Order of Military Merit Investiture Ceremony on 20 June 2014

Lieutenant Shaun Rogozinski

All soldiers strive for excellence in their professional duties as soldiers and it is a humbling experience when a soldier gets that pat on the back for a job well done.  Fortunately, our military’s strong heritage and traditions allow us to acknowledge those that consistently raise the professional bar.  On 20 June 2014, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces, invested 50 recipients into the Order of Military Merit.  This included three Commanders, 13 Officers and 34 Non-Commissioned Members of the Canadian Armed Forces.  Three members of our Regiment were awarded the great honour of being inducted into the Order of Military Merit as Members.  They were Chief Warrant Officer William Crabb, M.M.M., M.S.M., C.D., Master Warrant Officer Leigh Taylor, M.M.M., C.D., and Sergeant (Ret’d) Félix-Alexandre Charette, M.M.M.  The Regiment is also extremely proud that the Regimental Sergeant-Major, Chief Warrant Officer Tony Batty, will also be invested as a member in November of this year!

The Order of Military Merit is a highly prestigious honour that is limited to only the most deserving individuals.  The number of appointments made yearly may not exceed 0.1% of the strength of the Canadian Armed Forces; of that number 6% may be made Commanders, 30% Officers and the remainder Members.  The appointments are made by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Minister of National Defence.  It was founded on 1 July 1972 in order to recognize distinctive merit and exceptional service displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.  

Chief Warrant Officer William Crabb, Master Warrant Officer Leigh Taylor and Sergeant (Ret’d) Felix Charette have demonstrated dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty and the Order honours them for their commitment to Canada.  These three members of the Regiment have proven to be exemplary leaders and have worked tirelessly to develop innovative approaches to ensure the welfare of their soldiers.  Their boundless energy, professionalism, tactical ability and organizational attributes set them apart from others, thereby garnering them the respect and admiration of subordinates, peers, and leaders.  Their deeds and actions have brought enormous credit to the Strathcona’s, the Canadian Armed Forces, and Canada as a whole.  Finally, their understanding of duty, loyalty, integrity, and courage have been the standard to which all Strathconas aspire and emulate in their professional and personal lives.