Brigadier General David Kettle has been appointed to the highest level in the Order of Military Merit, making him one of only a handful of chaplains to become members.
“I was surprised, overjoyed, and honoured to be receiving the C.M.M.,” he told the Record. “It is seldom granted to brigadier generals and has only been awarded to one other chaplain general.”
The Presbyterian padre and head of chaplaincy for the Canadian Armed Forces was among six officers appointed to the level of Commander, the highest of the Order’s three levels of membership. Commanders may use the post-nominal initials C.M.M.
Governor General Michaelle Jean announced the appointments Jan. 21. Insignia will be presented at an investiture ceremony to be held later this year, but the appointments have been in effect since late November.
Kettle’s C.C.M. is in recognition of outstanding service and leadership in duties of great responsibility — in particular the strategic leadership he has provided to the chaplaincy branch.
He says his strategy centres on three areas: ensuring the chaplaincy branch focuses on “21st-century operations” like the conflict in Afghanistan or emergency efforts in Haiti; that it provides ongoing training through chaplaincy, postgraduate and professional development programs; and that it is a vocation of choice for clergy and religious leaders.
He also handled religious support in 2000 when the remains of an unknown soldier from Vimy Ridge was repatriated and added to the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
“I am well known and trusted by the senior leadership of the Canadian Forces,” he noted. “Over a career of nearly 30 years, I have gained the trust of many serving at the general and flag officer rank.”
The Order of Military Merit was created in 1972 to recognize service and devotion to duty by members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
