Colonel (Ret'd) Richard F. Pucci, OMM CD BSc MDS
Veteran Advisor

Colonel (Ret’d) Pucci completed a Baccalaureate of Science in Microbiology from the University of Alberta in Edmonton in 1978 and thereafter, completed two years of geological studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He enrolled in the Canadian Forces under the Direct Entry Officer Plan in 1985. Upon commissioning he was posted to 1 Field Ambulance, 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Calgary.

Most notably, Colonel Pucci served on Exchange Duties with the Royal Army Medical Corps, Farnborough, United Kingdom 1992 to 1995.

In 1995 he was posted to Land Force Western Area Headquarters (HQ) Edmonton, Alberta where he served as Staff Officer 2 Medical Operations. He was promoted to Major in 1996 and served as the Commanding Officer Land Forces Western Area Head Quarters. In 1998, he returned to 1 Field Ambulance, Edmonton, as Deputy Commanding Officer. In 2000, Colonel Pucci was posted to 7 UK Armoured Brigade HQ, Pristina, Kosovo where he served as Staff Officer 2 Medical Operations and Plans.

 

In 2001, Colonel Pucci was posted to the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College Toronto, graduating in June 2002. He completed a Master of Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada.

He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 2002 and was posted to the Director Chief of Staff Medical Operations in Ottawa, where he was responsible for strategic level health care planning and training. During this period, he was attached posted to the Canadian Joint Task Force HQ Southwest Asia, in Tampa Bay as J4 Health Services Support 2 from 20 July to 19 August 2002. In 2004, Colonel Pucci deployed to Haiti as part of a Health Services Staff Assistance Team.

Colonel (Ret’d)Pucci was invested in the Order of Military Merit in 2010.

Colonel (Ret’d) Pucci, retired in 2016 after completing his tenure as Deputy Commander of Health Services. Since his retirement, he has been actively involved in the veteran community by promoting wellness and access to care. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of Heroic Hearts Project Canada.