John Kirbyson, son of John and Vicky Kirbyson of Lacombe, served in the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment of The Canadian Armed Forces. He completed a total of five tours during his 20 years of service and was awarded the following medals; General Campaign Star (Afghanistan), Canadian Peace Keeping, United Nations (Cyprus), United Nations (Bosnia/Yugoslavia), NATO (Yugoslavia -2 tours), Canada 125th (awarded for top Master Corporal of his unit), Canadian Forces Decoration (for 12 years of service).
During his career he completed 107 parachute jumps, trained across the world, from the East Coast to the Arctic, the United States and Great Britain and had the honour of guarding Buckingham Palace.