National News

Displaying 1 - 10 of 945

Sapper Story – Lt Jaeyoung Seo – The Man in the Arena

Article By: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2 During Asian Heritage Month (AHM), we recognize the proud contributions of Canadians of Asian origin whose service strengthens the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Among them is Lieutenant (Lt) Jaeyoung (Dave) Seo, a young officer whose determination, discipline, and pursuit of excellence reflect both his heritage and the core values of the Royal Canadian Engineers (RCE). Born in 2002, Lt Seo enrolled in the CAF through the…

CME Retirements for May 2026

The CME would like to announce the release or retirement of the following members (no biographies submitted): After more than 25 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, WO C.J. Vance, CD, (00307) will retire on 1 December 2026. Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to WO D.W. Drydak: derek.drydak@forces.gc.ca After more than 22 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the…

CMEA Bursary Program 2026 – Call for Applications

CMEA Members, Applications for the CMEA Bursary Program 2026 are open to CMEA members and their dependents. Applications must be received before 31 July 2026. See the CMEA website for additional information: CMEA Bursary Program | Canadian Military Engineers (cmea-agmc.ca) CHIMO!

Athlete, Warrior, Leader – The Sapper Story of Major Jaemok Lee (Asian Heritage Month Edition)

Article By: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2 Major (Maj) Jaemok Lee’s journey in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is a testament to discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Born in Korea, his values shaped early in his life growing up in a small town in Vancouver Island, B.C. From a young age, Jaemok displayed exceptional athletic ability, particularly in soccer and rugby. These formative years in sport would become the foundation for his…

1 CER Combative Evolutions in the Engineer Branch

Article By: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2 Combative training in 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1 CER) has experienced a strong revival over the past several years, driven by dedicated soldiers committed to preparing Sappers for the realities of the modern battlefield. What began as a grassroots initiative has evolved into a structured grappling program that emphasizes controlled aggression, resilience, and confidence under pressure. Last summer marked a significant…

Sapper Story - WO Adam Crozier - Service Beyond Regiment

Article By: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2 Warrant Officer Adam Crozier exemplifies what it means to serve and committed to service both in uniform and in the community. Adam enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a Combat Engineer on 31 Mar 2009, motivated by a strong desire to serve on operations in Afghanistan. Originally from Ontario, Adam was offered postings closer to home but chose a more demanding path. He volunteered for 1 Combat Engineer…

RPOU(W) Marks CME Birthday as the Start of Asian Heritage Month 2026

Article By: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2 Real Property Operations Unit (West) (RPOU(W)) launched its Asian Heritage Month (AHM) 2026 celebrations on 29 Apr 26, the Canadian Military Engineer (CME) Birthday, marking the beginning of a month‑long series of cultural education and engagement activities. This year’s celebration marks the third consecutive year that RPOU(W) has proudly recognized and amplified Asian heritage within the Defence Team. The CME Birthday…

Sapper Story – Engineering Excellence in Operations and Infrastructure – LCol Jonathan Hallett

Article By: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2 With over more than two decades of dedicated service, Lieutenant‑Colonel Jonathan Hallett’s career has been marked by courage under fire, technical mastery, and transformational leadership, shaping both operational outcomes abroad and critical infrastructure readiness at home. LCol Hallett joined the Royal Canadian Engineers as a Direct Entry Officer on 25 August 2004, embarking on a career defined by unwavering…

RPOU(W) Change of Command 2025

Article By: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2 During the summer of 2025, Real Property Operations Unit (West) (RPOU(W)) marked a significant milestone with a Change of Command ceremony, formally transferring command from Lieutenant‑Colonel (LCol) Jonathan Hallett to LCol Melanie Arsenault. The event honoured enduring leadership, continuity of stewardship, and the people who enable Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) readiness through infrastructure. In his final remarks as…

MGen John Arthur Stewart Trophy Winner for RMC Class of 2026

OCdt Emilie Brulé was chosen as this year's winner of the MGen John Arthur Stewart Trophy for the RMC Class of 2026. Sponsored by the Canadian Military Engineer Association, the trophy is awarded to the top Military Engineer cadet (Combat or Construction) in his/her graduating year.  Criteria include high standards of proficiency in each of the four components of the RMCC. (four interlocking pillars: Academics, Military, Physical Fitness and Bilingualism) Dan Doran,…