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Topic: Introduction (Read 2662 times)
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Tim McCully
Veteran 200+ Member
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Pro Patria
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Now that i am home and have some time, i thought that i would take this oppurtunity to introduce myself. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Tim McCully (Cpl Retrd.93) I joined the Cdn. Forces in 82 and went through Cornwallis in 9 Pltn. in Febuary of that year. From there the RCR Battle School in Petawawa. Then on to 1 RCR in London. My first coy. was Bravo and i remained there until the battalion rotated to Cyprus in 84. After Cyprus i went to Chrlie Coy and took my mortar course during the annual TQ4 season. At the beginning of 86 i was posted to Mortar Platoon. Accepting an attached posting to the Base Chief's staff in CFB Halifax i left the battalion in 1988. For two years i served as a Discipline and control clerk for the affore mentioned office. While here i found myself being taunted by my Naval counter part, about pride in my Regiment! He directed my attention to the decreped looking gate on the street out front ( Gottigen St.) I examined the gate along with the fellow that i was replacing ( Cpl. Pat Dawson. ; RCR ) He told me that taunting him about the gate had been going on for some time, he had an idea which he expressed to me and then left it in my hands. His idea was good but too little for my liking, i went to the museum and researched the gate. Finding old pictures of what was in fact the very first RCR garrison, Wellington Barracks, i thought that i would like to make it look like that again but display the regiments accomplishments upon it as well. So with the museums blessing and thier graphic artist, we set out a really cool presentation for the Base Chief to pitch to the Base Commander. When the authority was granted for the restoration to begin i was named as primary design consultant, the majority of the design which is present today and declared by the city of Halifax, a Historic site, is my idea. The VRI logos on the guard doors were the ideas put forth by Pat Dawson as well as the colour black on the iron lantern mounts above the guard doors. Pat told me had already ordered the VRI logos from the dock yard smelter but was unsucsessful at obtaining a cap badge. During the 1983 100th birthday celebrations 2 RCR marched through the streets of Halifax and mounted a bronze plaque that said " The Royal Canadian Regiment 1883 - 1983 " and the french translation beneath that. This plaque was in decreped shape as it had been neglected, Pat suggested taking it to the ship-rites and having it acid washed and refinished in black enamel, baked on. Pat Dawson, i should mention left the base shortly after he introduced me to the gate, he remustered to aero engine tech. i went to the patern maker and asked what he needed to make a pattern, he told me a drawing of the actual size, so i took the cap badge off my beret and blew it up on the photocopier to the size i wanted and took it too him. That man carved the most beutiful cap badge i had ever seen, unfortunately he would not part with it after it had been used to make the mold. Upon completion a dedication ceromony was organized for the regtimental birthday in Dec. the 106 th. Pat Dawson had completed his training in Borden by that date and was able to join in the ceremony with me, we were to dress in scarlets and man the guard doors with the Regimental banner and the Canadian flag. Thier is a picture of this in the halls of the museum in London. Originally i had planned a simple square tube type arch way for the gate that described "Pro Patria". The builders built it and i painted the 8 point star on top by hand, after it had been delivered to me. The Base Cheif ( CPO1 George Cook) called me into the office and expessed that no body accept regimental affiliates knew what Pro Patria meant and persuaded me too modify my design. So i redesigned it to the ribon of the VRI logo with another 8 point star mounted in the lower center points. My problem now was what to do with the original design in the basement, well i decided that i would send a gift to 2 RCR on behalf of the Navy. I felt a need to add insult to injury so to speak, after their member chuckin shit about pride in my regiment. I would like to know what became of this, i was told that it stood over the entrance to the training area in Gagetown, this has never been satifactorily confirmed to me. Any way, enough gloating.. I remustered to aero space refinish tech at the conclusion of my posting in Halifax. Attended the school in Borden from march to october 1990 and was posted to Trenton where i encountered a whole different life, the air farce life. this was the end of my career in the forces, after 2 years trying unsucsesfully, to become one of these people it finally got the best of me and i pulled the plug. Since i had completed my TQ5 level and been declared a journeymen in the field of refinisher i figured that i had a skilled trade to sell on civi street. I was not expecting to be overqualified, that is what each door told me. Having to feed my family i became a lon [img][/img]g haul truck driver and 12 years have gone by. That is pretty much my story for anyone who can take the long read. I have always been a proud Royal in my heart and i will till i am not! The old addage " once a Royal, always a Royal " is most definately true here!
