The Atlantic Branch of the Royal Military College Alumni Association hosted an informal luncheon for RMC alumni at 14 Wing Greenwood April 29. With an estimated 200-plus RMC alumni located in the Annapolis Valley, the event was an opportunity for alumni in the area to reconnect with old friends and make new ones, exchange stories and news, and rekindle the camaraderie of the colleges. Many of the alumni in Greenwood were delighted to find familiar faces in attendance.
Retired naval commander Bill Gard, president of the RMC Alumni – Atlantic Branch, says the best aspect of RMC events such as the luncheon is the camaraderie.
“I really enjoy that we still keep in touch,” says Gard, Class of 1969. It’s great hearing “stories – not only from college, but also careers.”
In addition to hosting luncheons and events, the RMC Alumni Association and members also champion and contribute to many great causes that benefit education, create opportunities for students, support leadership, enhance society and more. In 2024 alone, “the RMC Alumni Association helped raise over $2.3 million for Cadets,” Gard says, helping those attending the colleges with team travel to sports events, group travel to battlefield tours, on-campus groups and activities, annual awards and bursaries. Another notable contribution from RMC Alumni was the creation of the Wall of Honour, created by the class of ’63. Located on Verite Avenue at the RMC Kingston campus, the fixture recognizes former Cadets of the Royal Military Colleges (RMC, RRMC, CMR) for outstanding achievements and contributions to Canada and the world, inspiring prospective Cadets, current students, graduates, staff and all Canadians to endeavour to be the best they can be.
The RMC Alumni Association plans events in Atlantic Canada throughout the year, facilitating the opportunity for alumni to get together and contribute to the RMC Alumni mission. With more visits planned to 14 Wing Greenwood in the future, Gard and retired commander Brian Palmer, the association’s Atlantic treasurer, encourage alumni to come out and say hi. It’s also a great opportunity for recent RMC grads to “meet new people, ask questions and learn,” Gard says, referencing the valuable career and life insights the alumni have experienced and are always willing to share.
For information on the RMC Alumni Association – Atlantic Branch and details on how to attend future alumni events, visit rmcalumniatlantic.ca or rmcalumni.ca or contact Brian Palmer, Atlantic Branch treasurer/ webmaster, at brian.palmer@ns.sympatico.ca
A few notable RMC Alumni include
- Chris Hadfield – Class 1978
- Marc Garneau – Class of 1970
- Roméo Dallaire – Class of 1969
- John de Chastelain – Class of 1960
- Leonard Birchall – Class of 1937
- Billy Bishop – Class of 1914
