Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada Julie Payette presented honours to 38 recipients during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on June 13, 2019.


Among them were five members of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Recipients were recognized for their excellence, courage or exceptional service to the Canadian Armed Forces or to military-related organizations with one of the following honours: a Meritorious Service Decoration (Military and Civil Divisions), a Decoration for Bravery or the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.

Second award of the Meritorious Service Medal (Military division)

Maj Michael Roy Deutsch, M.S.M., C.D.

Kingston, N.S.

From October 2013 to July 2015, Deutsch was instrumental to the success of the Long Range Patrol (LRP) Get Well Program, an embedded restructuring initiative that has revitalized LRP simulation, training and force development. As an important frontrunner of this program, he provided a foundation for military airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (IRP) capabilities to evolve, and reinforced the LRP Force contribution to Operation Impact. His focused leadership helped achieve these goals on a remarkably accelerated timeline, creating a solid base from which military airborne IRP capabilities continue to evolve and grow.

Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)

Sgt James Dalebozik, M.S.M., C.D.

Ottawa, Ont.

Dalebozik led the creation of Canadian Special Operations Forces Command’s (CANSOFCOM) High Altitude Airdrop Mission Support Program. His tireless devotion was foundational in the creation of the unit’s first high-altitude breathing tables and physiological incident protocols. Dalebozik’s efforts resulted in CANSOFCOM becoming the training authority for the program, which has further enhanced its status as a world-class organization.

LCol Ryan Zane Sexsmith, M.S.M., C.D.

Victoria, B.C.

From July to September 2017, Sexsmith commanded Air Task Force Pacific during the Canadian Armed Forces’ response to forest fires in British Columbia. He skilfully led the rapid deployment of aircraft dispersed over three locations and effectively devised solutions to last-minute tasking, notably planning an alternate emergency evacuation plan for the town of Williams Lake. Through his exceptional professionalism and outstanding leadership, Sexsmith helped save many lives and protect property from one of the most devastating forest fires in British Columbia’s history.

Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers

Maj Jean-François Lambert, C.D.

Ottawa, Ont.

As the band officer of the 75 and 742 National Capital Air Cadet squadrons, Lambert has been providing leadership, mentorship and development to the staff and cadets of the band program. His knowledge and passion have inspired young musicians, and the band has expanded to 80 members under his leadership.

Sgt Debra Reid, C.D.

Stratford, P.E.I.

Reid has been an active volunteer with veterans’ groups and non-profit associations throughout P.E.I. for over a decade, especially those related to her passion for animals. Her fundraising efforts support veterans’ activities and programs, while fostering remembrance and appreciation.