Monday, March 29, 2010

Tim Hortons staff eligible for Afghan war medals

David Pugliese And Katherine Laidlaw, From Canwest News ServiceMarch 29, 2010

A major overhaul of how the Canadian Forces recognizes overseas service will include the controversial decision to allow Tim Hortons employees at Kandahar Airfield to receive medals from the Afghan war. The changes involve clarifying the type of support eligible for the military's General Service Medal, which will now be awarded to both civilian as well as allied and Canadian military personnel deployed outside the country to provide direct support to operations in the "presence of an armed enemy." The decision, which has raised eyebrows in the military community, echoes similar methods of recognition applied during the Second World War, according to the Department of Defence. Medals were awarded during the Second World War to civilians working for Salvation Army, Knights of Columbus, the Canadian Legion and the YMCA. (more)

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