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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Military Ombudsman Rewards Excellence in Ethics

OTTAWA (March 31, 2004) - André Marin, Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces, presented awards to two Canadian Forces personnel and one National Defence civilian employee at a special ceremony held in Ottawa on March 30th. Also taking part in the ceremony were the Honourable David Pratt, Minister of National Defence, and Chief of the Defence Staff General Ray Henault. The Commendations of the Ombudsman, awarded annually, recognize exemplary dedication to the values of integrity, honesty, fairness and openness.

At the ceremony, Mr. Marin made the following presentations:

Chief Warrant Officer Frank Emond received the Ombudsman’s Commendation for Complaint Resolution in recognition of his “consistent personal commitment to helping Canadian Forces (CF) members under stress find positive ways to deal with their concerns.” CWO Emond has worked closely with the Office of the Ombudsman on cases involving CF members who have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or other forms of Occupational Stress Injury. CWO Edmond is also a Member of the Order of Military Merit and a recipient of both the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and Silver Jubilee Medals.
Karin Kratz, Network Services Manager, 19 Wing Comox, B.C. was awarded the Ombudsman’s Commendation for Ethics for providing “outstanding leadership to her team of military and civilian staff, treating others with genuine respect and becoming a voice for them.” A native of Fort Vermillion, Alberta, Ms. Kratz is a strong advocate for a harassment-free work environment who has set an example of leadership in promoting a positive workplace for her staff.
Chief Warrant Officer Kent Griffiths was awarded the Ombudsman’s Commendation for Ethics for his “demonstrated leadership that combines energy and resourcefulness with ethics and integrity.” CWO Griffiths, a member of the Canadian Forces Reserves for 27 years, has gained recognition for his commitment to the personal development of young soldiers and civilians and for his work as a Harassment Advisor.

These outstanding individuals have demonstrated their readiness to act in the spirit of an Ombudsman when doing their jobs or making decisions that affect other human beings and, when they identify problems in their organizations, to recommend appropriate changes,” noted Mr. Marin. “By their examples of leadership, integrity, compassion and professionalism these recipients not only contribute to the betterment of their respective workplaces but to the well-being of the National Defence and Canadian Forces community and, ultimately, to the interests of all Canadians,” added Mr. Marin.

Media Contact DND/CF Ombudsman:
Barbara Theobalds
Director, Communications
Tel.: (613) 992-6962

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