RHLI START OF SUMMER BBQ 2011
Esprít de corps is an essential part of military unit. It is pride of unit and is reflected in the comradeship the soldiers express not only on the battlefield but in social occasions with their peers.
At the RHLI, as we move into a quieter period at the end of the training year (although we have most of our soldiers tasked out teaching on courses, taking courses, or providing support to missions and courses), we have the tradition of the start of summer BBQ. Usually with a theme (Hawaiian shirts for 2011!), the evening includes food and refreshments, honours and awards, and the participation of retired members, veterans and associates.
Paid for out of non-public funds, the evening is a great way to start the summer, show pride in our fellow soldiers, and have a bit of spirit-building fun.
The photos tell the story!
CAPTIONS
131a Soldiers of the RHLI chow down on hearty burgers and swap stories during the start of summer BBQ.
135 a Burgers over the open grill provide solid and taste fare for the BBQ. The food is traditionally cooked by the regimental officers for the soldiers.
136a Captain Dan Ansell, officer commanding Alpha Company, takes his turn at the grill.
151a The RHLI start of summer BBQ is (weather permitting) held in the courtyard inside the gates of the Honorary Lt.-Col. John Foote, VC, CD Armoury on James St North.
158a The start of summer BBQ is an occasion to present honours and awards. Here, Corporal Andrew Eberth (second from left), Master Corporal Don Coulter, and Sergeant Matt Drumm receive the bar and leaf to their General Campaign Star for Afghanistan from the CO, Lt.-Col. Dan Stepaniuk, far left, and the Regimental Sergeant-Major, Chief Warrant Officer Brian Robinson, far right.
159a & 160 a Sergeant Chris Brooks (in green t-shirt) and Captain Dan Ansell (red shirt) receive the bar to their Canadian Forces decoration, indicating 22 years of service in the Canadian Forces!
162a Captain Willie McCarroll, centre, receives his commissioning scroll from the CO, Lt.-Col. Dan Stepaniuk. Capt. McCarroll started in the Canadian Forces as a private soldier, and after culminating his non-commissioned career as the Brigade Chief Warrant Officer for 31 Canadian Brigade Group (and getting two overseas missions in while he was at it, including one Afghanistan mission), he accepted his Queen’s Commission as an officer in the Canadian Forces, with the RHLI.
163a RHLI Honorary Lt.-Col. Tim Hogarth, who is also the CEO of Pioneer Petroleums, speaks to the soldiers about the extraordinary year they experienced in 2010-11, with combat missions, training, and much more under their belts – with more to come. He’s dressed in the Ti-Cats jersey presented to him by TiCats owner Bob Young.
174a RHLI CO Lt.-Col. Dan Stepaniuk receives a cheque for $300 from Lynda Murdoch-Furchner, president of the RHLI Association, in blue, with Association sports chair Dave Walker and our RSM, CWO Brian Robinson. The money, raised from a charity dart tourney, goes towards a benevolent fund for our newer veterans in keeping with the Association charter.