Medals, Decorations and OrdersEdward Osborne2025-07-29T10:40:48-06:00

Calgary Highlanders on NATO Missions

Note from the webmaster – these listings are very incomplete. Over 200 Calgary Highlanders have served on UN and NATO missions since 1992. The Regiment takes great pride in the personal sacrifices made by each and every soldier to have volunteered for these missions in the service of Peace. If you are a Calgary Highlander and have served overseas, or know of anyone who is not listed here and should be, please contact the webmaster so that this list can be made as complete as possible. Please contact the webmaster at the address listed on the first page of this site and please include first name, last name, rank (at time of tour), name of mission, unit served with, name of OP/Roto # and approximate dates of service. Corrections to the existing listing below are also gratefully accepted.

North Atlantic Treaty Organziation (NATO) Medal  for Former Yugoslavia

Eligibility & Criteria

Operation PALLADIUM

Canadian troops first went to the Balkans in February 1992 as part of UNPROFOR, to protect non-combatants during the conflicts in the former Republic of Yugoslavia. Negotiations conducted at Dayton, Ohio resulted in signing of the General Framework Agreement for Peace at Paris on 14 December 1995 and NATO entered Bosnia-Herzegovina with the 60,000‑strong Implementation Force (IFOR) to ensure compliance by all parties. This was the largest military operation ever undertaken by NATO. When IFOR’s one‑year mandate ended, the mission subsequently became SFOR, totalling 12,000 troops, including 1,220 Canadian Forces soldiers and over 170 Canadian civilians.

SFOR’s mission was to maintain a safe and secure environment for the citizens of the former Yugoslavia and to promote peace in the region. The overall Canadian contribution to SFOR was named Operation PALLADIUM. CF units deploying for PALLADIUM served six‑month tours, known as rotations or “Rotos.” The first Roto deployed to the region in 1996. The Canadian area of responsibility in the northwest corner of Bosnia-Herzegovina was a rugged, mountainous region of about 6,000 km²—larger than Prince Edward Island.

The main activity of Canadian soldiers has been patrolling towns, villages and countryside, in order to:

• Enforce compliance with the Dayton Accords;
• Locate and seize illegal weapons;
• Monitor weapon-storage sites;
• Monitor displaced persons and refugees;
• Support the activities of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the European Union Police Monitors (EUPM); and
• Promote civil–military co‑operation.

Canadian troops in theatre also participated in Canadian and multinational exercises to demonstrate SFOR capabilities and develop interoperability with allies.

Since 1992, more than 40,000 Canadians have served in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and twenty‑four Canadians have been killed while serving in the region.

This medal was awarded for thirty days’ continuous or accumulated service on the land, at sea, or in the airspaces of the Former Yugoslavia, Albania, the Former Republic of Macedonia, and the Adriatic Sea (the theatre of operations); or ninety days’ continuous or accumulated service in the territories of Italy, Greece, Hungary and Austria in direct support of the NATO operations in the Former Yugoslavia (the adjacent area).

Tour numerals are worn on the ribbon for each additional 180 days’ service in the theatre of operations (or 540 days’ service in the adjacent area).

Eligibility for this medal started on 15 December 1995 and ended on 31 December 2002. The medal was replaced by the Non‑Article 5 NATO Medal for Operations in the Balkans on 1 January 2003.

The tour numerals are Arabic script and made of bronze.

Recipients from the Calgary Highlanders have included:

Corporal Rob Jackson
Served with 3 PPCLI 1996–1997

Roto 11 – 1 PPCLI Battle Group, Sep 2002 – Mar 2003

The Calgary Highlanders were able to send a formed unit as part of this rotation, known within the Regiment as the “CRIC Platoon” (Composite Reserve Infantry Company) made up of reservists. The CRIC Platoon trained together as a sub-unit even before pre-deployment training with the PPCLI and were the first Highlanders to receive the new CADPAT uniform in anticipation of operational deployment. They were also among the forces tasked with security at the G8 Summit in Kananaskis.

In the Balkans, the Battle Group had a very successful tour, marked by over 3,300 vehicle and foot patrols in varied terrain and the confiscation of hundreds of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Focused security operations countered threats to peace and stability and built public confidence, while the Battle Group supported refugee returns through fifteen community improvement projects providing schools, water treatment, electricity, and sanitary services. Canadian soldiers completed a census of over 8,000 inhabitants for local government and aid agencies. Local institutions became active and effective, and the Battle Group helped stimulate the local economy by creating jobs.

