Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, recently announced the (Military Division), to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. Military candidates are recommended by the Chief of the Defence Staff. Among the recipients:18072 Major François JM Bisaillon M.S.M., C.D. (CMR 1992) demonstrated exemplary initiative and expertise as deputy commanding officer of the first Canadian operational mentor liaison team in Afghanistan from August 2006 to February 2007. With recent experience as a light infantry commander, he led an experienced team that helped the Afghan National Army become fit for combat. His tactical insight and exceptional leadership skills helped them form a cohesive unit with the Afghan soldiers, which was then able to fight in a number of battles. Major Bisaillon’s influence on the development of the Afghan National Army has greatly contributed to the International Security Assistance Force mission. Bisaillon.JMF@forces.gc.ca
16076 Lieutenant-Colonel John JD Conrad M.S.M., C.D. (RRMC RMC 1987) served as the commanding officer of the National Support Element in Kandahar, Afghanistan, from February 8 to August 15, 2006. His tireless work ensured effective and flexible combat service support to all elements of the Canadian contingent and to numerous multinational partners throughout intense combat operations. Leading by example and sharing the risks of ambushes and improvised explosive device attacks, Lieutenant-Colonel Conrad frequently accompanied soldiers on combat logistic patrol and missions to evacuate the wounded. His exceptional leadership, professionalism and dedication were the driving force behind the great success of the National Support Element and of Task Force Afghanistan. Conrad.JD2@forces.gc.ca
16707 Commander Darren CD Hawco M.S.M., C.D. (CMR 1988) Commanding Officer of HMCS OTTAWA, was deployed as part of Task Force Arabian Sea from September 10, 2006, to March 17, 2007. His sound judgement and leadership set the tone for the entire ship’s company during this intense period of operations. His exceptional professionalism resulted in his repeated selection as flagship and as pulse group commander responsible for the employment of other coalition ships in security and intelligence operations on the Red Sea. Commander Hawco’s operational focus set the stage for coalition success in the Persian Gulf. Hawco.DC@forces.gc.ca
19167 Major Gregory GW Ivey M.S.M., C.D. (CMR RMC 1995) was deployed as commanding officer of E-Battery, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, in Afghanistan from August 1, 2006, to March 1, 2007. Operating under the most demanding combat conditions, Major Ivey quickly established himself as an integral member of the forward mobile tactical command team. His exceptional ability to assimilate intelligence information allowed him to effectively plan and coordinate artillery, close air support, attack aviation and unmanned aerial surveillance in support of Canadian and coalition combat operations. Major Ivey’s tactical acumen and effectiveness enabled the Battle Group to engage and defeat the enemy. Ivey.G@forces.gc.ca
12578 Colonel Fred A Lewis CD M.S.M., C.D. (RMC 1980) is currently Commandant of the Canadian Land Forces command and staff college at Land force training system headquarters in Kingston. Colonel Lewis served as the deputy commander of Joint Task Force Afghanistan from March 2006 to February 2007. He led and shaped the development of a cohesive, confident and well-prepared task force that excelled at both intense close combat and humanitarian efforts. With vision and insight of a rare high standard, he transformed the construct of national command, setting the conditions for the coherent delivery of Canadian efforts across Kandahar province. His exceptional leadership and complete dedication to the success of the overall mission of Joint Task Force Afghanistan reflects the highest standards of professionalism in the Canadian Forces. lewis.fa@forces.gc.ca
M0859 Captain Steve K. MacBeth M.S.M., C.D. (RMC 2004) was deployed as a member of the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Squadron, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group,, in Afghanistan from August 2006 to February 2007. He expertly planned and executed highly effective combat reconnaissance patrols, and on numerous occasions, he selflessly led his platoon through enemy territory to assist other units that had come under attack. Captain MacBeth’s exceptional tactical acumen and combat leadership enabled the successful execution of numerous high-risk reconnaissance patrols that resulted in the discovery of information of significant value to the battle group. macbeth.s@forces.gc.ca
22823 Captain Anthony P Robb M.S.M. (RMC 2004) then Lieutenant, was deployed as a troop commander with 23 Field Squadron, 1stBattalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, in Afghanistan, during Operation ATHENA, from August 1, 2006, to February 15, 2007. He courageously led his troop of field engineers through extremely challenging conditions to develop forward operating bases and transportation routes in support of the advancing battle group. He remained calm and focused under enemy fire, providing encouragement and inspiration for his troops. Captain Robb’s professionalism and exceptional dedication greatly contributed to the success of operations in the Pashmul region. Robb.AP@forces.gc.ca
12902 Lieutenant-Colonel Barry M Southern M.S.M., C.D. (CMR 1977) served as the first commander of Task Force Jerusalem from May 16, 2005 to August 11, 2006. His confidence, knowledge, and exceptional ability to translate strategic intent into operational effects were essential to advising the United States Security Coordinator (USSC) and senior Palestinian authorities on security sector reform. He managed complex and sensitive Middle East Peace Process issues with senior Palestinians, the Egyptian envoy for security sector concerns, and members of the international community on behalf of the USSC. Lieutenant-Colonel Southern’s success in quickly establishing a functioning and extremely effective advisory team has reinforced Canada’s credibility within the international community. Southern.BM@forces.gc.ca
19431 Major Michael C Wright M.M.V., M.S.M., C.D. (RMC 1994) was deployed as officer commanding Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, in Afghanistan from August 2006 to February 2007. He responded to the leadership challenge of being in constant contact with the enemy, and successfully planned and executed many company and combat team-level operations. Extremely adaptable, he effortlessly changed his warrior role to that of a humanitarian when working with senior Afghan politicians and the Afghan National Army. Major Wright’s professionalism and devotion to duty has significantly contributed to the success of the mission and has left a lasting legacy in Kandahar province. Wright.MC@forces.gc.ca