Lieutenant Colonel Bruce G. McEachern, CD was born in Calgary. He graduated from Trent University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree and then studied law at the University of Toronto.  He then set up his own practice in litigation law.

He joined The Queen’s Own Rifles as a Rifleman in May 1976 and was accepted as an Officer Cadet the following year, after completing  the Basic Infantryman Course. After completing his RESO Phase I and II course during the summer of 1977, he received his commission.

After serving as a platoon commander, he receipted his promotion t Captain in 1984. After taking leave to pursue his legal career, he served as Adjutant from 1987 to 1991.  He received his promotion to Major in 1993.

McEachern was appointed Deputy Commanding Officer in September 1995, and held this position until he was appointed Officer Commanding of 60th Company in September 1996. In October 1967, he commanded the company for the Combat Readiness Evaluation, in which he was identified as a top company commander in the garrison. He was also a company commander during Operation Recuperation in 1998 following the disastrous ice storm that wrought havoc on much of Eastern Ontario and Quebec. He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel and was appointed Commanding Officer in September 1998.