Local sailors earn prestigious award

Order of Military Merit

Bart Armstrong, canadianmedalofhonor.com ~

Last week the best of the best arrived at Rideau Hall in Ottawa to be recognized and awarded for their services to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Canada, and the world. There were 46 in all, men and women, both commissioned and non-commissioned, and coming from Newfoundland across to British Columbia.

Only one tenth of one per cent of the total population of the CAF gets the honour to make that trip. However, these members stood in front of their Commander in Chief, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada on Nov. 10.

He presented each with the Order of Military Merit, each being recognized for meritorious service and dedication to duty. Most were inducted into the Order for the first time, but eight recipients were promoted from the Member level to that of Officer. Two received an even higher promotion, to that of Commander. Each would thus be authorized to use the Post Nominal initials of MMM, OMM or CMM, depending on ranking in the Order.

MARPAC members know the name Rear Admiral William Truelove. His command here on the West Coast came to an end a few years ago when a new posting took him to the Canadian Embassy at Washington, D.C., where he now commands the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff. His promotion within the Order now has him wearing the Order of Military Merit insignia with the rank of Commander around his neck.

Fleet School’s CPO2 Dave McAlpine was also honoured with induction into the Order at the Member level, as was CPO2 Dave Wilson from Sea Training (Pacific.)

“You are dedicated professionals who inspire others to achieve excellence in all you do. Never underestimate the power of your example no matter what your particular role; you are all leaders, and people within your respective organizations look up to you,” he said.