Photos by Corporal Joel Rhodes Click to Enlarge

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Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for Operations in the Balkans

Awarded for thirty days’ continuous or accumulated service on the land or in the air spaces of Bosnia‑Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslavia (including Kosovo), Albania, and the Former Republic of Macedonia, starting 1 January 2003. This medal replaced NATO medals for the Former Yugoslavia, Kosovo, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

With the creation of this medal, NATO abolished the practice of issuing tour numerals to recognize more than one tour. The “Non‑Article Five” medal is now issued once to recognize all service in the Balkans, regardless of the number of tours.

This medal no longer recognizes service in support areas such as Italy, Greece, Hungary, and Austria; a member must serve thirty days in the theatre of operations to qualify.

Roto 12 – 2 PPCLI Battle Group (Apr 2003 – Sep 2003)

Sergeant Dave Melcher

Major Warren Spaan, CD – National Command Element
Warrant Officer James R. MacDonald, CD – D Company, 2 PPCLI
Warrant Officer Martin Woods, CD – Multi National Brigade, Northwest
Corporal Pat Laramee – D Company, 2 PPCLI
Corporal Rob Jackson – D Company, 2 PPCLI
Corporal Daniel Decorby – D Company, 2 PPCLI
Private Yuan Tao – D Company, 2 PPCLI

Operation Bronze and Operation Boreas

Canadians participating as part of the NATO force in the Balkans (serving in Sarajevo) were under Operation Bronze; after SFOR’s mandate ended, other Canadians in theatre transferred to EUFOR under Operation Boreas.

Roto 0 – 2004

Captain Louis Marselje, CD – Multi National Brigade, Northwest
Captain Fiona G. McLean, CD – Multi National Brigade, Northwest

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The Special Service Medal was created to recognize CF members who performed a service determined to be under exceptional circumstances, in a clearly defined locality for a specified duration, from 11 June 1984 to present (including service begun before that date still ongoing on 11 June 1984). The Medal is always issued with a Bar that specifies the special service being recognized, each bar having its own criteria. No device is worn on the ribbon in undress for a single bar; two or more bars are indicated as shown below. The bars (listed by the bilingual names which physically appear on the bar itself) include:

NATO + OTAN

An aggregate of 180 days of honourable service within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) area of responsibility since its beginning on 1 Jan 1951 and still continuing. Qualifying service is service while posted to a NATO unit, or to a Canadian Forces or allied formation or unit outside territorial limits of Canada under the operational control of a NATO headquarters, or in Canada on an operational staff directly participating in the operational control of such formations and units. In the latter case, only those staff personnel serving in an operations room directly participating in the control of ships and aircraft in NATO operations and exercises qualify for this service. Not all time served in Europe nor at sea can be counted towards this bar.

This bar is of most relevance to the Calgary Highlanders, as several members may in fact be qualified for it. The Regiment provided augmentees to 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, which was stationed in the Federal Republic of Germany during the Cold War. This brigade, the best equipped and most combat capable brigade in the Canadian Army, trained with the full intent of facing massive Warsaw Pact assaults into Western Europe. During the 1980s, many Highlanders would do “fly overs” to what was then known as West Germany to participate in NATO exercises as part of the brigade group. Calculation of time served has been administratively challenging.

PAKISTAN 1989 – 90

A minimum of 90 days service with the Mine Awareness and Clearance Training Program in Pakistan, during the period beginning on 15 Mar 1989 and ending on 29 Jul 1990, under the auspices of the United Nations. This award was subsequently replaced by the United Nations Special Service Medal and recipients of this bar may exchange it for his medal instead.

ALERT

An aggregate of 180 days of honourable service on the posted strength of Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Alert, or of honourable service with a military force operationally deployed to or at CFS Alert, since it began its operation on 1 Sep 1958 and still continuing. Units deployed at CFS Alert include such detachments as aircrew flying into the station for re-supply missions.

PEACE – PAIX

An aggregate of 180 days of honourable service in peacekeeping operations, from Nov 1947 (the beginning of international peacekeeping operations) to 21 Jun 2001. It was issued for service which had not been recognized by any other award in, or accepted into, the Canadian Honours system at the time. On 21 Jun 2001, this award was replaced by the CPSM (Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal).

