New Commanding Officer for the RHLI

When Canadian soldiers go on leave from their tour of duty in Afghanistan, most go sightseeing in Europe or come home to relax in a familiar and safe environment for a few weeks. For Lieutenant-Colonel Sean McKee, it was a different experience - he came home to take command of The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Hamilton’s oldest Army Reserve unit and Burlington’s only military unit.

LCol McKee received command of the historic regiment in a colourful ceremony on Sunday, February 11th. Outgoing commanding officer LCol Guy Smith handed over command to LCol McKee in the LCol John Weir Foote, VC, CD Armoury in downtown Hamilton. Originally scheduled to take over in his previous rank of major, McKee was surprised when he was promoted during the ceremony.

The event has some interesting behind-the-scenes aspects. LCol McKee was home on leave, but returned to Afghanistan shortly after the parade. He is currently the most senior “Riley”, as RHLI soldiers are known, to serve in a combat theatre while wearing the RHLI cap badge since World War 2, and is the unit’s 51st commanding officer.

At the same time, LCol Smith is in pre-deployment training for his tour of duty in Afghanistan, and will arrive there prior to LCol McKee’s return home. The RHLI will be in the unique position of having two lieutenant-colonels in a combat theatre at once – the first time this has ever happened. In addition, LCol Smith's daughter, Lieutenant Stephanie Smith, a Regular Force nurse, is currently deployed in Afghanistan. The RHLI also has several soldiers who have just returned home from the war-torn nation.

LCol McKee enrolled in the military in 1988 with 11 Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery. After a brief pause in service he re-joined the army with 23 Military Police Platoon before transferring to The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry in April 1990.

He was commissioned second lieutenant in September of that year and was promoted lieutenant a year later. He served four years as a rifle platoon commander, including service as part of November Company, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment during the “10/90 battalion” concept which created an army unit made up of 10% Regular soldiers and 90% Reservists.

LCol McKee has served in all command positions in the RHLI, including two years as deputy commanding officer. He is a 2004 graduate of the Militia Command and Staff College.

He has been deployed to Afghanistan since October 2006 as a strategic planner with the International Stabilization Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters in Kandahar.

The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry came into being in 1862 – five years before Confederation. The RHLI draws on the Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Dundas, Ancaster and Burlington communities for its soldiers, with about 200 currently on strength. Headquarters, “B” Company and Administration Company are in Hamilton, while Burlington is home to “C” Company.