Published February 15, 2025 · By Rolly Dusseault
After more than 29 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, WO G.S. Sheppard, CD, (00307) will retire on 20 February 2025. A DwD reception will be held on 20 February from 1300 to 1500 hrs at 91 Construction Engineering Flight Gander. If attending, please RSVP to WO Patten at:michael.patten@forces.gc.ca. Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to WO Patten at: michael.patten@forces.gc.ca no later than 19 February 2025
Warrant Officer Gerald S. Sheppard joined the RCAF as a Reserve Structural Technician in August 1995 to the newly formed 14 Construction Engineering Squadron at 91 Construction Engineering Flight in Gander, NL. After completing BMQ at CFLRS St. Jean, he complete the QL3 course locally at Gander’s Centrac College.
Over the course of his career, WO Sheppard has been deployed to the former Yugoslavia, Republic of Macadonia in 98, Eritria in '01, Afghanistan '09 and Latvia in '17 and '19.
WO Sheppard was fortunate to represent the CAF, RCAF and CME when he was chosen to attend the liberation march in Knokke-Heist in Belgium, and Canada Day in Ottawa in 03’. He also participated in TAV’s with 2 Wg to Romania in 21 & 22’, and took immense pride that his son, Avr Brandon Sheppard was able to accompany him on one of the TAV’s. He took pleasure in participating in taskings such as the building of CSPANS in Resolute, Instructing a CE Sup Course, and instructing a BMQ Courses as the troop WO and Chief Instructor.
WO Sheppard intends to enjoy retirement at his beach cabin in Ladle Cove, NL, where he hopes to enjoy hunting, fishing a gardening with his wife Jennifer and their dogs. WO Sheppard and Jennifer have two son’s Aaron who attends MUN, and Brandon, who works with Newfoundgold and 91 CEF.