The double life of Mario DelPinto

It was at the young age of 12 that Mario DelPinto started his career in the military in 1972, when he enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces cadets. He trained at Valcartier and even received a Lord Strathcona medal, awarded to cadets for exemplary service. "I would see the older soldiers training and I would be impressed. I told myself that, one day, I would train in the Reserve. At the age of 17, I went to the Royal Montreal Regiment. I enjoyed the discipline, the rigour and working together as a team."

On June 27, 1977 he enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forced Reserve, at the Royal Montreal Regiment. From April to June of 1978, he participated in NATO activities in Lahr, Germany, with the 1st Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment. It was the time of the Berlin Wall. Upon his return to Canada, he was promoted to Corporal. In 1979, he received his qualifications as a machine gunner and he was stationed in Lahr with the 22nd Regiment. He participated in operations in Hoensfeld and Volgelsang. He was chosen for the 4th Brigade Games in Canada and established a record in the 400 metre run and won a gold medal.

On July 1, 1980, Mario DelPinto was promoted to Chief Corporal and was stationed for a third time in Germany. He was promoted to Sergeant on July 1, 1983. In April 1988, he took national courses to become a Master Warrant Officer. He received an award as "best intern" and was promoted to Master Warrant Officer. From 1988 to 1994, he occupied the position of Sergeant Major.

In March of 1997, the LaSalle resident was stationed at the Mont-Royal Regiment and was given the position of Sergeant Major of Company A until 2001, when he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and became Regiment Sergeant-Major. He played an important role in the presentation of his regiment's new flag at the Champ-de-Mars grounds. He was appointed councillor of the Interarmy (East) Operational Force Reserve for the Quebec land division.

For the past five years, Mario DelPinto has been exercising his functions as vice-president for Maxi Crisp Canada, an importer and producer of marshmallow bars. "I manage about 30 people and the Army has helped me in my civilian job because the same rules and management style apply here as well."

Born on April 17, 1960, in Montreal, Mario DelPinto and his wife, France Laflamme, are the proud parents of three children: Matthew (17), Rebecca (13) and Frédéric (9).