watusi said:
In the Nepean Weekender 13 April 2007, a Mr David W Palmer (Royal Canadian Legion, Barhaven Branch (Ottawa)) issued an open letter to the Governor General suggesting a Governor General Volunteer Service Medal (GGVSM) be issued to all present and former serving members to recognize volunteer service by members of Canada's Armed Forces since 1947. The medal wouuld have a bar naming the serving Governor General when the member became qualified. The ribbon would borrow the colours of the GG's flag, including the gold of the Lion set against the red and white of the Canadian Flag with a medallion carrying the GG's lion in rampant pose, ready to stand and serve with honour and pride.
He noted in particular dangers faced during the Cold War and in particular sailors performing dangerous naval missions without proper recognition, but that it should be made available to all.
Do you think a GGVSM should be issued to all former and serving members of the Armed Forces since 1947??
There is a petition that can be seen at the following link: <a href="http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/volunteer-service-medal-for-our-veterans.html">Online petition - Petition for a Volunteer Service Medal for our Veterans (GGVSM)</a>
and further it is supported by the following:signatory No. 4977. Quote: "In 1983 he was promoted to Colonel and was appointed Deputy Commander – Special Service Force at CFB Petawawa. He subsequently assumed command of the Canadian Airborne Regiment, serving from 1985 to 1987" Unquote. Taken from the following Biography.
Major-General Robert (Bob) Gaudreau, CMM, CD (ret'd)
Colonel Commandant, Royal Canadian Army Cadets – 2004-07
The new Colonel Commandant of the RCAC, MGen Robert (Bob) Gaudreau, CMM, CD was born in Cowansville, QC and currently resides close to his birthplace in Glen Sutton, Québec. He started his career as a Signalman in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in 1961 and was commissioned shortly thereafter in the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment (R22eR). After several years with the R22eR, including service with the United Nations he was promoted to Major in 1974 and Commanding Officer of 1 Commando – Canadian Airborne Regiment. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1979, he was posted to Mobile Command (FMC) Headquarters and later commanded the 1st Battalion R22eR in Germany 1981-83. In 1983 he was promoted to Colonel and was appointed Deputy Commander – Special Service Force at CFB Petawawa. He subsequently assumed command of the Canadian Airborne Regiment, serving from 1985 to 1987, including a fourth tour of United Nations duty in Cyprus. Promotions to Brigadier-General in 1987 and to Major General in 1989 led to his appointment as the Commander, 1st Canadian Division. In 1992 the UN Secretary General appointed him Deputy Commander of the UN Protection Force
(UNPROFOR) in the former Yugoslavia. For his outstanding service in that theatre he was awarded Commander of the Order of Military Merit (CMM). MGen Gaudreau retired from the Canadian Forces in 1995 as the Deputy Commander, Land Force Command in St-Hubert, QC. He remains an active member of the R22eR Association, The Canadian Airborne Forces Association, the Airborne Regiment Association of Canada and sits on the Regimental Advisory Committee of the Royal Montreal Regiment. MGen Gaudreau took up his duties as Colonel Commandant of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets on September 1 st, 2004.
I support this initiative