General Campaign Star!

Today I was awarded the General Campaign Star that every member who serves over here in this Theatre of Operations gets for participating in the mission.  Apparently, the Canadian Forces has not issued one such as this since the Korean War, so it is a big deal for us.  It's not a bravery medal or commendation or anything.  Rather, as it says at Rideau Hall, the medal "recognizes military service in a theatre of operations in the presence of an armed enemy."  The ceremony to present it was very short and to the point.  It was even strange to receive it, as I was running around trying to do other things before the ceremony.  It felt very much like 'going to medal ceremony' was just a 'tick in the To Do list'!  I even ran into it after just having stripped off my body armour from doing some work, so I was a bit sweaty. I got it presented to me by an American, as we are working in a multinational theatre.  He asked me what my work was here.  When I told him, he gave me a good ol' American 'Hooah!'... which means a plethora of things - most of which is the equivalent of the expression 'awesome' in this context.   Here's what it looks like.  I'd say it's a rather handsome medal.  When you see people wearing this medal, it means that they are ones who have served in Afghanistan.  We're seeing more and more of our CF members wearing this on parades.       What this means is - my time here is coming to a close!  There is so much work left to do here.  The General presenting the medals reminded us that we are now going home to our peaceful countries, but we have contributed to assisting a country who has suffered due to 30 years of war.  We do have lots to be thankful for in Canada.   I might have gotten the medal, but not without your prayers.  I am sure your prayers have done much in assisting the people of this country and in working towards a world of true peace in the name of Our Lord.  Thank you everyone for your support!  It's not yet over for me - a little while more left to go.   For more info, please see:  http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=4240