Cold Lake, Alberta
Mr. McKinnon served in the Canadian Forces (Air Element) for 23 years. His service as a Warrant Officer Aviation Technician included tours of duty in Europe and Qatar during the Persian Gulf War. Since 1971, Mr. McKinnon has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Air Force Association of Canada. He has served as Branch President, #1 Legion Branch in Germany and Wing President, Alberta Group President and National Director, Air Force Association of Canada since 1997, Mr. McKinnon has been instrumental in the Gulf War Veterans Association of Canada which he now serves as its Immediate Past President. He continues to provide advice to Veterans Affairs regarding Operation Stress Injuries including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Mr. McKinnon also serves on the DND/VAC Centre for the Care of Retired and Injured Service Personnel Advisory Council and the Advisory Council for the Study for Cancer and Mortality in Gulf War Veterans. He also played a significant role as a key member of the VAC-CF Advisory Council whose report and recommendations led to the adoption and implementation of the New Veterans Charter. Mr. McKinnon currently fills the position as the Gulf War Association Special Advisor to the VAC-GAC Advisory Council.