NR 11.004 - June 9, 2011
KINGSTON, Ont.- Canadian Forces (CF) members of Kingston’s 1st Canadian Division Headquarters, who deployed as part of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) in Haiti in 2010, during Operation HESTIA, received the Operational Service Medal (OSM) during a medal parade earlier today in Kingston.
“This is what we are all about – being part of Canada’s first response,” said Major-General David Fraser, Commander of the 1st Canadian Division. “Immediately after the earthquake, the reconnaissance team of this HQ prepared overnight, left Kingston at 6 O’clock in the morning to arrive in Haiti within 24 hours of the earthquake.”
The DART operated out of Jacmel from January 16 to March 11, where it made the greatest positive impact treating 438 patients at the Canadian Embassy first, 10,111 patients at its medical clinic in Jacmel, and a further 2,541 patients in adjacent villages with Mobile Medical Teams. Also noteworthy were the 561,800 liters of water purified and 124,300 meals distributed by the DART.
Members of the 1st Canadian Division headquarters proudly wore the distinctive DART crest on shoulder’s brassards during the outdoor parade.
Amongst other primary tasks, the 1st Canadian Division Headquarters is responsible to deploy the DART, which consists of several capabilities, such as the reconnaissance team kept on 12 hours notice to deploy composed of various experts, and a command and control element.
The Division Headquarters was re-established at CFB Kingston, Ont. on October 7, 2010, built upon lessons-learned throughout numerous national and international missions. It reflects the CF’s commitment to continuously adapt its culture, doctrine, training and structure to new world realities and ensure that Canada has a first-class, modern military.
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