Maj Michael Barber ‘08 vividly remembers watching the twin towers fall in grade six and feeling an “abject sense of patriotism and duty” - even at 11 years old. By grade 10 careers class at HTS, he knew that he wanted to serve his country as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston, ON offered Michael the exact rigour and challenge he was seeking in a military education. Unlike the typical undergraduate course load, RMC mandates 40 hours of class per week with regimented sports, physical training and French classes.
In many ways mirroring an HTS high school experience, Michael credits HTS for the work ethic that is developed balancing full course load and the co-curricular program. He fondly remembers his time as a prefect and captain of the senior rugby team as highlights of his six years at the school.
“HTS quenches a lot of thirsts in terms of experiences as a high school student,” he says. “Beyond a wonderful education, it’s a great spot to facilitate relationships, despite your differing ambitions and goals. Everyone is living the same shared experience.”
Many of those relationships Michael built have endured to this day: still talking to a handful of HTS friends every couple of weeks. He recalls feeling “part of a family”, with the ability to get to know your peers easily because of small class sizes.
At RMC, Michael did his Armoured Corps training for deployment on Leopard II main battle tank, with four leopards and 16 soldiers under his command. He did this for three years, deployed in Eastern Europe, eventually landing the opportunity to work on the NATO Graduated Response plan at age 26.
When he came back to Canada, he quickly jumped into more advanced training, serving as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller, a battle captain and Squadron 2nd In Command (running about an 100 person operation). He was eventually posted to his current job in the Strategic Joint Staff.
As the Directorate of Current Operations - Expeditionary 1-1 (Europe/NATO), he acts as the nexus point between the government and the CAF’s current European operations. Day-to-day, Michael coheres plans into actionable items for the CAF and submits sound military advice up the chain of command to the Minister of Defence and Prime Minister.
When asked what November 11th means to him, he quickly responded, “everything.” Having had numerous friends pass while serving, he sees Remembrance Day as a crucial moment to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace.
Andrew Hu ‘20, another HTS alum who has more recently trained at RMC, concurs with Michael’s sentiment.
“It’s a time for us to remember that we’re out there for each other, respecting those that came before us. When I think of a poppy, I see a beautiful symbol of all the young people who fought and had a genuine desire to protect our country."
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Contrary to Michael’s path, Andrew explored RMC due its varsity fencing program initially. Having been invited to train with the Paladins team before even applying to any schools, the well funded program and facilities were an added bonus to Andrew’s wish to serve.
Now, as a logistics officer in the air force and second lieutenant, Andrew is shadowing a squadron logistics officer for on-the-job experience. While he has no desire to serve directly in battle, his job involves all the crucial administrative tasks involved in sustaining a fleet.
Andrew wishes that through his service, even in a small way, he can repay Canada for the opportunity it has provided to his immigrant parents. He has aspirations to be in a position that liaises with other countries though NATO: pushing for a more positive relationship between Canada and other countries.
This ambition likely comes from his time involved with the Model UN delegation at HTS where he won the double delegation Book Award at the North American Invitational Model UN (NAIMUN 57).
He misses HTS and remembers it as a time to feel safe and surrounded by a network of role models.
Both Michael and Andrew harp on the need for citizens of character in today’s workforce. Michael, specifically, stresses the importance of “the relentless pursuit of betterment” and mental resilience for the next generation.
On Remembrance day, Andrew attended a local ceremony in Trenton. He admits it can be a heavy day, but hopes we can all take pause to remember all who have and continue to fight for our freedoms.