After 28 years, and 2 days of dedicated and loyal service, WO Dave Gibbs will be retiring on 24 July, 2009.

Born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, Warrant Officer Dave Gibbs immigrated to Canada in April 1976. He enrolled in the Canadian Forces on 23 July, 1981. After his basic training, he was posted to London, Ontario, with the 1st Battalion the Royal Canadian Regiment (1RCR). While with 1RCR, he completed his Basic Jump Course in Edmonton.

In 1982, he was posted to 3RCR, Baden Soellingen, Germany. After his posting to Germany, he was posted to Winnipeg in 1984, and promoted to Corporal in July 1985. While in Winnipeg, and while a member of 3RCR, he was deployed to Nicosia, Cyprus as part of the UN mission in February 1986.

In 1987, he changed trades and became an electrical technician. After his QL-3 in Chilliwack, he was posted to CFB North Bay. During his posting to CFB North Bay, he served a tour in CFS Alert. He was also able to complete his QL-5 training, in December 1989.

In 1994, he was posted to BFC Montreal, while in Montreal he served a tour in former Yugoslavia, Kiseljak, Bosnia and Herzegovina and another tour in Cyprus. In 1999, he was posted to CFB Petawawa with 1 Canadian Field Hospital (1CFH) and gained the rank of MCpl in June 2000. While in Petewawa, he was employed as the 2 I/C of the FCS Shop, and other parallel roles. In July 2002, he was promoted to Sergeant, and posted to 1 Canadian Combat Regiment (1CER) as the Electrical Section Commander. While serving with 1CER, he completed QL-6A, in July 2003 a tour to Camp Mirage, in the Middle East, and along with a tour to Colombo Sri Lanka, in Jan 2005, under Task Force Colombo.

In 2005, he was posted to Edmonton to the Contracts Section. Later, he moved on to become the DCC Ln O, and Electrical Design in the Engineering Section. While in Edmonton, he completed QL-6B in July 2007, and a tour to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Presently, he is employed as the Contracts Officer.

There will be a BBQ in Edmonton on 24 Jul 09 to celebrate his retirement, Warrant Officer Dave Gibbs will be staying in Edmonton after his retirement from the CF.

Please send all congratulations messages or anecdotes to CWO A. Demeria at Archie.Demeria@forces.gc.ca.