The Governor General presents 48 Military Decorations at Rideau Hall

The Star of Military Valour awarded to the late Captain Snyder will be presented to his commonlaw wife, Ms. Megan Leigh Stewart. Master Corporal Ball, then corporal, as well as corporals Baker and Bancarz, and captains Peel and Snyder, were deployed to Afghanistan to serve as mentors to an Afghan company, when they were ambushed by Taliban insurgents on June 4, 2008. With little chance of survival, they exposed themselves to great peril and retaliated against the enemy while encouraging the Afghan soldiers to do the same. Because of their dedication, leadership and valour, many Afghan and Canadian lives were saved.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented the Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) to Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Langlais, M.S.C., C.D. From November 2006 to March 2007, while he was deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the United Nations Organization Mission, Lieutenant-Colonel Langlais served with diplomacy and professionalism. He successfully defused numerous armed conflicts that would have destabilized the country during the presidential elections. Earning the trust of the government and UN officials, he led the evacuation of the Zimbabwean ambassador and his staff during a perilous situation, and managed the safe handover of 130 rebel soldiers to UN care. His extraordinary efforts greatly contributed to the UN’s success during this crisis.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) to Master Corporal Christian Bureau, M.S.M. From July 2007 to February 2008, Master Corporal Bureau, then corporal, displayed the highest standards of medical expertise while directing the treatment and evacuation of countless casualties in Afghanistan. Despite extremely difficult conditions, he performed complex medical procedures that saved the lives of many Canadian and Afghan soldiers.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) to Corporal Dominic Couture, M.S.M. Corporal Couture was deployed as the weapons technician with Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from July 2007 to March 2008. Despite limited resources at the Forward Operating Base, his resourcefulness and expertise ensured the effective repair of artillery systems and the manufacturing of parts. In addition to providing ongoing technical support on the battlefield, his dedicated efforts, under adverse and dangerous conditions, enhanced the operational effectiveness of the battle group.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) to Honorary Colonel Blake Charles Goldring, M.S.M. Since his appointment as Honorary Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Canada in November 2005, Colonel Goldring has shown outstanding leadership and vision. His creation of ‘Canada Company’, an organization that brings community and business leaders together to support the Canadian Forces, has resulted in the contribution of millions of dollars for programs that benefit both members of the Canadian Forces and their families.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) to Honorary Colonel Douglas Gordon Marr, M.S.M., C.D. (retired). Known and respected by every member of the 15 Wing community, Honorary Colonel Marr has demonstrated outstanding examples of professionalism. A gentleman of impeccable integrity and boundless energy, he has dedicated himself for 11 years to countless events and initiatives in support of the Canadian Forces, bringing great credit to 15 Wing, the home of military pilot training.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) to Master Warrant Officer Joseph Julien André Moreau, M.S.M., C.D. Master Warrant Officer Moreau was deployed as the camp sergeant major of Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from July 2007 to March 2008. His tenacity enabled him to overcome the challenges associated with operating in a vast multi-national camp. His rapid response to changing priorities ensured efficient camp operations for both Canadian and Coalition soldiers in Afghanistan.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented the Medal of Military Valour to Captain Robert Peel, M.M.V., C.D. Master Corporal Ball, then corporal, as well as corporals Baker and Bancarz, and captains Peel and Snyder, were deployed to Afghanistan to serve as mentors to an Afghan company, when they were ambushed by Taliban insurgents on June 4, 2008. With little chance of survival, they exposed themselves to great peril and retaliated against the enemy while encouraging the Afghan soldiers to do the same. Because of their dedication, leadership and valour, many Afghan and Canadian lives were saved.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented Military Valour Decorations and Meritorious Service Decorations (Military Division) to members of the Canadian and Allied Forces, at Rideau Hall, on Friday, February 13, 2009.