Description
Mr. McCue speaks about being shy as a youngster and how encouragement from his parents got him to join the air cadets.
Robert McCue
Mr. Robert McCue was born August 22, 1972 in the city of Edmonton, Alberta. During his youth, he joined the air cadets and contributes this as a turning point towards a military career. Joining the Reserves, Mr. McCue became a part of the South Alberta Lighthorse Unit formerly known as the South Alberta Regiment. He accepted a deployment to Bosnia in 2003 as an infantry section commander, holding rank of sergeant. Later, he accepted a position with a newly developed unit, PSYOPS and deployed to Afghanistan in 2006. During this time Mr. McCue worked for Canada Post. Having a strong interest in military history and respecting the contributions made by his grandfather during WWI, Mr. McCue had the opportunity to travel as part of the delegation to Vimy in celebration of the 100th anniversary, an honour he will cherish for a lifetime. Mr. McCue presently resides in Edmonton, Alberta with his family.
Transcript
I was horribly shy to the point where I would cry if the teacher talked to me in school and my parents thought it would be a good idea to get me some help to get a little more confidence so they pushed me towards the cadet program. And when I was twelve, I joined the air cadets. It was the only cadet program in St. Albert. That was the turning point for me. I had been interested in the military stuff but the first year was hard. I was very shy and it was not unusual for me to be very emotional when the sergeants and corporals were yelling at you. It taught me a lot about myself and helped me overcome that shyness. So I did my time there while I was in school and very fortunate, really active cadet corps that was a fascinating place to grow up basically. I got my glider pilot’s license before I could get my learners so I was able to fly a glider, you know, on my own but I couldn’t operate a motor vehicle so that was, you know, really eye opening that they are trusting you with this big aircraft and a very strong interest was developed from that.