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1RCR (82-88) B coy 6pl, (84-85) UNFICYP- BBC coy Tpt, C coy 9pl, E coy Mortars, (88-90) CFB Halifax Base Chief's Staff, CFB Trenton Refinisher Tech.(90-92). UNFICYP,CPSM
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Ernie Wetzel
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Pro Patria 1RCR. Proud to have served. 'Airborne'
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Welcome to the pack Tim, good to hear from you. 
Pro Patria, Ernie (ex 1RCR)
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"It's not the size of the dog in the fight,
It's the size of the fight in the dog".
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Hugh Conway
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Once a Royal always a Royal. Welcome home. Hugh Conway
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1961 RCR Depot, 1 RCR '61 to '65 - Coy Sig & Sect Comd, '65 to '68 NZ Army Int Duties, '68 to '73 Cdn AB Regt Pathfinder, '73 to '75 C Int C 421 Ftr Sqn. '75 to '83 MWO L Edmn R, '83 to '91 commissioned.
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Tim McCully
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Thanks guys, it's good to talk to family members! Seems i had some trouble adding a pic of the gate in Halifax when i wrote my intro. When i clicked on the" insert image icon", it just added what seem to be tags for HTML or something. Perhaps some one could help me here and let me know what to do at that point? I'm guessing that i should add a file name between the tags? anyway, anyone? Please! Tim
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1RCR (82-88) B coy 6pl, (84-85) UNFICYP- BBC coy Tpt, C coy 9pl, E coy Mortars, (88-90) CFB Halifax Base Chief's Staff, CFB Trenton Refinisher Tech.(90-92). UNFICYP,CPSM
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Ernie Matchett
Mcpl Ernie Matchett - Inf 031 & Adm 831
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1st Bn & 2nd Bn & 3 Mech CDO
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Thanks for the great story Tim. I was with CFRC, London, at the time you were with the Battalion and we may have crossed paths. Best regards to you and family.
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I will do today what others won't so that I can live tomorrow as they can't
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Tim McCully
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Thanks Ernie All the best to you and yours too!
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1RCR (82-88) B coy 6pl, (84-85) UNFICYP- BBC coy Tpt, C coy 9pl, E coy Mortars, (88-90) CFB Halifax Base Chief's Staff, CFB Trenton Refinisher Tech.(90-92). UNFICYP,CPSM
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Randy watts
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Good story Tim
I also was in London when you were there I remustered to Firefighter In 1983 I believe I was in Echo coy then. Take Care and Pro Patria.
Randy Watts
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Tim McCully
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Here is a pic of the gate in Halifax The people in the pic are myself, my Dad and my youngest son. The pic was taken in july of 05
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1RCR (82-88) B coy 6pl, (84-85) UNFICYP- BBC coy Tpt, C coy 9pl, E coy Mortars, (88-90) CFB Halifax Base Chief's Staff, CFB Trenton Refinisher Tech.(90-92). UNFICYP,CPSM
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Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
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A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
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Thats a beatiful thing, brother. Well done! Hey, resend your e-mail, Tim. I inadvertently pushed the wrong button..... Hey, talk Junior into following the ole man's footsteps yet? I'm trying on my end but..... His freaking girlfriend is mucho opposed...
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1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
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Fred Deadman
ALWAYS A ROYAL
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tim have not seen you around in a while good to see your still kicking butt my see you in the ryder yard again someday
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1RCR 78-82,B Coy, C Coy, E Coy morpl RSS 48th Highlanders
Construction Engineers 82-93 (retired)
CFB London/CFB Toronto/CFB Chilliwack/CFB Trenton/CFS Alert/UNFCYP/CFB Suffield/CFB London
retirment
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BJ MacLean
B.J. / Rusty
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Tim
Great job on the gate. I guess now 2 RCR looks after it. Sorry I did not get to see you in July 05 as I was still in Dartmouth.
Tim drive carefully the bad weather is coming.
Always a friend and Royal
BJ
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B.J. MacLean
35 Yrs
Always a Proud Royal
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Eric Miller
Guest
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Tim,
I was with the 2RCR in Gagetown, and was with them while in Halifax for the various parades in 1983. Quite a story of your grass roots behind the scenes work on the RCR Gate on Gottingen St. Well done.
I would think you and your work on the Gate deserves mention in some way in Regimental records - perhaps if the moderator reads this, he could somehow initiate some sort of recognition if you haven't already received it.
regards
Eric Miller
2RCR 82-83, 3RCR 83-87
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Tim McCully
Veteran 200+ Member
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Nice gesture Eric, but i'm really not looking for any formal recognition i already value the story and that is all i need!! Thanx for your kind words and i am pleased to make your acquiantance !
