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Tony Harris was a kid without a plan. His mother will tell you he was going nowhere, fast, just spinning his wheels through post-high school life in Pennfield Ridge, N.B.

Drinking. Drugging. Partying too much and listening to his friends instead of listening to his folks and the voice of reason in his head, the one that was telling him what he needed to do.

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“I had no direction,” says Tony Jr. “I think I always knew that I was going to join the military. But when it came time I needed a push from my Dad.”

Tony Sr., a former air force man, describes the push as more of an ultimatum. “He had no option, not with me he didn’t.”

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On Tuesday, Tony Jr. — now Corporal Harris, and living in Edmonton — will stand before Governor General David Johnston, who will present him with the Medal of Military Valour at a ceremony in Ottawa.

Save for the Victoria Cross and the Star of Valour, it is the highest honour a Canadian soldier can receive. In earning it, Cpl. Harris joins an exclusive club with about 75 members, total, since it was created.