They proudly served
Hailing from coast to coast to coast they proudly served our country, at home and abroad, helping maintain peace and freedom and allowing us to lead the lives we do today.
Learn about their service, experiences and contributions to peace, security, and humanitarian efforts in the profiles below.
Canadians Around the World
The Middle East
From early United Nations peace support missions to reduce tensions in the region to more recent efforts, Canadians have served there for decades.
Master Corporal (Ret’d) Bettina Fuchs
A force to be reckoned with, Bettina Fuchs served almost 25 years in the military, deploying to the Gulf War, Cambodia and Bosnia. Released in 2009, this soldier’s strengths continue to shine through.
Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Bruce Barnes
Born in Vancouver in 1954, Bruce Barnes was just 5 years old when his family moved to Europe. At the age of 18, a thirst for adventure led him to enlist in the British Army. He would go on to serve for almost 40 years: half for Great Britain and half for Canada.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Tony Tremblay
Tony Tremblay spent 23 years in the Royal Canadian Navy. Little did he know that a chance mail delivery on HMCS Athabaskan during the Persian Gulf War would change his life forever.
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (Ret’d) David Bodie
For 35 years, David Bodie sailed the seas in the Royal Canadian Navy. Now retired, he looks back fondly on a military career that took him around the world, including into a war zone.
Master Corporal (Ret’d) Marc Bergeron
Marc Bergeron has seen just about everything through the lenses of the cameras that he wielded for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) during his very eventful career. While photography has been Bergeron’s passion since he was 15 years old, it now also plays a key role in his efforts to heal from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Charles Cormier
In 1968, at the age of 16, Charles Cormier had no idea that he would soon be flying airplanes and helicopters. He had just joined the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve. Two decades later, he volunteered to join the Canadian efforts during the Gulf War.
Vice Admiral (Ret’d) Duncan “Dusty” Miller
Born in the United Kingdom, Duncan “Dusty” Miller immigrated to Canada in 1954. At the age of 15 and with a strong desire to join the Navy, Miller went to the recruiting centre but could not be accepted until the following year, given his young age. He went on to attend Bishop’s University in Lennoxville.
Warrant Officer Terry Warner
After an exceptional career spanning over 40 years with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Warrant Officer Terry Warner will be retiring just in time for the 30th anniversary of the Gulf War. This is a happy coincidence as it was Warner’s first overseas deployment.
Corporal (Ret’d) Francine Beaudry
For more than 40 years, Francine Beaudry has been both a woman of action and a woman with a big heart. She has never been afraid to volunteer her time and to get involved, and she served in the military with dedication for 18 years. Daughter of two Indigenous parents, she has remained in spirit with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), as she is the current President of the “Association des Vétérans Autochtones du Québec”.
Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Theresa “Terri” Lynn Orser
She travelled the world and the seven seas. Theresa “Terri” Lynn Orser saw action and witnessed horrors over many fronts during her 27 years in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). In 2007, she transitioned to life after service, after being medically released for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Master Corporal (Ret’d) Richard Delve
Richard Delve was born in Hamilton, Ontario. A cook by trade, Richard Delve served with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for 19 and a half years. He served on the home front in Esquimalt, Kingston, Petawawa, and overseas in Germany. He also did two tours in Bosnia, in 1992 and 1996. In October 1990, he deployed to Qatar to assist with the Gulf War - he returned in March 1991.
Major (Ret’d) Lynn Doucette
During her 35-year career in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lynn Doucette was a woman of many firsts. She excelled in her role as an Air Weapons Controller, and while serving in the Persian Gulf, she was a Mission Crew Commander onboard AWACS aircraft, monitoring the enemy below and in the air.
Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Robert McDougall
Robert McDougall’s plan was to work in radio and television. But his life took an unexpected turn shortly after he was accepted into a broadcasting program at Centennial College. A car ride with a friend to the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) Recruiting Centre turned into a 25-year career in the military.
Captain (Ret’d) Hugh Egener
From soldier to soapstone bear sculptor - when Hugh Egener decided he was ready to transition out of the military life, he had already taken an interest in the arts. What started as a hobby soon became a second career.
Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Lyna Gravel
In high school, Lyna Gravel was planning on becoming an oceanographer. When she found out she could do this work in the Royal Canadian Navy, she decided to attend the Royal Military College. Instead of a degree in oceanography, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and had a career in logistics.
Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) John “Mac” Savage
John MacDonald Savage always wanted to see the world, and during his 36-year military career, he did just that. Of all his deployments and military moves, the most memorable was his tour as a peacekeeper with the UN Emergency Force II.
Europe
Starting at the end of the Second World War and through to today, Canadians in uniform have served in a variety of countries, missions and roles in this region.
