Quadra Alumni Podcast

We start off Season 3 of the Quadra Alumni Podcast by talking with Andrea Kucherawy, RCSCC Undaunted.  Andrea has a long history at HMCS Quadra and her career at Quadra includes highlights such as Lead Stick in the Senior Band, 5 years working with the PL Course as an officer (3 summers as PLO), and 3 years as the GunsO.Andrea is a great example of how well Quadra has passed on the teachings from generation to generation.  Hear who she learned from and some of the people she influenced throughout her time at Goose Spit.Andrea shares a great story about how one of her former PL Cadets (Glen Klose) has used his experiences from PL and turned it into a program for Canadian Police Officers suffering from exposure to trauma.  "Mettle" - "The ability or driving force of an individual to persevere when they think they can't go any farther."Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

Lorne is from Winnipeg Manitoba and hails from RCSCC John Travers Cornwell, VC.  He remembers first going to HMCS Quadra in 1971 as a two-weekie and then followed up the next summer as a PL Cadet.  As an OJT Lorne, worked in the Gunnery Department (1973) his first summer and then became the Chief of Quadra the following summer.  Hear how the Chief of Quadra was selected back in his day!  Lorne believes the Practical Leadership course was a turning point in his life and set him on track for many years working in the Cadet program.  He offers up his thoughts on the future of the Cadet summer program as well.Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

Commanding Officer - HMCS Quadra 1982-1984Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

Ben Whiting joined RCSCC Fraser in 1969 and first attended HMCS Quadra for TWGT.  Ben later attend the Boatswain Course (1972) in Esquimalt and Practical Leadership (1973) in Quadra before taking the Officer Cadet Course (1974) and working on Flotilla (1975-76).He recalls his Flotilla experiences fondly and points to old shipmates such as Red Fullerton and Wally Samson and a few others as mentors.  Ben is a Professional Geo Scientist and holds a Masters of Science Degree.  He is the President and CEO of Orex Minerals Inc. (Publicly Traded Company - TSX.V: REX) and also works with the Belcarra Group which includes 3 other junior mining companies.As an Alumni member, Ben proudly supports the Quadra Education Foundation (QEF) with a scholarship in his name.https://orexminerals.com/https://www.belcarragroup.com/#our-portfoliohttp://www.quadraeducationfoundation.com/Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

Dave comes on the podcast to chat about the Quadra Alumni Association 25th Anniversary Celebration that occurred 11-12 August 2023 at the 40 Knots Winery.Dave reads his speech from the final dinner which was warmly received by the 100+ Alumni Members at the event.  The speech elegantly talks about why HMCS Quadra is so important to all of us. Together we took on so many challenges, we took on responsibility, we answered the call to duty, we experienced more than most youth would ever dream of, we performed to the highest degree, we served!https://www.youtube.com/@quadraalumnipodcast6108/featuredAudio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

Travelling from Ottawa I was happy to have Bev MacKillop and Steve Murray visit the podcast studio and chat about their Quadra memories.Bev joined RCSCC Falkland in 1975 and spent many summers at Quadra; including being one of the first female cadets in 1975.  Most people remember Bev in the Quadra School of Music and some may have served under her leadership as Director of Music (DMUS).Steve joined RCSCC Kootenay in 1982 and spent his summers at both Quadra and Ontario.  Steve was a Sail Instructor as a cadet and tells a great story about sailing a cutter on his JOST Course in 1989.  Steve served in Quadra as an officer from 1989-96.Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

Bromley Basford is from RCSCC Qu'appelle (Winnipeg, Man) and attended HMCS Quadra in the early 1970's.  Bromley was a PL in 1974 and later served as an OJT for the Scuba Course.  Hear him talk about the only US Exchange (USA West) that ever went to Pearl Harbor!Bromley shares that he worked 32 different jobs before he decided to become a teacher where he spent 28 years passing on some of the skills and practices he learned in the Sea Cadet world. http://rcsccquappelle.ca/Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

A young 17 year old boy from Winnipeg, Manitoba travelled to HMCS Quadra in 1974 to take the 9 week Practical Leadership (PL) Course.  It changed his life!Bromley Basford narrates his memoir, "The Summer I Met Myself For The First Time".Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

