Major-General (Ret'd) Herb Petras, CMM, CD, began his military career at the age of 16 when he joined the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He attained the rank of Warrant Officer. On graduation from university he transferred to the infantry, where he commanded the Second Battalion, Irish Regiment and Northern Ontario Militia District (now 33 Canadian Brigade Group). Major General Petras was appointed Commander in the Order of Military Merit in 2006.