Former Top General says that Carney should assess medals for Afghan veterans
Former General Calls for Independent Assessment of Veteran Prizes
A former top general who led the army during the conflict in Afghanistan is urging the government to re-examine the awards of soldiers who served there to determine if any of them should receive the prestigious Victoria Cross.
Rick Hillier, who served as the Chief of Defense Staff from 2005 to 2008, believes that now is the opportune time for Ottawa to reconsider the accolades given to Afghanistan veterans, as the Canadian forces undergo revitalization.
Hillier is a member of the Valor in the Presence of the Enemy Society, which advocates for recognizing veterans of the Afghanistan campaign with the country’s highest military honor. He emphasizes the importance of conducting an independent review to ensure that deserving individuals are not overlooked.
The issue of upgrading military decorations for Afghanistan veterans has gained traction in recent years, with calls for a reassessment supported by both former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole and Liberal MP Pauline Rochefort.
Despite resistance from the government in the past, there is growing momentum to reevaluate the awards given to soldiers who served in Afghanistan. Currently, no Canadian soldier or veteran has been awarded the Victoria Cross since World War II.
While the Ministry of National Defense has cited time limits on nominations for military awards as a reason for not revisiting past decisions, advocates argue that certain cases, such as that of Jess Larochelle from North Bay, Ontario, warrant a second look.
Hillier, who was involved in awarding Larochelle a Star of Military Courage, acknowledges that new information about the extent of Larochelle’s injuries and his heroic actions during the conflict could warrant a reevaluation of his case.
The reluctance to reopen past awards may stem from the complex nature of such a project and concerns about fairness to veterans of other wars. However, supporters of revisiting past decisions argue that recognizing acts of courage and valor is essential to honoring the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers.
In Canada, there has historically been a hesitancy to acknowledge individual acts of bravery, but Hillier believes that it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the highest acts of courage and valor displayed by Canadian servicemen and women.
As discussions continue about reassessing military decorations for Afghanistan veterans, the importance of honoring their sacrifices and ensuring that deserving individuals are properly recognized remains at the forefront of the conversation.
