The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
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Colonel Commandant's Commendation
The Colonel Commandant’s Commendation is an award that has been instituted as a means of recognizing exceptional service to The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. As the office of the Colonel Commandant is the single most visible institution binding all Canadian Gunners, units and organizations it is only fitting that the award is presented in his name after receiving his personal approval.
To obtain maximum value from the commendation, it is only awarded for exceptional service to The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Care must be taken to ensure that the award is not awarded so often as to trivialize its status and must not duplicate or replace any existing award or commendation. Also, the award must never be perceived as a “Second Prize” when another CF or formation award is not granted.
The aim of the Colonel Commandant’s Commendation is to provide a method whereby suitable candidates, either individuals, units or other organizations, may be recognized for exceptional and outstanding service to The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery.
Each submission should describe the reason for the nomination, and should include the recommended wording for the commendation itself. The wording should be brief, to the point, and should not exceed 150 words. Narratives, where possible, should be in bilingual format. Nominations for recipients are then sent to the Regimental Major to be forwarded to the Colonel Commandant for final approval. Submissions must be approved and signed by a Commanding Officer.
The Colonel Commandant’s Commendation is a unique scroll, in bilingual format. It contains a brief narrative outlining the service for which the commendation is presented. The scroll will always be signed by, and where circumstances permit, be presented personally by the Colonel Commandant. In those instances where the Colonel Commandant is not present, the scroll will be presented by a senior gunner officer in a ceremony befitting the importance of awarding the Colonel Commandant’s Commendation.
August 2008
Chief Warrant Officer J.D.C. Coulombe CD
CWO Coulombe is presented with the Colonel Commandant’s commendation in recognition of his exceptional leadership, unselfish dedication and tireless efforts in significantly increasing the Regiment’s contributions to The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Regimental Fund. Specifically, he played a critical role in conveying the importance of the RRCA fund and in educating the Sr NCO’s of the benefits of the fund. He expertly outlined the importance of preserving artillery historical traditions and values and the need to define, promote and support the distinctiveness, character and well being of the RCA. His teamwork approach was truly reflective in the presentations and information he provided to the NCM’s of the Regt. Through his efforts, CWO Coulombe has brought great credit to his unit and the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery.
Major T.J. Hogan CD
Major Hogan is presented with the Colonel Commandants commendation in recognition of his persistent work in promoting The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Regimental Fund. Through his exceptional leadership, unselfish dedication and tireless efforts he was instrumental in increasing the Regiment’s Officer contributions to 100%. Specifically, he played a critical role in conveying the importance and the benefits of the RCA fund. His teamwork approach was truly reflective in the guidance and mentorship he provided to the Battery Commanders and Junior Officers of the Regiment. In addition, he was instrumental in gaining approval for all Junior officers and Gunners to receive their first issue of the RCA Regimental tracksuits, greatly improving the morale of the Regt. Through his efforts, Major Hogan has brought great credit to his unit and the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery.
May 2008
Artillery Support Group of 11 Field Regiment, RCA
The Artillery Support Group of 11 Field Regiment, RCA has supported and embraced the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Heritage Program, and has been the very embodiment of the program in their own community of Guelph, Ontario. The Artillery Support Group has been incredibly proactive in telling the "The Story" of the Gunners of Canada and in supporting the National Heritage Campaign. Their moral support and financial contribution have been exceptional. Through their efforts, they have communicated the important message of the values of service, commitment and sacrifice; values which dedicated Gunners have demonstrated throughout the history of Guelph and Canada.
Master Gunner (Ret’d) Rod Croucher
For his exceptional professionalism and inspirational dedication to The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery as President and long-time member of the Atlantic Gunners Association. Rod Croucher’s commitment to excellence, devotion to the upholding of longstanding Artillery tradition, unparalleled historical expertise, and genuine enthusiasm in contributing to the shaping of the future of the Artillery has ensured the adage of “once a Gunner, always a Gunner” remains. Mr. Croucher has displayed tremendous poise, unwavering loyalty, and commendable dedication to the Artillery, diligently fostering the Gunner spirit in all that he undertakes. His most recent initiative of re-dedicating a 105mm Howitzer from the old Town Hall in Oromocto, New Brunswick to a high visibility location in front of the Oromocto Legion has heightened Gunner esprit de corps immensely. Through his tireless efforts and countless hours of toil keeping retired Gunners involved in preserving the past and contributing to the future of the Artillery, Master Gunner Rod Croucher has brought great credit to the Atlantic Gunners Association and The Royal Regiment."
Chief Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Tom Tomaso, MMM, CD
Chief Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Tom Tomaso is hereby commended for exceptional service and unselfish dedication to the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery through his continuing efforts in maintaining a network of serving and retired Gunners across Canada. Gunners, everywhere, greatly appreciate the daily messages and notifications, and the opportunity to keep in contact with fellow Gunners through Tom. His efforts have greatly enhanced morale and cohesion in the Royal Regiment. His leadership and hard work has put action to the often heard phrase “Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.”
Captain (Ret’d) Henry (Harry) Joseph Rice, MMM, CD
Captain (Ret’d) Harry Rice is hereby commended for exceptional service and unselfish dedication to the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery through his continuing efforts in maintaining a network of serving and retired Gunners across Canada. Gunners, everywhere, greatly appreciate the daily messages and notifications, and the opportunity to keep in contact with fellow Gunners through Harry. His efforts have greatly enhanced morale and cohesion in the Royal Regiment. His leadership and hard work has put action to the often heard phrase “Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.”
