David Bawtinheimer was born in 1949, joined the C.A.F. in 1969 and was given an Honourable Discharge in 1981. His original trade was as a Safety Systems Tech and as such served at C.F.B. Gimli, Manitoba. He remustered to Weapons Tech(Land) in 1971 and was posted to C.F.B Shilo, Manitoba. He was subsequently posted to C.F.B. Toronto (Downsview), C.F.B.Lahr FRG and C.F.B. Calgary. By default he specialized in heavy weapons systems (Artillery and Armoured). His service in Germany opened his eyes to how other people lived.