408 Squadron reservist receives jubilee medal
News Article / August 10, 2012
The sun smiled brightly during this year’s Canada Day festivities at Shipyard Park in Whitehorse, Yukon, when, along with the citizenship ceremony, 20 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals (QDJMs) were awarded in a special presentation.
One of the recipients was Master Corporal Norm Campbell, a Reserve Force maintenance technician with 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, attached to 1 Wing Kingston, Ont., but located in Edmonton, Alta. But how did this member receive his QDJM in Whitehorse?
“Well, my mom knew her [Member of the Legislative Assembly], Scott Kent, and suggested that I be nominated based on my 30-plus years of service in the Canadian Forces,” said MCpl Campbell, who started his Canadian Forces career in the cadet instructor cadre as an officer with the Yukon Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC). He then went on to join the Regular Force as an aircraft technician.
After a posting to Germany and a tour in Bosnia, MCpl Campbell joined the Air Reserve in 2006, serving with 408 Squadron, including two tours to Afghanistan. He currently volunteers with 180 RCACC in Edmonton.
MCpl Campbell was the only CF member at the Canada Day medals ceremony. The Doug Phillips, Commissioner of Yukon, was joined by dignitaries from all levels of government in presenting the medal to MCpl Campbell and the 19 other recipients.
“I was quite proud,” said MCpl Campbell upon receiving the QDJM recognition. “It was nice to see people who you grew up with recognize you, and to receive this medal in my home town made it even more special.”
The QDJM is a new commemorative medal created to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne. The QDJM is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. During this year of celebrations, 60,000 Canadians will be recognized.