Building MA-36 in Kingston, Ontario, was officially dedicated to Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) John Donald Vass on Friday, April 19, in tribute to his distinguished military career. This renaming ceremony highlighted the significant impact of CWO Vass’s service in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Chief Warrant Officer John Vass, MMM, CD, began his military career when he enrolled in the Regular Force in 1967. Starting at the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) School in Kingston, he honed his skills through apprenticeship training before serving in 207 Workshop and later in the 1 Canadian Signal Regiment. His journey led him to Edmonton for his first two tours with the Canadian Airborne Regiment.
Moving with the Regiment in 1977 to Petawawa, CWO Vass assumed various roles, eventually becoming the equipment technical quartermaster sergeant of the Regiment in 1986. After his initial Airborne tour, he continued his career with positions in Kamloops, Baden Germany, and Base Maintenance Land in Chilliwack. Returning to Petawawa, he served as the Engineer Technical Sergeant-Major before transitioning to the role of Career Manager and eventually as the regimental sergeant-major. Later, he was posted back in Kingston, spending four years as the Base CWO before assuming the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME) Branch Chief Warrant Officer position in Ottawa in 2002.
Throughout his 36-year career, CWO Vass demonstrated dedication, exemplifying leadership and devotion to duty. His service extended beyond Canadian borders, including UN tours in Cyprus, Yugoslavia, and Bosnia, where he contributed to peacekeeping efforts. As his career drew close, he reflected on the experiences gained and the camaraderie shared over the years, highlighting his positive experiences with the EME Branch and colleagues.
The dedication of Building MA-36 to CWO Vass stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment, leadership, and sacrifice. It is a symbol that will inspire future generations of soldiers to uphold the values of duty, honour, and service to the country.
