A 19 Wing Comox administration officer has received a prestigious national honour.
Lt.-Col. Deborah McKenzie was invested as an Officer of Military Merit by Gov. Gen. David Johnston March 11 during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
The Governor General, who is chancellor of the Order, bestowed the honour on 56 Canadian Forces members 鈥� two commanders, 13 officers and 41 members, including several Air Force personnel.
Originally from Winnipeg, McKenzie joined the military in 1986 as a direct entry officer with a Bachelor of Physical Education degree and an Education certificate.
Her early career took her to a variety of exotic locations like Cold Lake, Edmonton, Thule and Mogadishu.
In 1997, McKenzie served on exchange with the United States military with the Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., as a war planner within the Tactical Air Command Center.
From there, she deployed to Panama to close out the American Air Mobility Squadron and to Guam for American war planning exercises.
In 2004, back with the Canadian Forces, McKenzie deployed for six months to Kabul, Afghanistan, as the Chief of Air and Ground Transportation within the NATO ISAF Headquarters. As the Department Head, she led a multi-national 鈥� Polish, Belgium, German, Turkish and Norwegian 鈥� team in support of air operations within the Afghanistan theatre.
Founded 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鈥檚 sovereign, the Governor General is its chancellor and a commander, and the Chief of the Defence Staff is its principal commander.
鈥� 19 Wing Comox
