Chief Warrant Officer Troy Zuorro (2nd from the left with Shannon Neely, Honourary Colonel John Smylie, Colonel Mark Goulden and President Andrew Bandler) was born in Chatham, New Brunswick and joined the Canadian Armed Forces as an instrument electrical technician in 1986. Upon completion of basic trades training later that year, he was posted to Shearwater, Nova Scotia.
During the next nine years he worked on the CT-133 T-Bird, CH-135 Twin Huey and the CH-124 Sea King aircraft. In 1993, CWO Zuorro deployed on board HMCS Algonquin for Operation SHARP GUARD supporting the NATO mission in the Adriatic Sea. In 1995, he moved to Cold Lake, Alberta and worked within Aerospace Engineering and Test Establishment gaining first line experience on the CF-188 Hornet fighter aircraft. In 1999, he transferred to 435 Squadron in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he worked on the CC-130 Hercules and the following year, he was promoted to Master Corporal.
In 2002, CWO Zuorro was posted back to Shearwater where he worked within 12 Air Maintenance Squadron and 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron. Promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2005, he worked at 12 Wing headquarters as the Wing Chief Warrant Officer Assistant. He then returned to Winnipeg where he worked as the CT-142 engine life cycle materiel manager at 402 Squadron. Promoted to Warrant Officer in 2008, he was posted to A4 Maintenance within 1 Canadian Air Division where he supported the transport and search and rescue fleets. In January 2011, CWO Zuorro was promoted to the rank of Master Warrant Officer and in April 2012 he was inducted into the Order of Military Merit. Upon successful completion of second language training in June 2012, he was posted to the National Capital Region as the career manager for aviation technicians at the ranks of Private and Corporal.
In July 2013, he returned to the Chief of the Air Force staff in Ottawa, Ontario where he worked with issues concerning Royal Canadian Air Force occupation development. In August 2013, he attended the United States Air Force Senior Non Commissioned Officer Academy for leadership training. He was awarded the prestigious John L. Levitow Award as the number one graduate and this was the first time this award was presented to an international (non USAF) student. In June 2014, CWO Zuorro was posted to the Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron as the Squadron Chief Warrant Officer.
In July 2015 CWO Zuorro was appointed as the Air Environment, Logistic Branch and Support Occupation Chief Warrant Officer Career Manager within the Director of Senior Appointments. From November 2016 – June 2017 he deployed as the Air Task Force – Iraq Chief Warrant Officer and in July 2017 CWO Zuorro was appointed as the Wing Chief Warrant Officer at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario.
CWO Zuorro is married to Colonel June Zuorro and they have two wonderful children, Karissa and Kyle.
CWO Zuorro appreciated the opportunity to speak to the Rotary Club of Belleville this veteran's week and on November 11th we will remember our country's sacrifices in wars. As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Armistice that took place at 11 a.m. Paris time at the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month we will honour and remember all those who came home are now gone. We will pause and keep their memory alive.
CWO Zuorro advised that 8 Wing is the largest and busiest in the country with personnel engaged around the world. There are a thousand fingerprints in every mission from soldiers, technicians, firefighters, clerks, subject matter experts, all who go above and beyond every day. 4,500 members of 8 Wing provide peace support operations, assist during earthquakes and floods, forest fires, provide VIP transport and spearhead search and rescue missions and provide security in North America. Assignments such as moving material from Trenton to Africa is done with great success and little fanfare. We have the best of the best in the area of staff, volunteers, coaches all outstanding people who contribute to this community. Troy bragged about the synergy that is evident on the base and considers himself blessed to be Wing Commander, working alongside an incredible team of people.