1. Esprit de Corps, and more… BGen (ret’d) Bill Brewer
RCEME Guild,
75th Anniversary,
Esprit de Corps, and more…
BGen (ret’d) Bill Brewer
Col Cmdt

3. Agenda
Role of Colonel Cmdt
Update on the RCEME Guild
Our recently approved Foundation
(Re)connecting with our Roots
75th Anniversary
Esprit de Corps

4. LAD UPDATE
The RCEME Guild currently has the following LADs across Canada:
LAD Kingston—101
LAD Toronto—102
LAD Borden(Home Station)—103
LAD Ottawa-NCR—104
LAD Western Canada—105
LAD Petawawa—106
LAD Gagetown (Atlantic Area)—107
LAD Region de Montreal—108
LAD Ville de Quebec—111
Generating interest in other LADs…..a work in progress!
Issue: Achieving LAD participation that reflects the broad spectrum of Reg Force, Reserves and retirees still very much a work in progress.

5. Why Are LADs Important?
The LAD network provides a more “informal” network for all ranks and retirees to participate in any number of activities which, at the end of the day, will contribute in helping to strengthen:
The Corps of RCEME, including its Reserve elements; and
Our incredible and second to none “Esprit de Corps”
WHOAAAAA!👍

6. RCEME GUILD IMPROVING BENEFITS
Your RCEME Guild Board of Directors is spending a lot of time trying to improve the benefits available through the Guild:
Bursaries with larger financial benefits….bursary values just increased from $500 to $800. Phase 2 planned with bigger increases.
Just approved increasing the number of sponsored teams for regional and national sporting events from 7 to 13.
Currently trying to negotiate a deal with an Insurance provider that would provide preferred rates for RCEME Guild membership.
.….With Much more to follow

7. The RCEME Craftsman Heritage and Museum Foundation
Our New Foundation
The RCEME Craftsman Heritage and Museum Foundation

8. (Re)connecting with our Roots 75th Anniversary Focus
Issue
There is a huge piece of our RCEME Corps Community, primarily veterans/retirees, that has virtually “disappeared” over time. Although for some this is due to a lack of interest, for others this has happened because personal and/or family situations have driven individuals to relocate to areas where staying connected is difficult.

9. Some Background Discussions with Corps Padre~early 2019
LAD 102(Toronto) input~late March
Discussion at Heritage Committee Meeting—8 Apr
75th Anniversary Focus

10. One of Our War Heroes Sgt(ret’d) Maurice Bidart
Born in North Sydney, NS, 22 March 1914.
Joined RCEME in 1942.
Deployed overseas as an automotive technician in early 1944, finishing in Germany at the end of the war.
Returned to Sydney after the War and upon retirement in the late 1940’s, opened his own maintenance and repair business.
Just celebrated his 105th birthday this past March in Sydney, where he has been member of the Legion for 61 years!
ARTE ET MARTE

12. Corps of RCEME 75th Anniversary
BLUEBELL 2019

13. National Activities
In addition to RCEME Days on Bases across the country, Regions will lead:
RCEME Marching Team at Nijmegen
(NDHQ)
Adventure Training Gros Morne National Park
(Atlantic Region)
Military Skill-at-Arms Competition
(RCEME School)
Recovery and MRT Exercise
(Western Region)
Army Ball, Army Run
Army Week Events
National Memorial Sentry Program
(NDHQ)
‘Défi Ferraille’ Competition
(Quebec Region)
Mobile Repair Team Challenge
(Ontario Region)

15. Some Key Points to Note….
This is the biggest celebration to happen in the Corps in 25 years……;
Incredible opportunity to focus on our heritage, legacy and successes;
Everything we do this year will help set the stage for our 100th Anniversary in 2044;
Fundraising has now surpassed $60K, but we need to do more…..budget is ~$92K;
“Find a way to participate in, contribute to and enjoy this high octane Anniversary celebration…you deserve it!”

16. 75th Fundraising Corporate Contributions: $32,500
LAD contributions(WC & Toronto): $6,550
Guild members & Friends of RCEME
Total of ~ 120 individuals $21,050
Total: $60,100
rcemecorpsgemrc.ca

17. Esprit de Corps

24. QUESTIONS