Dan Hurley first attended HMCS Quadra in 1985 as a Two Weekie, he later took the OpsCom Course and finished as Top Cadet getting his name on the Klingle Award.  Dan worked as a Staff Cadet training future OpsCom cadets and later as the Chief of Operations.  Dan enrolled to the CIC and served Quadra for several years on staff.In civilian life Dan has been politically involved in numerous campaigns and worked on Parliament Hill after obtaining his bachelor’s degree from the University of Winnipeg.  He continued his education at the Carleton University School of Journalism and Communications and achieved his master’s degree.  Dan worked for CBC Radio in Ottawa for a while before he moved over to the University world of communications, public affairs, fundraising and strategic planning.Dan’s family has a long history of being involved in the Sea Cadet organization and returning those experiences to the newer generation of cadets through the Cadet Instructor Cadre.Dan continues to give back to HMCS Quadra and currently serves as the President of the Quadra Education Foundation.Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

http://www.quadraeducationfoundation.com/The Quadra Education Foundation (QEF) Scholarship Program is open to all current and past cadets, officers, and civilian instructors of HMCS QUADRA Cadet Training Centre (CTC), as well as their children.​​ The program aims to provide financial support to currently enrolled students pursing post-secondary education, and recognizes and rewards both academic and non-academic qualities or performance including:Epitomizing the aims of the Canadian Cadet OrganizationsLeadership QualitiesAcademic AchievementCommunity InvolvementVolunteer Service The QEF recognizes that both academic effort and financial resources are essential in fostering an effective learning experience.  Below is important information regarding:Who can apply for a QEF scholarship?How to applyWhen to applyThe QEF’s Scholarships and Awards Policy Please read these detailed instructions carefully. Any questions should be directed to quadraeducationfoundation@gmail.comWhen to ApplyJuly 14, 2023 Part I: Expression of Interest Form must be submitted on or before this date. July 29, 2023 Part II: Application Form, with all supporting documentation, must be uploaded to the secure site on or before this date. NOTE: Only those applicants who submitted a Part I: Expression of Interest Form on or before July 14, 2023 are eligible to submit Part II. July 31, 2023 Final Transcripts must be uploaded to the secure site on or before this date. Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

This episode contains many memorable voices from back in 1981 that you may recognize!Special thanks to Bill Wrathall for keeping this recording safe for the past 40 years.The original recording was put together by CFMS radio in Victoria, the interviewer is Dave Armstrong (a father of Sea Cadets).  The recording was titled "The Sea Cadet - HMCS Quadra" and includes a compilation of interviews done in the summer of 1981.   Hope you enjoy it.I've attempted to list names of persons interviewed - excuse the spelling inaccuracies.Cdr. Leitch (CO 1979-81), Lt(N) Ken White, Lt(N) Moira Kelly, Lt(N) Pete Larsen, Lt(N) Ron Hinshaw, CPO Nancy Hornsby, Cdt. Mary-Frances Zielinski, Father Simard,  CPO Elan Masson, Jocelyn Poison, LCdr. John Ames, Lt(N) Martine Desbois, Cdt. Dave Middleton, Cdt. Mark Moore, Cdt. Brett Pawlak, Cdt. Lenny Godenski, Cdt. Ken Nord, Cdt. Ron Hallman, Cdt. John Caffery, Cdt. Barb Little, Lt(N) Wayne Kell, Lt(N) Bob Young, Maj. Dave Letson.Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

My first New Year's Eve "snap episode" with Mike Trump, Tim and Lisa Dolinski broadcast live from Mayne Island, BC.Happy New Year to every Quadra Alumni Member.Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

**Trigger Warning** This episode discusses the topic of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and some content may be distressing to the listener.  This episode was done with the intention that talking about the subject could in part provide the listener with more information and potentially provide an avenue for MST survivors to come forward with any unreported events and to encourage others needing trauma support to reach out to a professional or an advocate.My guest Lori Buchart (nee Bodie) spent many years at HMCS Quadra as a Cadet and through to the Senior Leadership Team, she is a survivor of MST and an amazing champion that continues to advocate for other victims and for holding senior leaders in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Federal Government accountable for allowing an environment that enables poor behaviours that contribute to MST.Lori (AKA Dr. Buchart) is a very successful educator, she is a mother of two, she is the co-chair of INJ20K, an advocacy group that is designed to Support, Restore and Empower https://inj20k.ca/our-pillars  victims of MST.  Lori’s and many others’ advocacy resulted in a successful $900 million class action lawsuit that was awarded by the Court to victims of MST.INJ20K: https://inj20k.ca/In her spare-time Lori and her husband Lawrence can be found sailing “LuSea” around west coast inland waters!Canadian MST CoP: https://cdnmstcop.ca/home Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

Ian Burke wanted to join Air Cadets because his father was in the Air Force during the WWII, but his older brother (David Burke) and a couple of neighbours made sure he joined Sea Cadets at RCSCC Malaspina in 1963.  Ian spent a number of summers at HMCS QUADRA as a trainee, Staff Cadet and Staff Officer.  He also attended the Boatswain Course in Esquimalt in 1966 and was part of the travelling Centennial Sea Cadet Guard for Expo 67 the next summer.  Ian later worked for PacReg HQ and CTC Pat Bay before moving to Winnipeg and changing into the light blue Air Force uniform.His favourite memories include being the TWGT O in 1975 the first summer female Sea Cadets showed up to the Q and how so many people he met at Quadra became life long friends and how easy it is to chat with those friends.  Ian retired back to Powell River after a full military career and fondly remembers marching with RCSCC Malaspina for one last Remembrance Day parade.Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

