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Official voice of the Veterans who served in the Canadian Airborne Regiment, 1968-1995.

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Name:	William Pender - #030
Date of message :	16 June 2006
E-mail address :
Website address :
Unit served:
Present Location:	Salisbury, UK
Comments:	I presently live in Salisbury, UK, and served in 1 Para Battery RCA as a Troop Commander from 1968 to 1970. Red MacLatchy was the Battery Commander, and Jerry Hirter the Battery Captain. I was stationed in Petawawa with 4 RCHA in May 1968 and vividly remember the tragic accident when a freak gust blew several paratroopers into the Ottawa River and, as a member of the Base Diving Club, was subsequently involved in the recovery of the bodies.
Answer (when needed)

Name:	John McDermid - #029
Date of message :	13 June 2006
E-mail address :	johnmcdermi2716@hotmail.com
Website address :
Unit served:	2716 Mayerathorpe Cadets/Ex-CFPMD Affilate
Present Location:	Edmonton
Comments:	I was just checking out this site when I read that L/Col Rafferty passed on. I knew him when he was a Maj at CFPMD/Edmonton. What was said about him here only reflects my positive memories of this charismatic man. Off the top of my head I remember his moustache with "handle bars", and his unique way of leading. From what I recall he seemed always positive, extremely supportive to the Cadet program, which was passed down to the members of CFPMD who provided excellent positive role models for young people. Yep after all these years he is one of the personalities I remember, and looked up to as a young man. If this can get passed on to his family I would be grateful. From my family in Whitecourt, Capt.Ian McDermid(Ret)CO of 2716 Mayerathorpe RCAC my condolences. He made a difference in my life.
Answer (when needed)

Name:	Jerry "Robbie" Robertson - #028
Date of message :	28 May 2006
E-mail address :	jrobertson6849@rogers.com
Website address :
Unit served:	2 CDO D Coy & RECCE PL
Present Location:	Holland Landing ON
Comments:	Just jumping in and looking to contact jumpers that I served with. Jerry Robbie Robertson
Answer (when needed)

Name:	WO Mike Brown - #027
Date of message :	25 May 2006
E-mail address :
Website address :
Unit served:
Present Location:	Wainwright, AB. Fax: 1-780-842-1851
Comments:	Good day, I just wanted to let those who know Sgt Gillis, Ronald A will be retiring from the CF on 30 Aug 06. Ron served with 2CDO from 1979-1983. He then served with the Canadian Parachute Centre from 1992-1996. I'm the OPI for Ron and wanted you all to know and would appreciate a good true story or two on Ron. Thx
Answer (when needed)	Marlene at ARAC. WO Brown would prefer that people fax him any stories that they might have on Sgt Gillis.

Name:	Al Gaudet - #026
Date of message :	14 May 2006
E-mail address :	agaudet@wanadoo.fr
Website address :
Unit served:	1st airborne commando
Present Location:	Southern France
Comments:	1- would like to hear from fellows that served in 1st CDO from 73 to 76
Answer (when needed)

Name:	Don Johnson - #025
Date of message :	11 May 2006
E-mail address :
Website address :
Unit served:
Present Location:	Victoria, BC
Comments:	Good day, I'm not sure if this is the appropriate contact point but your name was pretty prominent at most of the sites I visited. Just wanted to pass this story on case we want to pass it on to others. 1 Cdo jumper. http://www.vicnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=36&cat=23&id=644929&more= David Boivin, former member of the Airborne Regiment found murdered in Victoria, BC. Members of the former airborne regiment to participate in memorial service.
Answer (when needed)	*Marlene at ARAC:* Please see following note from Herb Pitts Hello All, You may be interested to know that the local Airborne Group "DZ - VI", learned of Dave's Airborne connection in time to attend his memorial service on Wed, 10 May at a local Legion. His wife, sons and brother felt comforted by the presence of about 15 Jumpers in medals and blazers. A Member, Mike Johnson, spoke on behalf of Dave's Comrades, concluding with the Airborne Creed. At the reception following, we had an opportunity to express our condolences and support should the family need further assistance. Danielle, Dave's wife, in conversation said she'd be returning in November for the trial of the persons responsible for Dave's murder. It is possible we'll see her again at that time. Best Regards to all. Have a Good One ! .. Herb

