Unique medal presentation for retired 1 CER Sapper

February 20, 2025 - Capt Kyle Ho, Program Officer, Real Property Operations Unit (West)

On Jan. 23, a unique and heartfelt medal presentation ceremony was held for retired Master Corporal Jordan O'Brien.

Deployed on Operation IMPACT in 2019, MCpl O'Brien did not receive his General Campaign Star with the correct engraving. Despite his retirement on Jan. 4, 2024, the replacement medal had not been issued. Recognizing this oversight, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1 CER) took action to ensure MCpl O'Brien received the recognition he deserved.

Lieutenant‑Colonel Michael Veitch, Commanding Officer 1 CER, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to rectify the situation.

"It is an honour for 1 CER to make this right,” he said. “This was not an easy task, but thanks to the tireless efforts of Captain Trenton Klimack, Benjamin Campbell and Michael Tholl, and especially our HR manager, [Warrant Officer] Priscilla Desbiens, we were able to ensure our soldiers receive the recognition they deserve."

Chief Warrant Officer Brian Leben, 1 CER Regimental Sergeant‑Major, added the work involved in correcting the error was worth it.

"Keeping up with administration with the current staff shortages is challenging, but Sappers always look after Sappers,” he said. “I am proud that we could make this right. This ceremony is an example of our commitment to each other and to the values we uphold for all the past and current serving members."

MCpl O'Brien retired after nine years of distinguished service. Known for his self-motivation and dedication, MCpl O'Brien completed the Combat Diver course, the Basic Parachutist course, and was selected to attend the Special Operations Assaulter Course with the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command in 2023.

The ceremony was a reminder of the importance of recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of our serving members. It highlighted the commitment of 1 CER to honour and support their Sappers, ensuring their contributions do not go unrecognized.

Special thanks to those involved in making this right, and heartfelt gratitude to MCpl O’Brien for his dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Engineer Branch. It's stories like this that remind us of the importance of looking out for one another.

Lieutenant‑Colonel Michael Veitch, Commanding Officer 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1 CER) (left); and Chief Warrant Officer Brian Leben, 1 CER Regimental Sergeant‑Major (right), present the General Campaign Star to Master Corporal (Retired) Jordan O’Brien during a ceremony at 1 CER headquarters on Jan. 23.

Photo by Sgt Mizanur Rahman, Sergeant at Arms, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment