Presentation of Military Decorations

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented 1 Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) and 33 Meritorious Service Medals (Military Division) to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Major Harjit Sajjan, M.S.M., C.D. (Vancouver, British Columbia) received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division). Major Sajjan deployed to Afghanistan as a special advisor from February to November 2009, and from November 2010 to March 2011. His approach, based on his knowledge of local culture and tribal dynamics, helped senior management to engage with influential Afghan tribal leaders, and led to the identification of insurgent command and control connection points. Taking every opportunity to deploy forward to refine his leads, Major Sajjan provided critical situational awareness and reduced the Taliban’s influence in Kandahar province through his sound analysis.

Lieutenant-Colonel John Paganini, M.S.M.(Old Bridge, New Jersey, U.S.A.), from the United States Army, received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division). Lieutenant-Colonel Paganini, of the United States Army, performed exceptionally well as commanding officer of the 1-71 Cavalry Squadron, in Afghanistan from April 2010 to March 2011. Under his front line leadership, the squadron earned a reputation for its effectiveness and professionalism, and established itself as a critical component of Task Force Kandahar. Lieutenant-Colonel Paganini’s tactical acumen and drive to succeed set an example for soldiers of all nations and were critical to the Canadian Forces’ operational success in Afghanistan.

Commander Stéphane Joseph Dominique Lafond, M.S.M., C.D. (Plessisville, Quebec) received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division). Commander Lafond demonstrated extraordinary strategic planning talents and distinguished leadership while serving as director of Marine Training and Education from February to July 2011. With strong problem-solving skills, he oversaw the design, analysis and implementation of the marine training system during the transformation of the Royal Canadian Navy. Commander Lafond’s accomplishments were vital in redefining the Royal Canadian Navy and renewing its fleet.

Corporal Ashraf Khalil, M.S.M. (Ottawa, Ontario) received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division). From March to August 2011, Corporal Khalil was deployed aboard Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown as part of Canada’s contribution to the NATO mission to protect the people of Libya. As the only Arabic linguist within the entire NATO contingent, his unique skills and unrelenting efforts were essential to operational success. Whether helping to broadcast information messages ashore or facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, Corporal Khalil was critical to the mission and brought great honour to Canada.

Colonel Eric Jean Kenny, M.S.M., C.D. (Medley, Alberta) received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division). While deployed on multiple NATO missions throughout 2011, Colonel Kenny was critical to the success of the Canadian Forces’ air operations. Initially deployed to Iceland, he excelled as task force commander and effectively led the mission to protect that country’s airspace. Subsequently deploying to Italy twice in support of operations in Libya, he provided leadership as CF-18 detachment commander and represented Canada as commander of the Multinational Air Coordination Element. Colonel Kenny’s efforts significantly raised the international profile of Canadian aviation.

Lieutenant(N) Melissa Helen Fudge, M.S.M. (Nigadoo, New Brunswick) received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division). As lead intelligence analyst from May 2010 to November 2011, Lieutenant(N) Fudge provided outstanding strategic analysis to global intelligence and security agencies on human smuggling in Southeast Asia. Her unconditional support aboard Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Winnipeg had a direct impact on the highly visible and internationally recognized Operation Poseidon 1-10, which led to the successful interdiction of an illegal migrant vessel en route to Canada. Lieutenant(N) Fudge’s actions contributed to national security and brought great credit to the Canadian Forces.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sébastien Bouchard, M.S.M., C.D. (Québec, Quebec) received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division). As commanding officer of the National Support Element of Joint Task Force Afghanistan from November 2010 to July 2011, Lieutenant-Colonel Bouchard distinguished himself by his leadership and dedication. Through his continued efforts, both at the forefront and behind the scenes, and through his determination, he shrewdly led his team, identified and implemented solutions, and provided ongoing support to the Canadian Forces. Lieutenant-Colonel Bouchard’s performance in a dynamic theatre of operations was key to the Element’s operational success.

"Each of you here with us today has achieved goals beyond expectations," said His Excellency. "Whether on land, air or sea, in Afghanistan, Libya or elsewhere in the world, Canadians and our allies are making a difference. And you are making that difference not through passivity, but through action, setting an example for all to follow."

Each recipient is asked to sign the official register.

General Thomas Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, also spoke during this ceremony.