After more than 34 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, MWO Tim MacCormac, CD, will retire on 31 July 2024. A DwD ceremony will be held on 09 August 2024 at the Out of Bounds restaurant, located within the Cattail Crossing Golf Club (24427 Township Rd 542, Sturgeon County, AB, T8T 1L4). Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to MWO S.A. Noonan at Scott.Noonan@forces.gc.

MWO Tim MacCormac, CD, will retire from the Canadian Military Engineers on 31 July 2024 after 34 years of service. He has served in Canada, the Balkans, Central America, Europe, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.

Tim was born in Kingston, ON, and raised in Oromocto, NB. He attended the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He joined the Primary Reserves in 1990, the same year he deployed on his first domestic operation during the Oka crisis as part of Operation SALON. Tim committed to being a full-time soldier and joined the Regular Force as a Royal Canadian Engineer in 1995.

Tim completed basic Engineer training in Chilliwack, BC, in 1995 and was posted to 2 CER in Petawawa, ON, where he spent the next seven years. During this time, he deployed to the Balkans on Op PALLADIUM, completed the Jungle Warfare course in Panama, earned his jump wings, and worked with the Brigade of Gurkhas in the U.K., to name but a few of the great experiences. In 2002, he was posted to the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Oromocto, NB. After five years of teaching Sappers to Phase IV students, Tim was posted to 1 CER in Edmonton, AB, in 2007.

With 1 CER, Tim deployed to Afghanistan while progressing through the ranks to Warrant Officer. He occupied various positions before being posted to the Canadian Maneuver Training Centre (CMTC) in Wainright, AB. There, he spent the next four years as an Observer Controller Trainer (OCT) learning more about the trade and the Canadian Armed Forces. As an OCT, he was sent on Op REASSURANCE, which he found to be another great experience. Promoted to Master Warrant Officer while at CMTC, he was posted back to 1 CER to spend the next four years gaining experience and serving as the Squadron Seargent Major for Op UNIFIER in Ukraine. Upon his return, he became the Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor (QMSI) of 1 CER. During his time at 1 CER, Tim received a Commander’s Commendation for troop management and another while on Op ATTENTION in Afghanistan. One of his achievements was publishing his book, entitled Sand Searchers, from firsthand experiences during his first tour to Afghanistan.

In his last posting to Division HQ, Tim assisted with Aboriginal land claims, infrastructure, division engineer resources management, and institutional support as the Engineer Plans MWO under the Division Engineer.

As retires, Tim will continue his service at the Department of National Defence (DND) in Edmonton, where they have accepted a position within the Public Service. His transition to civilian life reflects their enduring commitment to serving his country, albeit in a new capacity. We thank MWO Tim MacCormac for his unwavering dedication and outstanding service over the past 34 years. His career has been a beacon of excellence, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of military engineers.