A Comox Valley man has been appointed to the Order of Canada.
Raymond Henault is a former Airforce pilot and officer, where during his work in the military he became a general, Chief of Defence staff for Canada, and a chairman for the NATO military committee.
He says when he got the news, he was on vacation with his wife in South Africa.
“When I got the word that the Order of Canada was going to be presented to me on this current list, that’s where I found out about it,” said Henault.
“It was quite a surprise, but a very welcome one.”
According to the Governor General’s website, Raymond is one of 78 people appointed to the Order, with Raymond being appointed for his work on Canada’s defence and peace-keeping operations.
He adds that after 40 years of service, this appointment confirms for him that the government values the commitment and leadership made by senior leaders.
“It is a clear indication that the government of Canada values what the Canadian Armed Forces and its senior leaders do for Canada, not only in the country but also on the international stage,” said Henault.
Raymond’s appointment was announced on Thursday, with the former pilot currently working as president of Courtenay Airpark association.
