Commanding Officer, 48th Highlanders of Canada – 2018-2021

Regimental Sergeant Major  – 2002-2006

Lieutenant-Colonel Ron Alkema was raised in Brampton and Toronto and enlisted in the 48th Highlanders in 1980 as a Private soldier. He transferred to the Royal Canadian Regiment and was a member of the First Battalion. Upon his return to the Regiment, LCol Alkema was promoted through the NCO ranks and ultimately appointed as the Regimental Sergeant Major in 2002. He was commissioned as an officer in the rank of Captain in 2007, and was subsequently promoted to Major in 2011.

In addition to his long service, extensive military education, depth of knowledge and practical experience, LCol Alkema has a wealth of operational experience, having deployed to Germany for Op REFORGER in 1982 as Cpl; Op SNOWGOOSE (Cyprus) in 1985 as a MCpl and again in 1993 as a WO. He deployed to Sierra Leone (Op SCULPTURE) in 2006 as a CWO and Afghanistan (OP ATHENA) in 2009 as a Captain. He also deployed to Canada’s north on Op Trillium Response as a Major in 2015.

LCol Alkema was awarded the Chief of Defense Staff Commendation for his work as a military advisor to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), specifically for revising the training and operational rotation for 3 Bde, which was subsequently adopted by the entire RSLAF.

LCol Alkema is the first member in the 127 year history of the 48th Highlanders to be appointed both Regimental Sergeant Major and Commanding Officer. He retired after 42 years as a Highlander in 2022.

In civilian life, LCol Alkema is employed by R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited where he is a Senior Contract Administrator for heavy municipal infrastructure projects dealing primarily with water and wastewater. He is also an active member of his church. LCol Alkema is an avid runner, who also enjoys hockey, his motorcycle and spending time with his family. LCol Alkema resides in Orangeville with his wife Ruth and their three children: Jocelyn, Rachel and Jonas.