After more than 22 years of loyal and dedicated service with the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Engineer Branch,  Warrant Officer SJ Thorburn, CD,  will retire on February 12, 2026. A dignified retirement ceremony will be held on February 13, 2026, starting at 1:00 p.m. at the Bunker in Oromocto. If you plan to attend, please confirm your attendance with Capt. Rodney Tatchell:  Rodney.Tatchell@forces.gc.ca . Anecdotes and well wishes can be sent to the same person.

In 2003, Shawn Thorburn enlisted as an infantryman in the Canadian Armed Forces, completing his basic training in Saint-Jean, Quebec, followed by combat school in Wainwright, Alberta. He was then posted to the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), in Edmonton, Alberta. During his time with the 3 PPCLI, he completed his parachute course in 2004 and held various positions within the parachute company. After successfully completing his PD2 infantry platoon support weapons course, he deployed on Operation ARCHER/ATHENA to Afghanistan in 2005/2006. He then changed specialties to combat engineer and completed his NQ3 course in 2008 at
 the Canadian Forces Engineering School (CFES), Gagetown, New Brunswick.

In 2008, he was posted to TP 2, Esc 42, 4th Engineer Support Regiment (RAG), where he held every role within the troop, from section member and deputy section leader to section commander and reconnaissance sergeant. He was then posted to the EGMFC in 2016, where he was promoted to sergeant shortly after arrival. He served with the Field Engineer Training Squadron as the TP Pontage, Recco, Eau et Ferrier (PRET) leader for two years, followed by two years as a Holdfast troop adjutant. In 2020,
 he was reassigned to 4 RAG as Warrant Officer of Troop 2, then Operations Warrant Officer of 48 Squadron. Promoted to Master Warrant Officer in 2022, Warrant Officer Thorburn took the position of Sergeant Major of 48 Squadron, then SM of 43 Squadron, before being assigned to 5th Canadian Division Support Base as Engineer Sergeant Major in 2024.

During his time at 4 RAG, Warrant Officer Thorburn completed various courses and was deployed on two operations: in Haiti during Operation HESTIA in January 2010, and then again in Afghanistan in March 2012 as part of Operation ATTENTION.