Vol. 142, No. 48 — November 29, 2008

GOVERNMENT HOUSE

MILITARY VALOUR DECORATIONS

The Governor General, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, on the recommendation of the Chief of the Defence Staff, has awarded Military Valour Decorations as follows:

Star of Military Valour

CORPORAL JAMES BALL, S.M.V.
Edmonton, Alberta and Winnipeg, Manitoba

CAPTAIN JONATHAN SNYDER, S.M.V. (deceased)
Edmonton, Alberta, and Penticton, British Columbia

Medal of Military Valour

CORPORAL CARY BAKER, M.M.V.
Edmonton, Alberta, and Rossland, British Columbia

CORPORAL STEVEN BANCARZ, M.M.V.
Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

CAPTAIN ROBERT PEEL, M.M.V., C.D.
Victoria, British Columbia

Corporals Baker, Ball and Bancarz, and captains Peel and Snyder were deployed to Afghanistan to serve as mentors to an Afghan company, when they were ambushed by Taliban insurgents on June 4, 2008. With little chance of survival, they exposed themselves to great peril and retaliated against the enemy while encouraging the Afghan soldiers to do the same. Captain Snyder seized control of the situation and ensured that the Afghan soldiers retrieved their wounded comrades. Corporal Ball led a two-man team across broken terrain to secure an extraction route that allowed for the execution of a fighting withdrawal by Captain Peel and corporals Bancarz and Baker. Because of their dedication, leadership and valour, many Afghan and Canadian lives were saved.

Star of Military Valour

SERGEANT WILLIAM KENNETH MACDONALD, S.M.V., C.D.
Denwood, Alberta, and Regina, Saskatchewan

On August 3, 2006, amidst chaos and under sustained and intense enemy fire in Afghanistan, Sergeant MacDonald selflessly and repeatedly exposed himself to great peril in order to assist his wounded comrades. Despite the risk, he ensured that his men held on until reinforcements arrived and that the platoon’s focus remained on holding the ground that they had fought so hard to secure.

Medal of Military Valour

MAJOR JOSEPH ANTOINE DAVE ABBOUD, M.S.C., M.M.V., C.D.
Leavenworth, Kansas, United States of America, and Sherbrooke, Quebec

A selfless and devoted commander of B Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal 22^e Régiment, Major Abboud led his combat team during an arduous battle in Afghanistan that lasted two days, in August 2007. His courage and leadership inspired his troops and contributed to the success of the mission.

Medal of Military Valour

CORPORAL ALEXANDRE BENJAMIN JONATHAN DION, M.M.V.
Québec, Quebec

On September 27, 2007, in the Panjwayi district of Afghanistan, enemy forces ambushed Corporal Dion’s platoon and grievously wounded a fellow soldier. Under direct and sustained enemy fire, he carried the injured soldier over 150 meters of difficult terrain to safety. Corporal Dion’s valiant actions helped to save the life of his comrade and enabled his platoon to safely withdraw from the scene.

Medal of Military Valour

MASTER CORPORAL CHRISTOPHER LORNE HARDING, M.M.V.
Souris, Manitoba

Master Corporal Harding was deployed with 6 Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, in Afghanistan. When his section was attacked on July 8, 2006, he selflessly advanced across open terrain and commanded the battle, while providing first aid to a critically wounded soldier. His courageous actions under intense fire enabled his section to hold its position and to save the life of a comrade.

Medal of Military Valour

WARRANT OFFICER TOD HOPKIN, M.M.V., C.D.
Edmonton and Wainwright, Alberta

On August 22 and 23, 2007, Warrant Officer Hopkin commanded the lead vehicle of a combat team through sustained enemy attacks, in Afghanistan, exposing himself to great risk in order to recapture a vital position. His composure and leadership were inspirational, and lead to the success of the mission.

Medal of Military Valour

CORPORAL BRYCE KELLER, M.M.V. (Posthumous)
Sherwood Park, Alberta, and Regina, Saskatchewan

On August 3, 2006, while exposed to intense enemy fire in Afghanistan, Corporal Keller demonstrated courage and leadership in order to allow his comrades to attend to a critically wounded soldier. Sadly, Corporal Keller made the ultimate sacrifice that day, but his selfless actions contributed to saving lives and enabled his platoon to hold vital terrain until reinforcements arrived.

