Military Decorations Ceremony

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff, are pictured with the 43 recipients who were presented with military decorations.

Captain Ashley Collette, M.M.V., received the Medal of Military Valour from His Excellency. As a platoon commander from May to December 2010, Captain Collette demonstrated front line leadership that was critical to her soldiers’ success during intense combat in Afghanistan. Stationed in volatile Nakhonay, her platoon regularly faced the threat posed by improvised explosive devices, all while repelling numerous attacks on their base. Despite suffering casualties within the group, she kept her soldiers focused and battle-ready; her desire to succeed never wavered. Captain Collette’s fortitude under fire and performance in combat were critical to defeating the enemy and disrupting all insurgent attempts to reoccupy this key village.

"We honour today your bravery in the field, your actions which directly enhanced the safety of your comrades-in-arms," said the Governor General. "Yet, I would be remiss if I did not also honour how you have defended the ideals that we hold dear and how you have helped to promote peace, sometimes by the strength—by the virtue—of your character alone."

On June 22, 2012, the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada presented 5 Medals of Military Valour to members of the Canadian Forces who have displayed gallantry and devotion to duty in combat, as well as 2 Meritorious Service Crosses (Military Division) and 36 Meritorious Service Medals (Military Division) to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Lieutenant-General Jack Calvin Stultz, M.S.M. (United States Army Reserve), received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from His Excellency. In his role as commanding general, United States Army Reserve, Lieutenant-General Stultz was instrumental in enhancing the working relationship between the army reserves of both Canada and the United States. From the beginning of his appointment in 2006, he orchestrated the creation of training and employment opportunities for Canadian Army reservists. In so doing, Lieutenant-General Stultz further enhanced the unique relationship between Canada and the United States, delivering considerable benefit to the Canadian Forces.

Warrant officer Michel Simoneau, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from His Excellency. While deployed to Afghanistan as second-in-command of an infantry platoon from April to October 2009, Sergeant Simoneau played a key role in his platoon’s success during high-intensity combat operations. On numerous occasions, he exposed himself to insurgent fire to coordinate the actions of Canadian and Afghan soldiers under his command. Sergeant Simoneau’s tactical acumen, soldiering skills and front line leadership inspired his comrades and contributed greatly to the battle group’s operational success.

Sergeant Jeffrey Quesnelle, M.S.M., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from His Excellency. While deployed to Afghanistan as an explosive ordnance disposal operator from April 2010 to December 2010, Master Corporal Quesnelle displayed courage, leadership and insight. In addition to dismantling over 65 improvised explosive devices, he provided in-depth analysis on insurgent tactics and suggested initiatives that made disposal operations safer for the local population and for Canadian soldiers. Master Corporal Quesnelle’s thorough understanding of the threat, in addition to his willingness to expose himself to great danger, were critical in the search for and removal of improvised explosive devices.

Colonel Ian Robert Creighton, M.S.M., C.D., received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) from His Excellency. As commanding officer of the Operational Mentor and Liaison Team from April to November 2010, Colonel Creighton provided mentorship to two Afghan National Army brigade commanders. His leadership and diplomacy empowered the brigade to independently conduct increasingly complex operations that disrupted insurgent objectives and strengthened government authority within Kandahar Province. Colonel Creighton’s understanding of counter-insurgency warfare and of Afghanistan’s unique environment ensured his unit’s success and enhanced Canada’s international reputation for military excellence.

Brigadier-General Craig Randall King, O.M.M., M.S.C., C.D., M.B.E., received the Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) from His Excellency. While deployed within Regional Command (South) in Afghanistan from December 2009 to September 2010, Brigadier-General King played a critical role during a defining moment in the campaign. As the driving force behind the expansion of Afghan National Security Forces, particularly the Afghan National Police, he worked with Afghan and coalition stakeholders to institute a complete review of personnel and equipment that provided an accurate assessment of the current situation and facilitated decision making. Brigadier-General King’s leadership and work ethic contributed to the improvement of the security situation in southern Afghanistan and brought great credit to Canada and the Canadian Forces.

Corporal Eric Monnin, M.M.V., received the Medal of Military Valour from His Excellency. On July 9, 2010, two of Corporal Monnin’s fellow soldiers were wounded during a combat operation in Afghanistan. Under increasing enemy fire, he requested permission to move forward and then sprinted across the exposed terrain to reach their position. As bullets continued to fly, he rendered first aid, assisted with the wounded soldiers’ extraction, and rejoined his platoon for the remainder of the engagement. Whether rendering first aid under fire or engaging the enemy, Corporal Monnin saved the lives of his comrades through his courageous and selfless actions.

General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff, also spoke during this ceremony.