Mr. Wharton is a retired Canadian Forces Veteran with 32 years of military service. Following his retirement he joined the Department of Public Works as the manager of Ceremonial and Protocol Services, responsible for countless commemorative ceremonies in the National Capital Region. During this time, Mr. Wharton was an integral member of the committee responsible for the creation of the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. Mr. Wharton is currently Honorary President of The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS). As a member of ANAVETS, Mr. Wharton's volunteer contributions include: a re-write of the Association's Manual of Dress, Ritual and Ceremonies to ensure all members represent the Association in a professional manner; representation on the Veterans Affairs Canada's Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program External Review Committee and an activist in encouraging the members of ANAVETS to participate in restoring cenotaphs in their respective communities. He has represented ANAVETS at a number of Senate and Parliamentary Committee hearings as well as the Association's Dominion President on numerous commemorative occasions. Mr. Wharton is a member of The Royal Canadian Legion's Honors and Awards Committee. He is a participant at regional Veterans Affairs meetings to ensure his members are kept abreast of the work being done in the area of Veterans' services.