Maintenance Section CFB Borden. One day as they were returning from a recovery tasking, Cpl E.J. Foster and Cpl R. Bertrand were returning to CFB Borden at 0300 hours. As they stopped at the intersection in Cookstown they noticed flames and smoke shooting out of a local flower shop. Noticing the apartments above the store, Cpl Bertrand ran to alert the occupants while Cpl Foster dashed across the street to call the fire department. Both corporals then tried to tried to put out the fire using only hand extinguishers. Five people in the apartment building next door were roused by the two men as the fire department arrived, but the building itself was lost. Foster and Bertrand were later credited with saving 8 lives and were awarded Chief of the Defence Staff Commendations.

Awarded for his professionalism as the operations officer of the national support element in Afghanistan from February to September 2008.

Source is RCEME Journal 2011 Issue 1, page 32.

United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), Maintenance Platoon 1 R22eR. In early June 1992 a platoon-sized group made a reconnaissance to the Sarajevo airport with the aim of opening it for humanitarian relief flights. The group had fifteen vehicles including one MRT vehicle and one vehicle technician, Corporal J.J. Boudreault. They travelled as part of a French army convoy of 65 vehicles. On arrival at the UNPROFOR headquarters in Sarajevo, he verified the condition of the Canadian vehicles and helped French Army vehicle technicians with their equipment as well as Journalists who had accompanied them and Bosnians whose ambulances were picking up dead bodies. He established a list of all serviceable and repairable airfield support equipment. They remained in the UNPROFOR headquarters area for two weeks, enduring continuous attacks. They parked their small vehicles inside a building and the MLVWs in front. Corporal Boudreault was asked to see if there was any electricity. A Serb electrician indicated that there was a generator on the other side of their position. In trying to retrieve it a Serb soldier beside him was shot. The Serbs then realigned their tanks and fired on a Muslim village. He then discovered an electrical panel with high voltage which he was able to convert. Soon the Canadians had TV and coffee. The French soldiers were very impressed with the Canadian ability to quickly acquire these simple luxuries. After three days they were ordered to return to Camp Polom. “We patched up all the vehicles - the drivers doing the tires and I the hoses and radiators. As we started I could hear incoming mortar fire. I dove for cover and felt the spray of the shrapnel just over my head.” When the returning Canadian/French convoy was 200 metres from UNPROFOR headquarters the Muslims renewed their mortar attack. A Canadian jeep received a direct hit and was immobilized. Its three-man crew were wounded. The driver ran to the ambulance a few vehicles back. As per drill all vehicles immediately dispersed. Corporal Boudreault, at the end of the convoy with a jeep on tow, drove to the UNPROFOR parking lot and unhooked the jeep that he was towing. He then rushed back, recovered the disabled vehicle and picked up the other two wounded. To fix both jeeps he used parts from a destroyed Volkswagen Golf that was in the parking lot. “The next morning we patched tires, saving four out of six. On one I put seventeen patches. We were forced to return by narrow mountainous roads. I made several running repairs to vehicles. Finally the convoy was stopped. I went to the front to help recover a French armoured vehicle. After another kilometre we encountered a Muslim tow truck stuck in mud above its axles. I was detached from the convoy to help them. We finally caught up to the convoy and three days later got to Belgrade. The reconnaissance party was directed to rooms to relax. I and my partner fixed tires first. The next day we were back in Camp Polom.” Corporal Boudreault was awarded a Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation.

Warrant Officer Jacques Brousseau of the 34th Battalion on duty in St-Hubert received a Commendation from the Chief of the CF Staff. While deployed with the National Support Element from April to October 2009. Sergeant Brousseau has helped ensure the success of Canadian and coalition supply convoys by working tirelessly to define the threat of improvised explosive devices. His professionalism and tireless efforts have enabled units operating in unknown areas to be better informed of the situation on the ground, which has helped to ensure the security of these critical supply operations. RCEME Reserves.

