Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
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A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
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Miramichier takes command of reserves in New Brunswick, Newfoundland
Published Friday June 27th, 2008
Colonel Greg MacCallum, who grew up in Millerton, officially became the commander of 37 Canadian Brigade Group in a formal change of command ceremony at the Moncton Garrison on Sunday.
Brigadier General Rick Parsons, Land Force Atlantic Area Commander, officiated as former commander Col. Anthony Stack handed over to his successor. Stack is moving on to a position with Land Force Atlantic Area Headquarters.
MacCallum is now responsible for every land force reserve unit in the two provinces, more than 1,500 personnel.
"This is a great opportunity," he said. "It really is. It's a great opportunity and a great privilege to command such a young and vibrant organization."
A brigade, he explained, is the largest tactical group of soldiers in the Canadian Forces. The function of 37 Canadian Brigade Group is to train and provide personnel for operations both outside the country, such as maintaining security for development in Afghanistan, and domestic relief here in Canada during natural disasters or other crises.
He added that his new position with the military ties in well with his civilian job as provincial planning officer for the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization. He explained his work there also involves providing disaster relief and there is a considerable amount of overlap between his two occupations.
"There's a really close relationship," he said.
MacCallum graduated from Miramichi Valley High School in 1972, the first year they had a graduating class, he said. His mother, Charlotte, still lives in Millerton, and his brother, David, retired from UPM, lives in Newcastle.
David said he was happy to hear about his brother's new position.
"I think it's great," he said. "It's great for him, it's great for everybody. He's staying in the Maritimes, and he has an excellent job with the Emergency Measures Organization that combines with his military job. It's a good opportunity to further his career."
He noted that between the reserves and the EMO, MacCallum often worked 16-18 hour days during the St. John river floods this spring.
David said his brother has been in the forces since he was in university. "He's been active with the military since his college days," he said. "He was always with the military from the time he got out of school. All my family and his family wishes him the best with his endeavors in the Canadian Forces."
MacCallum served 29 years in the regular military with the Royal Canadian Regiment and has been assistant chief of staff for the 37 Canadian Brigade Group for the past year in preparation for his new role. Previous to that he spent four years as the commanding officer of the Second Battallion, Royal New Brunswick Regiment (North Shore), the Bathurst-based reserve unit which has a subunit here in Miramichi.
During his time in the military, he has served tours in Bosnia and Cypress and travelled throughout Canada. He and his family have lived in Oromocto for the past 13 years.
"I'm looking forward to my new responsibilities," he said.
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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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