Governor General announces the awarding of five Military Valour Decorations and 24 Meritorious Service Decorations (Military Division)
March 11, 2008
Nine CMR, RRMC, RMC Alumni Among Recipients
OTTAWA-Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, announced today the awarding of five Military Valour Decorations, one Star and four Medals, to members of the Canadian Forces who displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in combat. She also announced the awarding of 24 Meritorious Service Decorations (Military Division), namely seven Crosses and 17 Medals, to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.
The recipients will be invited to receive their decoration at a presentation ceremony at a later date.
E1855 Major David Nelson Quick(RMC ’03), S.M.V., C.D.
Ottawa, Burnstown and Trenton, Ontario
Star of Military Valour
Major Quick displayed exceptional courage while commanding India Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from January to August 2007. He led his troops from the front during numerous intense combat operations throughout the Zharey District. On April 22, 2007, despite injuries incurred by the explosion of a bomb, Major Quick kept on going, using his tactical skills. His prowess and selfless dedication, fundamental in defeating a determined enemy, inspired the Battle Group to victory.
16535 Colonel Wayne Donald Eyre,(RRMC RMC ’88) M.S.C., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario and Wadena, Saskatchewan
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)
Colonel Eyre, then lieutenant-colonel, distinguished himself by his outstanding commitment to the success of the mission while deployed to Afghanistan as the commanding officer of the Operational Mentor and Liaison Team, from March to August 2007. His expert knowledge of counter-insurgency strategy and tactics ensured Afghan successes against Taliban operations, bringing stability to the volatile region and strengthening good governance within Kandahar Province.
20838 Major Alexander Thomas Ruff,(RMC ’97) M.S.C., C.D.
Oromocto and Lincoln, New Brunswick and Tara, Ontario
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)
Major Ruff was deployed as the officer commanding Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from January to August 2007. His tactical skills and outstanding leadership were instrumental in defeating a determined enemy during numerous engagements of his combat team.
E1600 Lieutenant-Colonel David Brian Berry, (RMC) M.S.M., C.D.
Victoria and Comox, British Columbia and St. Catharines, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Lieutenant-Colonel Berry was a key international advisor to the Afghan minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, Strategic Advisory Team, from August 2006 to August 2007. His proactive leadership and trust-building skills contributed to the implementation of development initiatives that affected over 900 strategic reconstruction activities throughout Afghanistan.
17432 Major Thomas Bradley, (RRMC ’90) M.S.M., C.D.
Edmonton and Lancaster Park, Alberta
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Major Bradley served as Chief of Operations within Joint Task Force Afghanistan headquarters, from November 2006 to August 2007. In only eight months, he developed the framework to secure the Kandahar City Afghan development zone, which subsequently spread to much larger areas.
18993 Major Steven Geoffrey Graham, (RRMC RMC ’93) M.S.M., C.D.
Petawawa, Ontario and Winnipeg, Manitoba
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Major Graham was deployed as the officer commanding Reconnaissance Squadron, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, from February to August 2007. During that time, he expertly led his squadron through intense combat operations, disrupting insurgent movements, destroying an improvised explosive device and dismantling a mine laying cell in the Zharey district of Afghanistan.
12444 Commodore Paul Andrew Maddison, (CMR ’80) O.M.M., M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
As Commander Standing Contingency Force from January 2006 to June 2007, Commodore Maddison developed an unprecedented model for achieving strategic effects. His successes in leading joint elements provide the template for integrated operations and littoral manoeuvre.
11714 Rear-Admiral Joseph Alphonse Denis Rouleau, (CMR RMC ’78) O.M.M., M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario and Quebec, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
As commander of NATO’s highest readiness maritime force, Standing NATO Maritime Group One, from January 2006 to January 2007, Rear-Admiral Rouleau, then commodore, provided innovative leadership to the maritime force consisting of fourteen ships from eight countries. His task group was integral to maintaining NATO’s maritime surveillance and response, including the successful participation in Operation Active Endeavour.
10048 Colonel Richard Geoffrey St. John, (CMR ’75) M.S.M., C.D.
Ottawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Colonel St John is commended for his extraordinary support to the Canadian government and the Canadian Forces during the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in 2006. He was a tremendous asset for Canada in the Middle East where he worked tirelessly to allow that Canadian air, ground, and sea movements in the conflict zone proceed unimpeded. His actions contributed directly to protection of Canadian citizens and ensured their safe evacuation from Lebanon.