- Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
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Meritorious Service Medal
- Awarded on: May 22, 2007
- Invested on: October 12, 2007
Lieutenant-Colonel Southern served as the first commander of Task Force Jerusalem from May 16, 2005, to August 11, 2006. His confidence, knowledge, and exceptional ability to translate strategic intent into operational effects were essential to advising the United States Security Coordinator (USSC) and senior Palestinian authorities on security sector reform. He managed complex and sensitive Middle East Peace Process issues with senior Palestinians, the Egyptian envoy for security sector concerns, and members of the international community, on behalf of the USSC. Lieutenant-Colonel Southern’s success in quickly establishing a functioning and extremely effective advisory team has reinforced Canada’s credibility within the international community.
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Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: August 22, 2012
- Invested on: March 22, 2013
As Canadian defence attaché at the Canadian Embassy in Libya during 2011, Lieutenant-Colonel Southern played a pivotal role in the successful and safe evacuation of Canadian citizens from that country. In difficult and dangerous situations, he showed an innate cultural awareness and intrinsic leadership ability. Lieutenant-Colonel Southern also provided vital support to the Ambassador in the re-establishment of the embassy, while taking on the responsibility of chargé d’affaires—an opportunity rarely accorded to a defence attaché.