Publié le 2 avril 2014
Dave Hopkins joined the military in Petawawa, Ontario, 24 Oct 85, as an Artilleryman. He completed Basic Training at CFB Cornwallis in time to return home for Christmas leave, before embarking to Shilo, Manitoba in January 1986 where he began his QL3 at the Artillery Battle school training as a mud Gunner. Upon graduation the troop was informed they were going Air Defence. Posted to Chatham, N.B. to 119 AD Bty until May 88, when the opportunity arose to see Europe. Gnr Hopkins was posted to 128 AD Bty Baden Germany for a four-year term until June 92. This posting was considered quote, "4 best years of my career". Bdr Hopkins was promoted to MBdr and posted back to Chatham, NB until 95. MBdr Hopkins met the love of his life Sheila while he was employed at Range Control Suffield, Alberta until 2000. Moving by this time in his career is all too familiar, and again he tore up roots and moved to RSS Lethbridge, AB, where he trained young reservists until 02, when it was time to say good-by to the Artillery.
He changed direction with his military career by joining the Engineer Branch as a Refrigeration Technician. After completing his QL3 RM Tech course at Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering at CFB Gagetown, Cpl Hopkins was posted to CFB Petawawa serving with Base Construction Engineering.
Cpl Hopkins is now retiring with 22 years of dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces. Dave and his loving wife Sheila will be staying in the Petawawa Area. Dave plans to play with his woodworking and fish on the Ottawa River, as he begins a new chapter in his life with his family.