Paul Wynnyk is of Ukrainian descent, the grandson of emigrants in Alberta from Radvantsi, Lviv region, in Western Ukraine.

[4] In his speech during the ceremony, Wynnyk gave credit to his parents for supporting him on the path to this point in his career.

"My mom Joan, who is here today, has watched and supported my journey in uniform from cub scout, to army cadet, to reservist, to regular officer," he said.

About his late father Walter, Wynnyk said, "As both my high school principal and the commanding officer of my army cadet corps, it was he who encouraged me to embark upon a career of military service.

He was a qualified Paratrooper and as such wore the Canadian Forces Jump Wings with Red Maple Leaf Command Commendation Media related to Paul Wynnyk at Wikimedia Commons