Honours & Awards (merged)

[Haggis]

The story of Cpl Eric Monnin, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, shared with the usual disclaimer.  This is a small town newspaper, not what you would call MSM.

CORNWALL – For the first time since the Second World War, a serving Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Highlander is being awarded a decoration for military valour.

It was July 9, 2010, and the 1 RCR Charles Company 7 Platoon had the task of checking for a possible firing spot in Afghanistan.

They got their answer once they arrived.

“I was in the armoured vehicle called a LAV 3,” said Cpl. Eric Monnin.

Monnin was going to with his Warrant Officer (WO) to check the area when he was told stay behind.

“I was about to go with them and the Officer told me not to go because it’s only going to take a few minutes,” he said.

As the WO began checking the perimeter, the platoon was ambushed.

The WO was hit in the shoulder by an RPG with an entry wound of about three to four inches and an exit wound the size of a fist.

“When this happend I immediately thought he was dead,” Monnin said.

“But when I saw him slowly trying to crawl away, I jumped out of the LAV and ran to him. Once I got there, I saw he got hit in the shoulder so I started working on him.”

Trained in medic’s assitance, Monnin began helping the WO when enemy fire started to rain around him.

As he turned to fire back, some other soldiers dragged the WO to a safer spot between two buildings where Monnin would later find that the medic on hand was also wounded with non lifethreatening injuries.

“We just kept working. It took about two hours before the Quick Reaction Force came to help the people on the ground,” he said.

“It was so intense, everything happened so fast (but at that point) you’re just trying to get him back alive, trying to keep him calm.”

Both the medic and the WO survived the attack and the WO even joins Monnin for a drink from time to time.

“The guys, they’re your friends. You’ve been working with a guy for a year, it’s pretty much like if you saw your best friend get hit by a car, you just go and help.”

It was this act of heroism that led to Monnin being awarded the Medal of Military Valour for “courageous and selfless actions under enemy fire while rendering first aid to two wounded soldiers in Afghanistan.”

But a humble Monnin doesn’t believe that an award that holds such a big title should be awarded to him.

“I guess I was really surprised. I knew they put me in for a medal of some sort, but I didnt know Ii was going to get it,” he said.

“I was proud in a sense, but in the end I am just happy that the Warrent Officer and medic were good.”

The award will be pesented at ceremony this Friday at Rideau Hall in Otawa at 10:30 a.m. The medal will be presented to Monnin by Governor General David Johnston.

“I’m just a normal guy in the end," Monnin said.

"The thing is, I’m just one guy that got recognized for what I did, but there are a lot of Glens out there who just haven’t been (recognized).

"The Glens took me in pretty much like family and they’ve always been there. They’re very much part of my family.”


Cpl Monnin has since component transferred to the Reg F as a ACISS Tech.

Up the Glens!

 

[vonGarvin]

Well done!!!!!

 

[Jarnhamar]

+Up The Glens+

 

[The Bread Guy]

Well done!

(And I'd consider a paper that's part of the Sun Media chain MSM)

 

[PMedMoe]

Good job!

 

[acen]

Started my DP2A with him but he ended up getting his posting to the RegF. Solid guy, well done!

 

[Danjanou]

Well done, well deserved.

 

[jollyjacktar]

BZ!  Well done. 

 

[PPCLI Guy]

Up the Glens!

 

[Dooley]

Ref: CANFORGEN 072/10 - GCS AND GSM - QUALIFYING SERVICE AMENDMENTS

ISAF and ALLIED FORCE bars:

'Allied Force' bars to the GCS and GSM are to be removed, and returned to DH&R via 728, and the medal re-ribboned to the GCS-AF and/or GSM-AF.

'ISAF' bars to the GCS and GSM are to be removed from the medal, and returned to DH&R via 728, regardless of eligibility to Rotation Bars.

It is a common misconception that the ISAF bar can be exchanged for the Roation Bar and that the ISAF bar needs to be returned to DH&R as a prequsite for ordering Roation Bars. 
This is not the case, although the ISAF bar is required to removed and returned, a seperate application for a Rotation Bar(s) must be created in MAPS.

 

[PuckChaser]

I should just charge DND twice for having my medal mounted then. Once to have the ISAF bar removed, and once to put the rotation bar on that is at my unit, but hasn't been presented in over 18 months. Short-sighted CANFORGENs are awesome.

 

[Dooley]

Ref: A - CANFORGEN 066/10 - NEW OVERSEAS RECOGNITION FRAMWORK

Rotation Bars will be awarded for multiple tours within the same theatre of operations and are based on a cumulative day count of time served. 
For the GCS the RB's are gold in colour and bear a single centered maple leaf denoting 1 tour. A bar bearing 5 maple leafs is worn for 5 tours. 
For the SWASM+AG, GSM, and OSM the RB's are silver in colour and bear a single centered maple leaf denoting 1 tour. A bar bearing 5 maple leafs is worn for 5 tours. 

