The Man Behind the Uniform: Michael Gazo
Michael Gazo posing next to his uniform that he wore while deployed to Germany in 1975 that is part of the RMR Museum’s permanent exhibition.
Westmount, Quebec – 02 May 2023: Former Master-Corporal Michael Gazo is part of the very fabric that is telling the RMR’s story; his kit that he served in while deployed overseas is now part of the RMR Museum’s permanent exhibition since it was renovated in 2021-22.
Corporal Gazo participating in a familiarization training session with SS1B Anti-Tank Missiles taking place in CFB Valcartier and hosted by the R22ER in Valcartier in the autumn of 1971. Photo credit: RMR Museum.
He now lives on Chatham, Ontario where he lived and worked as a paramedic for 40+ years after serving with the Regiment in the 1970’s. He grew up in Montreal and joined the RMR in 1971, serving six years and then eventually releasing as a Master-Corporal after he had served as an infantry section commander.
Newspaper clipping showing a photograph of part of an infantry section being briefed by the section commander during a Winter Warfare Exercise in Farnham. Photo credit: RMR Museum.
At the height of the Cold War, he deployed to Lahr, Germany with 1R22eR in for the first six months of 1975, and then later he deployed on domestic operations for the Montreal Olympics in 1976 – which, along with the weekend field training, he says are his favourite memories from serving with the RMR.
He qualified on the 81mm Mortar course and trained with helicopters, both Canadian and German (when he was in Lahr) – plus the usual Infantry career and trade courses requisite for his rank and experience.
With nothing but fond memories of his service with the Regiment, he states that the thing that he enjoyed the most about serving with the RMR was “the people that I met and the challenges we faced together”.
Private Mike Gazo is seen holding a defensive position in Camp Farnham, summer 1971. Photo credit: RMR Museum.
His advice for young soldiers starting out is “Serving members should take advantage of any courses or call outs offered to them”.