Corporal Jessica McEwen is currently based at 12 Wing, a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) base in Shearwater, N.S. though her roots trace back to Williams Lake, B.C.
Unlike many people who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Cpl. McEwen didn’t come from a military family.
“My mom’s family, the Kohnkes, and my father’s side, the McEwens, were mostly in the logging and forestry business.” explains Cpl. McEwen.
Instead, her inspiration came from the movies.
“I wanted to travel, help out in humanitarian situations and be in a constant need to stay fit.”
Jessica joined the CAF in 2017 as an Aircraft Structures Technician (ACS Tech). She completed her Basic Military Qualification (also known as boot camp) and her trades training, and was posted to 12 Wing, where her responsibilities include shop work such as composites, sheet metal, sewing, sticker creation, painting, and Aircraft Life Support Equipment (ALSE) maintenance.
On the aircraft, she conducts crack repairs, riveting, drilling, sealing, painting, safety system checks, and assists with flight servicing. She is currently an instructor at the Maritime Training Facility, sharing her skills with others in her trade.
Her fitness and humanitarian spirit are on display each year during the annual Canada-wide Ruck for Remembrance in Halifax, for which she is a co-organizer and participant.
This event is a 22-kilometre walk carrying a rucksack (recommended weight 22kg), with 100 per cent of
proceeds going to Wounded Warriors of Canada, which supports veterans, first responders, and their families.
When asked what her favourite experience has been, Cpl. McEwen recalled, “Being the lead sentry tasking for the Halifax International Security Forum where 60 country representatives meet to discuss future plans.”
She was recognized for her leadership in this role, and received the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer coin. Other cool experiences include a short deployment to South Korea, getting the CF Snowbirds ready for their annual cross country tour, assisting in the Amazing Race show where contestants got to go up in the Cyclone, and running the Canadian flag out on the ball field for the Toronto’s Blue Jay’s game.
Cpl. McEwen adds that the best part about her job is “The diversity of it and how I can utilize the knowledge
outside of work. My jeep is a testament to this, I’ve done all the bodywork and decals myself.”
Corporal McEwen is proudly based at 12 Wing, home to the Maritime Helicopter community
and centre of naval aviation in Canada.
