Throughout 2022, we’ll be profiling various PEI families in our military community…
Captain Rory O’Donnell, from Souris, PE, is a music teacher in his civilian life and Music Director of PEIR. He’s been in the Canadian Armed Forces for nine years (he joined in 2012).
Please tell us about your family.
Wife: Hannah is a professional musician and teacher/educator
Child: Aoife (2 years old)
What does being a Reservist mean to you and your family?
Even before our daughter was born in 2019, being part of the CF shaped our relationship and our marriage. While we
have spent time apart due to courses and taskings, the additional income has allowed us additional financial security. We
take pride in being a military family.
How many days/month do you work as a Reservist?
Ten days/month when not full-time.
Tell us about a few challenges about being a military family that you are experiencing or have experienced in the past.
The greatest challenges have been a long time away from home and less traditional vacation time since most courses
and tasking take place over summers and weekends. During my wife’s pregnancy, I was away for most appointments and
only came home two weeks before our daughter was born. My schedule with the reserves does mean that I miss my
daughter’s awake hours at least two days a week—there are a lot of late nights.
We’d love to hear about some of the joys you experience being a military family…
It was a very special experience for our family to attend when I received my commission from HRH Prince Edward. Many
of our lifelong friends have come from my military work and we know that we have friends across Canada whenever we
need them. Receiving our newborn package from the MFRC was a special moment for us!
In your own words, what does it mean to be a military/Veteran family on PEI
Being a part of the PEI military family means we are connected to a network of other families and friends who understand
the needs and sacrifices of military services. We recently held the phone for another PEI CF member serving in the
Ukraine to watch his brother’s wedding, who is also a PEI CF member. That was pretty special.
Thank you, Rory, for chatting with us. We loved learning more about you, your family, and your life as a military member and musician. Thank you and your family for your service!