A Comox Valley man has been inducted into the Order of Canada following a decorated career in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Courtenay resident Raymond Henault鈥檚 appointment was announced on Thursday, Dec. 28, and was nominated for his work in the Canadian military, which included four years as Chief of the Defence staff (CODS) and three years as chairman of the NATO military committee.

鈥淚鈥檓 very grateful for it,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 flattered, and it was very unexpected. It鈥檚 a proud thing for me, and the Canadian Armed Forces.鈥�

Henault was awarded in the 2023 appointments. The list reads that Henault was appointed because of his dedication to the safety of the Canadian homeland and to international peacekeeping.

鈥淕eneral Raymond Roland Henault, C.M., C.M.M., M.S.C., C.D. (Ret鈥檇). For his long-time commitment鈥攂oth in and out of uniform鈥攖o Canada鈥檚 defence and peacekeeping operations and policies,鈥� the list reads.

Henault served as the CODS from 2001 to 2005, and was chairman at the NATO military committee from 2005 to 2008. He has the honour of being the longest-serving four-star general in Canadian history, a position which is held by one person at a time, save for rare exceptions.

The news came to him while on vacation in South Africa, he told the Record. Due to spotty internet and cell service, he was only able to get the message via email.

Henault currently serves as the president of the Courtenay Airpark.

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