After more than 12 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, Sgt Jeff Vukasovic, CD, retired on 30 June 2023. A DwD function will be held at Jonny Canucks, 4768 Bank St, Ottawa, on Saturday, 02 March 2024 from 14:00 to 17:00 hours. Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to Cpl P.C. Goemans at Peter.Goemans@forces.gc.ca.
Sgt Vukasovic enrolled in the CAF in winter 2011 as an Army Reservist with 33 Combat Engineer Regiment in Ottawa, Ontario. Throughout his career, Jeff was always eager to work hard, share his knowledge with those around him, and actively mentor those who were subordinate to him. When he joined, Jeff had already established a teaching career and involvement in coaching track and field, which explains why instructing and mentoring came so naturally.
By July 2013, Jeff had completed all six modules of QL3 and was awarded the Esprit de Corps award by his peers and leadership while at CFSME. From 2013 into 2014, Jeff earned driving qualifications up to MSVS. He spent the next few years completing driving tasks and filled the role of section driver for the Regiment.
In 2015, Sgt Vukasovic completed QL5 and was promoted to Corporal. He was immediately mentored into a leadership role as Section Commander in 3 Fld Sqn. He completed the Driver Trainers’ course and began supporting 33rd Svc Battalion as an instructor for Driver Wheel courses. Jeff worked diligently over the next couple of years learning leadership skills, instructing courses, and accepting tasks as they came about. As a result, Jeff was awarded the Regimental Proficiency Award in 2015 and the Junior Leadership Award in 2016.
In 2017, Jeff deployed domestically for Op LENTUS, to help with the flooding in Laval, QC. He completed PLQ and was appointed the rank of MCpl, before competing in the 2 CMBG Iron Warrior Endurance race. In 2018, he competed again in the Iron Warrior Endurance race. In 2019, Jeff again deployed domestically for Op LENTUS, this time in Ottawa. He was awarded The Commanders Coin from the Chief of Defence Staff for his leadership and dedication on the operation. He finished the year with his third Iron Warrior Endurance race.
In 2021, Sgt Vukasovic completed DP3A and was promoted to Sergeant, spending the final two years as Section Commander in the field troop.
Since retiring from the CAF, Jeff has stayed active, enjoying spending time with family and creating a healthy work / life balance.