Dressed in army fatigues in his century-old office at the Barrack Green Armoury, Lieutenant Colonel Shawn McPherson admits his military career started with inspiration from Tom Cruise.

"It's a good story," he says, smiling. "I'd always been interested in the army and the Air Force. But I think I saw Top Gun and wanted to be a fighter pilot."

As a teenager, McPherson joined the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment in Saint John to get military experience. His less-than-perfect vision grounded his Air Force dreams. But, 21 years later, he's his own kind of top gun.

"I'm the number-one person in the unit," says McPherson. "I took command of the Regiment when I was 36, and I'm 38 now."

The Regiment, also known as The Loyal Company, formed in 1793 when French privateers threatened to attack Saint John. The Regiment defended the city again during the War of 1812 and helped keep Saint Johners safe after the Great Fire of 1877. Reservists from The Loyal Company have served in Bosnia, the Golan Heights and Afghanistan.

Now, as Saint John turns 225, the Regiment is reviving its tradition of hosting a ball.

On May 15th, the sequins and tuxedos will be out for the Loyal Company Ball at the Delta Brunswick Hotel. The swanky event is sold out.

"The Loyalist Ball was always a part of this Regiment," McPherson says. "We just kind of got away from it, for whatever reason. So I thought it was important for us to try to bring it back."

The Regiment fires a 21-gun salute annually on May 18th in recognition of its long service and connection to the City of Saint John and this year, will include an inspection by Lieutenant-Governor Graydon Nicholas, Premier Shawn Graham and Saint John Mayor Ivan Court. The traditional salute occurs at noon from Pugsley Wharf following the traditional Loyalist Day ceremonies.

The Regiment will also be a big part of Making History: An Original City Production, Saint John 225's free anniversary concert, starting at 7 p.m at Harbour Station. The Saint John-style spectacle has been in the works for months.

"There will be a second, special 21-gun salute at the beginning of the event," McPherson explains.

"The 3rd Field Artillery Regiment Band will perform, and there will be a section of the show dedicated to the history of the Regiment."

Written by freelance journalist Jennifer Power Scott for saintjohn225.com Jennifer's first book, Green Careers: You Can Make Money AND Save The Planet, is being released across North America this spring.

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