Photo supplied by Dan Lynch
Dan Lynch is heavily involved in the Arnprior community. He serves as the deputy mayor, volunteers his time with the Legion, part of the Arnprior-McNab-Braeside Men’s Shed, and that’s only to name a few.
However, Lynch spend more than two decades serving Canada on both the national and international stage within the Forces in the Army Division.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, he attended McNally High School, with the prospects of becoming a parry instructor. Unable to attend the University of Alberta, Lynch decided to build his education through the military at then, Mount Royal College in downtown Calgary.
By the time Lynch had finished his education with Mount Royal, the parry profession had significantly reduced to levels that made it nearly impossible to join. This led to Lynch becoming a provost within the military.
He was sent to bases across the country for a multitude of reasons. CFB Cornwallis for basic training, CFB Borden for trades training, and then CFB Petawawa focused in Ottawa due to the FLQ attacks, as Lynch explains.
From there, he was posted to the National Defence Headquarters which sent him abroad as a part of the United Nations Emergency Force, serving in Cyprus and Egypt.
Upon his return, he was assigned to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which handled military investigations before the CFNIS was founded.
Eventually, Lynch ended up back at CFB Petawawa and was sent to Beirut for support during the 1983 bombings of the US Embassy and barracks bombings.
Once he had returned from his posting, Lynch chose to become part of the Eighth Canadian Hussars and then a part of the Royal Canadian Dragoons.
Serving one final international posting, he was in Damascus in 1991 and was eventually relocated to CFS Carp where he was promoted to Warrant Officer, then to the DND Headquarters as a Master Warrant Officer and retired in 1995.
Lynch’s story is one of thousands who have served in our Canadian Forces. He tells us when Remembrance Day is here, he’s not thinking of himself and his service, he’s thinking of all of those who are no longer here.
Lynch would also like to say it’s important to remember those who gave so much of their time and those who paid the ultimate price. Take the time to thank a veteran for their service and efforts to keep our livelihoods the way they are today.
Ceremonies are happening all throughout Canada today, but Remembrance Day isn’t the only day you can help your local veterans. Local Legion branches are open year round, supporting local veterans and the communities they are located in and they’re more than happy to see you.
(Written by: Bob Kubbinga)
