Canadian Military Engineers Association

The CMEA is a dynamic association open to all members of the Canadian Military Engineer family. Since its formation in 2000, it has grown to over 2500 members with more than 21 Chapters and six affiliated Reserve units spread across the country.
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September 12 in History

On the night of 12/13 September 1944, the 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade attacked Coriano Ridge supported by the 10th Field Squadron. Lt Doug Graham, MC and Sgt Dennis McLauglin, MM were both decorated for Gallantry.

News

Class B Employment Opportunity

Version française ci-dessous Members of the CME, The Canadian Military Engineers Branch is seeking applicants for the Branch Adjutant position, which has been advertised as a 3-year Class B opportunity open to both Option 1 and Option 2 annuitants. The Branch Adjutant serves as the primary communications focal point for the CME, ensuring information is communicated effectively across the Branch while supporting the Branch Advisor and Colonel Commandant, serving as Secretary…

MWO John Dugas, CD (Ret'd) Receives the CMEA Commendation

On 7 August 2026, the Canadian Military Engineer Colonel Commandant, Lieutenant-General Paul Wynnyk, CMM, MSM, CD, presented Master Warrant Officer John Dugas, CD (Ret'd) with a CMEA Commendation.  MWO Dugas earned this recognition for his remarkable devotion to serving his fellow disabled veterans, including many retired Combat Engineers, in receiving Service Dogs. John has demonstrated his expertise in raising awareness and funding for PTSD Service Dogs…

LCol Ralph Gienow, OMM, CD, (Ret'd) Receives the CMEA Commendation

On 7 August 2026, the Canadian Military Engineer Colonel Commandant, Lieutenant-General Paul Wynnyk, CMM, MSM, CD presented Lieutenant-Colonel Ralph Gienow, OMM, CD, (Retired) with a CMEA Commendation.    LCol Gienow joined the CF in 1960 and retired in 1983 after serving across Canada, the United States, Egypt, The Golan Heights, and Germany.    Ralph has been an active member of the Military Engineer Association…

Heritage Moments

Construction « Outside the Wire"

In late 2007, during the Afghanistan War, Task Force Kandahar planned to implement an 18-month “Shape-Clear-Hold-Build” counter-insurgency strategy. In early December 2007, 14 Construction Engineering Squadron (14 CES) was asked if the unit could assemble a team to form the nucleus of a unit to provide ‘a protected construction engineer capability.’ This was the genesis of the Construction Management Organization (CMO). After a quick staff check, the Commanding Officer said “Yes,” which…

New Military Neighbours in New Brunswick

Events like the Korean War and the deepening Cold War in Europe in the early 1950s resulted in a major change in the government's plans for National Defence. The decision to increase the size of the Army beyond its divisional size meant that large training areas would be required. No existing base in Eastern Canada had sufficient room for such a force to exercise and manoeuvre. The existing training facilities dated from WW I and WW II thus a new facility was considered…

The BC Star Tragedy

On 23 July 1943, the RCAF marine vessel M427 “BC Star” embarked on a fateful journey that would become one of the most tragic incidents in Canadian military construction history. Departing from Bella Bella, BC, the 70-ton requisitioned seine fishing boat was bound for  Cape St. James in the Queen Charlotte Islands, carrying a crew of ten RCAF members, six personnel from No. 9 Construction and Maintenance Unit (9 CMU), and 43 tons of construction materials.

Taken up from trade as…

Retirements

MCpl Alastaire Jon "AJ" McDonald

After more than 10 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, MCpl A.J. McDonald, (00339) will retire on 7 October 2026. A Departure with Dignity (DWD) will be held on 3 September 26 at 13:00 tentatively at the Unarmed Combat Room, Base Gym, CFB Edmonton. Members wishing to be added to the fight roaster are encouraged to contact the DWD OPI Capt K.S.C. Ho at: Kyle.Ho@forces.gc.ca . Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to the same person.

CHIMO!

MCpl Alastaire Jon McDonald (A.K.A. AJ) was born in Ottawa, Ontario. Raised under the strong influence of his father and grandfather who both proud CAF members, he developed an early appreciation for service, discipline, and commitment. Motivated by a…

WO R.C. “Rollie” Winsor, CD

After more than 29 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, WO R.C. Winsor, CD, (00307) will retire on 2 October 2026. 

Departure with Dignity (DWD) 

A DwD reception will be held on 23 October at 14:00. at the “The Bunker” (Pizza Delight), in Oromocto, NB. If attending, please RSVP to WO W.G. Sutherland at: William.Sutherland@forces.gc.ca. Anecdotes and well-wishes may also be sent to the same address.

CHIMO!

Warrant Officer “Rollie” Winsor joined the CAF in December 1996 as an Infantryman in the 2ND Battalion of The Royal Newfoundland Regiment (RNR…

Capt L.K. "Karl" Fugère, CD

After more than 34 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, Capt L.K. Fugère, CD, will retire on 23 September 2026. 

Departure with Dignity (DWD) 

A DWD reception will be held on 18 September at 1400 at the “Tir Nan Og”, in Kingston, ON. Those interested in attending may contact Capt A.E. Lebrun at: Andrew.Lebrun@forces.gc.ca. Those wishing to convey their congratulations, best wishes, or anecdotes are also invited to forward them to the same point of contact.

CHIMO!

Born in Quebec City, Quebec, on 1 February 1973, Karl Fugère joined the 10th Field Engineer Squadron in September 1992 and…

Last Posts

Sgt Erven Louie Cestnick, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Sergeant Erven Louie Cestnick, CD (Ret’d), on 7 September 2026 at the age of 82. 

Born in New Waterford, NS, Erven joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1961 and trained in electronics before remustering to Firefighter. His first posting was Chatham, NB, followed by RCAF Station Marville, France. From there, he served at Bagotville, QC; Greenwood, NS; Goose Bay, NL; and Moose Jaw, SK.  When Moose Jaw closed, Erven began a new phase of his firefighting career when he joined the Public Service Fire Service at CFS Dana, SK.

At CFS Dana, Erven served as the Station Fire Chief, Fire Inspector, and Safety Officer. When the radar stations closed, he transferred to CFB Cornwallis, NS. When CFB Cornwallis closed in 1994, he retired with 10 years of Public Service. 

During his service in Goose Bay, Erven received a Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation, and he received a Base Commander's Commendation while at CFB Cornwallis.

Funeral arrangements will be advised when known. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home

Spr Philip Emberson Weber (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the sudden death of Sapper Philip Emberson Weber (Ret’d) on 21 August 2026 at his home in Edmonton, AB.

Phil was born in Halifax NS and moved with his parents to eventually live in Fort St. John, BC. Phil joined the Canadian Armed Forces and, after completing his basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, he served with a field squadron in Canada. Phil then served in Germany with 4 Field Squadron in the mid-1960s. 

Phil retired from the Canadian Armed Forces upon returning to Canada.  He initially lived in Edmonton but eventually settled in Fort Saskatchewan in 1978, where he worked as a paramedic for Dow Chemical until he retired. 

A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The ALS Society of Alberta.

 

Corporal Bernie Mooney, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Bernie Mooney, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on 13 August 2026 in Hamilton, ON.

Bernie joined the Canadian Armed Forces in July 1970 and served with the Canadian Military Engineer family as a Combat Engineer. During his service, Bernie was a member of the Canadian Airborne Regiment in Edmonton, AB; 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack, BC; and 4 Field Squadron in Lahr, GE (1975-77). Bernie retired from the Canadian Forces after he returned home to Canada.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Souris Legion { 56 Main Street } on Sunday, 30 August 2026 between 3:00 - 5:00 PM.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.