Rileys’ new commanding officer

Lieutenant-Colonel Gary McQueen was officially named the new commanding officer of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry during a ceremony at the Armoury on James Street North on Sunday.

McQueen joined the Canadian Forces 25-years ago. He quickly rose through the ranks and is now the 53rd commanding officer of the Rileys.

Sunday’s transition ceremony was full of military regalia as McQueen took over from Lieutenant-Colonel Daniel Stepaniuk, who assumed the role of commanding officer in 2010.

McQueen was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 in what would prove to be a career highlight. “An experience like that where you are applying the skills you learned to solve problems and better conditions for the people, serves any CO well in preparing for their job,” said McQueen.

During his six-month tour in Kandahar, he earned a commendation for exemplary work as the stability operations border co-ordinator.

McQueen has travelled all over the world and says he brings a new view on the military to the table. “I worked at an area in headquarters for almost 12 years now. So I bring a perspective of a larger scope.”