The Bulletin

Honours and Awards

Following the First Air crash, Maj Bussière immediately initiative the coordination of the forensic odontology (FOd) operation between the on-site team, the RCMP, and the Nunavut coroner. She expertly commanded the entire FOd operation at the Ottawa Hospital; from performing dental autopsies, to conducting the reconciliation board. Her professionalism facilitated families in their grieving process while bringing great credit to the CF and the CFHS.

Citation for WO DS Hryhoryshen Mission Transition Task Force Headquarters and Signal Squadron

WO DS Hryhoryshen is commended for exemplary actions that will have direct positive impacts on the COIN fight in Afghanistan through the direct transfer of material and equipment to identified target audiences. The relationships he established and built with multinational organizations and individuals as part of Influence Activities and the MTTF were Key components of the MTTF mission success and served to protect, honour and enhance Canada’s Legacy in Afghanistan. (Photo credit: DND)

The Surgeon General visits Princess Anne

This photo was taken the morning of Wednesday, January 19th, 2011, at Buckingham Palace, where Commodore Hans Jung met with The Princess Royal to discuss the CF H Svcs Gp and present her with a brooch. The brooch is a gold CF Medical Service crest, with a Canadian diamond at its base. Cmdre Jung also presented The Princess Royal with the Surgeon General's Report for 2010.

JTFA Commendation presented to 33 Fd Amb - The presentation was awarded for the unit's support during Op Laser (H1N1) last year.

L-R - CWO Bruce Wilson, MCpl Boram Hong, Cmdre Hickey, LCol Dave Sawatzky, HCol Bruce Henderson - Honorary Colonel

JTFA Commendation presented to CF H Svcs C (A) - The presentation was awarded for the unit's support during Op Laser (H1N1) last year.

L-R - CWO Dianne Maidment, Dr. Kevin Bourke, Cmdre Hickey, LCol Anne Espenant, Capt Ian MacFarlane, Sgt Cory Blanchard

Captain Josianne Giroux, a social worker from the medical clinic in Borden, received the Surgeon General’s Award of Excellence for her dedication to mental health in Borden on September 13th. The awarded was presented by Capt (N) Roland Young, Commander of 4 H Svcs Gp.

Cpl Shawn Flood, a medical technician employed at the Health Services Training Centre in Borden, received the Commander’s Commendation from the Commander of the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM) for his courageous leadership in a mass casualty situation in Afghanistan. The award was presented by Capt (N) Roland Young, Commander of 4 H Svcs Gp in Borden on September 13th.

Mrs Marjorie Jane Ramage, a civilian critical care nurse from Barrie, received the General Service Medal (GSM) for her deployment to the Role 3 hospital in Afghanistan. Mrs Ramage deployed to Afghanistan where she served as a civilian nurse in the Role 3 hospital. The award was presented by Capt (N) Roland Young, Commander of 4 H Svcs Gp in Borden on September 13th.

CEFCOM Commander’s Commendation awarded to Captain J.A.R. Hébert, 5 Fd Amb

In Haiti, from the evening of 26 January to the morning of 27 January 2010, Captain Hébert assisted a non-governmental organization (NGO) that was trying to evacuate a Haitian patient. He did so by coordinating the various responders involved in the aeromedical evacuation, which had unfortunately been delayed until the morning as a result of a lack of resources. Captain Hébert remained focused on the mission, and he decided to continue assisting the NGO’s doctors by helping them keep the patient alive throughout the night. At first light, after being up all night, Captain Hébert successfully coordinated the medical evacuation.

CEFCOM Commander’s Commendation awarded to Petty Officer 1st Class Bédard, 5 Fd Amb

During his deployment to Haiti from January to March 2010, Petty Officer 1st Class Bédard consolidated a high-performing medical team. Through his contact with non-governmental organizations, he supplied the field hospital with priority medical equipment and aided in the transfer of a number of patients and injured people from one organization to another so that they could receive the best possible medical care. In addition, he was very involved in the mobile medical clinics, thus helping to treat over two thousand patients. His leadership and solid technical skills made it possible to save numerous lives.

