eVeritas

On a late winter day, the sun seeped into Andrew Chernysh’s RRMC RMC 1997 room inside Ottawa’s century old Saint-Vincent Hospital. It illuminated family photos and postcard-sized Group of Seven prints that blanket one wall and bounced off a bouquet of birthday balloons suspended near his wheelchair. The military veteran and cybersecurity specialist smiled. Chernysh, 52, has advanced ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). He was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease five years ago. He is paralyzed from the neck down and is fully dependent on others for his needs. He relies on a ventilator to breathe.

Major-General Krista Brodie, a graduate of Royal Roads Military College and a distinguished leader in the Canadian Armed Forces, continues to exemplify service, professionalism, and leadership on the national and international stage. As Chief of Staff of Canadian Joint Operations Command, she brings decades of operational experience to one of Canada’s most senior military appointments.

His defining moment came during his deployment to Afghanistan in 2006, where, as a Major commanding C Company, he led from the front in some of the most dangerous combat conditions faced by Canadian forces in recent history. Repeatedly exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, Fletcher personally rendered first aid to wounded soldiers before continuing to lead the assault, actions that earned him the Star of Military Valour, making him only the second recipient in Canadian history. His courage, tactical acumen, and unwavering commitment to his soldiers embodied the highest standards of military leadership.