When and where did you first join the Navy League? Which corps were you a part of? 
 
NLCC Admiral Rayner (Victoria BC) 1974-1976
 
RCSCC Rainbow (Victoria BC) 1976-1980
 
RCSCC Admiral Budge (Sidney BC) 1980-1981
 
What did you like most about your experience as a Navy League/Sea cadet? 
 
The opportunity to make lifelong friends, to be challenged, and to spend my summers learning, and later working, at cadet training establishments. 
 
Could you share with us a pleasant memory or an anecdote about your time at the Navy League?
 
My best memories are of the friends made and summers spent training and working with the School of Music at HMCS Quadra in Comox, BC. Quadra’s band was very well regarded. In 1979, the band was flown by CAF Hercules aircraft from Comox to Edmonton to provide music for CFB Edmonton’s change of command parade. I was also pleased to finish my Regular Force career as the Area Cadet Officer (Sea) for Western Quebec, where I had the chance to see many impressive young people just beginning their careers.  
 
How did the cadet program influence you throughout your life?
 
Participating in cadets fostered my interest in the Navy, and emphasized the duties of citizenship and the importance of contributing to one’s community. It gave me the drive to succeed, whatever one’s position or role in life.  
 
What skills did you gain as a cadet that you’re still using today?
 
Teaching and leadership skills, and learning to be comfortable with responsibility, are the most valuable tools I gained from cadets. The program also encouraged giving one’s full efforts to the task at hand. I still use all these skills regularly. 
 
I also still play the trumpet in several bands, something I’ve done since starting out in cadets almost 50 years ago. 
 
How did you decide what you wanted to do with your life? Was the Navy League a key player in this decision?
 
The Navy League and Sea Cadets fostered my interest in the Navy, which led to me joining the Naval Reserve, and then the Regular Force as a naval officer. I don’t know that I would have joined the Navy had I not experienced such positive times in cadets.  
 
Could you paint us a small picture of your life since leaving the Navy League cadet program?
 
I joined the Naval Reserve as a musician right from cadets, and then attended university through the Regular Officer Training Plan, serving as a Naval Warfare Officer for 10 years. I transferred back to the Reserves to attend law school, serving for another 10 years. For the past 25 years I have conducted child and adult protection litigation for the Nova Scotia Dept. Of Justice. I’m married with two adult children.  
 
What personal achievements are you most proud of?
 
My service in the Persian Gulf as HMCS Athabaskan’s Communications Officer and Air Control Officer during OP DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM. Taking military leave to serve as XO of HMCS MONCTON. My appointment as King’s Counsel. Volunteering with minor hockey and Scouts Canada