HUMANITAS

An aggregate of 30 days of honourable service performed outside Canada since 11 Jun 1984 in support of any humanitarian operation, conducted in response to a disaster or human conflict, set out in the schedule, including rescue, relief and reconstruction operations, provided the service has not been acknowledged by the award of any other honour that is part of or is recognized by the Canadian Honours System.

RANGER

An aggregate of four years of honourable service as a Canadian Ranger, performing the duties of providing a military presence in support of Canadian sovereignty including reporting unusual activities, collecting local data of significance to support military operations, providing local expertise, assistance and advice, as guide and advisor, in search and rescue activities, and completion of a minimum of three Ranger Patrol Exercises, within Canada or its territorial and contiguous waters since 1947.

	Where the undress ribbon is worn, a silver maple leaf is worn to denote a second bar.
	Where the undress ribbon is worn, a gold maple leaf is worn to denote a third bar.
	Where the undress ribbon is worn, a red maple leaf is worn to denote a fourth bar and any subsequent bars.

Calgary Highlanders on Foreign Service

Note from the webmaster – these listings are very incomplete. Over 200 Calgary Highlanders have served on UN and NATO missions since 1992. The Regiment takes great pride in the personal sacrifices made by each and every soldier to have volunteered for these missions in the service of Peace. If you are a Calgary Highlander and have served overseas, or know of anyone who is not listed here and should be, please contact the webmaster so that this list can be made as complete as possible. Please contact the webmaster at the address listed on the first page of this site and include first name, last name, rank (at time of tour), name of mission, unit served with, name of OP/Roto # and approximate dates of service. Corrections to the existing listing below are also gratefully accepted.

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The General Campaign Star (GCS) is awarded to members of the Canadian Forces and members of allied forces working with the Canadian Forces who deploy into a defined theatre of operations to take part in operations in the presence of an armed enemy. The GCS is always issued with a ribbon specific to the theatre or type of service being recognized, and each ribbon has its own criteria. (The medal was originally issued with bars to indicate specific theatre/service). The medal (with applicable ribbon or bar) has been issued to retroactively commemorate service in the air operations over Kosovo in 1999, as well as (with a different coloured ribbon and separate bar) the campaign in Afghanistan in 2001-2014.

The main colours of the ribbon are red and white (the official colours of Canada as appointed by King George V in 1921) with the ribbon for South-west Asia having a green centre representing service.

Calgary Highlanders who have received this award while members of the Regiment include:

Warrant Officer Martin Woods – Warrant Officer Martin Woods served with the National Command Element of Canadian forces in Afghanistan from Aug 2005 to Jan 2006.

Master Corporal Steve Malenfant

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The South-West Asia Service Medal is awarded for a minimum of 90 days cumulative service in direct support of operations against terrorism in South West Asia from 11 September 2001 to 31 July 2009. Direct support occurs when a member is deployed to a unit or organization outside Canada but not into a specific theatre of operations, and where his or her primary duty is to provide direct assistance on a full-time basis to the operations against terrorism in South-West Asia.

Warrant Officer Martin Woods — Warrant Officer Martin Woods served with the National Command Element of Canadian forces in Afghanistan from Aug 2005 to Jan 2006.

Lieutenant Colonel Warren Spaan

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Lieutenant Colonel Warren Spaan, Commanding Officer from 1999 to 2002, was awarded the South West Asia Service Medal (SWASM) with Afghanistan bar, for his service on Op ATHENA, Roto 2. The medal was presented in Camp Julien, the Canadian camp in Kabul, on 4 Feb 2005 by the Task Force Commander, Colonel Jim Ellis. This medal recognized service with the Headquarters of Combined Forces Command – Afghanistan (CFC-A), the U.S. led coalition serving there (as opposed to ISAF, the NATO led force).

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Medals for Volunteer Service (War and Peace)

Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal The Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (abbreviated CPSM, though this medal does not entitle the holder to a post-nominal title) was announced on 29 June 2000, and continues to be awarded to Canadians who have been deployed outside Canada on peacekeeping or observer missions, as part of a United Nations or International Force, for a minimum of 30 days (not necessarily consecutive). Eligible recipients include personnel of the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, other police services, and civilians serving with these forces. All Calgary Highlanders to have qualified for this award should have received one. Any soldier, past or present, who is entitled but has not been presented with this award is urged to call the toll free number provided by the Department of National Defence for the purpose of taking applications: 1-(877)-741-8333. More information on applying for awards can be found at the Directorate of History and Heritage website at http://www.forces.gc.ca/hr/dhh/honours_awards/engraph/forms_e.asp?cat=3 Canadian Korea Medal Awarded to Canadian military personnel for one day on the strength of an army unit in Korea; or 28 days afloat; or one sortie over Korea by a member of the RCAF, between 2 July 1950 and 27 July 1953. While the Calgary Highlanders did not deploy to Korea, many Second World War veterans did volunteer for service there and number among the more than 15,000 Canadian service personnel eligible for this award. Lance Corporal Floyd Rourke, DCM, who received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions at Gruppen Buhren in April 1945 while serving with the Calgary Highlanders, was one such WW II veteran who volunteered for further service in Korea. Other Korean War veterans came to the Highlanders in later years; Chief Warrant Officer Bill Toews, CD, who served as Regimental Sergeant Major of The Calgary Highlanders in the late 1980s, had served with the PPCLI in Korea. While there is no bar to this medal, a bronze oak leaf emblem is worn on the ribbon by those mentioned-in-despatches. The RCN received 33 MIDs and the Canadian Army 248 MIDs. Canadian Volunteer Service Medal The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (often abbreviated to CVSM, this medal did not grant a post-nominal to the holder) was granted to any Canadian who volunteered for Active service in any of the three services (sea, land or air), and honourably completed eighteen months of service between 3 September 1939 and 1 March 1947. Additional information and a list of qualifying areas of service are available from the Honours and Awards Section, Veterans Affairs Canada, 66 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P4. A silver bar (also referred to as a clasp in reference to this specific award) was awarded for 60 days service outside Canada. A silver maple leaf is worn on the ribbon in undress. The medal was established on 22 October 1943 and only the ribbon was issued during the war, with issues of the medal following the cessation of hostilities. There were 1,183,000 men and women of the three Canadian services eligible, with 650,000 medals and 525,500 bars awarded. Every Calgary Highlander to see action in the Northwest European campaign would have no doubt been qualified for this medal, with the exception of some replacements late in the war who lacked the necessary time requirement.

Medals for Long Service and Good Conduct

Canadian Forces Decoration (CD) 1949 – Present

Long serving soldiers of the Calgary Highlanders are recognized by the award of the Canadian Forces Decoration. This medal was created in December 1949 and first issued in 1951, replacing a wide array of previous decorations that were specific to certain branches or rank groups only. The CD has always been available to any member of the Canadian Forces regardless of rank, service or branch. The requirement for award of the medal is 12 years of service, the last eight of which must be marked by an unblemished record of good conduct.

The Calgary Highlanders generally award this decoration at important functions at which the majority of the Regiment is in attendance, so the recipient may be rewarded in front of his peers. The medal is awarded with a presentation case, and the soldier’s name and rank are engraved on the edge of the medal.

On average approximately 7,500 presentations of the CD are made per year within the Canadian Armed Forces as a whole.

Additional periods of 10 years are marked by the addition of a bar to the medal; when the full medal is worn, this metal bar (called a “clasp” in reference to this particular decoration) is worn on the ribbon. In “undress”, when only the ribbon is worn, the clasp actually takes the form of a metal rosette.

Chief Warrant Officer Martin McCumber, MMM, CD and Chief Warrant Officer Kent Griffiths, MMM, CD are notable for having been awarded three clasps to their CDs.

An unofficial practice has been taken up in some quarters in using the postnominal “CD1” to refer to a holder of the Canadian Forces Decoration with Clasp, “CD2” to represent a CD holder with 2 clasps, etc. This is not correct and is not permitted by regulation. The only approved and recognized post-nominal is “CD” regardless of the number of clasps held.

Efficiency Decoration (ED) 1931 – 1949

This medal was awarded for twenty years of “meritorious service” in the Non-Permanent Active Militia (as the Reserve Army was known before 1940). Only officers of the NPAM (or RCAF Auxiliary and Reserve) were eligible for this award. Wartime service counted as double towards the award criteria. For officers commissioned from the ranks, half the time they spent as a non-commissioned soldier could counted towards this award. This medal was issued between 1931 and 1949, when it was replaced with the CD described above. Bars would be awarded for each additional 20 years of service.

Approximately 3,700 awards were made.

