Sgt. Robin Richardson was one of 12 deserving Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members chosen for the CAF Recognition Program and presented with a Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation for deeds or activities beyond the demand of normal duty.
Richardson recently received a decoration for bravery, the Star of Courage, awarded for a mission in 2009 during which he and two other Search and Rescue Technicians parachuted on the semi-frozen ice in Hudson Bay in the performance of their duties. He continues to excel in the Search and Rescue Technician profession.
The Okanagan Falls native, posted to 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Comox, visited Ottawa from May 31 to June 3 to receive this honour and take part in several events.
Members took part in the Walk/Run in Red, toured the Canadian War Museum and attended a special brunch hosted by Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Cléroux, Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer. They were also recognized in the House of Commons during Question Period on June 3.
Richardson graduated from Royal Military College in 1999 as an infantry officer with a bachelor degree in chemical and material engineering. Following his infantry training, he joined the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Winnipeg.
After two tours in Bosnia, he was transferred to the Royal Westminster Regiment in Vancouver. In 2007, he resigned his commission to enter the Search and Rescue Technician trade as a non-commissioned member.
Following the basic Search and Rescue Technician course, he was posted to 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Winnipeg, which is the same squadron his grandfather served with in Burma during the Second World War.
He was subsequently promoted to sergeant and posted to CFB Comox with 442 Squadron.
— Canadian Armed Forces