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Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada Julie Payette presented honours to 41 recipients during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019.
Recipients were recognized for their excellence or exceptional dedication to service with one of the following honours: a Meritorious Service Decoration (Military and Civil Divisions) or the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
Among the recipients were members of the Royal Canadian Air Force. For a complete list of all recipients and their citations, visit the Governor General’s website. All citations reflect the ranks that the recipients held at the time of their nominations.
Meritorious Service Decorations
BGen Alain Joseph Paul Pelletier, O.M.M., M.S.C., M.S.M., C.D. — Headingley, Man.
Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)
Pelletier was deployed to Qatar from June 2016 to January 2017 as director of the Combined Aerospace Operations Centre. Thanks to his expertise and ability to put together highly skilled teams, he expertly coordinated combat air operations in a complex multinational environment. An outstanding ambassador for Canada, Pelletier played a key role in the international coalition’s efforts to defeat Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
Sgt Nicholas Shawn Hancock, M.S.M., C.D. — Ottawa, Ont.
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
From February to September 2017, Hancock was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, as part of Canada’s mission to defeat Daesh and develop the capacity of Iraqi security forces. Assuming command of the operation’s close protection team early in his tour, he directly contributed to operational success by safely and securely executing well over 150 missions within Baghdad’s high-threat areas. Hancock’s exemplary performance and resolute leadership reflected the highest level of military professionalism and were a credit to Canada.
Maj Alan Anderson Lockerby, M.S.M., C.D. — Winnipeg, Man.
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Renowned as a highly valued strategist and speaker, Lockerby has shared his in-depth knowledge of air-land integration operations and tactics with armed forces around the world. Notably, from 2008 to 2015, he developed air combat manoeuvre capabilities that have impacted military tactics on both the national and international stages. His operational experience and expertise relating to air action has contributed to numerous successful counter-insurgency operations in Afghanistan and Libya.
Maj Wayne Terence Wong, M.S.M., C.D. — Toronto, Ont.
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Wong has demonstrated outstanding leadership and compassion through Operation Ho Ho Ho, an annual fundraising program he created in 2003 to purchase Christmas gifts for sick children in Toronto. His dedication and enthusiasm in canvassing military and civilian communities have led to annual donations reaching close to a quarter of a million dollars. Wong’s contributions have positively impacted the lives of thousands of sick children and their families, as well as those of many injured soldiers of the Canadian Armed Forces, who now participate annually in the initiative.
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
MCpl Joeseph Kyle Olaski — Winnipeg, Man.
Olaski has been involved with the Military Family Resource Centre since he was six years old, volunteering at a number of its branches across Canada. He supports military families by promoting and participating in fundraisers, assisting with various community events, and supervising youth at the drop-in centre.
Meritorious Service Decorations
The Meritorious Service Decorations celebrate Canadians who have performed an exceptional deed or activity that brings honour to Canada. The decorations are separated into military and civil divisions, with two levels each: a cross and a medal.
The military division recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in a highly professional manner or of a very high standard that brings benefit or honour to the Canadian Armed Forces and to Canada.
The Civil Division recognizes remarkable contributions in many different fields of endeavour, from advocacy initiatives and health care services, to research and humanitarian efforts. The contributions can be innovative, set an example for others to follow, or improve the quality of life of a community.
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers recognizes the remarkable volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields. As an official Canadian honour, the medal pays tribute to the dedication and exemplary commitment of volunteers.
