After more than 12 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, Master Corporal (MCpl) T.R.A. Rubin, C.D., was released on 28 Feb 26. A retirement celebration will be held as part of the Canadian Veteran Garage grand opening. Anecdotes and well wishes can be sent to Capt K.S.C. Ho at: Kyle.Ho@forces.gc.ca
MCpl Rubin enrolled in the CAF on 7 Feb 14 and completed his Combat Engineer training before being posted to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1 CER) in Dec 2014. During an exercise in Shilo in 2015, he sustained a neck injury that required long-term management which leading into his release over a decade after the incident. Despite this challenge, he continued to perform at a high level throughout his career, demonstrating resilience and dedication to duty.
Promoted to Corporal (Cpl) in 2017, MCpl Rubin was immediately employed above his rank as a detachment commander on Operation LENTUS in Williams Lake, where he supported security operations in coordination with the RCMP. Following this deployment, he completed his Section 2 IC Course and continued to serve in leadership roles during numerous training exercises. In 2018, he successfully completed the Tactical Intelligence Operator Course.
In 2019, MCpl Rubin deployed on Operation IMPACT, serving as Force Protection Section 2 IC while also acting as the Intelligence representative for his team, expanding his experience across both leadership and analytical domains. While deployed on Operation IMPACT in 2019, further medical imaging confirmed a herniated disc, providing clarity on the injury he had managed for several years.
A highlight of his time at 1 CER was his outstanding performance in regimental competitions. In 2016, he earned top shot honours at the Worthington Cup. In 2018, his section won the Sapper Stakes, with him as 2 IC of the Airborne section and also took first place at the Regimental Gun Camp in 2021, demonstrating exceptional marksmanship and Engineer skills.
MCpl Rubin was also a driving force in developing the Regiment’s powerlifting and grappling programs. As a coach and organizer, he played a key role in recruiting, training, and mentoring members. His teams achieved multiple brigade-level first place finishes and consistently performed at a highest-level during Exercise STRONG CONTENDER.
In 2023, MCpl Rubin deployed on Operation UNIFIER on short notice to backfill an injured member. Shortly after his return, he was posted to 2 CER, where he served as a Section Commander contributing to training and troop development. During this time, he was involved in a board of inquiry to investigate a suicide case, an experience that reinforced his commitment to leadership, mentorship, and supporting the well-being of
junior members. In Jul 2025, MCpl Rubin was posted to Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) for a short-term position. He was medically released from the CAF in 2026 from the neck injuries sustained from his early career.
On 2 Mar 26, he founded the Canadian Veteran Garage, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a supportive community workspace for serving members and veterans. The initiative fosters connection, shared purpose, and continued service beyond the uniform.
Although MCpl Rubin has removed his uniform, his commitment to service remains unwavering. Those interested in connecting with their community are encouraged to learn more about Canadian Veteran Garage.
CHIMO!