“My name is Wayne and I’m an Airport Duty Manager (ADM) at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA). I had the privilege of joining the GTAA team in 1997, after the operation of the airport was taken over from Transport Canada. As an ADM, I help to oversee the overall daily operation of the airport to make sure everything is flowing as it should be and resolving issues as they arise. I also help support planning initiatives to prepare for future operational challenges.
“I have been a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Primary Reserve for 34 years. I am an Infantry Officer by trade and currently hold the rank of Major. When I joined the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada, an Infantry unit located in Waterloo Region, I started down a long path of courses and training that not only challenged me as a soldier but helped me develop as a leader. Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of serving internationally with the United Nations, as well as domestically during major flooding and the repatriation of Canadian citizens during the early days of the pandemic. I have also served as a Regional Liaison Officer where I coordinated with provincial and local emergency management organizations from over 20 communities across Ontario, identifying challenges and supporting recovery plans throughout the pandemic. My current role in the CAF is Commanding Officer for an infantry rifle company, where I lead approximately 115 highly motivated soldiers through challenging training events.
“When working within any branch of the military, you are often put into challenging situations where you must form new teams and quickly develop professional relationships with other soldiers and leaders who you’ve only known a very short time. Under these circumstances, I am always amazed at how fast you learn the value of teamwork and the development of camaraderie; we quickly realize that we’re all part of the same team with the same goal: to serve Canada proudly. I find it encouraging that the GTAA is home to so many active and former soldiers from the CAF.
“Remembrance Day is a somber day of mourning and reflection observed across Canada. It’s a day to remember those who sacrificed their lives in past conflicts, and to think of those who continue to serve our country. We remember all who had been sent off to war to defend everything we cherish today. Wearing the poppy not only shows support for currently serving CAF members, but also acts as a reminder of the freedom we all enjoy and ensures that the sacrifice of Canada’s soldiers will never be forgotten.”
- Wayne, Airport Duty Manager, GTAA and Major, Canadian Armed Forces
“I have been a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Primary Reserve for 34 years. I am an Infantry Officer by trade and currently hold the rank of Major. When I joined the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada, an Infantry unit located in Waterloo Region, I started down a long path of courses and training that not only challenged me as a soldier but helped me develop as a leader. Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of serving internationally with the United Nations, as well as domestically during major flooding and the repatriation of Canadian citizens during the early days of the pandemic. I have also served as a Regional Liaison Officer where I coordinated with provincial and local emergency management organizations from over 20 communities across Ontario, identifying challenges and supporting recovery plans throughout the pandemic. My current role in the CAF is Commanding Officer for an infantry rifle company, where I lead approximately 115 highly motivated soldiers through challenging training events.
“When working within any branch of the military, you are often put into challenging situations where you must form new teams and quickly develop professional relationships with other soldiers and leaders who you’ve only known a very short time. Under these circumstances, I am always amazed at how fast you learn the value of teamwork and the development of camaraderie; we quickly realize that we’re all part of the same team with the same goal: to serve Canada proudly. I find it encouraging that the GTAA is home to so many active and former soldiers from the CAF.
“Remembrance Day is a somber day of mourning and reflection observed across Canada. It’s a day to remember those who sacrificed their lives in past conflicts, and to think of those who continue to serve our country. We remember all who had been sent off to war to defend everything we cherish today. Wearing the poppy not only shows support for currently serving CAF members, but also acts as a reminder of the freedom we all enjoy and ensures that the sacrifice of Canada’s soldiers will never be forgotten.”
- Wayne, Airport Duty Manager, GTAA and Major, Canadian Armed Forces