Author Archives: Michael K. Barbour

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About Michael K. Barbour

Michael K. Barbour is the Director of Faculty Development and a Professor of Instructional Design for the College of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University California. He has been involved with K-12 online learning in a variety of countries for well over a decade as a researcher, teacher, course designer and administrator. Michael's research focuses on the effective design, delivery and support of K-12 online learning, particularly for students located in rural jurisdictions.

U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps – Arkansas Division Annual Inspection 2025

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Earlier today the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) – Arkansas Division held their 2025 Annual Inspection at U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco on Yerba Buena Island.  As one of the sponsors of this cadet corps, Branch President Michael Barbour – as well as Comrades Christopher Hogue and Siefken Krieger – were on hand for the event.

The event began with the formal annual inspection of the cadets.

Once the inspection concluded, the colours were presented and the more celebratory portion of the event began. There were remarks from Commanding Officer Gabriel Mikulich, followed by comments about each of the cadets from Chief Olivia Kessor.

The event then transitioned to the awards, which began with Commander Raymond Wong from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4618 91st Division/Chinatown San Francisco – who awarded their Citation and Medal Award to PO2 Samantha Rold.

It was then the Royal Canadian Legion’s turn to step to the podium. Comrade Barbour gave a brief history and context of the branch’s involvement with the Arkansas cadets, as well as the Legion’s involvement in the cadet moment in general. Comrade Krieger then presented a cheque for the Legion’s annual donation to the group. Comrade Hogue also handed out this year’s Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence to SN Catherine Rold. In making the award, the Arkansas leadership indicated that:

  • SN Catherine Rold has mentored and supported new incoming Cadets, increasing unit cohesion, belonging, and increasing cooperation;
  • SN Catherine Rold has met all requirements of the Corps annual mandatory and optional training programs;
  • SN Catherine Rold has pursued promotion this year and completed required course work;
  • SN Catherine Rold has participated in community service events including all Royal Canadian Legion events supported by the cadet corps;
  • SN Catherine Rold is regarded by peers and superiors as model cadet, recognized as an honor Cadet multiple times in training and consistently providing creative insight during unit activities.

The event concluded with comments from Lieutenant Commander Jeff Dao and the retiring of the colours.

Most of these photos were provided by Dara Wong (and our branch thanks her for being the unofficial photographer for the event).

News & Events for the Bay Area Canadian Community

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Invictus Games 2025: A Ukrainian athlete recounts his story

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An item from the Legion Magazine.
Front Lines
Front Lines

Ukrainian chemist Artur Mylin lost his right leg above the knee in an October 2022 Russian rocket attack. He competed at the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver-Whistler. [Stephen J. Thorne/Legion Magazine]

Invictus Games 2025: A Ukrainian athlete recounts his story

STORY BY STEPHEN J. THORNE

Ukrainian chemist Artur Mylin was working at the Academy of Sciences in Kyiv when Russian forces invaded his homeland on Feb. 24, 2022.

Mylin, with a PhD in chemical sciences, two lucrative grants and a president’s scholarship under his belt, had been planning to move to Canada, home to the world’s third-largest population of Ukrainian heritage.

“I wanted to move not because I don’t love my country, but to see the world and gain some experience,” he said. “I wanted to live life as interestingly as possible. That was the goal. I improved my English and prepared documents.”

READ MORE
Canada's Ultimate Story
The Briefing
The Briefing

Ottawa-based historian and founder of OTD Military History, Brad St. Croix. [Brad St. Croix]

History in a digital Wild West: Brad St. Croix on internet-age military myths

STORY BY ALEX BOWERS

Some years ago, while trying to highlight Canada’s military heritage, Ottawa-based historian Brad St. Croix turned to audiences on various social media platforms including YouTube. The PhD holder, who has previously worked with institutions such as the Canadian War Museum and the Juno Beach Centre, succeeded in cultivating a large online community of like-minded individuals. He also, however, encountered myths, misinformation and disinformation surrounding the country’s wartime efforts.

While the internet continues to be a hotbed for falsehoods, St. Croix has since founded the “On This Day Military History” brand as a trustworthy resource.

Here, St. Croix discusses the triumphs and pitfalls of his endeavours.

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Email sent to: mkbarbour@gmail.com

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King Charles III Coronation Medal Presentation Ceremony

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Yesterday members of the branch joined staff from the Canadian Consulate in San Francisco and others involved in ex-pat Canadian communities in the Bay Area for the formal presentation of the King Charles III Coronation Medal to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 President, Michael Barbour, by Consul General Rana Sakar.  Comrade Barbour had been nominated by the Branch 25 executive, and was one of the recipients of the medal allocation to the Dominion Command of the Royal Canadian Legion.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023, to recognize 30,000 Canadians who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region of, or community in, Canada, or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

In their nomination, the executive wrote that since joining the branch in 2016, Comrade Barbour led the charge in rehabilitating and caring for one of the two Legion plots that Branch 25 is responsible for. He engaged with local schools for remembrance education, and strengthened ties with the Canadian Consulate and other Canadian organizations. Comrade Barbour also led the branch’s efforts to re-engaged with the Western US Zone after years of inactivity, going on to serve in several Zone leadership roles. He has also held time intensive leadership roles in our branch. For example, as Poppy Chair he expanded distribution by building relationships with Canadian organizations and businesses throughout the Bay Area. Comrade Barbour reinstated the branch’s newsletter, modernized its website, and has sought to preserve historical artifacts often lost in attics and garages when our members pass away. During the pandemic, Comrade Barbour’s technological expertise proved invaluable. He organized virtual remembrance services, allowing distant members to participate and increasing our visibility in the expatriate community. As the current President, Comrade Barbour continues to innovate, implementing hybrid meeting formats and continuing to stream in-person services.  His dedication has breathed new life into the branch, maintaining an active presence in veteran commemorations throughout the Bay Area and raising awareness of Canadian veterans among the local Canadian diaspora and the broader Commonwealth.

Following the presentation, members of the Branch came together at the Wayfare Tavern for lunch and to present some Branch awards hat had been delayed due to the Canada Post strike at the end of 2024, including the Lifetime Member plagues for Comrades Edmondson and Krieger and the Meritorious Service Medal plaque for Comrade Barbour.