True and Fascinating Canadian History
Troop Reunions
Destination 'Depot' : A Pathway to Friendship
by J. J. (Buffalo Joe) Healy
A Troop Reunion is about friendships -- close Troop ties which began at 'Depot' and bonds which have lasted over many, many years. A Troop Reunion, such as the one which 'G' Troop experienced in August, 2014 has every potential for being emotional, joyous, rewarding and fun.
As well, there is no better place in the world than 'Depot' to host a Troop Reunion. The atmosphere is warm, the Cadets are friendly, busy and curious and many of the buildings are new and open for exploration. The character of older buildings has been retained, and the new buildings were thoughtfully designed to merge necessity and expansion with history. In short, 'Depot' is a first class place, and one feels immensely proud to be a member of the Force.
But, since 'Depot' has expanded so much in recent years, one soon realizes that there is not sufficient time to cover 'Depot' in its entirety. There is simply too much to see and discover at 'Depot'.
You are Special Guests of the CO of 'Depot' Division and you will be warmly greeted and received down every path at 'Depot'. Troop Reunions are encouraged and every Vet is welcome. It is a time to relax, greet friends, marvel at all the changes and to recall 'ole days.
All Troop Reunion Members and guests must register at Fort Dufferin directly inside the Commissionaire's Guard Post located off Dewdney Ave. in Regina, SK
Inside Fort Dufferin, Troop Reunion Members and guests will be provided with a Security Access Pass and a Division Mess Pass both of which are worn on exterior clothes and around the neck. The Security Access Pass allows for entry into various 'Depot' buidings. The Division Mess Pass should be exposed to the Cashier when one pays for meals.
In the Division Mess, men are asked to wear long pants. Open neck golf shirts are permissible.
The Security Access Pass & the Division Mess Pass must be returned to Fort Dufferin at the end of the Reunion.
Just One Suggested Model for A Troop Reunion
Sunday
0700 to 0830AM: Breakfast: Divison Mess: Annex beside Drill Hall. Pay at Cashier
Cost of breakfast: about $4.00C. 2014 prices
10AM: Ecuemenical Chapel Service or Mass with Graduating Troop, family & friends
10:30AM to 11:00AM: Laying of Memorial Roses: The Honour Roll on the Square by the Graduation Troop
11:30AM: Lunch: Division Mess. Pay at Cashier
Cost of lunch: about $5.00C. 2014 prices
Sunday afternoon: Free time
Suggestion: Walk about - Campground area - vicinity behind Stables
Monday
0700 to 0830AM: Breakfast: Divison Mess. Annex beside Drill Hall. Pay at Cashier
0930 to 11:30AM: Troop Signs Engagement Papers with CO: Auditorium in old Museum beside Chapel
11:30AM to 12:30PM: Lunch: Division Mess. Annex beside Drill Hall. Pay at Cashier
12:40PM: Sergeant Major's Parade
1:15PM to 2:30PM: Troop Pass Out & Badge Presentation by CO. Drill Hall
2:30PM - Shopping - Canteen located on first floor in 'C' Block
3:30PM - Suggestion: Explore the Chapel. Read the Book of Honour Roll Remembrance
4:45PM - Dinner in Division Mess. Annex beside Drill Hall. Pay at Cashier.
Cost of dinner about $5.00C. 2014 prices
(Or) alternatively make private dinner arrangements by Troop in downtown Regina.
After dinner, the Right Marker extends a Welcome to the Troop & Spouses
Tuesday
0700 to 0830AM: Breakfast: Divison Mess. Annex beside Drill Hall. Pay at Cashier
0900H: Guided Walking Tour of 'Depot' by Staff Member
11:30AM to 12:30PM: Lunch: Division Mess. Annex beside Drill Hall. Pay at Cashier
12:40PM: Sergeant Major's Parade
2:30PM - Shopping - Canteen located in 'C' Block
3:30PM - Suggestion: Self Guided Walking Tour of Memorial Archway & 'Depot' Cemetery
5:00PM - Cocktail Hour in Officer's Mess. Pay at Bar.
6:00PM - Sit down Dinner: Officer's Mess.
Power Point Presentation of Troop photos
Wednesday
0700 to 0830AM: Breakfast in Divison Mess. Annex beside Drill Hall. Pay at Cashier
0900AM 11:30AM: Visit & Shopping in Heritage Centre
(Admission is free to RCMP Veterans & Spouses of deceased members or Vets)
(The Heritage Centre also operates a large Central Trading Post and sells; RCMP licensed clothing, souvenirs, books, including a selection of Saskatchewan related tourist items. 11:30AM to 12:30PM: Lunch in Division Mess. Annex beside Drill Hall. Pay at Cashier
12:40PM: Sergeant Major's Parade
2:30PM - Shopping - Canteen located in 'C' Block
5:00PM - Cocktail Hour in Officer's Mess. Pay at Bar
6:00PM - Sit down Dinner: Officer's Mess.
Exchanging of Troop photos. Update e-mail addresses
Farewells
From the Fort,
J. J. Healy
September 09, 2014
