3rd Canadian Division medals, awards and commendations - April 2025
April 15, 2025 - Western Sentinel
Every quarter, the Western Sentinel recognizes 3rd Canadian Division members who have received medals, awards and commendations.
The following members were recognized by their units for actions that benefited their units, the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian people.
International recognition
Canadian Armed Forces members do not serve only within Canada. Over the decades, several members have had their efforts in support of Canada’s allies recognized by the governments and militaries where those members have been deployed.
In early 2025, two members from 3rd Canadian Division received medals honouring their service outside Canada’s borders.
Sergeant Anne Pratchler - Korea Service Medal, Republic of Korea
On March 13, Sergeant Anne Pratchler was presented with the Korea Service Medal from the Republic of Korea (South Korea). She earned the Korea Service Medal in recognition of the three years she spent in South Korea as the Canadian Defence Attaché Assistant and Assistant Liaison Officer for Canada to the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission. During her time in South Korea, Sgt Pratchler was involved in creating the Kapyong Commemorative Trail to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War in 2023.
Sergeant Anne Pratchler (centre) received the Korea Service Medal from the Republic of Korea in recognition of the three years she was deployed in South Korea. Lieutenant‑Colonel Jason Hudson, Commanding Officer 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) (right), and Chief Warrant Officer Kim Doerr, 3 PPCLI Sergeant‑Major, presented the medal on March 13.
Master Warrant Officer Darlene Skinner - United States of America Meritorious Service Medal
On Feb. 25, Master Warrant Officer Darlene Skinner was presented with the United States of America Meritorious Service Medal. She was formally awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in November 2024. MWO Skinner earned the medal following a nearly two‑year deployment to the Canadian Forces Logistics Liaison Unit at Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. During her time in the U.S., MWO Skinner engaged in charity work and community involvement, raising more than $20,000 for various causes, including the food bank and service dogs for veterans.
Master Warrant Officer Darlene Skinner (centre) received the United States of America Meritorious Service Medal and Citation for her time while posted at Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Lieutenant‑Colonel David Cronk, Commander Canadian Forces Base Shilo (left), and Chief Warrant Officer Eric LeClair, CFB Shilo Regimental Sergeant‑Major, officially presented the medal and citation in a ceremonial parade on Feb. 25.
Photo by K-J Millar, Shilo Stag Media
Canadian Joint Operations Command Commendations
Lieutenant‑Colonel Ben Schmidt
On Dec. 10, 2024, Lieutenant‑Colonel Ben Schmidt received his Canadian Joint Operations Command Commendation.
LCol Schmidt earned the commendation after serving as the Land Task Force Commander on two Operation LENTUS deployments in Alberta and British Columbia in 2023. In this role, he demonstrated exceptional planning, co‑ordination and leadership that laid the groundwork for long‑term relationships and improved interoperability between military units, provincial wildfire services and other provincial stakeholders.
Lieutenant‑Colonel Ben Schmidt (centre) received his Canadian Joint Operations Command Commendation from Brigadier‑General Wade Rutland, Commander 3rd Canadian Division (right), and Chief Warrant Officer Rob Clarke, 3rd Canadian Division Sergeant‑Major (left).
Lieutenant‑Colonel Michael Waldner
On Feb. 26, Lieutenant‑Colonel Michael Waldner received his Canadian Joint Operations Command Commendation.
LCol Waldner earned his commendation following a deployment in Wiesbaden, Germany, where he served as the J7 Delivery Branch head with the Security Assistance Group – Ukraine. In that role he used strong analytical skills to solve internal communications issues, and improved information sharing and training. LCol Waldner’s work established a consistent information‑sharing network that enhanced the training abilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and fostered effective communication among allies.
Lieutenant‑Colonel Michael Waldner (centre) received his Canadian Joint Operations Command Commendation from Colonel Michael Reekie, Commanding Officer 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters (left) and Master Warrant Officer Gerald Lefebvre, 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters Sergeant‑Major (right).
King Charles III Coronation Medal
On May 3, 2023, it was announced that a Coronation Medal would be struck to commemorate the historic occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada.