EMMANUELLE SAJOUS
Deputy Secretary and
Deputy Herald Chancellor

[48-1-o]

MERITORIOUS SERVICE DECORATIONS

The Governor General, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, on the recommendation of the Chief of the Defence Staff, has awarded Meritorious Service Decorations (Military Division) as follows:

Meritorious Service Cross
(Military Division)

MAJOR JOSEPH ANTOINE DAVE ABBOUD, M.S.C., M.M.V., C.D.
Leavenworth, Kansas, United States of America, and Sherbrooke, Quebec

Major Abboud was deployed as the commanding officer of B Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal 22^e Régiment, in Afghanistan, from July 2007 to March 2008. He displayed leadership and tactical skills during security and humanitarian assistance operations, which greatly contributed to bringing stability and hope to the Afghan people of the Zharey district.

Meritorious Service Cross
(Military Division)

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ROBERT KEITH CHAMBERLAIN, M.S.C., C.D.
Ottawa and Kingston, Ontario, and Shilo, Manitoba

Lieutenant-Colonel Chamberlain was deployed as the commanding officer of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team, from January 2007 to February 2008. With courage and determination, he created momentum to improve the governance and development aspects of the mission. His leadership and diplomatic skills directly contributed to the enhancement of the Canadian mission in Kandahar Province.

Meritorious Service Cross
(Military Division)

COLONEL NICOLAS ELDAOUD, M.S.C., C.D.
Candiac, Quebec

Colonel Eldaoud, then lieutenant-colonel, was deployed as the commanding officer of the National Support Element, in Afghanistan, from July 2007 to February 2008. An inspirational leader, he trained a cohesive combat-ready team. Despite persistent enemy attacks throughout the Afghan landscape, his personal example and dedication ensured the continuous and timely logistics support of the Task Force and was key to the success of the mission.

Meritorious Service Cross
(Military Division)

MAJOR-GENERAL TIMOTHY JAMES GRANT, O.M.M., M.S.C., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario, and Edmonton, Alberta

Major-General Grant, then brigadier-general, commanded Joint Task Force Afghanistan from November 1, 2006, to August 1, 2007. His steadfast leadership, professionalism, resourcefulness and strong communication skills led to improved Afghan Army units, the safe return of tens of thousands of displaced Afghans to their homes, and increased security of the Afghan population. Through his efforts, he brought great credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Meritorious Service Cross
(Military Division)

GENERAL RAYMOND ROLAND JOSEPH HENAULT, C.M.M., M.S.C., C.D. (retired)
Headingley and Winnipeg, Manitoba

General Henault served as the chair of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Military Committee from June 2005 to June 2008. During a period of unparalleled challenges and threats, he contributed to ensuring security within the Alliance’s areas of operation. General Henault’s outstanding military achievements, combined with his diligent and expert guidance while at NATO, have brought great credit to Canada.

Meritorious Service Cross
(Military Division)

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOSEPH ROSAIRE AIMÉ STÉPHANE LAFAUT, M.S.C., C.D.
Gatineau and Lorretteville, Quebec

Lieutenant-Colonel Lafaut was deployed as the commanding officer of the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, in Afghanistan, from July 2007 to February 2008. Through his effort and leadership, he managed his unit’s three-fold increase in size to include the Afghan National Police. Lieutenant-Colonel Lafaut’s determination also ensured the rapid building of capacity in the Afghan National Security Forces, despite numerous engagements with the enemy.

Meritorious Service Cross
(Military Division)

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL PAUL LANGLAIS, M.S.C., C.D.
Sherbrooke and Weedon, Quebec

From November 2006 to March 2007, while deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the United Nations Organization Mission, Lieutenant-Colonel Langlais served with diplomacy and professionalism. He successfully defused numerous armed conflicts that would have destabilized the country during the presidential elections. Earning the trust of the government and UN officials, he led the evacuation of the Zimbabwean ambassador and his staff during a perilous situation, and managed the safe handover of 130 rebel soldiers to UN care. His extraordinary efforts greatly contributed to the UN’s success during this crisis.