Name:	Scott Fuller - #024
Date of message :	11 May 2006
E-mail address :
Website address :
Unit served:
Present Location:	National Capital Region
Comments:	Lieutenant Colonel Mike Rafferty died suddenly on Saturday May 6th at the age of 58. Among his many career postings, were service with The Canadian Airborne Regiment and the Canadian Force Parachute Maintenance Depot. Friends may pay their respects at the Kelly Funeral Home, 2370 St. Joseph Boulevard, ORLEANS today (Thursday May 11th) between the hours of 7 and 9 pm. A separate memorial service will be held for MIKE at the Holland Armouries, 2100 Walkley Road, Ottawa on Friday May 12th at 1pm. Mike was a true Airborne Soldier in all aspects, mentoring many who ventured "under canopy" and into an Airborne career themselves ....I among the many............ The Canadian Airborne Brotherhood will remember MIKE, his ready wit and quick smile, his sound leadership and his dedication to this nation. Gentle Winds to Mike and profound sympathy to his family......
Answer (when needed)	*Marlene at ARAC:* An on-line guest book has been set up at the "Ottawa Citizen" newspaper. Leave a note to the family. http://www.legacy.com/can-ottawa/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=17713263

Name:	Claude Gratton "Panky" - #023
Date of message :	10 May 2006
E-mail address :	grattonc@videotron.ca
Website address :
Unit served:	Navy HMCS Margaree, 1 Cdo Edm, 3 R22eR
Present Location:	Quebec City
Comments:	I've read about WO Lanteigne and damn prowd of-it!! When I met Rock Lanteigne last summer at RV-05, the day he jumped with the Sky-hawk's we had Breakfast together cause "He recognised-me, but not ME"!!! Like he said "Jeez when I got to the AB Rgmnt, you where with RECCE PLT and I was looking-up too you-guy's" and NOW I'm the ONE looking-up to what He managed too do soo-far!! Great performance there Rock! from your buddy, Panky or Pancrass!!
Answer (when needed)

Name:	John Martin - #022
Date of message :	8 May 2006
E-mail address :	jdmar60@rogers.com
Website address :
Unit served:	Svc Cdo Tpt
Present Location:	Wasaga Beach Ont
Comments:	This week end I lost one of my best friends. Mike Rafferty who was my boss in Tpt Svc Cdo passed away. He was one of the best officers I ever worked with a real people person. He will be remembered by all.
Answer (when needed)	*Marlene at ARAC:* Thank you John. LCol (Ret'd) Mike Rafferty was a former Log Officer who has served with the AB School ALSTW and CO of CFPMD and the Canadian Airborne Regiment. Mike was the CO of 28 Svc Bn until this past November 2005. ARAC would like to express their deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be sadly missed by all who have known him.

Name:	Mike St.George - #021
Date of message :	6 May 2006
E-mail address :	stgeorge82abn@adelphia.net
Website address :
Unit served:	82nd.Abn.Div.
Present Location:	Westminster,Maryland U.S.A.
Comments:	Born & raised in Ottawa. Joined U.S. Army to be a PARATROOPER! by God. Why U.S. Army? Because I had seen/read a lot about U.S. Airborne but didn't even know that Canada had Paras! Says something about Canada and the military compared to the U.S., doesn't it? I'm member 82nd Assn.,CAFA, and Associate member ARAC. Attended Airborne RV last July when home visiting relatives. It was great! Do it every year! AIRBORNE! to Joe Drouin, Michel Cleroux, Louis Lemire & Marc Menard-all members of the 82nd.Assn. All Canparas are welcome. Contact me. Airborne! Fiers Nous Sommes!
Answer (when needed)

Airborne Regiment Association of Canada

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Airborne Regiment
Association of Canada