As the memories of our latest reunion start to recede. I would like to share with Canada and Canadians a few things that have been accomplished by the Boy Soldiers of 1953 to 1967.
Whether an apprentice served 30 years or 3 years after graduation many things have been accomplished by these young men.
From those that stayed 20 plus years some of Canada's finest NCO's and Officers were produced.
Guys like Charlie Simmons who taught 25 pl the basics of army life which we have never forgotten. To the men like Paddy Phelan who took his commission as an air movements officer. Then after retiring, he and his wife Georgina went on to travel looking after orphans and children far less fortunate than Canadian Kids, in Indonesia, Ghana etc. Dave Maxwell who bought his way out in 67 or 68. he was one of the first Canadian Government employees to work with Computers when they were still in their infancy and filled entire rooms. He now operates a home Health business with his wife Marjory in the USA. Bob Baxter who took his Queen's commission all those years ago and remained in the transport mode. Bob still wears his uniform proudly as a member of the reserves. Bob also instructs at the Atlantic Police Academy here on PEI. Denny Deneumoustier took his commission and was my first platoon officer. To this day Denny is a mine of Military Information, Fishing advice and all things to do with Canada.
Doug Moore who took his commission and graduated from medical school specializing in Psychiatry. He was a consultant here on PEI until 2 years ago when he took a position teaching at a university hospital in New Zealand. Bernie Goetze also took his commission and became a UN Advisor for the Canadian Government. Many many stories of men who took their commissions are talked about Ted Swain ( Canada's FIRST Apprentice) and Lee Roberge became pilots.
The ones who chose to remain in the ranks became Sgts. Sgts Major and the ultimate rank of CWO (WO1) the RSM's of various units. Bill Courtice, Manny Raspberry, Jim Wallace, John Martin, Bob Garsnell to mention but a few. George Girling a fellow cook spends 6 months of the year in Vietnam, he was my mentor as a young cook and we shared a few adventures. Thanks George. See you at the reunion 2012 God willing and the Creek don't rise
Men like Ray Piner who reached the rank of Cpl was as much of an asset to Canada as the ones who strove to move higher in Rank. After all the Apprentice Plan was aimed at producing NCO's for the army..
In civilian life we Have Art Turnbull an Anglican Priest, Roy Kahle a very successful Lawyer in BC and also on the Aboriginal rights commission. Doug Foley who went on to become a staff Sgt in the OPP. Limey Williams (the first ) A well respected dental Hygienist in BC. Far too many to mention each by name.
CANADA you should be proud of those who served and of those who are currently serving, Sons, Daughters and grandchilren of these men are part of todays military.
Please show your support for todays military. Thank you, merci, Danke,Spaceba
I leave you with the prayer that we all meet again at the Reunion in 2012. Thanks Guys.
Once a Green Monster always a green Monster
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
