Inaugural Presentation of the Operational Service Medal

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented the first 50 Operational Service Medals during an inaugural ceremony that was held at Rideau Hall.

The Operational Service Medal is issued with a ribbon specific to the theatre or type of service being recognized, and each ribbon has its own criteria. At this time, six ribbons have been created: South-West Asia, Sierra Leone, Haiti, Sudan, HUMANITAS and EXPEDITION.

RCMP Corporal Jennifer J. Turner received the Operational Service Medal for her work in Sierra Leone.

Major Joseph Siméon Raymond Pierre Barma, C.D., received the Operational Service Medal for his work in Haiti.

Major David Nelson Quick, C.D., received the Operational Service Medal for his work in Haiti.

Private Theresa Grace Sapara received the Operational Service Medal for her work in Haiti.

Master Corporal Joseph Gilles LaPlante, C.D. received the Operational Service Medal for his work in Sudan.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth Aaron Chisholm, C.D. received the Operational Service Medal with HUMANITAS ribbon.

RCMP Superintendent David Charles Beer received the Operational Service Medal with EXPEDITION ribbon.

"The creation of this medal came from wanting to honour those men and women of the Canadian Forces and Canadian police forces, as well as civilians who work with these two groups, who have supported non-combat missions around the world. Anytime Canada is called upon to serve abroad, we have done so with the support of an amazing array of talented and selfless people."