Canadian Army celebrates Ranger’s ‘remarkable dedication’

Article / June 16, 2025 / National Defence

By Steven Fouchard, Army Public Affairs

A Canadian Ranger is the recipient of a rare honour—one he shares with such significant figures as Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and His Late Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Ranger Richard Newell, a member of 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1 CRPG) based in Carcross, Yukon, has been given a fifth clasp for his Canadian Forces' Decoration (CD), recognizing 62 years of service.

The CD was created in 1949 and is awarded to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members for completing 12 years of service. A new clasp is added for each additional decade.

Ranger Newell received his CD5 from Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander Canadian Army, in a ceremony held on 13 June 2025 in Whitehorse, Yukon.

This is only the fifth time that a CD5 has been given, and Ranger Newell, who celebrated his 85th birthday in February 2025, is the only recipient to date who does not also hold an honorary appointment.

Though he retired from the CAF in 1986, Ranger Newell relocated to Yukon, where he became active in the Air Cadets program before joining 1 CRPG.

In addition to administrative duties in the Patrol, Ranger Newell served as an instructor, training new generations of Rangers, and as a section commander with the Carcross Canadian Rangers Patrol.

Ranger Newell has been part of more than 20 Ranger exercises, and earned honours that include a Special Service Medal, given to CAF members for “taking part in activities and operations under exceptional circumstances.”

Ranger Newell is also an avid marksman who has participated in many shooting competitions between 1998 and 2023, earning the title of 'Top Shot' in several.

After enlisting in the CAF in Toronto in 1957, Ranger Newell completed Basic Military Qualification at Canadian Forces Base Shilo in Manitoba, and served as an Administrative Clerk in Borden, Ontario.

He retired in 1986 at the rank of Sergeant after serving on postings in Ontario, New Brunswick, and on a deployment to Germany.

“Ranger Newell has shown remarkable dedication,” said LGen Wright. “He is a resilient soldier through and through. By leading, mentoring, and training Rangers in the Yukon to a high standard across many generations, he has set an excellent example of what it means to be a Canadian Ranger.” 

The Canadian Rangers are a part of the CAF Reserve Force supporting national security in remote parts of Canada. Their duties include conducting patrols, assisting in search and rescue operations, and responding to calls for CAF assistance in natural disasters.

Approximately 5,000 Rangers currently serve across more than 200 communities.