Meritorious Service Cross
(Military Division)

COLONEL MICHAEL JOHN PEARSON, M.S.C., C.D.
Ottawa and Brantford, Ontario

As part of the United States Security Coordinator Mission, Colonel Pearson demonstrated exceptional leadership and diplomacy while posted in Israel, from September 2006 to April 2008. As both an officer and diplomat, he developed policy and implemented programs within the Palestinian security reform process, thereby bringing considerable prestige to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Meritorious Service Cross
(Military Division)

MAJOR-GENERAL WALTER SEMIANIW, O.M.M., M.S.C., C.D.
Ottawa and Hamilton, Ontario

As commander of Task Force Kabul from February to August 2005, Major-General Semianiw, then colonel, led Canada’s military efforts on land throughout South-West Asia. Identifying that supporting and developing Afghan self-government was critical to the rebuilding process, he established a framework to set the conditions for the successful deployment of the Strategic Advisory Team to Kabul and Canada’s first Provincial Reconstruction Team to Kandahar province. A dynamic leader, he demonstrated exceptional operational initiative during the seamless transfer of operations from Kabul to Kandahar.

Meritorious Service Cross
(Military Division)

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL WALDEMAR SKRZYPCZAK, M.S.C.
Warsaw and Szczecin, Poland

As commander of the Polish Land Forces, Lieutenant-General Skrzypczak was deployed to Afghanistan in November 2006, alongside the Canadian Forces. His leadership skills were an inspiration to international coalition members, as was his remarkable dedication towards the collective defence of Canadian interests and those of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOSEPH JEAN-PIERRE BERGERON, M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa and Gananoque, Ontario

Lieutenant-Colonel Bergeron is commended for his continued support of the Canadian Forces during the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in 2006. While carrying out daily liaison and co-ordination activities with the Lebanese military, he ensured the unimpeded air, ground and sea movement of personnel in the conflict zone, and the safe evacuation of 15 000 Canadian citizens from war-torn Lebanon.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

CORPORAL PATRICK JAMES BERREA, M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario

As a member of the Directorate of Honours and Recognition, Corporal Berrea made a significant contribution towards the timely recognition of personnel deployed on operations, from 2002 to 2008. By enabling the initial mass distribution of Canadian medals directly to recipients deployed in theatre, he made a substantial impact on the morale of the troops.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

CAPTAIN JAMES BRENNAN, M.S.M., C.D.
Bedford, Nova Scotia, and Winnipeg, Manitoba

Deployed as Strategic Airfield Planner from July 2007 to January 2008, Captain Brennan provided exceptional insight and vision that led to the establishment of NATO’s only strategic airport for debarkation in Afghanistan. Adopted at the international level, his work paved the way for the successful deployment of operational aircrafts from NATO and non-NATO nations.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

MASTER CORPORAL CHRISTIAN BUREAU, M.S.M.
Val-Bélair and Québec, Quebec

From July 2007 to February 2008, Master Corporal Bureau, then corporal, displayed the highest standards of medical expertise while directing the treatment and evacuation of countless casualties in Afghanistan. Despite extremely difficult conditions, he performed complex medical procedures that saved the lives of many Canadian and Afghan soldiers.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS RAYMOND CÔTÉ, M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario, and Trois-Rivières, Quebec

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Côté demonstrated leadership and professionalism as regimental sergeant major for the ceremonial contingent commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, in France, on April 9, 2007. His role in the planning and execution of international events at the Vimy Memorial, where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II honoured the service of our veterans, brought great credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

CORPORAL DOMINIC COUTURE, M.S.M.
Shannon, Quebec

Corporal Couture was deployed as the weapons technician with Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from July 2007 to March 2008. Despite limited resources at the Forward Operating Base, his resourcefulness and expertise ensured the effective repair of artillery systems and the manufacturing of parts. In addition to providing ongoing technical support on the battlefield, his dedicated efforts, under adverse and dangerous conditions, enhanced the operational effectiveness of the battle group.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

MASTER WARRANT OFFICER JOSEPH LUCIEN ANDRÉ DEMERS, M.S.M., C.D.
Shannon and Repentigny, Quebec

Master Warrant Officer Demers was deployed to Afghanistan as the sergeant major of C Company, from July 2007 to March 2008. Despite the casualties suffered by his unit, he selflessly led recovery efforts under heavy insurgent fire. Master Warrant Officer Demers motivated his soldiers to execute over 250 presence patrols. His leadership and unwavering support to the command team contributed directly to strong unit morale and combat effectiveness.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

MASTER CORPORAL STEVE DESCARIE, M.S.M., C.D.
Fort Meade, Maryland, United States of America

