Published April 29, 2014 · By wkadmin
WO Dave MacDonald will be retiring from the CF on 06 September 2011 after 31 + years of dedicated service.
Born in New Waterford, Cape Breton, NS, and raised in Welland, Ontario, WO MacDonald enrolled in the CF on 17 April 1980 in St Catherine’s ON, as a 031 Infantryman. After basic training in CFB Petawawa, Dave was posted to CFB Gagetown 2 RCR, J Company, where he was first exposed to the CFB Gagetown training area. In 1982-86, Dave was posted to CFB London with 1 RCR and then to 3 RCR in Winnipeg from 1986-89. He completed numerous courses, ISCC, Adv Winter Warfare Instr, Small Arms Instr and numerous others and he also served 6 months tour in Cyprus in 84.
In 1990, Dave re-mustered to 612 Structural Technician and completed his QL3 trg at CFB Chilliwack. After completion of his apprentice trg, he was posted to CFB Moncton, NB where he spent 2 years in the Carpenter and Painting shops within CE.
Dave was then posted to CFB Petawawa in 1992 to the Base CE Carpenter shop after the closure of CFB Moncton. After 2 years he was posted across the street to 2 RCHA to serve with the Guns as their Engineer support.
After three years with the 2 RCHA, he was posted to CFB Borden in 1996-1999 as part of the CE Construction Troop. There he was involved in numerous construction projects from the new Fire Academy, Barrack Block Retrofits, and participated in the Ice storm relief.
In 1999, he was posted to CFB Cold Lake with 41 AEF to take part in the KFOR deployment to Kosovo.
In 2002, Dave was posted to CFB Trenton as a crew chief in 81 AEF. While there he was involved in numerous construction projects such as the Campbellford Bridge, new cadet building and US National Guard Exchange projects. He received the Wing Commander Commendation for Life saving actions during the National Guard Exchange in Smyrna Tenn. He also completed a tour to the Golan Heights in 2004-05 as the Prod Supt. after which he was posted to CFSME.
In 2005, Dave was posted to CFB Gagetown as the Construction Cell WO. During that time he completed his ILQ and QL6B. In 2007 he was internally reassigned to CETS Ops as the Operations Warrant Officer. During this time, Dave worked very closely with his mentor, Capt. Larry Simms (retired). In addition to the Ops work load, Dave still found time to complete a few courses such as his Roads and Water Alteration course, PEI Bridge Inspectors Certification and Project Manager Certification.
Plans upon Retirement:
Dave and Brenda, their 4 sons and 4 Cats will be remaining in Fredericton NB. Dave plans on writing his project management professional exam (PMP) at the end of the summer. He also plans on attending UNB to obtain his diploma in Technology Management and Entrepreneurship in the fall.
His departure with dignity (DWD) is scheduled for the 26th of August 2011 (1300-1530 hrs), at the Ramada Hotel in Fredericton, NB (Order from menu & Pay as you go). Luncheon attendance reservations, congratulatory messages, best wishes and anecdotes can be sent to his DWD OPI, WO Bruce Blanchard, at the following email address: Bruce.Blanchard@forces.gc.ca