Awarded for his leadership and dedication as the commander of a combat service support detachment in Afghanistan from March to May 2008.

See Corporal R Bertrand

Not Available.

Awarded in September 1997 for recovering dead bodies from Monstrouis, Haiti after a ship sank. Member was part of CCLG Coy at the time.

1975. For prompt action in attempting to save the life of a drowning serviceman when an APC sank in training. The full account is in the Land Technical Bulletin 2/1976.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). On 12 July, in response to complaints about border infiltration by Israel, the UN took 200 PLO prisoners. In retaliation the PLO captured fortynine UN soldiers, including Corporal Kendrick’s three-man team which was returning from a resupply/maintenance run to one of the signals detachments. As he recalled, “We were ambushed and ordered out of our vehicle and ordered to give up our weapons. Standing back-to-back with loaded weapons pointed, we argued and refused to give up our weapons. After many threats and counter-threats we finally agreed to go to a PLO camp where a message was sent to UNIFIL Headquarters. All the while we kept our weapons and ammunition. About three hours later we were released and drove to our camp at Naquora. When we arrived safely we discovered that our message had not been passed to the unit and that the CO and RSM were out looking for us. It turned out that we were the only ones who did not lose their vehicle or weapons.” Corporal Kendrick was awarded a Chief of Defence Staff Commendation.

For exceptional perfromance andprofessionalisma s Sr Log O and Cdn contingent Comd within the African Union/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur, from March to October 2010.

Source is RCEME Journal 2012 edition 2, page 29.

For exceptional leadership and professionalism as CSM Maintenance Company, NSE, Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from July 2007 to March 2008.

During the deployment of Task Force Afghanistan Rotation, from February to September 2006, Major McKenzie demonstrated outstanding leadership as the Deputy Commanding Officer of the National Support Element. His tour was defined by a number of pivotal achievements including the development of a solution for recovering Light Armoured Vehicle-IIIs in difficult terrain, and the measurement of battle group ammunition consumption rates. This extraordinary work enabled the apportionment of ammunition more efficiently on the battlefield. Throughout, Major McKenzie demonstrated superb leadership, and extraordinary level of technical excellence, and sterling perseverance in solving numerous technical problems. Major McKenzie’s service brought great credit to the Canadian Forces.

Lieutenant-Colonel McKenzie deployed as Chief of National Coordination and Commanding Officer of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan Headquarters from February to November 2009. His superb leadership and personal resolve ensured highly complex and sensitive issues, such as the handling and processing of detainees and the coordination of visits, repatriations and relief-in-place operations, were handled with the utmost efficiency and professionalism. Lieutenant-Colonel McKenzie’s efforts contributed significantly to the sustainment of Canadian operations in Afghanistan and the seamless transition between troop rotations.

The commendation was received 11 January 2011.

United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), Maintenance Troop 1 Canadian Division Headquarters and Signals Regiment. Recovery tasks to the outposts were long and difficult. The recovery crews on one task got to do an extra recovery job along the way and saved the lives of two of the UN relief workers. Acting-Master-Corporal C.J. Trepannier and Master-Corporal R.B. Noseworthy had been tasked to recover a Grizzly which had burnt all of its brakes on a steep hill near Cyangugu, in the far southwestern corner of the country. The recovery team was accompanied by Master-Corporal R. Roberts and Corporal M.W. McNeill in an HLVW MRT vehicle. After seven hours driving, the group was near its destination when it was stopped at the top of yet another steep hill. They were told that a few minutes before a UNHCR vehicle has lost its brakes on the hill and had overturned at the bottom. Two injured people were still inside.