CEFCOM Commander’s Commendation awarded to Master Corporal Racine, 5 Fd Amb

Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Master Corporal Racine was deployed with the Disaster Assistance Response Team medical platoon from January to March 2010. Master Corporal Racine was called upon to triage several hundred people. He identified, in a professional manner, the people who required urgent, live-saving medical attention and, in so doing, saved dozens of lives. His effective liaison with local doctors made it possible for the required resources to be available for patients requiring amputations and other serious operations, thereby rendering that traumatizing experience more humane for seriously injured Haitians.

CEFCOM Commander’s Commendation awarded to Corporal Cases, 5 Fd Amb

On 6 February 2010, Corporal Cases and Private Guimond responded to a serious altercation in which a hostile crowd of over 80 people had surrounded an individual, who was on the ground and bound with wire. The crowd was kicking and stoning the victim. When Corporal Cases and Private Guimond arrived at the scene, they used their physical presence and clear orders to quickly reach the person, secure the perimeter, provide appropriate medical care and coordinate the victim’s transport to a Role 2 Canadian hospital. Their quick and effective response saved the victim’s life.

CEFCOM Commander’s Commendation awarded to WO S.C. Guy, 33 CF H Svcs C Kingston.

As a Physician’s Assistant and the senior medical authority at a multinational forward operating base in Afghanistan, Warrant Officer Guy provided outstanding medical support to Canadian and coalition soldiers and Afghan nationals from August 2008 to April 2009.  Despite limited personnel and resources, her effective management of numerous mass casualty events was instrumental in saving critically wounded patients, including many children.  Her life-saving efforts helped maintain the fighting strength of coalition elements, fostered excellent Canadian-Afghan relations and gained international media attention that shed light on the outstanding efforts of Canadian Forces medical personnel in Afghanistan.

CEFCOM Commander’s Commendation awarded to MCpl G.M. Quinonez, 32 CF H Svcs C Toronto.

During December 2008, Master Corporal Quinonez was the senior medical technician with the Quick Reaction Force in Afghanistan.  Responding to two separate improved explosive device attacks that included 10 fatalities, her exceptional composure, medical skill and leadership ensured the effective treatment and evacuation of numerous casualties.  The actions of Master Corporal Quinonez in the face of these horrific events contributed to saving Canadian and Afghan soldiers and civilians.

CEFCOM Commander’s Commendation awarded to Sgt A.C. McKenzie, 2 Fd Amb

Sergeant McKenzie deployed to Afghanistan as a Medical Technician with the Health Services Support Unit from August 2008 to April 2009.  In charge of the Evacuation Platoon, he organized the distribution and management of integral medical support to all combat units in the Canadian area of operations.  He ensured the platoon was constantly prepared to meet the intense demands of combat and an ever-changing battle rhythm.  Sergeant McKenzie’s outstanding organizational skills and dedication to the mission ensured that Task Force operations received unwavering medical support.

CEFCOM Commander’s Commendation awarded to OCdt M. Wiseman, 2 Fd Amb

Private Wiseman deployed to Afghanistan as a Medical Technician with the Health Services Support Unit from September 2008 to March 2009.  Assigned to the physiotherapy department at Kandahar Airfield, she contributed to reducing wait times and developed and implemented treatment strategies that enhanced the long-term recovery of patients.  Private Wiseman’s initiative, innovation and selfless commitment helped reinvigorate the physiotherapy program, reinforcing Canada’s reputation for the provision of exceptional medical service.

MILPERSCOM Commander Commendation was presented to Major Sandra West

The MILPERSCOM Commander Commendation was presented to Major Sandra West “for her perseverance and devotion to the medical care of injured soldiers and their families. Her congeniality and interminable work allowed the establishment of a very effective interdisciplinary medical networking system which has become the foundation for the outstanding medical care of the injured soldier in the Ottawa region” on September 21st 2010.

Commander’s Commendation was presented to Mr. Marc Roy

The Commander’s Commendation was presented to Mr. Marc Roy “For continuous dedication and outstanding service as the DND National Manager of the Federal Health Claims Processing System (FHCPS).  In particular, we acknowledge the strong initiative, extreme dedication and professional attitude you displayed in the successful implementation and continuous improvement of this program.  We commend your exemplary contribution and leadership in supporting the provision of quality care to the Canadian Forces, in Canada and abroad” on September 21st 2010.