12593 Ld Strath pgs spr04 - Lord Strathcona's Horse

I’ll start this RSM’s Corner with a welldone to the editor, without “Mucker’s perseveranceI would never have found thetime to put pen to paper. Thanks Mucker.The Regiment began the year participatingin EX STRONG CONTENDER,the brigade sports concentration. All teamsplayed their hearts out and represented theRegiment in fine fashion. Concurrentlywork was being done in order to prepare forthe Annual Technical Inspection andStaff Assistance Visit. The Regimentagain rose to the occasion setting the standardfor the other units of the brigade.We have just completed our activitiesmarking the 86th anniversary of the battleof Moreuil Wood. The emphasis wasplaced on remembering the sacrifice madeby the soldiers of the Regiment on that day.An audio-visual presentation with FirstWorld War footage and photographs accompaniedthe parade. This supported the retellingof the battle by Cpl Plamondon,wearing a replica of a First World WarStrathcona uniform. I encourage all membersof the Regimental family to participatein next years service.We have been busy sprucing up the Regimentallines. New paint, pictures, trophiesetc … now line the hallways. This effort hasbeen made in conjunction with the 100%stocktaking of Regimental Society Property.This work would not have been possiblewithout the tremendous contributionmade by Col Reade (ret’d) and WOMacLeod, curator of the RegimentalMuseum. The Warrants and Sergeantshave renovated the Sarcee Room, we nowThe RSM’s cornerhave a rest area to be proud of. In additionthe Cpl/Tpr’s have just opened their ownrest area, which they have named the“Track Pad”. These additions and soldierdriven initiatives further demonstrate thehigh morale and spirit of the soldiers whomake up your Regiment.The Regiment is now preparing to deployon EX STRATHCONA PHOENIX, beingconducted in Wainwright, 19 Apr - 06 May04. We will be training to troop level andconducting squadron gun camps during theexercise. This will be our first introductionto “Whole Fleet Management”, a redistributionof vehicles throughout the Armyto allow for the creation of the CanadianManeuver Training Centre being establishedin Wainwright and the creation of afleet of vehicles ready for deployment overseas.In a nutshell it looks something likethis – “A” Sqn will deploy, train and whenthey are finished “B” Sqn will then sign forthe tanks, echelon etc…and complete theirtraining.The Army is also in the process of rationalizingall the direct fire assets into oneorganization … the Strathcona’s. Once theLeopard is retired the “Stryker” willreplace it. An eight-wheeled armoured car,armed with a 105mm gun equipped withthe latest in fire control systems. The Regimentwill lead the way in incorporating thisnew vehicle into the Army. It will be justone part of an organization using both highvelocity guns and missiles to deliver precisionfirepower to the battlefield…rememberthe TOW Troop?Upon our return from Wainwright theRegiment will hold a Freedom of the CityParade, in Fort Saskatchewan 15 May04. The Melfa River activities will be held26-27 May 04.Lastly, as you know the CommandingOfficer is posted to Ottawa this summer.The change of command will take place 30June 04. My wife, Angie and I would like totake this opportunity to wish him, his wifeBeth and their children Jennifer andDavid all the very best in the future. Welldone, Sir.CWO (RSM) C.R.G. Ells, CD.Strathcona Mounted Troop ReportAfter a very busy ride season, the Trooptook some leave during the month of October.On November 12th the Troop had thepleasure of conducting a Quarter Guardand Musical Ride demonstration for Mr. AlGraham during a visit to the Regiment. OnNovember 14th, we were delighted with theopportunity to ride with and show off theirriding skills to Brigadier General Day, whowas very impressed with the Troop and hassince sent correspondence vowing hewould practice his tent pegging skills.Two new horses were purchased inNovember and two were consequentlyretired. Sultan was replaced by Spitfire, a15.2 hands high chestnut paint, and Shamrockwas replaced by Spruce a 15.2 handshigh sorrel quarter horse. Both of thesenew horses are working well and will beincorporated into the 2004 ride season.Both Sultan and Shamrock received goodhomes with Shamrock being sold to a memberof the Troop, Corporal Ashley Cooper.As the end of the season finally arrived,the Troop said goodbye to four members ofthe Troop in November and welcomed sixnew members. Those to leave were Corporals’Paul Kruhlak, Sean Thompson,Sean Sullivan and Trooper Alex DiBlasio.The new additions to the troop wereLieutenant Clayton Gardner, Corporals’Chad Gray, Stephen Jolly, JefferyKennedy, Nathan Ramage and TrooperMichael Coggan. Upon arrival of the newmembers, the Basic Equine Course wascommenced with the new members learningthe basics of horsemanship, tack,breeds, diseases etc and of course riding.December saw the regular Christmas festivitiessuch as the men’s Christmas dinnerand the sports day. As well, on the 8th ofDecember, the Troop had the opportunityto meet the Minister of National Defence,The Honourable John McCallum whenhe visited the Regiment. The Troop enjoyeda well-deserved Christmas break for therest of the month and returned in Januaryto continue on with riding and the BasicEquine Course.On February 17th, at the opening of theAlberta Legislature a Quarter Guard wasprovided The Honourable Lois HoleLieutenant Governor of Alberta. Thiswas the first official function for the newmembers of the Troop and the first functionfor the new Troop as a whole. In Februarythe Troop also said goodbye to CorporalJeffery Kennedy and welcomed TrooperNicholas McWaters. At the end of February,the Troop was given a two-day Poloclinic by Mr. Greg Garvan of the PoloTraining Foundation Canada. Greg gavean excellent clinic and it was well enjoyedby all members. He was also able to bring inhis mechanical horse, which proved to bean excellent training aid for all the ridersespecially the new riders.Sterling was sold in February to a memberof the saddle club and two new horsesare currently under trial to be named uponcompletion of the two-week trial period.March 3rd the Troop provided a QuarterGuard for the current Minister of NationalDefence The Honourable David Prattduring his visit to the Regiment. The Troophas recently been busy completing MinimumLevel of Competence (MLOC)–continued on page 5Page 4Strathcona’s Newsletter