Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded on: 1997-07-18
Invested on: 1998-12-04
On September 18, 1995, Captain Cheng was the team captain of the 4 Wing Thunderbird Challenge Team participating in Peacekeeper Challenge 95 -- a multinational skill-at-arms competition for military police forces -- held at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Captain Cheng led his team into the combat obstacle course, which required all members to cross the finish line to gain a standing. During the event, he began to experience physical problems; however, he refused to let his team down and insisted on continuing. After crossing the finish line, he collapsed and was rushed to the base hospital where he died. A Canadian peacekeeping veteran with service in Rwanda and Bosnia, Captain Cheng served his country well, ultimately making the supreme sacrifice in order to serve those who followed him. His loyalty and commitment to his team-mates, and his selfless dedication and determination brought credit and honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.