Rotation Bars will be awarded for each additional period of 180 days served after the initial qualifying 30 days required for the medal.
210 days=1 bar
390 days=2 bars
570 days=3 bars etc...

Time cannot be mixed or added between medals, i.e SWASM+AG and GCS-SWA time even though they are both in Afghanistan.

As mentioned before, serving CF mbr's must apply through their OR using MAPS and the full tour information must be captured on the MPRR.

 

[Dooley]

I should just charge DND twice for having my medal mounted then. Once to have the ISAF bar removed, and once to put the rotation bar on that is at my unit, but hasn't been presented in over 18 months. Shortsighted Confines are awesome.

Since the DND changed the medal you are entitled to claim the cost required to do so. 
As for your unit holding the RB for 18 months, that is completely unacceptable.  Timely recognition has 2 main parts; First is the unit CoC nominating/applying for the mbr in a timely fashion and presenting the medal/award in a dignified manner and Second is DH&R in processing the medal request as fast as possible (given the backlog of applications).

 

[Danjanou]

Just came across this little (172 pages) time waster over on the NATO vets web page. Everything you wanted to know about the CD but couldn't be arsed to ask.  8)

http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhr-ddhr/pub/doc/cfd-dfc-eng.pdf

 

[PuckChaser]

Since the DND changed the medal you are entitled to claim the cost required to do so. 
As for your unit holding the RB for 18 months, that is completely unacceptable.  Timely recognition has 2 main parts; First is the unit CoC nominating/applying for the mbr in a timely fashion and presenting the medal/award in a dignified manner and Second is DH&R in processing the medal request as fast as possible (given the backlog of applications).

DH&R had the bar to my unit in under 4 months, after stating it could be a 18 month wait. Very impressed on how they're handling the backlog.

 

[Danjanou]

Oh 18 months is nothing look how long these poor buggers had to wait.
8)
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/collections/cmdp/mainmenu/group04/cvsmfk

Established in 1991. Service between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954.

I guess whichever unborn NOK I will my gongs to will eventually end up getting the bill to have my "We Won the Cold War Medal" court mounted when it shows up in the mail three or four decades from now.  :

 

[Danjanou]

...........or you can do it yourself.

After all it isn't rocket appliances.

For those so inclined this well illustrated step by step instructions comes compliments of our Brit cousins over at ARRSE

http://www.arrse.co.uk/medals/180026-diy-guide-full-size-medal-mounting.html

 

[Retired and Broken]

Canadian Forces Members receive international award for gallantry

Air Force Articles
Oct. 23, 2012

http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?id=13299

This weekend marks one year since this mission took place.

RIP Janick.

Rescue 

 

[Eye In The Sky]

Article Link

Air Force Articles

Search and rescue crew receives international gallantry award

Dec. 28, 2012

Royal Canadian Air Force search and rescue crewmembers have received another accolade for a dangerous and tragic rescue that occurred in the Arctic in 2011.

The Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators (GAPAN) Award for Gallantry was this year awarded to Royal Canadian Air Force crews who, on October 27, 2011, responded to a distress call near Igloolik, Nunavut, where two hunters were stranded in icy waters in deteriorating conditions.

The award, which is given to an individual or crew of an aircraft in any field of aviation for an outstanding act of gallantry, was presented in the Guildhall in London, England, on October 23, 2012.

The award was presented to the Cormorant helicopter crew from 103 Search and Rescue Squadron based in Gander, N.L. – Captain Aaron Noble, aircraft commander; Captain Dean Vey, first officer; Sergeant Brad Hiscock, flight engineer; and Sergeant Dan Villeneuve and Master Corporal Shawn Bretschneider who are search and rescue technicians. The honour was also awarded to Sergeant Janick Gilbert, Master Corporal Max Lahaye-Lemay, and Master Corporal Marco Journeyman, search and rescue technicians from 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, Trenton, Ont.

Sgt Gilbert, SAR team leader, perished during the mission and received the award posthumously.

"The presentation of all the GAPAN awards was quite spectacular; especially, after the recent citation and award to 103 Squadron [the Cormorant Trophy for Helicopter Rescue by AugustaWestland] and, in particular, the presence of Sergeant Janick Gilbert's widow and mother," said BGen (ret'd) David Jurkowski, Chairman of GAPAN North America, who attended the presentation ceremony.

"Some 600 distinguished guests at the Guild Hall of London gala awards dinner rose in spontaneous enthusiasm and deep respect for a full two minute ovation.

