Flying high, staying grounded: Richard Steckhahn’s dual roles in the Canadian Armed Forces and as a FortisAlberta warehouse operator
Aug 6, 2025, 14:57 PMAt FortisAlberta, we take pride in the diverse stories and backgrounds of our employees. Today, we highlight Richard Steckhahn, Acheson Warehouse Operator and Royal Canadian Air Force Reservist Air Operations Support Technician.
Joining the FortisAlberta team
Richard first joined FortisAlberta more than a decade ago as a summer student, joining us full-time in 2017. He has since helped modernize our warehouse operations by supporting the integration of the paperless system FortisAlberta now uses.
In addition to his position at FortisAlberta, Richard currently serves in the Canadian Armed Forces. He began his military career in 2010 with the Army and completed an occupational transfer to the Air Force in 2022.
Military Life
As an Air Operations Support Technician with 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, he has spent several operations involved in the protection of Canadian assets, personnel and natural disaster recovery. As part of the team, he has developed a unique view that supports his positions with both the Armed Forces and FortisAlberta.
“Clear communication is huge. As is respect for colleagues and adherence to the chain of command,” says Richard. “If I have an issue at FortisAlberta, I talk to my team lead, then my supervisor, manager and it goes up from there. I understand the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in both worlds. If the team fails, the mission fails.”
When asked about what stands out to him as the most meaningful part of his military service, Richard says that working internationally with NATO allies is certainly a highlight. Most notably, his mission in Latvia joined by various NATO nations, all focused on a common goal.
“It was great to talk shop with military members from other nations, and to all experience the culture together,” he says. “You learn to, very quickly, adapt to different customs, cultures and leadership styles. You work together to problem solve under pressure. The mission always comes first, so we’re always thinking on our feet and developing new skills to get things done.”
Advice for aspiring service members or those considering a role with FortisAlberta
Richard says a career in the military isn’t something anyone should take lightly. He stresses that those interested should do their research and be prepared for challenging, but rewarding experience. He may be in the Air Force now, but when he started, he was with the Army working along side various units.
“It’s a very rewarding path but be prepared for a career that can be both physically and mentally demanding. It’s also one with a lot of options. There are a lot of interesting trades involved with the service, and for me, there are things I can bring back to FortisAlberta and other areas of my life.”
Tackling the same question about working with FortisAlberta, Richard says that those coming on board, here or anywhere, need to be realistic. What we do here can be very hard, oftentimes dangerous and no one should expect to be thrown into the more challenging stuff right away. He encourages employees to take every advantage of training, educational programs and speak to colleagues about our culture of safety and wellbeing.
Championing mental health and encouraging support
And on that note, because he doesn’t already have enough on his plate, Richard, who holds a masters of science degree in psychology from Arizona State University, is currently in the process of registering as a psychologist and places a significant level of importance on mental health in both military and civilian settings.
“By putting on the uniform, and in performing the duties and responsibilities that come with this career, those of us in the CAF are more susceptible to the spectrum of mental health struggles than the average Canadian citizen.”
“While deployed, I was able to help fellow soldiers who were struggling with their mental health by referring them to psychological resources”.
For any current or former serving CAF members reading this, here are some mental health resources:
Mental health services in the CAF - Canada.ca
Mental health and wellness | Veterans Affairs Canada
In addition to his advocacy for mental health within the Canadian Armed Forces, Richard is also a strong proponent of support for individuals outside of a military role. If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health challenge, the Canadian Mental Health Association offers a variety of helpful resources.
At FortisAlberta, we encourage our people to access support through our Employee and Family Assistance Program, Homewood Health, which provides 24/7 mental health services.
Purpose and Professionalism
Whether in uniform for the Air Force or in his FortisAlberta blue and gold (if he’s properly branded…) Richard believes in professionalism and accountability and in the idea that, regardless of attire, we should always be aware of the ideal we want to represent.
Whether something as large as your country or as local as your community, it’s about respecting others, your environment and holding meaningful values.
