ARLINGTON, Va. – Retired Army Maj. Gen. Raymond Carpenter, the former acting director of the Army National Guard, was invited by the governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada to an award ceremony at Rideau Hall, June 22, in Ottawa, Ont., where Carpenter was awarded the Canadian Meritorious Service Medal.

According to the governor general’s website, the Canadian MSM recognizes a military deed or activity performed in a highly professional manner, according to a very high standard that brings benefit or honor to the Canadian forces.

Carpenter was recognized for his instrumental efforts in enhancing the Army Guard’s relationship with the Canadian army reserve during his 29 months spent as the acting director.

According to the award citation, Carpenter’s influence further enhanced the unique relationship between Canada and the United States, delivering considerable benefits to the Canadian forces.

As the acting director, Carpenter was responsible for the execution of a budget of about $40 billion, the procurement of more than 300,000 equipment items, and oversaw the deployment of 80,000 soldiers.

Additionally, Carpenter balanced recruiting efforts to meet changing congressional mandates on the size of the Army National Guard while approximately 100,000 soldiers were recruited and trained.

During Carpenter’s time as acting director, the Army National Guard also supported the surge in Afghanistan and the withdrawal from Iraq, responded to Hurricane Irene, the tornado in Joplin, Mo., and Operation Deep Water Horizon.