Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: September 24, 2018
- Invested on: June 30, 2021
Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel
Lieutenant-Colonel Rutland deployed to Latvia from June 2017 to January 2018. As the first commander of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group, he ensured the full cohesion and training of 1,000 soldiers from six countries to create a skilled unit. Through his innovative thinking and diplomacy, he brilliantly overcame the language barrier, as well as the cultural and political challenges of the region. Lieutenant-Colonel Rutland’s unwavering dedication certainly contributed to the success of Canada’s mission in Latvia.