From the RCAF to LMC: Centennial Tales

Ed Morris

Field Office Manager at
8 Wing Trenton

A single choice changed his life forever:

When Ed chose to join the RCAF, he was an 18-year-old seeking the next adventure, and felt like the Air Force might be a good fit. What may seem like an arbitrary decision, ended up guiding his career for the next 33 years and beyond, and reshaped his outlook on life forever.

“I was a lost 18-year-old looking for adventure and opportunity. I entered a recruit center with no background history and did not have any family members that were currently serving. Those that had served previously had already passed on. I did, however, know that the Air Force was the branch that most appealed to me. Little did I know that I would serve for 33 years and after 12 years as an Aero-engine technician, I would go on to accept my commission as an AERE officer. The military instilled in me a sense of duty, dedication and aspiration to be better.”

Ed graduating basic training in 1976.

Ed’s experience in the RCAF taught him many things, but it was getting to meet real life heroes that had the biggest impact on him:

“I was so fortunate to have so many people who took me under their wing during my journey in the RCAF. I would be remiss to try to name them all. However, one incident stands out in my mind. I was on a course in Winnipeg and one of our guest lecturers was retired Air Commodore Leonard Birchall, also known as “The Savior of Ceylon”. Air Commodore Birchall was shot down in the Pacific in 1942 and was captured by the Japanese. What was so inspiring about Birchall was his sacrifice during those years of being a prisoner of war as he stood up to the Japanese and demanded fair treatment for the allied prisoners of war. He saved many ill soldiers by taking their beatings. It made me question whether I could ever have the courage and fortitude of such a great officer.”

Throughout his air force career, Ed worked on the mighty C-130 Hercules as a technician and as an officer overseeing maintenance and engineering. Later in his career, he also worked on the Canada’s newest Hercules model, which is flown by the RCAF. Today as Contractor Field Office Manager at CFB Trenton, he supports 436 Squadron, which operates the CC-130J in tactical and strategic airlift missions.

Due to his extensive experience with the C-130, a Lockheed Martin aircraft, transitioning into his new role with LMC was practically seamless for Ed:

“Lockheed Martin was a company that inspired me because of the product they developed and my interactions with their team. Secondly, but more importantly, my chosen role allowed me to continue supporting the RCAF and contributing to mission success. The transition was almost seamless as I was continuing to work with so many people that I already knew with the same goals in mind.”

How does his experience in the RCAF impact his current job? He says his lived experience puts him in a unique position to support the squadron, and to become a mentor to junior members as well.

“Due to my RCAF career path, I have experienced almost every aspect that the current members of 436 Squadron face when it comes to aircraft maintenance, planning and execution. I draw on my experience not only to assist our organization in understanding customer needs, but I also provide advice to many of the junior officers as they come into the squadron.”

Ed receiving a commendation from the commanding officer of 436 Squadron on behalf of the CFO for support to Op Presence.

At 436 Squadron, Ed loves every day of work as he supports an incredible team and the crucial missions the Hercules contributes to.

“In reflecting on what I love most about my current job, several key aspects stand out that contribute to my overall satisfaction and engagement in the workplace. First, no one day is the same. There are new and unique challenges facing us daily. Secondly, I get to work with, and lead, a fabulous team here in Trenton at the contractor field office. We work in a collaborative work environment where everyone is a valuable contributor and key to our success. Finally, supporting the RCAF and especially 436 Squadron with the C-130J is a very rewarding experience as this fleet is the true workhorse of the RCAF.

The C-130J is sent on missions supporting operations such as humanitarian relief, aide to civil power, bringing supplies to troops around the globe and getting into and out of austere and sometimes dangerous locations. I am very proud to be a part of this and supporting an amazing product.”

As someone who has dedicated his life to supporting the RCAF’s mission, its 100th anniversary means more to Ed than he can express. 

Ed Morris at his RCAF retirement. 

“I now have close to a half of a century dedicated to the RCAF, both as a member and now as a contractor. This investment means a lot to me, and I am proud of what I now consider my heritage. I have studied the history of the RCAF and its many accomplishments from years gone by. There is so much to be proud of as a Canadian looking back over these 100 years. While I find it hard to express my true feelings on this subject, it certainly is something near and dear to me.”