QUINTE WEST – A life dedicated to the military is coming to a close for one member of CFB Trenton as he heads into retirement.

Hundreds stopped in at the National Air Force Museum of Canada to wish Chief Warrant Officer Darcy Elder a farewell at Friday’s Change of Appointment ceremony.

Taking his place is Chief Warrant Officer Troy Zuorro, who was also officially welcomed to the base. 

Elder, who is originally from Saskatchewan, started his military career in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Military Police in 1988.

Over the years, the seasoned military veteran found himself working many different roles. From a security and counter intelligence investigator to working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Elder kept himself busy.

Throughout his career, Elder was also deployed to places like Bosnia and Afghanistan where he was awarded for his contributions.

But despite all his different ventures in his time with the CAF, Elder said being appointed to CFB Trenton was arguably one of his most memorable experiences.

“It’s about the people,” he said. “My job has always been being the custodian of the men and women of 8 Wing and I’ve been blessed with amazing people.”

Elder served as the wing’s Chief Warrant Officer for the past three years, and served alongside the current Wing Commander, Col. Colin Keiver since 2015.

Both men were often never seen without the other, which was a fact that was reiterated in Keiver’s speech at the Change of Appointment ceremony.

“My two years in command here have been, without a doubt, the best experience I’ve ever had in the military and Darcy is a huge part of that experience,” said Keiver. “He’s not just my closest confidante at the wing, he is my best friend at the wing, without a doubt.”

Keiver noted that when he and Elder were ever together, his wife sometimes said she felt like the third wheel.

“That’s probably not the impression you want to convey to your wife,” Keiver jokingly added.

In his speech, Elder had also addressed his close friendship with the Wing Commander and noted that his wife had also assured him that he and Keiver would still get the chance to have their “play dates” each month.

Keiver took the time to welcome Chief Warrant Officer Zourro and told him he would have a big job at hand, but that he was glad to have him aboard.

“It will feel overwhelming most days, but the reality is that you’re ready and you’re here,” he said. “The reason I know you’re ready is because you care about the people. That is what this job is all about.”

Stating that he had “big shoes to fill”, Zourro said he was looking forward to being back in the Quinte region and assuming his new role.

“I got to admit that I’m certainly humbled by the opportunity and I was surprised to be chosen by the (RCAF),” he said. “I admit to a little trepidation and a little bit of fear, but overall we can come together as a team and achieve anything.”

The new chief warrant officer brings with him upwards of 30 years of air force operation experience.

He was first posted to CFB Trenton from 2014-2015 when he was the Chief Warrant Officer for The Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron – a lodger unit at the base.

As for Elder, he will be retiring from the military but will continue to work in the private sector when he moves to Ottawa in the upcoming month.

More photos to come.