Military Decorations Ceremony

The Governor General presented one Star of Military Valour and five Medals of Military Valour to members of the Canadian and Allied Forces who have displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in combat, as well as nine Meritorious Service Crosses (Military Division) and 35 Meritorious Service Medals (Military Division) to those whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and Canada.

Commander Craig Alan Baines, M.S.C., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) from the Governor General. Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Winnipeg was deployed to the Gulf of Aden, from March to June 2009, on Canada’s inaugural counter-piracy mission. As commanding officer, Commander Baines’ operational focus enabled the ship to integrate seamlessly into the NATO-led task force and to make aggressive use of its many resources to disrupt pirate activity. He worked closely with the media to ensure that extensive coverage of Canadian naval excellence was projected in media outlets worldwide. Commander Baines’ outstanding leadership significantly contributed to international counter-piracy efforts.

Chief Warrant Officer Sheila Alaine Blair, M.M.M., M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from the Governor General. Chief Warrant Officer Blair was deployed with Joint Task Force Afghanistan as the Theatre Support Element chief warrant officer, from June to December 2008. Her diplomacy and tact contributed to the establishment of a network of co-operation that was a key enabler to Task Force operations and that, in turn, helped resolve complex and sensitive multinational issues. Chief Warrant Officer Blair’s ability to motivate and turn command intent into action across the full spectrum of camp responsibilities ensured the cohesion of the unit and the success of its operations.

Lieutenant-Colonel James Frederick Camsell, M.S.M., C.D., receivend the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from the Governor General. Lieutenant-Colonel Camsell was deployed to Afghanistan as a mentor to the head of logistics of an Afghan National Army (ANA) brigade, from September 2008 to April 2009. His collaborative approach and articulated vision enabled him to introduce initiatives that vastly improved the efficiency of the brigade’s re-supply system. These initiatives were eventually adopted across Regional Command (South). Lieutenant-Colonel Camsell’s dedication to developing a more responsive and capable sustainment system for the ANA greatly enhanced operational effectiveness.

Colonel Christopher John Coates, O.M.M., M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from the Governor General. Colonel Coates was the first commander of the Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing, from November 2008 to April 2009. Under pressure to get the newly formed air wing operational as soon as possible, he overcame numerous logistical challenges to ensure the rapid introduction of critical aviation capabilities to Afghanistan. Colonel Coates’ efforts have augmented Canadian operational capability, enhancing the security and mobility of ground forces across the theatre of operations.

Brigadier-General jonkheer J. Harmen de Jonge, M.S.M., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from the Governor General. Brigadier-General de Jonge of the Royal Netherlands Army was deployed to Afghanistan as the deputy commander of Regional Command (South), from January to October 2008. His strategic vision and expert skills in diplomacy greatly contributed to mutual respect and synergy between coalition partners, Afghan security forces and the Afghan government. His insightful execution of command intent and his advice to multinational staff ensured effective command and control during regional operations. Brigadier-General de Jonge’s exceptional leadership and professionalism were key in ensuring the success of the Regional Command (South) operations.

Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Avard Kaye, M.M.M., M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from the Governor General. Chief Warrant Officer Kaye was deployed to Afghanistan as the regimental sergeant-major for the Health Service Support Unit, from January to September 2008. He balanced the emotional needs of his staff with the requirements of operations, ensuring the best possible care for soldiers stationed throughout Afghanistan. He also developed pocket guides that provided critical guidance for combat casualty care, and which are now used in military medical units across Canada.