MWO Francis Létourneau retired on 03 May 2016 after 32+ years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces.
MWO Francis Létourneau enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in Rimouski, QC. on 08 August 1983 and attended basic training, at CFB Valcartier, QC. After completing his QL 3 Infantry 031 course on Dec 2nd he was posted to CFB Valcartier, QC. at the 3rd R22R. After nearly 8 years in the Infantry, where he deployed in Cyprus in 1985 and spending more than 4 years in Lahr Germany, he decided to switch to the blue uniform and become a Firefighter. Francis was transferred to Borden and upon graduation in July 1991; he was posted in Trenton, Ontario. After 2+ years in Trenton, he was transferred to Halifax, N.S. on HMCS Athabascan. During his 4 years + on this ship, he deployed to Kosovo in 1999.
After sailing the Atlantic Coast, Cpl Létourneau was posted on the ground to 3ieme Escadre Bagotville, QC. During his posting in Bagotville, Francis was promoted to the rank of MCpl in 2000 and stayed there 3 years as Crew Chief and Deputy Platoon Chief before being transferred again on Ship to sail this time the beautiful Pacific Coast. Francis served as MCpl on HMCS Regina for 2 years and was transferred on HMCS Winnipeg where he occupied the Senior Fire Fighter position after being promoted to the rank of Sgt in 2005. In 2006, he returned once again to 3ieme Escadre Bagotville where, after not even a year, he was deployed in Afghanistan as Fire Chief at Camp Nathan Smith. 7 Months later, upon his return in March 2008, Francis stayed at the Fire Hall as Platoon Chief on the Green Crew. He then was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer and transferred to 2 Wing Bagotville to fill the TFFM position for a period of 2+ years. Francis then transferred to CFB Borden at CFFCA as Flight WO (Senior Instructor) until he was promoted to his current rank. In 2012, he left CFFCA to become the RCAF CE Tasker at 1 Canadian Air Division located in Winnipeg Manitoba.
Francis and Céline had foreseen their end date and dream home for retirement. However, it took her many months to convince Francis to finally retire and buy their dream home in Saint-Ferdinand, QC which Céline and Francis will enjoy kayaking on Lac Williams and take care of their 2 x Grand-children.
A Depart with Dignity retirement function was held on 22 April 16. Anecdotes and congratulations message can be sent to CWO Denis Rutherford via email; FAX to (204) 833-2566 or snail mail to: 1 CDN AIR DIV HQ, PO BOX 17000 STN FORCES, WINNIPEG, MB, R3J 3Y5 Attention: CWO Denis Rutherford A4CE FG 4-