Canadian Efficiency Medal 1931 – 1949

The non-commissioned soldier’s counterpart to the ED was the Canadian Efficiency Medal, awarded for 12 years service to Warrant Officers, NCOs and Men serving in the reserve services (sea, land and air) of Canada. The medal was awarded from 23 September 1931 until replaced by the Canadian Forces Decoration in 1949. Every six additional years of service was recognized by a bar to the medal. There was no post-nominal associated with the award.

During the reign of King George V, some 1,600 awards of the medal were made; 10,600 under King George VI, and 450 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II (the Canadian Forces Decoration was not awarded to those enlisting before 1 September 1939). Additionally, in total there were some 3,200 first bars awarded (recognizing 18 years of service), 845 second bars (24 years), 140 third bars (30 years), 18 fourth bars (36 years) and 3 soldiers were recognized for 42 years service by the award of a fifth Bar to their Efficiency Medal.

Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers’ Decoration (VD) 1901 – 1931

The predecessor of the ED was the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers’ Decoration (carrying with it the now ominous-sounding post-nominal “VD”).

This medal was issued to officers (only) of the Non-Permanent Active Militia, for twenty years of “meritorious service.” The medal was awarded from 4 February 1901 to 31 December 1931, after which time it was replaced by the Efficiency Decoration. A bar would be awarded for twenty additional years of service.

During the reign of Queen Victoria, 850 awards were made to Canadians; 250 during the reign of King Edward VII and 1,660 awards during the reign of King George V.

Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal 1902 – 1931

The non-commissioned soldier’s counterpart to the VD was the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal. This award did not come with a post-nominal. Non-commissioned reservists in the land, air and naval forces of Canada were entitled to this award, issued from 4 February 1902 to 23 September 1931, for 20 years service (with war service counting double). There was no provision for additional awards after twenty years (i.e., no Bar to this medal).

During the reign of Queen Victoria, 1,350 awards were made to Canadians; 750 during the reign of King Edward VII, and over 4,300 awards during the reign of King George V.

This award was superseded by the Canadian Efficiency Medal.

Confederation Commemoratives

The Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation, 1992

The Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation (also referred to as “The Canada 125 Medal”) was minted in 1992 to honour Canadians who made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, their community, or the nation. Nominations were submitted to the Chancellery by Lieutenant Governors and Commissioners of territories, Senators, Members of Parliament, provincial governments, the Public Service Commission of Canada, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as by national organizations in important fields of endeavour. Nominations were sanctioned by the Governor General. The Calgary Highlanders received an allotment of medals for award to deserving members who were deemed to have contributed significantly in various areas of endeavour.

In all, the Medal was awarded to approximately 42,000 highly esteemed Canadians from all walks of life, from every region of Canada, from varied ethno-cultural backgrounds and from a multitude of disciplines.

The recipients selected by The Calgary Highlanders are listed below:

• Major Ray Ansell
• Warrant Officer Kent Griffiths, CD
• Sergeant Dennis Russell, CD
• Master Corporal Fabio Lacentra
• Corporal Walter Fritz
• Private Martin Woods

The Commemorative Medal for the Centennial Anniversary of Confederation, 1967

This medal was issued to commemorate the Centennial of Canada’s Confederation in 1867, and was awarded to people recommended by governments and associations. The Canadian Forces were awarded almost 30% of the medals issued. The medal was instituted on 1 July 1967, and 29,500 were issued, some 8,500 of which went to the Canadian Armed Forces. Calgary Highlanders recipients included:

• Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Mark Tennant, CM, ED, CD
• Warrant Officer II Class Gordon Raffan, Pipes and Drums
• Warrant Officer II Class Martin McCumber

Queen’s Jubilee Medals

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medal

From the website of the Governor General:

A new commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.
During the year of celebrations, 60 000 deserving Canadians will be recognized.
The Chancellery of Honours, as part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, administers the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal program.

Canadians in all walks of life were recognized by the award of the Diamond Jubilee medal, and serving soldiers of The Calgary Highlanders have been recognized via a number of routes. Nominations were put forward at the request of 41 Canadian Brigade Group to be recognized as part of the Canadian Forces’ official allotment of medals, and several members of the regimental family were also recognized for military and community-related work by organizations outside the military, as members of the community (civic groups, government officials, etc.) were also given allotments to distribute to deserving Canadians.

