November 5 to 11 is Veterans’ Week. Each year, Veterans’ Week is an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on and commemorate the sacrifices of all those who have served and continue to serve our country.
In honour of Veterans’ Week, we highlight and recognize some of our Babcock community members who have served.
Sheldon Gillis, Senior Business Development Manager – Marine, served a 25-year tenure in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Naval Warfare Officer, retiring in April this year as a Naval Captain. His considerable experience and operational knowledge include deployments to the Persian Gulf and the Black, Mediterranean, Caribbean and North Seas. In one of his most notable missions, Sheldon led a team of 250 sailors as a Warship Captain, tracking Russian ships and submarines near Syria and Ukraine. Most recently, as Deputy Commander of the Canadian Atlantic Fleet, he led an international task group to the Canadian Arctic in 2022, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to national security in the high north and to the NORAD maritime mission.
“The best part of serving was the people,” conveys Sheldon. “Being part of a group dedicated to serving the nation provided a tangible sense of belonging and purpose. The Navy was part of my life for 25 years. Suppose you are looking for diversity of experience, a dynamic workplace, and personal challenges of your intellectual and physical limits. In that case, the Armed Forces is a wonderful career. Service comes with sacrifice, and I am proud to call myself a veteran.”
David Wakeland, Director of Corporate Support, joined the Primary Reserve while attending the University of British Columbia and, after graduation, transferred to the Navy and volunteered for submarines after qualifying initial naval training. He went on to serve in both the Oberon-Class and Victoria-Class submarines, with a memorable three-year assignment as the Executive Officer (XO) of the HMCS WINDSOR’s Commissioning Crew. Dave also completed staff tours in the first Canadian Submarine Squadron, the Submarine School, the Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare Centre, MARLANT headquarters in the Submarine Operating Authority, and various senior staff positions in Ottawa, retiring from the office of the Canadian National Military Representative to NATO.
“What I remember the most is the people I served with,” observes Dave. “Looking back, the unique challenges we faced together helped develop resilience, a lifelong learning approach, and the ‘one bite of the elephant at a time’ skills, helping us succeed in our second careers today. And, to be successful, you need to be part of a team, as no one succeeds alone.”
Rob Marois, Senior Business Development Manager – Land, served 32 years with the Canadian Army as an Armoured Soldier in the Reserves and an Armoured Officer in the Regular Forces. He primarily spent his time in uniform with his Regiment, The Royal Canadian Dragoons. Rob has been on deployments worldwide, including multiple tours to Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. He also served across Canada, including in the Arctic, in various operational and tactical positions and domestic operations, supporting Canadians during floods and other natural disasters. “I feel privileged to have had an opportunity to serve Canada and to have worked alongside so many incredible Canadians and our Allies worldwide,” expresses Rob. “I retired from the CAF in 2024 and joined the fantastic team at Babcock shortly afterwards.”
Rob believes that one of the most rewarding aspects of serving in the Canadian Armed Forces is the profound sense of purpose and camaraderie of being part of a team dedicated to protecting and representing their country. “Amongst those I have served alongside, they often speak of the honour of serving and the unique opportunities to develop skills that are not only military-specific but also transferable to civilian life,” says Rob. “For those considering a career in the military, I would advise approaching this path with a mindset open to continuous learning and adaptability. The military environment is dynamic and demanding, and success often depends on your ability to embrace challenges and work collaboratively within diverse teams.”
Chris Hodson, Director of Aviation, grew up as an aviation enthusiast and pilot ‘wanna-be’ from a young age, joining the Air Force was always a serious option for him to start his aviation career. Little did he know, though, that life in the Air Force would also lead him to see the world through several portholes of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships as he spent an operational tour on Sea Kings, cruising the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas.
“The Air Force and Navy have what I can only describe as a sense of good-natured rivalry,” describes Chris. “While it pains me to say anything that my Navy colleagues might construe as a compliment, I am happy to say that the most enjoyable times in my military career were the years I spent at sea. How many people in their early twenties see the world from the vantage point of a Naval Task Group, work with professionals from numerous other allied nations, the UN and NATO and support Canada and Canadians for various reasons? It gave me a broader perspective of the world and the role Canada plays in it, but I also walked away with a clear view of the role a single individual could play in helping and supporting others on a world stage, as large as it may be.”
Chris highly recommends a career in service to anyone interested. “Not only is it a brilliant adventure and a great way to build experience in one’s chosen field, but it is also fantastic to be part of an organization that is bigger than oneself and enables you to act in defence and support of others who need a helping hand,” states Chris. “Not enough of us understand what it means to be in the service of others in the modern world and having that knowledge at an early age was a defining and rewarding experience for me.”
Jake Sykes, Communications Systems Specialist, served eight years, joining the Royal Navy in February 2015 as a Communications and Information Specialist, leaving in October 2022.
During his tenure, Jake visited over 30 countries and spent most of his career on HMS Montrose, a Type 23 Frigate. “It’s pretty cliché, but my favourite part was the travel,” explains Jake. “The Royal Navy allowed me to travel the globe and explore some unique places. I spent 2018 New Year’s Eve on Pitcairn Island, which was very cool.”
If Jake could advise anyone considering the armed forces as a career, it would be to go all in and take every opportunity given to you. “When I left school at 16 years old, I didn’t know which direction to take, but the Royal Navy allowed me to grow and develop skills I didn’t realize I possessed.”
At Babcock Canada, we are proud to be a veteran-friendly employer. Approximately 25% of our workforce are veterans. As we approach Remembrance Day, we encourage everyone to take the time to remember and honour those who have served and continue to serve our country.