We celebrate His Majesty King Charles III, who has dedicated himself to this country and to the people around the world who recognize His Majesty The King as their Head of State. We once again reaffirm our bond with the Crown, which helps to define our country and what it means to be Canadian.
This medal is a tangible way for Canada to recognize outstanding individuals and acknowledge themes that both King Charles III and Canadians hold dear, including service to others, environmental protection, youth empowerment and the importance of diversity.
Those being recognized are receiving The King’s Coronation Medal for numerous reasons: a willingness to put the needs of others ahead of their own, dedication to the Canadian Armed Forces, Canada and their fellow soldiers.
January 16, 2025
Sailor 1st Class Jose Calayag
Sailor 1st Class Jose Calayag (centre) received his King Charles III Coronation Medal from Brigadier‑General Wade Rutland, Commander 3rd Canadian Division (left), and Chief Warrant Officer Rob Clarke, 3rd Canadian Division Sergeant‑Major.
Captain Panagiotis Filis
Captain Panagiotis Filis (centre) received his King Charles III Coronation Medal from Brigadier‑General Wade Rutland, Commander 3rd Canadian Division (left), and Chief Warrant Officer Rob Clarke, 3rd Canadian Division Sergeant‑Major.
Sergeant (Retired) Frederick Gagnon
Sergeant (Retired) Frederick Gagnon (centre) received his King Charles III Coronation Medal from Brigadier‑General Wade Rutland, Commander 3rd Canadian Division (left), and Chief Warrant Officer Rob Clarke, 3rd Canadian Division Sergeant‑Major.
Corporal Kimberly Heard
Corporal Kimberly Heard (centre left) received her King Charles III Coronation Medal from Brigadier‑General Wade Rutland, Commander 3rd Canadian Division (left), and Chief Warrant Officer Rob Clarke, 3rd Canadian Division Sergeant‑Major. She was joined by her husband Sergeant Brad Wilson (centre right).
Captain Matthew Hoffart
Captain Matthew Hoffart (centre) received his King Charles III Coronation Medal from Brigadier‑General Wade Rutland, Commander 3rd Canadian Division (left), and Chief Warrant Officer Rob Clarke, 3rd Canadian Division Sergeant‑Major.
Corporal Ruth Kendall
Corporal Ruth Kendall and her son (centre) received her King Charles III Coronation Medal from Brigadier‑General Wade Rutland, Commander 3rd Canadian Division (left), and Chief Warrant Officer Rob Clarke, 3rd Canadian Division Sergeant‑Major.
Master Sailor Maggy Poulin
Master Sailor Maggy Poulin (centre) received her King Charles III Coronation Medal from Brigadier‑General Wade Rutland, Commander 3rd Canadian Division (left), and Chief Warrant Officer Rob Clarke, 3rd Canadian Division Sergeant‑Major.
February 6, 2025
Master Corporal Alexis Russelo
Master Corporal Alexis Russelo (centre) received her King Charles III Coronation Medal from Master Warrant Officer Kirk Lewis, 1 Service Battalion Administration Company Sergeant‑Major (left), and Major Vinh Truong, Deputy Commanding Officer 1 Service Battalion (right).
February 26, 2025
Sergeant Alex Fortier
Sergeant Alex Fortier (centre) received his King Charles III Coronation Medal from Colonel Michael Reekie, Commanding Officer 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters (left) and Master Warrant Officer Gerald Lefebvre, 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters Sergeant‑Major.
Major Austin Richardson
Major Austin Richardson (right) and his daughter received his King Charles III Coronation Medal from Colonel Michael Reekie, Commanding Officer 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters.
February 28, 2025
Master Corporal Kyle Morris
Master Corporal Kyle Morris (centre) received his King Charles III Coronation Medal from Lieutenant‑Colonel Craig Butler, Commanding Officer 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Operations Services (left), and Chief Warrant Officer Clayton Schoepp, 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Operations Services Sergeant‑Major (right).
If you want to see your members recognized for going above and beyond, please contact Western Sentinel editor Tim Bryant at timothy.bryant@forces.gc.ca.
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