Captain M. Cletus Cheng
Having served a decade in the Canadian Armed Forces, Captain Cletus Cheng deployed to peacekeeping missions in Rwanda and Bosnia. A natural born leader and highly respected by his peers, he led by example and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Sailor 1st class (Ret’d) Kay McGlennon
Kay McGlennon was born in Midland, Ontario. She served with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for a total of 29 years. Her training and service took her across Canada, from Esquimalt to Halifax, and multiple map dots in between. She also served overseas, supporting CAF missions in the Golan Heights and Bosnia. Her story is one of cohesiveness, team work and most importantly - family.
Sergeant (Ret’d) Nadia Duranleau
Nadia Duranleau grew up in Beloeil in the Montréal area. In 1990, while she was working in a clothing boutique on Sainte-Catherine Street, her life course took an unexpected turn. While heading out for an evening with friends, a simple detour marked the beginning of a 20-year career with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Sergeant (Ret’d) Wendy Jocko
Wendy Jocko, Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, always knew she wanted to join the military. Born in Pembroke ON, she comes from a long line of Indigenous Warriors who fought to defend Canada and restore peace. After serving 23 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, Wendy is now Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, leading them through the COVID-19 pandemic and on to a Treaty and Self-Government.
Sergeant (Ret’d) Joan Buchanan
Born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Joan Buchanan emigrated to Toronto, Ontario, when she was 17 years old. She joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) 16 years later for what would become both a rewarding and challenging career path.
Corporal (Ret'd) Raymond Goodchild
Corporal (Ret'd) Raymond Goodchild was born in Nipigon, Ontario. He's lived in Pawgwasheeng Pays Plat First Nation for the majority of his life. His sister served in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) which inspired Goodchild to enlist. He served in the CAF from 1979 to 1983 and supported the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Cyprus. Although Goodchild left the CAF in 1983, his service continues - in the form of providing support for his local community.
Captain (Ret’d) Robert Thibeau, CD
Captain (Ret’d) Robert Thibeau, a proud Métis Veteran, was born into a military family in Camp Shilo, Manitoba, but was raised in Gagetown, New Brunswick. Having experienced abuse as a child, Thibeau longed for structure and purpose as an adult. This led him to the Canadian Armed Forces.
Asia
Canada’s military efforts in the continent beyond the Middle East region have included, among others, our mission in Afghanistan and peacekeeping in Cambodia.
Sergeant (Ret’d) Cole Rosentreter
Cole Rosentreter has never been afraid to jump in with both feet. A paratrooper who served three tours in Afghanistan, he hasn’t let an injury stop him from taking his biggest leap yet: starting his own aerospace company.
Captain Breen Carson
From saving a comrade’s life overseas to helping those less fortunate at home, Breen Carson was a true hero - on and off the battlefield.
Colonel (Ret’d) Charles Hamel
Charles Hamel comes from a family steeped in military service, and felt serving in the Canadian Armed Forces was a path for him to follow. Enlisting as a reservist in 1973, he went on to serve for 42 years.
Sergeant (Ret’d) Geneviève Gauthier
While her friends were watching films like Dirty Dancing, Geneviève Gauthier preferred to watch Full Metal Jacket or other war films. At age 17, she joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and progressed through the ranks to become the first female engineer sergeant in the Regular Forces.
Major (Ret’d) Annie Tétreault
Not many health care professionals can say that they’ve worked in enemy territory. Annie Tétreault was a critical care nurse in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and she practised nursing in a war zone not just once, but three times.
Captain Diana Prénoveau
Captain Diana Prénoveau has been serving in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for 15 years and counting. Initially drawn to the opportunities and adventure it offered, she is now focused on using her leadership skills to make the military a more welcoming place for women.
Lieutenant-colonel Simon Mailloux
A story of perseverance and resilience—Simon Mailloux has shown that he is not easily broken. What some would see as a career‑ending injury, Mailloux saw as an opportunity to redefine himself and his place in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Captain (Ret’d) Hélène Le Scelleur
Hélène Le Scelleur understands the difficulties some soldiers have to overcome both during and after their military service. She wore the uniform for 26 years and lost two comrades in Afghanistan. She is currently finishing her doctoral studies in social work, which involve examining members’ experiences with identity transition as they return to civilian life.
Sergeant Stephen Thomas
Stephen Thomas was born in Scarborough, Ontario. As a child, he had a passion for athletics and competition. Thomas joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) on his 18th birthday, and went on to serve two tours in Afghanistan. He was awarded the Medal of Bravery for his actions in Kandahar.
Major (Ret’d) Kerry Mould
Kerry Mould always dreamed of serving in a United Nations mission. Twelve years after he first enlisted, he finally got his chance. He went on to serve in peacekeeping missions in East Timor and the Golan Heights.
