June 1, 2005 OTTAWA – Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, announced today the names of two recipients of Mention in Dispatches. The insignia will be presented at a later date. The Mention in Dispatches was created to recognize members of the Canadian Forces on active service and other individuals working in conjunction with the Canadian Forces for valiant conduct, devotion to duty or other distinguished service. Recipients are entitled to wear a miniature bronze oak leaf on their uniform. The two members of the Canadian Forces receiving a Mention in Dispatches are: Recipients Current Posting and Home Town Major John Donald Vincent Vass, C.D. Petawawa, Ontario and Kingston, Ontario Corporal Douglas Ronald Van Tassel Petawawa, Ontario and Digby, Nova Scotia Annex A contains the recipients' citations. -30- Media information Eric Richer Rideau Hall Press Office (613) 998-7280 For further information on the recipients Department of National Defence Media Liaison Office (613) 996-2353 or (613) 996-2354 Public information Chancellery of Honours 1 800 465-6890 Annex A Mention in Dispatches Major John Donald Vincent Vass, C.D. Petawawa, Ontario and Kingston, Ontario 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battalion Group, Task Force Kabul, Afghanistan Maj Vass was the officer commanding Parachute Company, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battalion Group during Operation ATHENA. On January 27, 2004, he was commanding the lead vehicle of a two-vehicle Iltis patrol in southern Kabul when a suicide bomber attacked the second. Assuming the role of on-site commander, Maj Vass directed his driver to perform first aid, radioed for assistance and employed a passing Canadian convoy to further secure the scene, thereby ensuring his personnel could operate in a more protected environment. Though shaken by the news that one of his soldiers was dead and three others were severely wounded, he maintained control of the situation and provided assistance until the removal of the fallen and wounded soldiers was completed. In the aftermath of this horrific attack, Maj Vass' composure, dedication and professionalism were inspiring to all Task Force Kabul soldiers, and brought credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. Corporal Douglas Ronald Van Tassel Petawawa, Ontario and Digby, Nova Scotia 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battalion Group, Task Force Kabul, Afghanistan Cpl Van Tassel was deployed with the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battalion Group, during Operation ATHENA. On January 27, 2004, he was driving the first of a two-vehicle Iltis patrol in southern Kabul when a suicide bomber attacked the second vehicle. In the face of adversity involving death and injury to his comrades, Cpl Van Tassel immediately provided site security ensuring there was no further threat. After conducting a cursory check of all soldiers, ascertaining that one had been killed, he designated a casualty collection point and assisted the wounded in moving to that point. He single-handedly provided first aid, protection and comfort to his wounded fellow soldiers. He remained at the scene until the body of his fallen comrade was extracted from the vehicle and then escorted the body back to Camp Julien. In the aftermath of this horrific attack, Cpl Van Tassel displayed loyalty, dedication and professionalism, bringing credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.
