Robbie Burns Dinner
2Lt Robert Helina
This year’s Robbie Burns dinner, in support of the 15th Field Regimental Society, took place in the hangar of London Air Services at the South Terminal of the Vancouver International Airport on 29 January 2014. This year’s theme was “The Big Shake”, which was designed to expose the guests of the dinner to a small sample of the conditions, which would accompany a catastrophic earth quake in the area. Guests were introduced and guided to the entrance of the event by the Flashing lights of Richmond RCMP patrol cars. Upon entering the hangar, guests passed through modular tenting set up by Cadpat clad soldiers of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment. This simulated the types of shelter that would likely be available at an aid or medical station after The Big Shake. Attendees received identification “dog tags” and a medical triage tag already recorded with varying levels of emergency medical conditions. I was happy to see the one handed to me, listed myself as “minor” – not a “priority”. The other options were not that pretty. The hangar was complete with everything that you would expect at a Robbie Burns Dinner; wine, speeches from the present dignitaries; good food (served on army meal trays…obviously), good company and, of course the Haggis! In addition to, and in keeping with the theme of the event, the perimeter of the party was lined with military and First Responder vehicles as well as emergency preparedness displays and equipment. All in all, a great night out that included the wonderful performances of both the 15th Field Artillery Regimental Band and the Pipes and Drums of the RCMP. Whether playing together or independently of each other, they certainly served as the highlight of the event. It was also interesting hanging around the two Learjet 45’s and the Agusta Westland Helicopter that were lighted up on the highly polished hangar floor. These were provided by London Drugs and London Air Services, key supporters of the event.
The Quadrant, Volume 30, Number 1, Summer 2014
This year’s Robbie Burns dinner, in support of the 15th Field Regimental Society, took place in the hangar of London Air Services at the South Terminal of the Vancouver International Airport on 29 January 2014. This year’s theme was “The Big Shake”, which was designed to expose the guests of the dinner to a small sample of the conditions, which would accompany a catastrophic earth quake in the area. Guests were introduced and guided to the entrance of the event by the Flashing lights of Richmond RCMP patrol cars. Upon entering the hangar, guests passed through modular tenting set up by Cadpat clad soldiers of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment. This simulated the types of shelter that would likely be available at an aid or medical station after The Big Shake. Attendees received identification “dog tags” and a medical triage tag already recorded with varying levels of emergency medical conditions. I was happy to see the one handed to me, listed myself as “minor” – not a “priority”. The other options were not that pretty. The hangar was complete with everything that you would expect at a Robbie Burns Dinner; wine, speeches from the present dignitaries; good food (served on army meal trays…obviously), good company and, of course the Haggis! In addition to, and in keeping with the theme of the event, the perimeter of the party was lined with military and First Responder vehicles as well as emergency preparedness displays and equipment. All in all, a great night out that included the wonderful performances of both the 15th Field Artillery Regimental Band and the Pipes and Drums of the RCMP. Whether playing together or independently of each other, they certainly served as the highlight of the event. It was also interesting hanging around the two Learjet 45’s and the Agusta Westland Helicopter that were lighted up on the highly polished hangar floor. These were provided by London Drugs and London Air Services, key supporters of the event.
The Quadrant, Volume 30, Number 1, Summer 2014
