Change of command ceremonies welcomes new leader

It was an unforgettable afternoon on Saturday, May 30th when members of The Lake Superior Scottish Regiment and their guests gathered at Thunder Bay's O'Kelly Armoury for a Change of Command ceremony.  Incoming Lt.-Col. David K. Ratz, CD, (MA History '95) was born in Fort William. He commenced his military career with the LSSR as a Private in 1983.

During his career with the LSSR Lt.-Col. Ratz has commanded at all levels, including Rifle Platoon, Adjutant, A Company, Headquarters Company and Deputy Commanding Officer of 18 (Thunder Bay) Medical Company, Military Career Counsellor, and Detachment Commander at Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Detachment Thunder Bay.

He has also served as the Northwestern Ontario Provincial Recruiting Officer for 38 Canadian Brigade Group. Most recently, he was the Officer Commanding Headquarters Company of the LSSR.

Outside of the military he is a contract lecturer with the history department of Lakehead University. His formal education includes a bachelor and a master's degree in History from Lakehead University and he is currently a doctoral student in History at the University of Oulu, Finland. He has also completed the Joint Command and Staff program at Canadian Forces College in Toronto.

Throughout his career, Lt.-Col. Ratz has been involved in domestic operations, most notably as the Regional Liaison Officer, Operation Forge and Forest Fire Evacuations in Northern Ontario. Despite his busy agenda he ensures that there is time to relax with his charming wife Wendy, their son and two daughters.