Sergeant (Ret’d) Dave Morris, CD
Dave Morris is hereby commended for exceptional service and unselfish dedication to the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery through his continuing efforts in maintaining a network of serving and retired Gunners. His leadership of the Eastern Ontario Gunners Association has provided an invaluable venue for Gunners to keep in contact with the Artillery family. His efforts have greatly enhanced morale and cohesion in the Royal Regiment. His leadership and hard work has put action to the often heard phrase “Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.”
Colonel Roch Lacroix, CD
In recognition of the outstanding leadership demonstrated in his capacity as Director of Artillery Colonel Roch Lacroix is hereby commended for his enthusiasm and exceptional efforts in the complex process of Artillery force development. Through his leadership, intelligence, humour and foresight, he was able to elevate the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery from the brink of oblivion to its rightful place as the first among equals within the Army's fighting team. At the same time, his inclusive, even-handed approach ensured that all gunners - field, air defence, regular, reserve and retired - were treated with the respect and dignity that each member of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery deserves. Colonel Lacroix has been an outstanding D Arty, and a Great Gunner. Good Shooting.
April 2008
Major Paul Payne
In recognition of the outstanding leadership demonstrated in his capacity as Battery Commander 45 ( Fire Support) Battery from July 2006 to May 2008. Major Payne was the driving force throughout the complex process of fielding critical operation IT for the M777, HALO II, LCMR. MUAV, and SUAV to the Field Force, as well as the establishment of a world-class CF Forward Air Control program. His leadership ensured that the emphasis was focused towards the elements essential to a responsive Artillery Force Generation base for successful operations in Afghanistan. Major Payne responded magnificently to the challenges that arose throughout an extremely demanding and compressed planning period, and the results of his exceptional efforts have reshaped the Artillery and improved the Army’s operational effectiveness.
Master Warrant Officer J.R. Benoit
In recognition of the outstanding leadership demonstrated in his capacity as Battery Sergeant Major 45 ( Fire Support) Battery from July 2006 to May 2008. Master Warrant Officer Benoit was the driving force throughout the complex process of fielding critical operation IT for the M777, HALO II, LCMR. MUAV, and SUAV to the Field Force, as well as the establishment of a world-class CF Forward Air Control program. His leadership ensured that the emphasis was focused towards the elements essential to a responsive Artillery Force Generation base for successful operations in Afghanistan. Master Warrant Officer Benoit responded magnificently to the challenges that arose throughout an extremely demanding and compressed planning period, and the results of his exceptional efforts have reshaped the Artillery and improved the Army’s operational effectiveness.
February 2008
Colonel Jeffrey Jaeger
For his exceptional leadership and inspirational dedication to CF Forward Air Control program development and implementation in support of Canada's operational commitments and Artillery transformation. Colonel Yaeger leads by example, confidently challenges the status quo in the refinement of Forward Air Control expertise, and demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm in shaping the future of the Canadian Artillery to meet future operational requirements. As Director JACI, Colonel Yaeger has displayed tremendous poise, flexibility of thought, and commitment to Canadian Artillery transformation and coalition interoperability, while at the same time diligently fostering the Gunner spirit in an effort to preserve a long-standing tradition of excellence in the face of a diverse and challenging contemporary battlefield. Through his tireless efforts to improve coalition interoperability and operational effectiveness in support of the global war on terror, Colonel Yaeger has brought great credit to the United States Army in his support of The Royal Regiment.
January 2008
Major P.E. Landry
September 2007
Major General J.A. MacInnis, CMM, CD
June 2007
Colonel (Retired) Ian Barnes
For his exceptional devotion to The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Museum as Chair of the Board of Directors. Col (ret'd) Ian Barnes has been a driving force in bringing vision and strategic guidance to the museum. His contribution has helped to make The RCA Museum one of the finest of a military nature in Canada. His commitment to professionalism and dedication to the success of The RCA Museum is a continuing credit to The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
May 2007
Chief Warrant Officer R.R. Wynn
Major Andrew Wood
For his exceptional leadership and inspirational dedication to Artillery transformation since assuming his duties as the Directorate of Army Doctrine 8-2. Major Wood leads by example, confidently challenges the status quo in the crafting of doctrine, and demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm in shaping the future of the Canadian Artillery. As the Directorate of Army Doctrine 8-2, Major Wood has displayed tremendous poise, flexibility of thought, and commitment to Artillery transformation, while at the same time diligently fostering the Gunner spirit wherever he goes in an effort to preserve a long-standing tradition of excellence in the face of a diverse and challenging contemporary battlefield. Through his tireless efforts, Major Wood has brought great credit to his unit and The Royal Regiment.
Ms Rosemaire Boone
Mr Ross Neale
Mr. Ross Neale is hereby commended for exceptional service and unselfish dedication to the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery through his development of the 26th Field Regiment/XII Manitoba Dragoons Museum. His vision, leadership and hard work over a 27-year period, developed a museum of which all soldiers and veterans can be proud. The museum with its associated gallery, library and archives and has been instrumental in fostering awareness of the artillery and the militia in the local community.
