Order of Military Merit - Captain Richard Van Slyke MMM CD
Founded on July 1, 1972, the Order of Military Merit recognizes distinctive merit and exceptional service displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Forces, both Regular and Reserve. Many have demonstrated dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty, and the Order honours them for their commitment to Canada. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Order’s Sovereign, the governor general is its Chancellor and a Commander, and the chief of the Defence Staff is its Principal Commander. There are three levels to the order; the Commander of Military Merit recognizes outstanding meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility; The Officer of Military Merit recognizes outstanding meritorious service in duties of responsibility; The Member of Military Merit recognizes exceptional service or performance of duty.
The badge of the Order is a blue-enamelled, straight-end cross (four arms, narrow at the centre, wider at the ends) with an annulus in red surmounted by St. Edward’s Crown. The annulus bears the inscription MERIT.MÉRITE.CANADA.
Governor General of Canada website, www.gg.ca
Investiture of the Order of Military Merit
Her Excellency The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada announced on May 19, 2000 the appointment of ninety-one (91) members of the Canadian Regular and Reserve Forces to the Order of Military Merit including the following members of The Royal Regiment:
Captain Richard John Van Slyke, MMM, CD 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA
Captain Van Slyke, a member of the Music Branch, has served with distinction as a citizen soldier for 30 years. Under his leadership, the 15th Field Artillery Regiment (RCA) Band, run totally by Reservists, is considered the Centre of Excellence for music in Land Force Western Area and performs in excess of 100 engagements per year. In 1991, he was involved in the production of the video “From a Distance” which highlighted Canadian Forces personnel in the Persian Gulf. His service to his community, the Canadian Forces and Canada is unequalled.
The Quadrant, Volume 17 Issue 1, December 2000
The badge of the Order is a blue-enamelled, straight-end cross (four arms, narrow at the centre, wider at the ends) with an annulus in red surmounted by St. Edward’s Crown. The annulus bears the inscription MERIT.MÉRITE.CANADA.
Governor General of Canada website, www.gg.ca
Investiture of the Order of Military Merit
Her Excellency The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada announced on May 19, 2000 the appointment of ninety-one (91) members of the Canadian Regular and Reserve Forces to the Order of Military Merit including the following members of The Royal Regiment:
Captain Richard John Van Slyke, MMM, CD 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA
Captain Van Slyke, a member of the Music Branch, has served with distinction as a citizen soldier for 30 years. Under his leadership, the 15th Field Artillery Regiment (RCA) Band, run totally by Reservists, is considered the Centre of Excellence for music in Land Force Western Area and performs in excess of 100 engagements per year. In 1991, he was involved in the production of the video “From a Distance” which highlighted Canadian Forces personnel in the Persian Gulf. His service to his community, the Canadian Forces and Canada is unequalled.
The Quadrant, Volume 17 Issue 1, December 2000