After more than 13 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, MCpl Vlad Rayda, CD, retired on 29 February 2024. Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to Cpl P.C. Goemans at Peter.Goemans@ecn.forces.gc.ca. A DwD ceremony for MCpl Rayda will take place on 14 May 2024, which will coincide with the 33 CER Change of RSM Ceremony. After working together for a number of years, MCpl Rayda and the outgoing RSM, CWO Greg Mizen, wanted to celebrate their exit at the same event. See the attachment for additional information.I

Vlad joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2011 as a Combat Engineer at 34 RGC in Montreal. He completed basic training (BMQ) and DP1 in 2011, BMQ-Land and DP2 in 2012, and Army PLQ in 2014.

From the very beginning of his career in green, MCpl Rayda was excited to participate in everything the Canadian Forces offered, including exercises during the coldest winter nights and the hottest summer days. After several years, Vlad was given the opportunity to take leadership courses and teach the next generation of Engineers at CFSME.

After a few beers at the mess in 2016, Vlad was convinced to change trades to Geomatics Technician, which mapped out new possibilities for him. Although geomatics technicians are far from where the action takes place, he learnt many new skills that helped him transition to a rewarding civilian career.

During his training and employment, Vlad made lifelong friendships. The highlight of Vlad’s military career was working overseas with some of Canada's allies from the US, Latvia, and Ukraine.

Vlad is currently employed at Transport Canada in emergency management and hopes to dabble in entrepreneurship