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1RCR (82-88) B coy 6pl, (84-85) UNFICYP- BBC coy Tpt, C coy 9pl, E coy Mortars, (88-90) CFB Halifax Base Chief's Staff, CFB Trenton Refinisher Tech.(90-92). UNFICYP,CPSM
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David Hopkinson
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Tim
I was in B coy the same time as you. The name and pic are familiar but that was a while ago. Most days I am lucky to remember something that happened 20 minutes ago.
Nice job on the gate.
Peace
Dave Hopkinson
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Tim McCully
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Dave the picture i have on my profile over there on the left, was taken in Norway the day we boarded British Puma helicopters and went up in the mountains to do a live fire excercise. You were very much there that day, i can remember all of us, yourself, Duke, Freddy Moring (RIP),etc.. getting geared up outside the tent and we were laughiing away at the antics you were pulling with the kids that came around looking for rations. They were great times Dave. Hearing from you feels good my friend, what have you been up too, the last twenty years? I am living in Madoc Ontario with the same woman that i married back in 83. Two of four kids still at home, and my wife and i drive transport trucks as a team, across Canada. Anyway, lets hear some more from you Hoppy! Tim
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1RCR (82-88) B coy 6pl, (84-85) UNFICYP- BBC coy Tpt, C coy 9pl, E coy Mortars, (88-90) CFB Halifax Base Chief's Staff, CFB Trenton Refinisher Tech.(90-92). UNFICYP,CPSM
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David Hopkinson
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Tim
I thought that pic looked familiar. Do you remember having to carry Feeny up and down those mountains. I am living in Cambridge ON these days. If your driving through sometime give me a call. I am in the book and work for myself so things are flexable.
Look forward to catching up sometime.
Peace
Dave
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Tim McCully
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We almost lost Bill that night Dave, it's a memory from which i cannot escape! He was so close to an unscheduled helicopter ride. Remember the battles on that excercise Dave. Our 13 man platoon against a US Marine Battalion. and we WON...! Remember the refs making those poor troops fight up that hill three times before conceeding the objective. Then we moved back 15 k's and loaded up. That all night march through the mountains to re-take the same position, remember coming across that American patrol and BushWhackin em. turned into a big pissin match about whose country was better at hockey. Are you with me here Dave,, do you remember the same details from those days? You know that little Battle made a coloumn in the Toronto Star that year, i remember my mother sending me the coloumn entitled "Beware of the men in the White Beannies" I kept a journal of that particular excercise brother if you ever want to read it. Remeber George Myatte? I see him lots we are still very close friends, had breakfast with him in London a couple o weeks back. That guy is still puttin on a Uniform every day. Talk real soon Dave, i just went through Cambridge twice yesterday.
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1RCR (82-88) B coy 6pl, (84-85) UNFICYP- BBC coy Tpt, C coy 9pl, E coy Mortars, (88-90) CFB Halifax Base Chief's Staff, CFB Trenton Refinisher Tech.(90-92). UNFICYP,CPSM
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David Hopkinson
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Tim
That "battle" was one of the most clear memories that I have. I remember talking to some marine after their 3rd time up the hill and he was definitely tired of trying to kick our collective butts. I remember a CTV crew that video taped us during that event and when I got home all of my family had seen me on tv with the GPMG group just spraying the enemy with "bullets" as they tried to take our hill.
Feeney was really close to being buried in the snow on the top of that mountain that night. That march was one I wont forget ever. How about taking that Marine outpost the next morning and then just waltzing into the Marine HQ without firing a shot.
I remember George Myatte by name only. Was he the short Redheaded guy?
Good talking to ya.
