Veteran success story: David Fraser

Canadian Major-General (Ret) David Fraser, who led NATO forces in Afghanistan, has excellent advice for veterans and for those about to transition from military service.

Retirement doesn’t mean doing nothing

Corporate executive, bestselling author and financial mentor at one of Canada’s leading business schools, Major-General (Retired) David Fraser could be called one of the most successful veteran transition stories. But his post-military career also focuses on helping guide fellow Veterans and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Continuing education

David Fraser served with the Second and Third Battalions in Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. He served with the Reserves both at the unit level and as chief of staff for the Alberta District. His operational command experience also includes tours in Bosnia, Cyprus and Afghanistan. He commanded the Southern NATO Coalition forces in Afghanistan and led Operation Medusa.

Education has been a continuing theme in David’s career. He joined the CAF after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University in 1980. Fraser graduated from the CAF Command and Staff College in Toronto in 1990, and earned a Master of Management and Policy from the Royal Military College and Queen’s University in 2001. He went on to Command the Canadian Forces College in Toronto, implementing distant learning and rewriting the National Security Program for CAF leaders.

After retiring from the CAF in 2011 as a Major General, David went to the Ivey Business School. Upgrading his financial education gave him knowledge he put to work in the private sector. His first post-service job was Chief Operations Officer (COO) for then-new Blue Goose Pure Foods. (continue reading)