The 26th of June was an auspicious date for The Regiment and Regimental Family that marked the end of a chapter of great changes as we saw the change of Commanding Officer and Colonel-of-The-Regiment.
In a combined parade and ceremony in the RCD Headquarters building, friends and family gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of two outstanding leaders as they depart their roles of CO and CoTR respectively, while welcoming the new CO and CoTR in fine Dragoon fashion. Many Regimental Family members turned out to celebrate the event and the Regiment did an excellent job marking the occassion.
The change of command of The Regiment from LCol Nicolas Forysth to LCol Chloe Summerfield.
With equal importance, the parade also included the change of commanding officer of the Regiment. Presided by the Reviewing Officer and 2CMBG Commander, Colonel J. MacKeen
Following two very active years of leading the Regiment through a very complex and challenging time, LCol Nick Forsyth was recognized by the Regiment for his dedication, professionalism and passion. During his speach he thanks the RSM, NCOs and soldiers for their execllent camaraderie and teamwork to create a highly professional environment. He, his wife Gemma and their four boys were then driven off the parade in fine cavalry fashion but wont go far as he assumes responsibilities with Garrison Petawawa and the Div Support Group.
The Regiment also had the chance to officially welcome LCol Chloe Summerfield back into the Regimental fold as the 60th Commanding Officer along with her husband Col John Summerfield and their two children. She brings the same solid credentials of strong leadership and teamwork as her predessors, promising to support the continuation of excellence across the Regiment.
The change of the Colonel-of-The-Regiment (CoTR) appointment from MGen (Retd) Dean Milner to MGen (Retd) Steve Cadden
The Regiment and Regimental Family were also honoured to bear witness to the change of appointment of the CoTR as an integral part of the parade, and to host the new Royal Canadian Armoured Corps Colonel-Commandant, Jim Lockyer as the presiding officer in what was his first official visit/ceremony since taking the role.
After three active and engaging years, The Regiment bade farewell to MGen (Retd) Dean Milner and his wife Katrin, presenting them with a painting and other gifts of recognition for their contributions. As stated in his speech, he loved the field and seeing the unwavering professionalism of the Soldiers. At the end, they mounted their Armoured vehicle and were driven off parade in fine cavalry tradition to start the next chapter of their lives together. While stepping away from official duties, they promised to keep engaged and stay involved.
We also welcomed the incoming CoTR, MGen (Retd) Steve Cadden and his wife Jenn back into the fold of the Regiment and Regimental Family in their new roles. MGen (Retd) Cadden pledged to keep supporting the unit and all personnel with equal vigour and passion as he starts his tenure.
All told, an exciting event was marked by the professionalism and pride of the Regiment in what they do and who they are.
