KUWAIT NAVAL BASE, Kuwait -- Back in September of 2011, a Canadian armed forces unit—SLOC DET Kuwait—began full operations at Camp Patriot. The 1st Bn, 125th FA was responsible for the life support of the roughly 100 new tenants here at Camp Patriot. The support included providing living space, setting up office trailers, and coordinating regular cleaning of the trailers.

The primary mission of the Canadian unit was to provide logistical support to their troops coming out of Afghanistan.

The support was not a one-way street. Two of the Canadian service members were recognized by the 1st Bn, 125th FA for their outstanding service while at Camp Patriot.

Cpl. Vicky Hamelin assisted with everyday operations in the Troop Medical Center, which included the administration of an influenza vaccine to almost every service member on the camp.

“Chaplain (Capt.) Greg Girard demonstrated faithful and selfless service to the service members of Camp Patriot and assisted in the Camp Patriot Chapel,” said 1st Lt. George Messer, chaplain, 1st Bn, 125th FA. Girard also covered the various religious services while Messer was home on R&R leave.

As a result of their dedication and service, both were awarded with an Army Achievement Medal by Lt. Col. Troy Soukup, commander, 1st Bn, 125th FA, Jan. 12, 2012.

It is much rarer for Canadian service members to receive awards than it is for U.S. service members. After the presentation both Hamelin and Girard were congratulated by other members of their unit as they looked over their certificates.

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