In this episode of Military Family Life we are speaking with Sgt Valery Switzer.
Valery is a CAF Member, a military spouse, a mother of two, a part-time student and a word champion powerlifter. She was also recently named Canadian Armed Forces Female Athlete of the Year!
In our conversation we talk with Valery about power lifting training and competitions, the importance of balance and self-care when juggling so many roles, and her advice for those starting their career in the CAF.
About out Guest:
Sergeant Valery Switzer was born in Laval, Quebec and joined the Canadian Armed Forces as Regular Forces in March 2013 as a Mobile Support Equipment Operator.
Her first posting was to 2SVC BN at Garrison Petawawa in January 2014.
During this time, Valery actively participated in various exercises and maintained high readiness as a member of Transportation Coy, Bravo Platoon. In March 2015, she was deployed Poland with 3RCR on Op Reassurance, ROTO 0.
Upon returning from deployment, Valery resumed duties within Bravo Platoon before being assigned as the Base Commander’s Driver at 4CDSG
In August 2017, she was posted to 1 Canadian Field Hospital and served as the transport section’s 2IC, before taking maternity leave following the birth of her daughter, Emily Elizabeth Switzer.
Valery was promoted to Master Corporal in April 2020 and assumed responsibility for the training section within the transportation platoon, overseeing all transportation-related training for 1 Canadian Field Hospital.
In March 2021, Valery and her husband, Major Zachary Switzer, welcomed their second child, Charles Alexander. Later that same year, the Switzer family moved to beautiful Kingston, Ontario where she took up the position of Base Advance Booker for the transportation platoon.
In September 2021, she was appointed Chief Dispatcher, a role that is typically held by a Sergeant, despite being a MCpl. She continued in that capacity until February 2022 when she transitioned into the position of GPV IC (General Purpose Vehicle) as a MCpl.
In August 2023, Sgt Switzer assumed the rank of Acting While so Employed at the rank of Sergeant while continuing as the GPV IC for CFB Kingston. That section consisted of 30 members both Military and Civilian. She was promoted to Sgt in April 2024.
In June 2024, Sgt Switzer officially took over the CFB Kingston Road and Vehicle IC position.
Despite a demanding schedule, Val provides unwavering support to her husband who is currently serving on imposed restrictions (IR) as the senior aide the camp to the Chief of Defense Staff.
Sgt Switzer is the weekly primary caregiver for their two children while is pursuing an online Bachelor’s in Business Administration with the University of Fredericton.
But her passion does not stop there
Valery is an accomplished competitive powerlifter. She recently represented the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Powerlifting League, and Canadian Forces Base Kingston at the International Powerlifting League in Coventry, UK. At that competition she earned the title of World Champion in the 82.5kg open raw power division.
This year Valery was awarded Canadian Army Female Athlete of the Year. Since the recording of this podcast – Val attended the CAF Sport Gala where she was named CAF Female athlete of the year.
Valery, her husband Zac and their two children live in Odessa, Ontario, with their beloved pets-Nova, Shadow, and Tazz.
Contact us:
We would love to hear from you. If you are a Military Family Member that wants to share your experiences and lessons learned, email us at [email protected]
