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Governor General announces awarding of Meritorious Service DecorationsJanuary 24, 2006 OTTAWA – Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, today announced the awarding of five Meritorious Service Decorations (military division) to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. Recipients will be invited to receive their decorations at a presentation ceremony to be held at a later date. The Meritorious Service Decorations are separated into military and civil divisions, with two levels each: a medal and a cross. The military division recognizes individuals for their outstanding professionalism and for bringing honour to the Canadian Forces. The civil division recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or an activity that brought honour to their community or to Canada. On the recommendation of the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee (Meritorious Service Decorations–military division), the Governor General is pleased to announce the following awards: Meritorious Service Cross
Meritorious Service Medal
-30- Media information Public information CITATIONS Admiral Edmund Peter Giambastiani Jr., M.S.C. An innovative planner, Adm Giambastiani, of the United States Navy, has provided outstanding leadership and creativity to ensure that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is ready to meet the challenges of the future. In 2004, he developed new approaches to ensure the advances in technology serve Alliance requirements well into the future. Adm Giambastiani’s personal involvement and skilful execution of his Commands' vital functions have contributed in an outstanding manner to collective security. His achievements have been of great benefit to Canada.
Col Lacroix, now Brigadier-General, is recognized for his outstanding performance as the Commander of the Kabul Multi-National Brigade during Operation ATHENA, from January to September 2004. His leadership and dynamism inspired his multinational team. Through his extensive professional knowledge and exceptional dedication, Col Lacroix made a considerable impact on the security situation in Kabul, and set the stage for the successful completion of Afghanistan’s first-ever democratic elections. His performance as a while-so-employed Brigadier-General under demanding and dangerous conditions has brought international praise and acclaim to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.
As Chief of Staff of the United Nations Mission in Haiti from May 2004 to January 2005, Col MacLeod has distinguished himself through his outstanding dedication during complex and highly stressful circumstances. His actions in establishing the United Nations Mission, while promoting a secure environment, highlighted his superior leadership skills, determination and patience. During his tenure, Col MacLeod has brought great honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.
MGen Natynczyk is recognized for his outstanding leadership and professionalism while deployed as Deputy Commanding General of the Multi-National Corps during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. From January 2004 to January 2005, MGen Natynczyk led the Corps' 10 separate brigades, consisting of more than 35,000 soldiers stationed throughout the Iraq Theatre of Operations. He also oversaw planning and execution of all Corps level combat support and combat service support operations. His pivotal role in the development of numerous plans and operations resulted in a tremendous contribution by the Multi-National Corps to Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and has brought great credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.
Capt(N) Goodfellow's outstanding leadership as Chair of the Military Judges Selection Committee has made a significant contribution to the enhancement of the military judiciary’s independence. A founding member of the Committee, Capt(N) Goodfellow organized and led, in 2000, the development of an unprecedented system of assessment for military judge candidates, one that balances the best practices of federal judicial appointments with the unique demands of the Canadian Forces. His exemplary professionalism and untiring dedication have strengthened the Canadian Forces and the military justice system as a national institution. |
