32 CER is unfortunately retiring two long term members of the Regiment.
MWO Michael Podesta, CD, retired on 02 Aug 2017. MWO Podesta is retiring after more than 34 years of loyal and dedicated service to the CAF and the CME Branch (see bio attached).
At the request of both Capt Granger and MWO Podesta, they will be combining their depart with dignity. Please join Peter and Mike and their families for a celebration of their careers.
This is open for all those who know or served with Peter or Mike. The combined DwD will occur on Saturday 14 Oct, 2017 at Hemingway's Restaurant 142 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M5R 1A8. Start time is 1500 hrs.
Friends and colleagues may send RSVP, congratulatory messages, stories, or anecdotes to CWO Quaidoo at: justin.quaidoo@forces.gc.ca<
Master Warrant Officer Mike Podesta joined the 2nd Field Engineer Regiment (renamed 32 Combat Engineer Regiment in 2007) on 23 May 1984 and completed his basic training and Driver Wheel Course under the Summer Youth Employment Program. He attended York University, graduating with Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1986 and was later employed as a surveyor with R.V. Anderson Associates Limited. He completed QL3 Basic Field Engineer course in June 1985 and later went to CFB Petawawa to attend the QL 5 Field Engineer Qualification course, which he completed in July 1985. He was promoted to Master Corporal in 1988 after completing his Junior NCO Course. After completing the Field Engineer QL6A course he was promoted to Sergeant in 1990. He completed his Field Engineer QL6B and Senor Leaders Course in 1992.
From September 1992 to June 29, 1993, WO Podesta deployed to CFB Petawawa with 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in September 1992 for pre- training and later deployed on Operation DELIVERANCE in Somalia from Dec 1992 to Jun 1993. On returning from the mission, he was employed on Class B as the Regimental Quartermaster from 1994 to 2002. In addition to his quartermaster duties, during the summer months, he instructed at Canadian School of Military Engineering (CFSME). He was promoted to Warrant Officer in 1997. In 1998 MWO Podesta was the Engineer Troop Warrant during Op Recuperation (Toronto ice storm) in Jun 1998.
At 32 Combat Engineer Regiment, WO Podesta has held various supervisor positions within the field engineer troop from section commander, Troop Recce NCO and Troop Warrant. He held appointments as Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM) for 2 Field Engineer Squadron and 27 Support Squadron and since 2009 has been the SSM of 47 Field Engineer Squadron. WO Podesta held the position of QMSI from 2015 to 2017 and was promoted to Master Warrant Officer effective January 13, 2017. MWO Podesta is retiring after 34 years in the CAF and the RCE.
Mike has been employed and will continue to work for Canada Revenue Agency.