Two soldiers of The Calgary Highlanders were presented with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal at the Army Ball in Ottawa in May 2012. On Remembrance Day (11 November 2012) The Calgary Highlanders presented an allotment of Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals. Nominees were selected from across 41 Canadian Brigade Group in order to ensure fair distribution across the officer, warrant officer, and non-commissioned member populations, and deserving members were selected based on merit and relative contributions to both the military and their communities. Only serving members of the regiment were considered for these nominations. Three additional presentations were made at the Mens’ Christmas Dinner on 15 December 2012.

The complete list of serving soldiers of The Calgary Highlanders who have been presented the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal is as follows (citations and other information is provided where known):

Recognition Recipients

Lieutenant Colonel M.J. Owens, CD – Commanding Officer.	LCol Owens has served in the Regiment as a junior leader and in all officer ranks from Officer Cadet to Lieutenant Colonel. His career has included an operational tour with UNPROFOR.
Major Simon Cox, CD	Maj Cox has been employed as a junior and senior officer in the Regiment, and was Mentioned in Despatches for combat leadership in Afghanistan, the first Calgary Highlander to be so recognized since the Second World War.
Major K.W. Clapperton, CD – Deputy Commanding Officer.	The nomination read: “For his dedication to the unit and community. His constant effort to bridge a working relationship between the Calgary Police services and the military community has allowed serving soldiers working in both fields the necessary time off to participate in unit training.”
Major R. Palmer	Major Palmer was employed as the Officer Commanding “A” Company at the time of the award. The award was presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta on 9 October 2012.
Captain A. Beauchamp	The award was presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta on 11 September 2012.
Captain P.J. Boyle	Captain Boyle was employed as the Officer Commanding “HQ” Company as well as Regimental Museum Curator at the time of his award. The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta presented the award on 14 May 2012.
Captain K. Nettleton	Captain Nettleton was employed as the Regimental Padre at the time of the award. The award was presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta on 9 October 2012.
Captain S.A. Zivkow, CD – Adjutant and Regimental Support Staff.	Captain Zivkow is a full time soldier of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. The nomination read: “For outstanding long term initiative, leadership and guidance, while deployed overseas with 1 PPCLI in Afghanistan 2009 and the short notice deployments to support the community during Winnipeg floods in 1997 and 2011.”
Chief Warrant Officer R.S. Besse, CD – Regimental Sergeant Major.	The nomination stated: “For dedication to the unit and community, and constant effort to support the soldiers of his unit. His willingness at a drop of a hat to take time off work to greet returning soldiers from overseas defines what a true leader really is.”
Warrant Officer J. Boutin, CD	WO Boutin, a Regular Force soldier from the Royal 22e Regiment, served as Regimental Support Staff and Ops and Training WO. The nomination stated: “For leadership and expertise beyond his rank. With years of experience and overseas deployments, he had provided the unit with extensive guidance and skills when planning unit activities. His devotion and attention is worthy of the highest praise.”
Master Warrant Officer G.R. Downey, CD – QMSI	MWO Downey has served in the Calgary Highlanders since the 1970s and served as the Quartermaster Senior Instructor (QMSI) at the time of the award. The nomination stated: “For outstanding service to the unit and support to the cadet movement, volunteering his spare time to mentor local cadet corps in CF ethics and values, promoting a safe and meaningful environment for the cadets to foster friendship and teamwork.”
Master Warrant Officer C.T. Tucker, CD – Company Sergeant Major.	MWO Tucker was employed as the Company Sergeant Major of “HQ” Company at the time of the award. A competitive player on the regimental hockey team, he has served on operational tours in the Balkans and Afghanistan. The nomination read: “For dedication to the unit and Canadian Forces, as he assisted in organizing a unit hockey team to foster soldier cohesion and through his civilian employment, to hire military members for those who redeployed from overseas and (were) having difficulty adjusting.”
Warrant Officer James R. MacDonald, CD
Sergeant Steven Klein, CD
Master Corporal S.D. McDermott	MCpl McDermott was employed as a section commander with “A” Company at the time of his award. The nomination read: “For his dedication to the unit and Canadian Forces by volunteering for many domestic and overseas deployments throughout his career. His dedication to his fellow soldiers has inspired him to assist with CF disabled soldiers initiatives.”
Corporal R.J. Green	Cpl Green was employed as a rifleman with “A” Company at the time of the award. The nomination read: “For outstanding dedication to the unit, Canadian Forces and community while balancing his pursuit of completing his degree, actively parading with the unit, and his volunteer work by feeding the homeless in Calgary.”
Corporal A.M. Holloway	Corporal Holloway was employed as a rifleman in “A” Company at the time she received her award. The nomination read: “For her dedication to the unit and community. Joining the Canadian Forces to make a difference, the values taught inspired her to give back to her community by becoming a Registered Nurse. Her female peers and others in the CF have emulated her ethics and values.”
Corporal A. Wasilewski	Corporal Wasilewski was employed as a rifleman in “A” Company at the time of his award. The nomination read: “For outstanding leadership and experience beyond his rank, promoting the Commanding Officer’s goals for physical fitness and volunteering his free time to conduct unit run fitness classes which resulted in fitter soldiers when the Battalion was deployed.”
Piper D. Mitchell	Piper Mitchell, a volunteer with the Regimental Pipes and Drums, received his award from the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta on 9 October 2012.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal

The Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is presented as a commemoration of the reign of Canada’s Sovereign and the Colonel‑In‑Chief of the Calgary Highlanders. The medal was presented in 2002‑2003 to Canadians from all walks of life, including the military, and recipients were generally selected for outstanding service to their communities. Coincidentally, Lieutenant Brian S. King had also received the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977.

Lieutenant Brian S. King, CD

Sergeant Michael Smith, CD

Corporal Jamie Moreau, in the uniform of the Regimental hockey team, the Oak Leafs

Also included in the Jubilee recipients: Captain Fiona McLean, presented with the Golden Jubilee Medal in June 1993 by Her Honour Lois Hole (Lieutenant Governor of Alberta), in recognition of her service as Aide‑de‑Camp.

Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal

This medal was instituted on 6 February 1977, with most awards made that year, including 7,000 to the Canadian Forces. Eligibility spanned all ranks, with percentages allocated per rank group. In the Reserves, Commanding Officers selected recipients at their discretion.

The Calgary Highlanders recipients included:
Honourary Lieutenant Colonel Mark Tennant, CM, ED, CD
Lieutenant Colonel S E Blakely (DCO of Southern Alberta Militia District)
Sergeant Brian S. King

Alberta Centennial Commemoratives

The Alberta Centennial Medal

The Alberta Centennial Medal celebrated Alberta’s first 100 years by paying tribute to Albertans whose achievements benefited their fellow citizens, their community and their province. To ensure that the medal was inclusive and recognized a diversity of contributions, the criteria for nominations were broad. The medal could be awarded to living men, women and youth who:

• made significant contributions to their fellow citizens, their community and to Alberta, and
• were Canadian citizens that resided in, or have resided in, Alberta.

Approximately 8,000 medals were awarded to outstanding Albertans. Representatives from provincial organizations, governments and other groups were asked to make nominations.

The Ribbon

The colours of the medal’s ribbon symbolize Alberta’s spirit and strengths. Blue and gold, Alberta’s provincial colours, are most prominent in the ribbon. All the colours in the ribbon are taken from Alberta’s official emblems and heraldry:

• Blue – clear skies and sparkling lakes
• Gold – wheat fields and resource wealth
• Green – forests
• White – mountains
• Pink – wild rose

At right, Lieutenant Governor Norman L. Kwong with Second Lieutenant Gavin S. Mills, holding his award.

Two Calgary Highlanders received this award from Lieutenant Governor Norman L. Kwong on 8 November 2005:

• Captain Fiona McLean
• Second Lieutenant Gavin Mills

Captain Fiona McLean, retired Major Dick Westbury, and Second Lieutenant Gavin Mills on 8 November 2005.

Three Calgary Highlanders also received this award at the Men’s Christmas Dinner on 17 December 2005:

• Warrant Officer Gerald Downey
• Sergeant Dennis Russell
• Corporal Michael Dorosh

Also presented the award at separate ceremonies were:

• Lieutenant Colonel F. Lee Villiger (Staff, 41st Canadian Brigade Group)
• Chief Warrant Officer Kent Griffiths (Brigade RSM, 41 Canadian Brigade Group)

Since 1910, the Regiment has served in Calgary, sending soldiers overseas during both World Wars, on numerous UN peacekeeping and NATO missions since the end of the Second World War, and deployed over 125 soldiers into the combat theatre during the war in Afghanistan.

Members of the regiment today are part-time “citizen-soldiers”, who spend Wednesday nights and one weekend a month training to operate as dismounted light infantry.

Find out more about the Regiment – its history, its traditions, what it has been doing recently, or how to enlist.