Chief Warrant Officer Martin Colbert
Chief Warrant Officer Martin Colbert plans to retire from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in 2022. After 38 years serving his country and six deployments abroad, he has no intention of stopping. He hopes to become involved with the Cadets to introduce young people the wonderful values he has acquired throughout his military career.
Master Corporal (Ret’d) Victoria “Vickie” Lanthier
Although she broke several bones in her face during a tank accident, Victoria “Vickie” Lanthier is smiling. Despite the many obstacles and trauma she faced during her military career, she’s developed healthy coping mechanisms that have kept her mentally and physically fit.
Africa
Canadian Armed Forces members have often taken part in multinational missions on the continent, serving as peacekeepers and providing humanitarian aid.
Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Kevin ‘Sammy’ Sampson
Sammy Sampson graduated from high school in Nova Scotia on 22 June 1988. Less than two months later, at 18, he was serving with United Nations forces on the Iraq-Iran border as a radio operator, where a ceasefire had recently been reached between the two countries after almost eight years of fighting.
Master Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Mark Charlton
Originally from Belleville, Ontario, Mark Charlton was an Air Cadet and member of the Infantry reserves, before transferring to the regular force in 1979. After completing his basic and radio operator training, he was posted across Canada and served on peacekeeping and NATO deployments around the world.
Other operations in Africa
Colonel (Ret’d) Gratien Lamontagne
When he was young, Gratien Lamontagne lived near the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Bagotville and watched with fascination as planes manoeuvred overhead. This is mainly what inspired him to pursue a career in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
The Americas
Canadian Armed Forces members have responded to natural disasters, both at home and abroad, and provide security and support to Canada and other countries in the region.
Sergeant (Ret’d) Bill Toussaint
Bill Toussaint spent 23 years in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Little did he know switching trades would transform his military experience and inspire a second career years later.
Private Sarah Mizzi
Sarah Mizzi has served on the frontlines of disaster response. While she built barriers to fight rising floodwaters, she’s now determined to help break down barriers to gender equality in the military and pave the way for future generations.
Captain (Ret’d) Josh Bowen
Hurricanes, floods, snowstorms and wildfires—Mother Nature has devastated many Canadian communities without warning. When disaster strikes, Josh Bowen is the person for the job.
Sergeant Nadine Laflamme
With 32 years as part of the 55 Medical Company under her belt, Nadine Laflamme has always been dedicated to her work in the health care field.
Chief Warrant Officer Dominique Geoffroy
From high school to the Canadian Armed Forces - Dominique Geoffroy's decision to accompany his friend to a recruiting centre led to a decades long career, one that saw him deploy on missions around the world.
Major (Ret’d) Peter Portlock and Lieutenant (Ret’d) Linda Long
A passion for music and the military brought Major Peter Portluck and Lieutenant Linda Long together. Their dedication to serving their country and their love for piano and each other has kept them together for more than four decades.
Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Jacques Laplante
A little over 40 years ago, Jacques Laplante got his first taste of aviation. As soon as he enrolled in 1973, he knew he wanted to be a pilot and had his sights on fighter planes. Instead, he was trained to fly helicopters, which serendipitously led him to have a fascinating and diversified career.
Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Robert “Bob” Maxwell
Robert Maxwell didn’t join the Royal Canadian Air Force to blaze a trail for future generations, but his 35-year military career would inevitably forge a path for many who followed in his footsteps.
Bombardier (Corporal) - (Ret’d) Naomi Fong
Naomi Fong always aspired to serve her country and community. She was in college studying to be a paramedic when she enlisted in the Army Reserve. She served for close to 10 years before a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis led to her release.
Lieutenant(N) Yuna Hur
Yuna Hur was headed for a career in fashion. She had never thought of serving until one day, she tagged along with friends to a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Recruiting centre. This visit completely altered her career course. Eleven years later, she has no regrets.
Corporal (Ret’d) Bambi Gray
Bambi Gray was destined to serve. Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, a city rich in military tradition and history, Bambi was already playing young supply technician with her father at the Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment Army Cadets Corps as she rumbled through the bins of the supply room at age five. By the time she turned 21, she had officially joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Sergeant (Ret’d) Donna E. King
Women have served in the Canadian military for over a century. Before they were allowed to take on combat roles in 1989, they diligently filled administrative and support positions, working in the shadows. Donna E. King was one of these women. She helped keep the military administrative machine well oiled.
Corporal (Ret’d) Kate MacEachern
Being audacious and bold is something that Kate MacEachern strived for from a very young age. When she enrolled to serve her country in 2005, it had been brewing in her mind since she was a little girl. When she decided to walk decked in full uniform to raise money to help struggling Veterans, no one had done it before. This is her story of determination and resilience.
Do you want to learn about the Canadians who served in the First and Second World Wars, or the Korean War? You can read their stories, as told to us, on our Faces of Freedom page.
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