Meritorious Service Medal
- Awarded on: April 19, 2013
- Invested on: September 12, 2013
Rank: Chief Warrant Officer
As task force sergeant-major from March 2011 to February 2012, Chief Warrant Officer Cavanagh had a profound impact on the Canadian contribution to the NATO Training Mission in Afghanistan. He developed strong relationships with other nations, maintained a detailed understanding of the morale, welfare and leadership climate, and created a common sense of purpose within the widely dispersed task force. Chief Warrant Officer Cavanagh’s performance and leadership were critical to the success of this renascent mission.