NR – 08.085 - December 2, 2008
OTTAWA – During a ceremony held today at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Valcartier, Quebec, General Walt Natynczyk, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), presented 58 Mention in Dispatches insignias, nine CDS Commendations, and a Canadian Forces (CF) Medallion for Distinguished Service. Recipients, coming from across Canada, were acknowledged for their bravery, exemplary actions, and commitment to service during deployments in Afghanistan.
"The individuals being recognized today have shown extraordinary courage, selflessness and perseverance during the most demanding of situations," said General Natynczyk. "They serve as a source of inspiration and I am honoured to have the privilege of bestowing these awards upon them today."
The Mention in Dispatches is a national honour created to recognize members of the Canadian Forces on active service for valiant conduct, devotion to duty or other distinguished service, bringing honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. Recipients are entitled to wear a bronze oak leaf on the appropriate campaign or service medal ribbon.
A list of the Mention in Dispatches recipients can be found at the following link: http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=5528
The CDS Commendation recognizes deeds or activities of a CF member beyond the demands of normal duty. The CF Medallion for Distinguished Service is the highest honour bestowed upon civilians for service of a rare and exceptionally high standard, which greatly benefits the CF.
Please see http://www.forces.gc.ca/hr/dhr-ddhr/ for more information on all the honours and awards pertinent to the CF.
For information regarding the Medallion of Distinguished Service, please see http://www.admfincs.forces.gc.ca/admfincs/subjects/cfao/018-25_e.asp.
For further information, please contact the Media Liaison Office at the Department of National Defence, at (613) 996-2353.
