Meritorious Service Medal
- Awarded on: May 1, 2014
- Invested on: October 03, 2014
Rank: Brigadier-General
Brigadier-General Balfe was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, as the deputy to the Chief of Staff of Communications for the International Security Assistance Force from May 2013 to March 2014. Utilizing detailed media analysis, and optimizing personnel and resources, he greatly improved the information flow to his commanders, which provided them with a more in-depth understanding of Afghan culture. He also initiated the Gender Cross-Functional Assessment Team, which promoted a gender advocacy strategy for the country. With his cultural sensitivity and professional acumen, Brigadier-General Balfe brought great credit to the Canadian Armed Forces and to Canada.