Lieutenant-Colonel David E. Meehan CD
Commanding Officer 56 Field Regiment, RCA

Lieutenant-Colonel Meehan was born the 5th January 1966 in Bellshill Scotland, approximately 20 km southeast of Glasgow. Born to Joseph and Rose Meehan, the youngest of six children, the Meehans moved to Canada in August of 1967. After a short time in Welland Ontario, the clan moved to Niagara Falls where the family was raised and still all live within 100km of each other.

Joe and Rose raised the Meehan children to remember their heritage but to embrace their Canadian Citizenship. As an example, all have been married with the traditional Scottish kilt worn by family and over the years the family has raised thousands of dollars for local charities by hosting annual “Burns” supper events. As a school principal, Joe emphasized a good work ethic and Rose as a stay at home mom, kept the family close.

Lieutenant-Colonel Meehan is a firefighter and a health and safety activist, he has taken many courses over the years in relation to the fire-service and health and safety. Lieutenant-Colonel Meehan graduated high school with an honours diploma in 1986 and went straight to the Combat Training Centre in Gagetown, New Brunswick.

Lieutenant-Colonel Meehan’s military career did not start there. He first joined the Air Cadets in Niagara Falls in 1980 and stayed with them until 1985 having received his glider pilot’s wings and achieved the rank of Warrant Officer First Class. In 1983 he joined the 56 Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery and has served the “Guns” ever since. Even during a short time with the Canadian Air force, Officer Cadet Meehan returned to the Regiment while on leave to assist the Regiment in Petawawa for Milcon 98. Over the years, with the Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Meehan has held many positions including, Detachment Commander, Troop Commander for both A and B troops, Battery Commander for 10 battery and Romeo battery, Adjutant, Second in Command and Acting Commanding Officer.

Through all these years Lieutenant-Colonel Meehan’s wife Shelley has been home supporting him and the Regiment. They have three girls, Samantha, Jenette, and Bridgette. They are all active within their church, and with community sports. Lieutenant-Colonel Meehan is presently a fire fighter with the Burlington Fire Department, where he has been employed since 2007.

Lieutenant-Colonel Meehan is extremely happy to have achieved his goal of “Commanding” the Regiment he joined as a Private so many years ago. He is looking forward to his continued service to the Regiment and those who are members of the Regimental family.