Proceeding to the bottom of the hill, the Canadians crews assessed the situation. At that moment, a truck came down the hill, lost its brakes and, fortunately, skidded into the Canadian Wrecker instead of the overturned truck. The MRT crew returned to the top of the hill to stop further traffic and radioed for a medical evacuation helicopter. Meanwhile, the recovery crew hooked up the disabled truck for enough vertical lift so that the two trapped crew members could be released. One was quickly freed. Then, although the lift was at the limits of the HLVW recovery vehicle’s crane, MasterCorporal Noseworthy crawled under the overturned vehicle as it was slowly inched up a bit, and freed the remaining crew member. Soon both injured people were on their way to the hospital via helicopter. In a letter to Captain Mutrey, they later thanked the Canadians for saving their lives. The Canadians continued on, knowing that they had really helped. To them it made the whole tour worthwhile. All four were awarded Chief of the Defence Staff Commendations.

As Commander, Task Force Darfur, Lieutenant-Colonel Moore was a catalyst in standing up the joint United Nations-African Union Mission from November 2007 to April 2008. He worked tirelessly to ensure the mission was supported by the necessary infrastructure, equipment and logistics. He reinvigorated the armoured-vehicle training and inspection programs, increasing the serviceability of Canada’s key contribution. With outstanding dedication and superb leadership, Lieutenant-Colonel Moore significantly increased the reputation of the Canadian Forces and the capability of the joint mission in Darfur, Sudan.

...for skill and professional knowledge as project officer for the procurement of 2,848 new 1¼- ton trucks for the forces.

1976. The full account is in the Land Technical Bulletin 3/1976.

United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), Maintenance Troop 1 Canadian Division Headquarters and Signals Regiment. Recovery tasks to the outposts were long and difficult. The recovery crews on one task got to do an extra recovery job along the way and saved the lives of two of the UN relief workers. Acting-Master-Corporal C.J. Trepannier and Master-Corporal R.B. Noseworthy had been tasked to recover a Grizzly which had burnt all of its brakes on a steep hill near Cyangugu, in the far southwestern corner of the country. The recovery team was accompanied by Master-Corporal R. Roberts and Corporal M.W. McNeill in an HLVW MRT vehicle. After seven hours driving, the group was near its destination when it was stopped at the top of yet another steep hill. They were told that a few minutes before a UNHCR vehicle has lost its brakes on the hill and had overturned at the bottom. Two injured people were still inside.

Proceeding to the bottom of the hill, the Canadians crews assessed the situation. At that moment, a truck came down the hill, lost its brakes and, fortunately, skidded into the Canadian Wrecker instead of the overturned truck. The MRT crew returned to the top of the hill to stop further traffic and radioed for a medical evacuation helicopter. Meanwhile, the recovery crew hooked up the disabled truck for enough vertical lift so that the two trapped crew members could be released. One was quickly freed. Then, although the lift was at the limits of the HLVW recovery vehicle’s crane, MasterCorporal Noseworthy crawled under the overturned vehicle as it was slowly inched up a bit, and freed the remaining crew member. Soon both injured people were on their way to the hospital via helicopter. In a letter to Captain Mutrey, they later thanked the Canadians for saving their lives. The Canadians continued on, knowing that they had really helped. To them it made the whole tour worthwhile. All four were awarded Chief of the Defence Staff Commendations.

During his deployment to Afghanistan, Master Warrant Officer Paradis distinguished himself and acquired a solid reputation through the many technical improvements and service updates made to the Joint Task Force's fleet of tracked light armoured vehicles. Due to the size, scope and considerable technical complexity, this operation would normally have required a rotation of vehicles outside the theatre to perform the work in a stable environment with strategic industrial facilities. Master Warrant Officer Paradis' efforts have improved the Task Force's combat effectiveness. Photo of certificate on file.

United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), Maintenance Troop 1 Canadian Division Headquarters and Signals Regiment. Recovery tasks to the outposts were long and difficult. The recovery crews on one task got to do an extra recovery job along the way and saved the lives of two of the UN relief workers. Acting-Master-Corporal C.J. Trepannier and Master-Corporal R.B. Noseworthy had been tasked to recover a Grizzly which had burnt all of its brakes on a steep hill near Cyangugu, in the far southwestern corner of the country. The recovery team was accompanied by Master-Corporal R. Roberts and Corporal M.W. McNeill in an HLVW MRT vehicle. After seven hours driving, the group was near its destination when it was stopped at the top of yet another steep hill. They were told that a few minutes before a UNHCR vehicle has lost its brakes on the hill and had overturned at the bottom. Two injured people were still inside.