"It was a truly moving salute which I will not forget," he said. “I have never seen a standing ovation like that before by so many dignitaries. It made me proud to be a Canadian.”

The Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators was established in 1929; its principal activities are centred on developing action and activities to ensure that aircraft are piloted and navigated safely by aviators who are highly competent, self-reliant, dependable and respected. The Guild supports the education and training of pilots and navigators from the initial training of the young pilot to the specialist training of the highest levels. Through its charitable activities, education and training, technical committee work, aircrew selection, scholarships and sponsorships, advice and recognition of the achievements of fellow aviators world wide, the Guild keeps itself at the forefront of the aviation world.

Family members who attended the event were Melisa Lesquir, the widow of Sgt Gilbert, who accepted the award on behalf of her late husband; Diane Gilbert, mother of Sgt Gilbert; Anne Journeyman, spouse of MCpl Journeyman; and, Christine Baldwin, guest of MCpl Lahaye-Lemay.

About GAPGAN North America

The Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators (GAPAN) North America (NA) is one of 108 current Guilds and Livery Companies steeped in rich English history dating back some 800 years and recognized by the Guild Hall of London. Established in 1929 when the future professional status of air pilots and air navigators was very much in doubt, GAPAN is now a professional organization of more than 2,000 members in aviation communities in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.

Comprising approximately 30 percent airline pilots, 30 percent military and 40 percent general aviation, our ranks are populated by current and former airline pilots, air force pilots and navigators, members of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority and many other professional organizations.

Among several goals, three are prominent in the North American context:
•To establish, maintain and recognize the highest standards of air safety through the promotion of good airmanship
•To maintain liaison with all aviation regulatory authorities connected with licensing, training and legislation affecting the pilot and navigator communities in the private, professional, civil or military domains
•To constitute a body of experienced airmen available for advice and consultation and to facilitate the exchange of information

To this end, experienced members provide expert consultative advice through a number of professional committees which are very active in all geographical regions:
•Technical and Air Safety Committee •Educational and Training Committee
•Environmental Committee
•Trophies and Awards Committee

These committees cover a broad range of topical issues ranging from unmanned aircraft access to national airspace, future cockpit design, aircraft accident investigation, flight test and system design, aviation law, aviation medicine, aviation greenhouse gas and noise pollution mitigation, youth activities, training and the recognition of conspicuous actions.

On the latter, the Royal Canadian Air Force has been recognized three times for its search and rescue operations, the most recent of which was the crew of Rescue 915 (103 Search and Rescue Squadron, 9 Wing Gander, N.L., and 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, 8 Wing Trenton, Ont. Such recognition is a wonderful objective testimony for what the RCAF does for Canada.

GAPAN NA is a recent amalgamation of its organizations in Canada and the U.S. In addition to the aforementioned recognition, members are kept up to date through paper or electronic issues of Guild News and can access or contribute to study, discussion and position papers or online discussions on a wide variety of aviation matters.

GAPAN enjoys special relations with a number of commercial and military units through its affiliation process. For example, Harbour Air, based in Vancouver, B.C. – the world’s largest seaplane operation; the Abbotsford Air Show; the Canadian Forces Snowbirds; 19 Wing Comox, B.C., 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, 12 Wing Shearwater, N.S., but located at Pat Bay., B.C.; the Royal Air Force Red Arrows; and many others around the world are Affiliated Units of GAPAN.

There is a wealth of aviation expertise in the North American region that can be brought together for the betterment of aviation. Anyone wishing to play a role in this important domain is welcome to join GAPAN NA by contacting Donna Farquhar, Administrator, GAPAN NA at donna@guildnorthamerica.org or David Jurkowski, CMM, CD (BGen ret’d), Chairman, GAPAN NA at 1.613.237.4556.

The GAPAN website can be found at: www.gapan.org

 

[ATCO]

Good day,

I was wondering if there was any more specifics for nominations for a MSM?

http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhr-ddhr/chc-tdh/chart-tableau-eng.asp?ref=MSM

The description is, IMHO, fairly vague and might explain why it is seldom seen around compared to a MMM. Based on the DH&R site numbers, MSM are awarded an average of 28/year versus 63/year for MMM.

I realise that the GG site has more guidelines, including "Any CF member" and "7.1 The Medal may be awarded in the military division to any person referred to in subsection 5(1) for the performance, on or after June 11, 1984, of a military deed or a military activity in a highly professional manner or of a very high standard that brings benefit or honour to the Canadian Forces."

One of the reason I'm asking: I was told by DH&R staff that OMM/MMM nominations HAD to have non-work related involment i.e. volunteer/community work/etc... which is fine but not found in the online eligibility description. Does an MSM nomination need the same? Or any other pre-requisite that can only be found through corporate knowledge or by asking DH&R?

ATCO