This Monday on Parliament Hill, Corporal Ricardo Chiu of CFB Kingston was one of 11 members of the Canadian Armed Forced recognized on Parliament Hill for their contributions to the military.
A part of the CF Recognition Program, the event was attended by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, and General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff.
“The men and women of the Canadian Forces are among Canada’s greatest citizens and deserve the respect and recognition of a grateful nation,” said Minister MacKay. “I’m proud to recognize select members of the military family for their outstanding work, performance and valuable contributions to Canada’s safety and security both at home and abroad.”
General Natynczyk added that “These deserving members have been selected from across the country for their demonstrated leadership, commitment, skill, and initiative. They represent the best of the Canadian Forces.”
The House of Commons annually recognizes deserving Canadian Forces personnel who represent the very best of the nation’s sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen. The CF Recognition Program began with the enrolment ceremony on June 3, 2011, when 43 men and women became members of the Canadian Forces.
Considered to be the centerpiece of the Canadian Forces Recognition Program, the Canadian Forces Recognition Day in the House of Commons gives Members of Parliament the opportunity to thank them, and all Canadian military personnel, for their service to Canada.
Kingston’s Corporal Ricardo Chiu enlisted in the Canadian Forces Reserves as an Infantryman with the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada in 2000. After graduating from RCC College of Technology in 2006, he worked full time in the Reserves as an instructor.
In September 2008, Corporal Chiu was deployed in support of Task Force Afghanistan, as part of a Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Team with the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team. He returned from Afghanistan in April 2009 and started instructing again until April 2010, when he received his Component Transfer into the Regular Force as a Communications Research Operator.
Corporal Chiu is currently posted to the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics in Kingston until completion of his trades training.
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Photo, Parliament Hill Peace Tower: Wikimedia Commons