In episode 15, we get a chance to chat with John Underhill on the telephone from Halifax.   John was a Cadet at Quadra in the QSM from 1978-1981.  He has fond memories of recording an album (vinyl that is) and having to sell enough copies to support the effort.  Another favourite memory is when the QSM was transported by Hercules aircraft to CFB Edmonton in 1979 for a Change of Command parade.  John speaks highly of Bev MacKillop and Elan Masson as leaders and mentors in the music program.John joined the Naval Reserves when Gordie Brown was recruiting musicians for his band.  Later, he found a recruiting poster for the Regular Officer Training Program (ROTP) and that resulted in him attending the University of Victoria.  He was allowed to maintain his place in the Naden Band while attending UVIC.  John also attended Law School at Dalhousie University which led to him eventually being employed at the Department of Justice in Nova Scotia.John has a recommendation for everyone over 50 and talks about his personal battle with colon cancer.  His positive attitude is inspiring.Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

We're joined by a former Coxswain of HMCS QUADRA- CPO1 Sonya Purewal 2002.Sonya was a Cadet at RCSCC Beacon Hill, she has recently finished as Commanding Officer with RCSCC Columbia and plans to become CO at RCSCC Grilse in the Fall of 2022.Sonya is of South Asian decent and speaks fluent Punjabi.  She pegs the 1998 Ceremony of the Flags and playing clarinet at Symphony Splash as a favourite Quadra memory.She currently works in law enforcement and has been employed with CBSA for the past 16 years.Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

Captain(N) Stewart Alsgard served as Commanding Officer from 1967-1972 at Quadra.  It was an honour to interview him and learn so much about the man and the leader.  Honestly, I don't believe there is an individual (with us or gone) who is responsible for more of the training development, tradition and professionalism at Quadra than him.In this episode Capt(N) Alsgard  tells us all about his life's work before, during and after Quadra.  His experiences are many and his approach to getting the job done is as many of you know, very admirable.  Stewart shares some stories that I had only heard in lore and you can tell his passion for taking care of Sea Cadets and his staff was always paramount.  The details of how he worked with local police and the magistrate to solve problems of cadet caps being stolen from cadets on leave and how the German Shepard "Ben" stood alongside him in protection of Quadra is amazing.  He has also shared with me some of his personal video archive that he collected in early Quadra days, some of which is now posted on my YouTube page for everyone to enjoy.  Please subscribe to the page.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Yf3fnusj2ic72VbBK2P-gAudio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

Beth was never a Sea Cadet but did eventually put on a Navy uniform at Quadra.   Beth spent her summers at Quadra in the School of Music and ultimately became the Director of Music.One main highlight at Quadra for Beth was in 1994 reporting the Band to Queen Elizabeth II for inspection.Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

This episode was recorded in 2021 prior to Bill's passing.  It was an honour to speak with him about Quadra and some of the efforts he put into the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets over the many decades he participated.  May he Rest in Peace.Bill Conconi was the final Commanding Officer at the Esquimalt Sea Cadet Camp in HMCS Naden before it merged with Quadra in 1975.  Bill started his time as a  Sea Cadet with RCSCC Rainbow in 1954.Bill has been a huge supporter of the Alumni Association since the beginning.  He served as the National President of the Naval Association of Canada and always made a point of encouraging his membership to support the Sea Cadets.  Bill was a teacher for 30 years at Mt Douglas Secondary School in Victoria, BC.Bill tells a story about funding struggles for Quadra prior to the summer of 1975; he inspected a Cadet Corps in Quebec that was very well connected politically and eventually helped influence the Treasury Board to provide enough funding. Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast

We hear from founding member Jamie Webb and his recollection of forming the Alumni Association of HMCS Quadra.  Jamie is a man of action and worked hard with other founding members to get the organization off the ground.Jamie is also a long time employee in the Dockyard at CFB Esquimalt, first as a Rigger and then later as the Senior Protocol Officer for the RCN.  Jamie has always given back to his community in the most noble manner, by volunteering for almost everything.Audio editing done by Todd Mason.More about the Quadra Alumni Podcast: - Join the Quadra Alumni Association at https://www.quadraalumni.com/ - Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/QAAPodcast - Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/q_alumni_podcast/?hl=en Email us at quadraalumnipodcast@gmail.com for any inquiries or requests to be on the Quadra Alumni Podcast