By Major Lynne Chaloux

Due to operational commitments and an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, Major Derek Cheff, the Canadian Presidency’s secretary general to CIOR from July 2006 until March 2008, has concluded his CIOR duties several months early. 

Major Cheff has already begun battle readiness training in preparation for his upcoming deployment with the International Security Assistance Force Headquarters (ISAF HQ), where he will serve as an Engagement Team Leader for the Provincial Reconstruction Team.  In this role based out of Kandahar, Major Cheff will be responsible for effectively building and maintaining positive relations with the civilian and CIMIC elements of several Provincial Reconstruction Teams. 

Upon completion of his battle readiness training, his NATO augmentee training course in Germany and a training exercise in Norway, Major Cheff will deploy to Afghanistan at the end of August 2008. 
Major Cheff’s upcoming deployment is testament of the usefulness and significance of CIOR’s work and programs. 

“This deployment speaks to the very studies that we believe are important, and to the unique value of CIOR in better preparing Derek through real international experience,” stated Captain (Navy) Carman McNary, CIOR’s President.

While looking forward to his operational experience, the early conclusion of Major Cheff’s duties as CIOR’s Secretary General makes the experience somewhat bittersweet for him. 

“While I am enthusiastic about the deployment, it is with considerable regret that I leave my position with CIOR that has exposed me to such interesting, accomplished, and likeable people,” he said. “Thanks for your support and friendship over the past two years, and I hope that I will cross paths with many of you in the years to come. It has been a privilege to work with all of you,” he added.

As those who have worked closely with Major Cheff can attest, he is not easily replaced.  However, as stated by Captain (Navy) McNary, “Given the critical nature of Derek's deployment, and indeed the critical operational requirements creating such challenges throughout NATO as many of our nations grapple with the Afghanistan mission, there was never any question or doubt about priorities.”

Members of the Canadian Presidency team have valued Major Cheff’s leadership, support and commitment over the past two years.  Also, as stated by Captain (Navy) McNary, “I want to thank Derek on behalf of the entire CIOR and, in particular the Council, for his dedication to the task, his focus on results, his ability to lead change while respecting tradition, and his unfailing good humour. I have personally benefited from his outstanding support.”

Major James Cross, a Canadian Army officer with years of CIOR and NRFC experience and well known to many through his recent work with the Language Academy, will serve as the secretary general until the Canadians hand over the Presidency to their Dutch successors in July 2008 at the Istanbul Congress.