🇨🇦 A 25 year career in the CAF by the numbers…

On Canada Day, 25 years ago, I boarded a bus to basic training—no idea where it would take me, just the sense that I was about to begin something totally unknown. And what a wild, incredible ride it’s been.

Tomorrowow I’ll be handing in my military ID and officially taking off my uniform and naturally I’ve been reflecting on all that this 25 year career created:

🪖 8 postings 🛫 12 positions 📈 6 promotions 🌍 8 countries outside Canada 🍁 Countless exercises (and way too much time in Wainwright for an Air Loggie!) 🚐 At least 12 road trips across the country 🏠 8 homes, too many tents and cots to count!

This job has taken me across most provinces and one territory, given me three degrees, a mountain of courses, and more professional development than I could have imagined.

🏃‍♀️ Over a dozen fitness tests (plus a few exemptions!) 🥇 4 platinum incentives 🏅 One marathon, one team triathlon, one Mountain Man 🏃‍♀️ A handful of 5K races at Nationals.

I’ve led teams from 3 to 400, promoted dozens of amazing people, and sat in meetings with Chiefs of Defence Staff, Ambassadors, Presidents, and Ministers alike. But my most meaningful moments were always connecting with members—getting to know who they are and helping them get to where they want to be.

📘 I’ve carried blue, green, and red passports. I’ve spent YEARS away from home and my favourite people.

Along the way, I met Yannick Dubreuil. We almost didn’t have him back in time from tour for our own wedding! Together, we’ve raised two adventurous kids—four schools by Grade 5 and still no family doctor—and two sweet dogs who’ve helped make every place feel like home.

I’ve missed birthdays, anniversaries, and even first days of school ❤️‍🩹 But we’ve also built a life full of stories, strength, and friendships that span the country and the globe. The impact of those relationships? Impossible to measure.

When I thought about retiring, I kept asking myself how I could walk away from all the “stability” the military gave me. But looking back on the last 25 years, I realized I’d been using the wrong word. Sure—there’s been job security. But anything but stability 😆

I signed up for adventure—and wow, did it deliver.

Here’s to retirement and the next adventure! Victory Through Support!🥂