THE FORTYNINER - Alberta Genealogy Research "The Recents"

The Forty-Niner
The Association Presidents’ Message
Once again I would like
to take this opportunity
to welcome everyone
to this edition of the
Fortyniner. As always, I
would like to acknowledge
the contributions of the
volunteers who contribute
to our Association as well
as those who sit on our
executive. I would also
like to congratulate our Honourary Colonel and
Lieutenant Colonel on some prestigious awards.
Honourary Colonel Dennis Erker will be inducted
into the City of Edmonton’s Community Service Hall
of Fame and the University of Alberta has awarded
an Honourary Doctorate of Laws to our Honourary
Lieutenant Colonel John Stanton.
I would also like to acknowledge the contribution
Chief Warrant Officer Mike Bludd has made to our
regiment. His forty-five year career will be coming
to a close once he turns sixty and hits compulsory
retirement this fall. CWO Bludd’s career has
spanned many units and tasks, finishing where he
started as a reserve infantryman. I’m sure his wife,
Mary, will appreciate the fact that he will always
be welcome in the Jefferson Armoury Warrant
Officers’ and Sergeant’s mess.
As for my own regimental activities, I have spent
the last training year instructing. The fall found me
teaching on in-house .50 Calibre HMG and Basic
Winter Warfare courses. After Christmas, I was
attached out to an organization that would remind
many of the old Militia Training Detachment, the
41 Brigade (North) Battle School, to be the 2IC
for a Basic Military Qualification (Land) course.
In case anyone is wondering this type of course
load would seem to be the way of the future, with
yet another round of changes to most recruit and
career courses being implemented over the next
4
few months. Fortunately, it would seem that the
reserve force is being held in very high esteem.
We will be able to take control of our own future
as much if not all of our formal training, including
some of the courses in the Junior NCO path will be
done locally at the armoury floor.
It should also be said that in spite of the increased
awareness of the dangers found in operational
deployments in general and the slant of our
national media against the Afghan mission in
particular, it may be shocking for many people to
find out that the trade of infantry in the regular
force is oversubscribed. For most the only way
into the infantry is through the reserve force with
available positions starting to diminish as well.
Therefore, despite a popular prejudice in some
quarters, many young people are as eager to serve
and take risks as ever to the point where many are
being turned away or siphoned into other trades.
The transition in training is one of many that
our regiment and the military in general will be
undergoing over the next few years. One thing
I hope that doesn’t change is the high regard that
the public still retains for the military . It’s not that
I’m worried about scandal, but with the Afghan
mission winding down the attention of the general
public will no doubt shift focus to other areas.
Furthermore, with recent court decisions regarding
veterans’ benefits, it would seem that there are
ongoing issues with that department as well.
In closing, best wishes, and please ensure we have
your up-to-date contact information.
Brendan Yuill
President
The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Association.