Colonel Commandant’s Certificate of Appreciation

The Colonel Commandant’s Certificate of Appreciation has been instituted as a means of recognizing contributions to the well-being of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery – typically by persons or entities outside of the immediate Regimental Family. As the Office of the Colonel Commandant is the single most visible institution binding all Canadian Gunners, it is fitting that the award be presented in his name after receiving his personal approval. Care must be taken to ensure that the award is not awarded so often as to trivialize its status nor must it duplicate or replace any existing award. Also, the Certificate must never be perceived as a “Second Prize” when another Army or CAF award is not approved.

Nominations, endorsed by a Commanding Officer, should clearly describe the contribution meriting the commendation and include a draft citation not exceeding 250 words. If possible, a translation of the citation should be provided. Nominations are to be submitted to the Regimental Major who will forward them to the Colonel Commandant for final approval. Certificates will always be signed by, and where circumstances permit, presented personally by the Colonel Commandant.

In those instances where the Colonel Commandant is not available, the Certificate may be presented by a senior Gunner officer in a ceremony befitting its significance.

Record of Awards

Please notify RHQ RCA of errors or omissions.

2019

Base Maintenance Section – Weapons Cell – Canadian Forces Base Shilo
In appreciation of their invaluable contribution to the serviceability of The Royal Regiment’s aging fleet of C3 howitzers in Western Canada. During a two month period in the late spring and early summer of 2019, the Craftsmen of the Weapon Cell inspected nearly two dozen howitzers, painstakingly examining every component to ensure the guns were safe to fire in support of Reserve Summer Training courses conducted by 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre’s C Company in Shilo. Many previously unidentified defects were detected. Working extended hours and collaborating closely with the Life-Cycle Material Managers, innovative fixes were developed and successfully applied. Without their expertise and diligence, the summer’s training would have been sharply curtailed. This exceptional performance was in keeping with the finest tradition of the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and added further luster to the excellent reputation of the Corps in the eyes of their Gunner Comrades.

2016

Captain F.G. Gueverra
During the course of his employment as Signals Officer of 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Captain F.G. Guevarra distinguished himself by virtue of his exceptional contribution to the progress of digitization within The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Of particular note was his dedication to the implementation of the Enhanced Position Location Reporting System within 2nd Regiment. In collaboration with stakeholders both within and without 2 RCHA, he worked tirelessly to adapt the system to the requirements of deployment practices and fire disciple and to develop techniques and procedures for its effective and efficient use. A recognized EPLRS champion and expert, he promoted the system and shared his insights to its use across The Royal Regiment and at superior levels of command in the Army. Captain Guevarra’s technical and tactical acumen have helped, in a tangible way, prepare The Royal Regiment to meet the evolving challenges of the 21st Century battlefield for which I am most appreciative.

2011

Canadian Forces Base Kingston
Dedicated personnel from the Engineer and Logistics Support Services sections from Canadian Forces Base Kingston recently restored an L5 howitzer which is proudly on display at The Royal Canadian Legion in Kingston, Ontario. The superb refurbishment of this important piece of regimental history is a critical part of the effort to demonstrate our commitment and respect to the Veterans who served these guns and enables The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery to honourably tell our story. For their loyalty, dedication, and devotion to the preservation and promotion of the heritage of The Regiment, the Engineer and Logistics Support Services sections are awarded the Colonel Commandant’s Certificate of Appreciation.

Colonel (Ret’d) Pierre Boucher OMM CD
Colonel (Retired) Pierre Boucher is hereby recognized for his commitment to the Royal Regiment as a member of the National Office of the RCA Heritage Charitable Campaign. In this capacity he displayed great loyalty and energy, in helping develop the national campaign and establish the national office. In so doing he contributed greatly to the success of the Heritage Program. Colonel Boucher has been a loyal member of the national team, an unfailing supporter of the Royal Regiment and a great Gunner. Good Shooting.

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) John Gibson CD
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) John Gibson is hereby recognized for his commitment to the Royal Regiment as the Ontario Regional Director of the RCA Heritage Charitable Campaign. In this capacity he displayed great loyalty and energy, in the establishment and management of the Ontario Regional office of the RCA Heritage Charitable Campaign. He also provided invaluable legal advice to the national office. His efforts and support contributed greatly to the success of the national campaign. Lieutenant Colonel Gibson has been a loyal member of the national team, an unfailing supporter of the Royal Regiment and a great Gunner. Good Shooting.

Lieutenant A.G. Holt
Received an Honourable Mention for his 2010 entry in the Colonel Geoffrey Brooks Memorial Essay Contest entitled “History and Role of The IG.”   His succinct, yet interesting retelling of the history of the Instructors-In-Gunnery, will be with us for years to come.  Accordingly, I hereby present Lt A.G. Holt the Colonel Commandant’s Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of our gratitude and for his outstanding efforts on behalf of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery.

Mr John (Jack) Rhind
Received an Honourable Mention for his 2010 entry in the Colonel Geoffrey Brooks Memorial Essay Contest entitled “Cassino Revisited.”   This riveting account of his personal experiences in Cassino, as B Troop Gun Position Officer during the Second World War in Monte Cassino, will be with us for years to come.  Accordingly, I hereby present the Colonel Commandant’s Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of our gratitude and for his outstanding efforts on behalf of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery.