Service Highlights

• Born May 20, 1955 in Happy Valley, Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Joined the Royal Canadian Army in July 1972.
• Served in the signals intelligence field as a Communicator Research Operator and later as a Signals Officer.
• Served at CFS Inuvik, CFS Gander, CFS Masset, and CFS Leitrim.
• Served at CFSRSHQ Det Augsburg, Germany and the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics, Kingston, Ontario.
• Served at Maritime Atlantic Headquarters, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
• Completed five tours at Canadian Forces Station Alert.
• Deployed to Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, Bosnia.
• Deployed to Camp Mirage, supporting operations in Afghanistan.
• Discharged in August 2009 after a long and distinguished career.
• Member of St. Marys Legion Branch 236 for over 5 years.
• Founder of the St. Marys Legion Veterans Banner Program, which has grown to more than 200 banners.
• Continues to manage and expand the banner program and related remembrance initiatives.
• Commemorated through the St. Marys Legion Veterans Banner Program.

A Life and Service Remembered

Thomas G. Jenkins was born in Happy Valley, Newfoundland and Labrador, in 1955 and began his military career in 1972. Over the course of nearly four decades, he served in the Canadian Armed Forces in the signals intelligence field, first as a Communicator Research Operator and later as a Signals Officer.

His service took him across Canada and overseas, including postings to Inuvik, Gander, Masset, Kingston, Halifax, and Leitrim, as well as time in Germany. He completed five tours at Canadian Forces Station Alert, one of the most remote postings in the country, reflecting both his expertise and commitment to his role.

Jenkins also deployed internationally, serving in Bosnia at Camp Butmir and supporting operations in Afghanistan through Camp Mirage. His career reflects the evolving nature of Canadian military service in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, where intelligence, communications, and global deployments played a critical role.

After retiring from military service in 2009, Jenkins continued to serve his community in St. Marys through his work with the Royal Canadian Legion. During his time as president of Branch 236, he founded the St. Marys Legion Veterans Banner Program. What began as a local initiative has grown into a major community remembrance project for many communities. In his home town more than 200 banners hang continuing to expand each year.

He remains actively involved in various roles within the legion and managing and developing the banner program, including supporting new initiatives that build on its success. His efforts have directly contributed to projects like this digital memorial, and he continues to assist in securing funding to ensure these stories are preserved for future generations.

Jenkins’ commitment to service reflects a strong family tradition. His father, Edgar Jenkins, served for more than three decades in the Royal Canadian Artillery and later as a military firefighter, while his son, Gordon T. Jenkins, continued that legacy through service in the Communications and Electronics Branch. Together, their stories represent three generations of service to Canada.

His leadership and dedication have ensured that the stories of local veterans continue to be documented and shared. The continued growth of the banner program and related projects stands as a lasting reflection of his commitment to remembrance and to the community he serves.

Major Battles and Operations

• Signals intelligence and communications operations with the Canadian Armed Forces
• Service at Canadian Forces Station Alert (multiple tours)
• Deployment to Bosnia (Camp Butmir)
• Support to operations in Afghanistan (Camp Mirage)

Learn More

Royal Canadian Legion Military Service Recognition Book Volume II
https://on.legion.ca/remembrance/military-service-recognition-book/msrb/

CBC News – St. Marys Banner Program
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/st-marys-banners-remembrance-day-1.5794594