Message from President Dan Clarke

 

CAFA had another successful year. The AGM in Trenton and the St-Michael’s weekend in Niagara Falls went well; our eight operating branches continue to undertake many activities across the country.

This past year CAFA was proud to support a new cadet corps in Brighton ON. CAFA continues with its scholarship program and this year the winner was Miss Lindsay Coombs, daughter of Howard Coombs, formerly of 3 Commando, The Canadian Airborne Regiment. The winner of the 2011 Airborne Soldier of the Year Award was Master Corporal Chris Griffith of the QOR of C, Toronto. The reports from the membership regarding the new Maroon Beret appear to be generally favorable; the issue of the production costs are being reviewed.

This year’s AGM will again take place in Trenton in early July; the usual April-May time frame proved unsuitable for a large number of members.

This will be my last President’s Message; as I have mentioned before, I will not seek re-election as your President at the 2012 AGM. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members who have provided strong support to the Board and myself over the past six years. I will continue to be available for support for the new President.

Airborne !

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2008

As the new President of the Airborne Regiment Association of Canada, I’d like to welcome all paratroopers past and present to our web site.

Our vision for ARAC is to be a conduit for camaraderie and social interaction for those of us who served in the Canadian Airborne Regiment from its formation in 1968 until its disbandment in 1995. We had many great times and the Regiment provided some of the best soldiering that we experienced throughout our careers.  We hope that all our former comrades, be they paratroopers or non- paratroopers that served in our ranks will keep in touch. Airborne Commando…  Prends Garde Dan Clarke   A Short Biography

*  Enrolled in the Canadian Army, Regular Officer Training Plan, September 1963

*  Commissioned as a Lieutenant in RCEME after graduating from the University of Alberta with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering May 1968

*  Served in various positions over 37 years of service including CO 2 Service Battalion, CFB Petawawa and Commandant CF School of Electrical Mechanical Engineering (CFSEME), CFB Borden

*  Retired as a Colonel in EME from position of Deputy Commander, Support Training Group CFB Borden July 2001

*  Served as Project Manager with SNC Lavalin/PAE in Bosnia  September 2003 – September 2004

*  Acting Project Manager with SNC Lavalin/PAE in Kandahar Afghanistan April/May 2006  

Airborne Regiment Experience 

*  Served as Maintenance Platoon Commander in 1 AB Svc Coy, the Canadian Airborne Regiment, CFB Edmonton July 69 – July 71, Promoted to Captain July 70 

*  CO 1 AB Service Support Company  subsequently AB Service Commando, the Canadian Airborne Regiment, CFB Petawawa July 77 – July 79 

*  Current ARAC President

Professional Experience 

2005 -2007   Manager Business Development to NATO, PAE International, Mons Belgium

2003 – 2004  Project Manager, TFBH, SNC-Lavalin PAE

2002 -2003   General Manager, Flexcim Services Ltd. Edmonton

1998 - 2001  Deputy Commander, Support Training Group - Canadian Forces Base Borden

1997 - 1998  Operations Officer, Canadian Forces Base Borden

1993 - 1997  Commandant, Canadian Forces School of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering (CFSEME)

1990 - 1993 National Defence Headquarters, Section Head, Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Systems

1987 - 1989  National Defence Headquarters, Staff Officer, Maintenance Policy, Doctrine & Operations

1985 - 1987  Commanding Officer, 2 Service Battalion

1968 - 1985  Various Leadership, Technical staff and Human Resource positions in Canada and Overseas.

Education

BSc (Mech Eng) University of Alberta, 1968

Army Staff College, 1974

Canadian Forces Staff College, 1979

Bilingual - French/English

Interests

Theatre, Fitness Training, Skiing & Learning Italian

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Presidents of the
Airborne Regiment Association of Canada