- Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
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Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: April 26, 2011
- Invested on: December 13, 2011
From June to September 2010, Brigadier-General Vance demonstrated exemplary leadership in his second tour as commander of Joint Task Force Afghanistan. Under extremely challenging conditions, he distinguished himself as a master of counter-insurgency warfare. Demonstrating outstanding dedication and professionalism, Brigadier-General Vance provided leadership to coalition and Afghan soldiers, which significantly advanced NATO efforts in Afghanistan and enhanced Canada’s international reputation.
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Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: February 2, 2011
- Invested on: December 13, 2011
Demonstrating outstanding leadership as commander of Joint Task Force Afghanistan from February to November 2009, Brigadier-General Vance enabled the Canadian Forces to maintain the initiative and advance the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force. His strategic and tactical skills and astute political insight allowed for the disruption of the Taliban’s operational objectives and strengthened the Afghan government’s authority within Kandahar province. Brigadier-General Vance’s forward-thinking diplomacy greatly advanced Canadian and international efforts in the region, and brought credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.