Regimental Society Newsletter S s - Lord Strathcona's Horse

Commanding OfficerBy Lieutenant-Colonel D.A. MacaulayOver the past months the RSMand I have had the opportunity totravel. Whether we were visitingthe tumbleweeds of Wainwright, theswamps of Gagetown, the sands ofAfghanistan or tasting the bratwurstof Germany, the ales of London, orthe hearty soups of Poland, I havebeen consistently been ask onequestion, “what has changed in theRegiment?” My response to thisquestion may surprise people.In the six months I have been incommand, I argue that not much haschanged since many of you served inthe Regiment. The Regiment is busy.We have squadrons continually atwar or training on the long roadto war, while supporting nationaland area tasks. Coupled with therequirement to conduct professionaldevelopment courses, soldiers findthemselves challenged everyday.But if I was to ask many of you aboutyour experiences while you were atthe Regiment, I think you would beable to tell me you were also busy.Perhaps you were not focusing onthe new volatile, uncertain, chaotic,and ambiguous (VUCA) operatingenvironment facing Strathconastoday, but you were perhaps facedwith the “cold” facts of the Sovietbear or the “ethnic” wars of theformer Yugoslavia.So, in my opinion, when the RSMand I accepted the Chief of Defence’s(CDS) Unit Commendation as aresult of the Regiment being ableto provide, in September 2006, thedirect fire tank capability for JointTask Force Afghanistan, I felt thatthis was an award that all Strathconasshould take pride in.I have been, and continue to be, aproud Strathcona for the past 19years. During this short period, Ihave witnessed many extraordinarythings. The Regiment has alwaysbeen able to respond quickly to therequirements of the Canadian Forcesdomestically and internationally.Whether it was MGen Grant (thenCommanding Officer) redirectingthe Regiment to Manitoba tofight floods or Col Hilton (thenCommanding Officer) preparingReconnaissance Squadron, on shortnotice to lead North Atlantic TreatyOrganization (NATO) troops intoKosovo, the soldiers of the Regimenthave always risen and conquered thechallenges put forth by the CanadianForces.So, as you enter the Harveybuilding and see the CDS UnitCommendation flag flying proudlyunder the Strathcona camp flag, Iask you to take a minute and reflect.Whether serving in the Regimenttoday or years past, a piece of thiscommendation belongs to you. Itrepresents something that will neverchange, “Once a Strathcona, alwaysa Strathcona.”Nevertheless, this is my opinion,and I look forward to hearing youropinions in the next newsletter.PerseveranceThe Army Run, Fall 2008RegimentalSergeant-MajorBy Chief Warrant Offi cer J. RamsayAs I pen this article, I am forcedto contemplate the happeningsover the past six months. It wouldbe an understatement to say theywent by quickly. The one steadfastfact within the unit lines is that thesoldiers continue without pauseto represent the Strathcona’s in atruly fine manner. This is not just aproud RSM talking; this is reflectedin statements by LGen Skrzyczak,Chief of Land Staff with the PolishForces. Although his visit to the unitwas a short one, he was so impressedby the professionalism of the youngsoldier’s he met he requested theStrathcona’s be affiliated with hisbest unit.Of course, almost everyone is awarehow very busy we are and havebeen for some time now. So whenStrong Contender, the annual sportscompetition, was in the planning,I was concerned that it may provedifficult to field teams to representthe unit. The soldiers within theunit did not want to give up anopportunity to represent us in everysport. There were some soldierswho played for more than one team,at times playing up to three differentgames involving two differentsports in one day. We may have notcome away with first place; but wedid come away with pride becausethose who were willing to representus gave their all.I would be remiss in not recognizingthe fantastic support from thefamilies of all these fine soldiers. Weall know without their support, noneof these feats would be possible.I hope you all had a wonderfulChristmas break (as cold as it was)and wish you all the very best in2009. PerseveranceStrathconas NewsletterPage 2www.strathconas.ca