Proceeding to the bottom of the hill, the Canadians crews assessed the situation. At that moment, a truck came down the hill, lost its brakes and, fortunately, skidded into the Canadian Wrecker instead of the overturned truck. The MRT crew returned to the top of the hill to stop further traffic and radioed for a medical evacuation helicopter. Meanwhile, the recovery crew hooked up the disabled truck for enough vertical lift so that the two trapped crew members could be released. One was quickly freed. Then, although the lift was at the limits of the HLVW recovery vehicle’s crane, MasterCorporal Noseworthy crawled under the overturned vehicle as it was slowly inched up a bit, and freed the remaining crew member. Soon both injured people were on their way to the hospital via helicopter. In a letter to Captain Mutrey, they later thanked the Canadians for saving their lives. The Canadians continued on, knowing that they had really helped. To them it made the whole tour worthwhile. All four were awarded Chief of the Defence Staff Commendations.

For professionalism and exceptional dedication as a vehicle technician during Operation Barksheh Sterbeh, Joint Task Force Afghanistan, from 4 to 10 September 2007.

Not Available.

Awarded in September 1997 for recovering dead bodies from Monstrouis, Haiti after a ship sank. Member was part of CCLG Coy at the time.

Not Available.

Awarded in September 1997 for recovering dead bodies from Monstrouis, Haiti after a ship sank. Member was part of CCLG Coy at the time.

Gulf War, 1991. The infantry company tasked with defence of the Canadian units on the airfield was located at CD1. Its FCS Technician, Corporal V.G.J. Steele, was awarded a Chief of the Defence Staff commendation for his hard work in keeping generators going and setting up wiring. At one point he was so overloaded with work that the RCEME Workshop was tasked to help him.

(partial) ...by his cool and professional thinking, coupled with his complete disregard for his own personal safety, extinguished a very serious gasoline fire and saved one if not two buses from destruction and prevented the possible explosion of 6,000 gallons of gasoline.

1976. The full account is in the Land Technical Bulletin 2/1976.

United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), Maintenance Troop 1 Canadian Division Headquarters and Signals Regiment. Recovery tasks to the outposts were long and difficult. The recovery crews on one task got to do an extra recovery job along the way and saved the lives of two of the UN relief workers. Acting-Master-Corporal C.J. Trepannier and Master-Corporal R.B. Noseworthy had been tasked to recover a Grizzly which had burnt all of its brakes on a steep hill near Cyangugu, in the far southwestern corner of the country. The recovery team was accompanied by Master-Corporal R. Roberts and Corporal M.W. McNeill in an HLVW MRT vehicle. After seven hours driving, the group was near its destination when it was stopped at the top of yet another steep hill. They were told that a few minutes before a UNHCR vehicle has lost its brakes on the hill and had overturned at the bottom. Two injured people were still inside.

Proceeding to the bottom of the hill, the Canadians crews assessed the situation. At that moment, a truck came down the hill, lost its brakes and, fortunately, skidded into the Canadian Wrecker instead of the overturned truck. The MRT crew returned to the top of the hill to stop further traffic and radioed for a medical evacuation helicopter. Meanwhile, the recovery crew hooked up the disabled truck for enough vertical lift so that the two trapped crew members could be released. One was quickly freed. Then, although the lift was at the limits of the HLVW recovery vehicle’s crane, MasterCorporal Noseworthy crawled under the overturned vehicle as it was slowly inched up a bit, and freed the remaining crew member. Soon both injured people were on their way to the hospital via helicopter. In a letter to Captain Mutrey, they later thanked the Canadians for saving their lives. The Canadians continued on, knowing that they had really helped. To them it made the whole tour worthwhile. All four were awarded Chief of the Defence Staff Commendations.