Master Corporal Descarie is commended for his operational support of Task Force Afghanistan, during his tour with the National Security Agency, based out of Fort George Meade, Maryland, commencing in July 2005. His exceptional analytical skills, professionalism and initiative in developing and delivering actionable intelligence lead to several high-profile successes in actions against anti-coalition forces.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

MASTER CORPORAL DANIELLE DUMAS, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario, and Falardeau, Quebec

Master Corporal Dumas, a counter-intelligence investigator with the All Source Intelligence Centre, demonstrated initiative and thoroughness during the conduct of complex counter-intelligence investigations in Afghanistan, in October 2007. Her diligence led to the arrest of a group of individuals responsible for numerous attacks against coalition forces, and prevented planned and impending insurgent attacks and infiltrations.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

COLONEL ROBERT GEORGE (GEORDIE) ELMS, M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Toronto and Haliburton, Ontario

Colonel Elms, then lieutenant-colonel, was deployed as the Canadian Defence advisor to Afghanistan and Pakistan, from August 2003 to November 2007. His close involvement in both military and diplomatic circles, along with his extensive knowledge base, made him a trusted and valued advisor to senior Canadian officials. His dedication, professionalism and communication skills significantly enhanced Canada’s relationship with both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

HONORARY COLONEL BLAKE CHARLES GOLDRING, M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Since his appointment as Honorary Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Canada in November 2005, Colonel Goldring has shown outstanding leadership and vision. His creation of “Canada Company,” an organization that brings community and business leaders together to support the Canadian Forces, has resulted in the contribution of millions of dollars for programs that benefit both members of the Canadian Forces and their families.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

MAJOR PIERRE HUET, M.S.M., C.D.
Shannon and Gaspé, Quebec

Major Huet displayed leadership while commanding Reconnaissance Squadron, B Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal 22^e Régiment Battle Group, in Afghanistan, from July 2007 to March 2008. His guidance was instrumental in the creation of the first Joint District Coordination Centre, and significantly advanced the establishment of legitimate border security.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

COLONEL J. C. G. JUNEAU, M.S.M., C.D.
Denwood, Alberta, and Québec, Quebec

Colonel Juneau was deployed as the deputy commander of Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from July 2007 to May 2008. A highly skilled leader and planner, Colonel Juneau ensured the strategies for Joint Task Force Afghanistan met the highest standards and that the headquarters were efficiently and effectively run. As acting commander, Colonel Juneau displayed flair and tact, which brought respect and credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

MAJOR RUSSELL JOSEPH KING, M.S.M., C.D.
Oromocto, New Brunswick, and River Ryan, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Major King demonstrated exemplary leadership and professionalism as the deputy commanding officer in Afghanistan, from February to August 2007. His expertise in the planning and management of the battle group as well as his direction of combat operations greatly contributed to the mission’s success.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL DOUGLAS MARVIN LABRIE, M.S.M., C.D.
Kingston, Ontario

Lieutenant-Colonel LaBrie was deployed as the commanding officer of the National Support Element of Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from August 2006 to February 2007. His leadership, tactical expertise and expert knowledge of support operations were instrumental to the success of Operation MEDUSA. Lieutenant-Colonel LaBrie’s professionalism greatly contributed to the battle group’s accomplishments and to Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER MICHEL LANDRY, M.S.M., C.D.
L’Ancienne-Lorette and Saint-Éleuthère, Quebec

Chief Warrant Officer Landry was deployed to Afghanistan as the regimental sergeant-major of the National Support Element, from July 2007 to March 2008. A dedicated leader, he took part in numerous logistical convoys alongside his soldiers. His effective mentorship inspired his troops to carry out their mission with courage and confidence.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

HONORARY COLONEL DOUGLAS GORDON MARR, M.S.M., C.D. (retired)
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and Saint John, New Brunswick

Known and respected by every member of this community, Honorary Colonel Marr has demonstrated outstanding examples of professionalism. A gentleman of impeccable integrity and boundless energy, he has dedicated himself for 11 years to countless events and initiatives in support of the Canadian Forces, bringing great credit to 15 Wing, the home of military pilot training.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL MICHAEL CHARLES MAURER, M.S.M., C.D.
Inverary and Kitchener, Ontario

Lieutenant-Colonel Maurer served as assistant military advisor to the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, from July 2006 to July 2007. By organizing and executing various contact missions to hazardous areas of the country dominated by insurgent factions, he successfully opened avenues for UN influence despite a complex and unstable environment.

Meritorious Service Medal
(Military Division)