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Tim McCully
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Hi Dave, yeh i remember the CBC crew i was dispatched down the hill to liase with the arty platoon that was coming up to help us out. When i got down to the road i met the CBC crew who asked what i was doing, they asked me to take them up to the position with us. I used to have a copy of that tape, now that i'm thinking of it i think i signed it out from int and had to return it. I'm sure we could get our hands on a copy through CBC archives. I'll look into it! Remember Freddy Moring yelling at the Marines? I'll not repeat it here! George Myatte, that is right little howdy doody, but one of the toughest soldiers i ever met! We are still close. Got to go to London this weekend, just waiting for the snow to pass. 613-920-2672 that is my cel phone Dave try it this weekend, maybe you will catch me in your hood brother, Tim
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1RCR (82-88) B coy 6pl, (84-85) UNFICYP- BBC coy Tpt, C coy 9pl, E coy Mortars, (88-90) CFB Halifax Base Chief's Staff, CFB Trenton Refinisher Tech.(90-92). UNFICYP,CPSM
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Tim McCully
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Hey Dave i just found that clip on the web. Go to CBC.ca and look for the Archives link, once there, do a search on their engine for Norway. The date was March 23 1984 it is the edited edition and it does show us battleing the Marines and it even shows the umpire telling the US commander that he would have to do it for a fourth time. He was not impressed. have a look bro. i know which guy i am! and if you were carrying a SMG then i think you might be there too.
Tim
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1RCR (82-88) B coy 6pl, (84-85) UNFICYP- BBC coy Tpt, C coy 9pl, E coy Mortars, (88-90) CFB Halifax Base Chief's Staff, CFB Trenton Refinisher Tech.(90-92). UNFICYP,CPSM
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Bill Southwell
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Well, I can't let this one go without a reply. I did check the clip and it is more comfortable looking at it from my computer room than that hill,although we did have a good laugh. That was quiet a night and day. Feeney begging for water and me threatning to leave him on the mountain by himself. The American Ambush and later attack and walking into their HQ without firing a shot. I remember most of the platoon , you Tim with the MG. Lt Poirier was the platoon commander . A lot of laughs and some good times. I will be going to the reunion in Kingston and hope to see some of the guys from that Norway platoon.
Bill Southwell ( your old platoon WO )
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Tim McCully
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Hello Bill, i never have under estimated your memory! Good to hear from you Warrant. I notice that you always sign on as a guest? Tim
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1RCR (82-88) B coy 6pl, (84-85) UNFICYP- BBC coy Tpt, C coy 9pl, E coy Mortars, (88-90) CFB Halifax Base Chief's Staff, CFB Trenton Refinisher Tech.(90-92). UNFICYP,CPSM
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Gerry Connors
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Hey Tim, watched the clip earlier; brought back some good memories, especially remember hordes of the 'enemy' repeatedly coming up & down hill to be repeatedly halted by Canucks...daughter was wondering why an old news clip brought a smile to her ol' man 
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1RCR Duke's Coy '82 - '87; Cyprus '84 / '85
LOTPed medic 1988; CFH Halifax '88 - '90
119 AD Bty medic, CFB Chatham '90 - '95
2RCR medic '95 - '00; SFOR Bosnia, 2RCR Roto 4 '99;
42 Hlth Svc Gagetown '00 - '02
CFRC Gagetown / Fredericton '02 - '06; 'retired' Aug '06
HMCS Jolliet, Sept-Iles QC, medical staff / 'tiffy' (reserves)
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Tim McCully
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yeh i lined my kids up to have a look too. I wish i could find a copy of the unedited footage like i seen on the int copy back in 83. It was longer and it had me engaging an enemy 206 with the Gpig. hows the weather up there old man? i imagine you have been on the ice a time or two this year. (fishin) I'm going next week to Bob Moody's lodge for the anual ice fish. Trout opens up next saturday. Talk to ya soon old friend.
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1RCR (82-88) B coy 6pl, (84-85) UNFICYP- BBC coy Tpt, C coy 9pl, E coy Mortars, (88-90) CFB Halifax Base Chief's Staff, CFB Trenton Refinisher Tech.(90-92). UNFICYP,CPSM
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David Hopkinson
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WO Southwell
I am glad your still on this side of the sod. How are you doing? Not sure if you remember me but I was your signaller.
I think I have watched that clip about 6 times today. I have a friend who works at the CBC. I will try and get the unedited footage. I am in the video production business now so I can do some things with the footage. I might even be able to make the Marines look a little less silly.
Peace
D
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Tim McCully
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Dave, just got home from London, thought i might hear from you, did you get the cel number up above? Hope you can do something with CBC, but we don't want to make the Marines seem LESS silly. Your thinkin backwards my old friend 
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1RCR (82-88) B coy 6pl, (84-85) UNFICYP- BBC coy Tpt, C coy 9pl, E coy Mortars, (88-90) CFB Halifax Base Chief's Staff, CFB Trenton Refinisher Tech.(90-92). UNFICYP,CPSM
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David Hopkinson
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Tim
You might be right about making them look less silly but someone has to give them a break.
I did get your number and I will give you a shout this week sometime.
Peace
Dave
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