MWO Donald Brisson will be retiring from the CF on 13 March 2012 after more than 41 years of dedicated service.

MWO Brisson enrolled in the CF with the intentions of becoming a MSE Op on the 23rd of July 1970 in Rimouski. After he finished his basic qualification training and an English course at StJean, he changed trades to become a Field Engineer. Pte Brisson completed his QL3 on the 3rd of December 1971 at CFSME Chilliwack and was posted to CFB Gagetown to 2 Field Squadron as a Sapper. During his time in Gagetown he was attached to 1 CEU to assist with the construction of the barracks in CFS Bermuda. Upon his return he requested an occupational transfer to become a Construction Technician.

His OT was accepted in 1974 and once again he returned to CFSME Chilliwack to complete his QL5. Upon completion of his QL5 Cpl Brisson was posted to CFB Montreal in 1975. In 1977, he was attached to 1 CEU and was sent north for 3 months to help in a project that in involved the restructuring of the station at CFS Alert.

Promoted Master Corporal and then Sergeant he was posted to Calgary in 1980. In 1982, he was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer and was posted to the Research Centre in Nicolet. In 1986, he was promoted to Master Warrant Officer and was posted for the second time to Montreal. In 1989, he was posted to CFS Mont-Apica to close the station. In 1990, he was posted to CFB Valcartier Engineer Services. In 1996, he was posted to 1 ESU and was posted back to Valcartier in 1999, where he worked as a Projects Manager.

In March 2003, after 32 1/2 years of loyal service, he decided to retire and started his second career as a Contracts Inspector with the Canadian Forces Housing Agency in Valcartier. In 2004, he missed being in the military so he joined the Reserves and went on tour to Afghanistan for the first time. Upon completion of his tour, he applied and was accepted for a permanent Class B Reserve position at Engineer Services in Valcartier where he worked as Projects Manager and Planning Officer.

He participated in the following missions; Egypt 1978, Bosnia 1995, 1998, 2001, Afghanistan (Kabul) 2004, (Kandahar) 2007 and 2009.

Donald has 2 sons, Jean-François and Philippe, they both live in Quebec. He plans to stay in the Quebec area and to enjoy life.