs Shirley O’Connell, LCol Ken Holmes (Ret’d) CMEA History and Heritage, Col Cmdt, BGen S.M. Irwin (Ret’d)
At the morning coffee break during the CME Council meeting on 28 April 2016, Mrs. Shirley O’Connell had an opportunity to show Branch Council members the work of the Izzy Doll project over the past decade. The project is conducted in memory of MCpl Mark Isfeld and his humanitarian work with children while he was deployed on peacekeeping operations. The Izzy Doll project distributes the small Izzy Dolls that bring some comfort to children around the world who have been placed in miserable and inhospitable circumstances through war and natural disaster.