Squadron Sergeant Major
B Squadron
Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
 MWO Tom C. Holland was born in West Germany in Iserlohn at the British military hospital, 27 February 1965. His family was posted there as part of Canada’s NATO Brigade, his father serving with the PPCLI at that time. He spent the first year of his life living over a Gausthause, which would explain his predilection for fine ales. On return to Canada in 1966 he travelled with his family to many bases such as Edmonton, Winnipeg and Victoria, enjoying the true life of a base brat.
Looking to occupy his teen years, he joined Air Cadets in 1981. After several years, he was awarded a Gliding Scholarship, receiving his wings and licence in 1983. On a path to a full Air Force career, he spent a year in the militia as an infanteer in the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s). Then on 25 July 1985 he enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) intent on a short career in the Army on his way to the Air Force. He arrived at the home of the Strathcona’s in October 1985 after basic training at CFB Cornwallis. Once his TQ3 was completed, he joined Reconnaissance Squadron working in the Echelon. He stayed with Reconnaissance Squadron until the Regiment’s deployment to Cyprus from September 1988 - February 1989, where he was employed as a driver in Regimental Reconnaissance Troop. In the fall of 1989, he was sent on his CLC course and appointed to the rank of Master Corporal in December of that year. In 1991 he was part of the stand up of C Squadron as it was brought back into the order of battle. That summer, he departed for a two year posting to Germany with the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s). The close out of Germany saw his return to the Regiment in 1993, specifically to Assault Troop, Reconnaissance Squadron, which rerolled to call sign 60 for the Regimental deployment to Bosnia (May to September 1994). After returning from an overseas tour as a Crew Commander, he was tasked to Gagetown for his Crew Commander’s course in winter 1995. He was promoted Sergeant in December 1996. In 1997 he completed another tour in Bosnia with the Regiment, this time as an Infantry Section Commander in B Company. Following this, he again deployed as a Patrol Commander in Recce Squadron to Kosovo (June to December 1999).
On return to Canada, the Armour Corps realised that Sgt Holland had thus far eluded the grasp of the School and so posted him to the Armour School in the summer of 2000. While at the School he completed his QL6B course and was promoted to Warrant Officer. His final year in Gagetown concluded with second language training at the Base Language School. On return to the Regiment in 2005, he went to A Squadron as a Troop Warrant Officer, and then assumed the duties of B Squadron SQMS in the spring of 2006. That summer and fall, B Squadron rapidly prepared and deployed to Afghanistan in tanks for the first time as part of Task Force Afghanistan. On his return he took over as the HQ Sqn SQMS and was a member of the Guidon party. He completed his DP4 Squadron Sergeant Major Course in fall 2008 and was assigned as Squadron Sergeant Major of B Squadron for Strike Force 3-09 in November 2008.
MWO Holland and his wife Peggy have 4 children, Alma (11), Thomas (7), Richard (4) and Hayley (2). He studies boatbuilding on his own time as an eventual retirement hobby. His interests are those of the children’s which change daily. The Air Force career is apparently still on hold.
|
