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Defence Community Member Nominations Open for Liz Hoffman Memorial Commendation

CMFMAG Team March 22, 2024

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Above image: Last year’s recipients: Sailor First Class Matthew Raniowski, Ms. Lana Costello, Mrs. Alyssa Truong, Ms. Alli Jones.

The Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Ombudsman’s office is currently accepting nominations for the prestigious Liz Hoffman Memorial Commendation.

Awarded annually, the Commendation acknowledges the selflessness of DND members, CAF personnel and their families.

“It’s always a wonderful opportunity to recognize excellence within the Defence community. There’s no better way to do this than by recognizing people who have gone above and beyond in finding positive resolutions to difficult situations.

“While last year’s ceremony was my last as the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman, it has been a true honour to present the Liz Hoffman Memorial Commendations to members and those who support those who serve,” said Gregory A. Lick, DND/CAF Ombudsman.

Ombusdman for the Department of National Defence and The Canadian Armed Forces Gregory Lick met the civilians personal and military members at Garrison Petawawa during his visit to Canadian Forces Base Petawawa Ontario, on 1 and 2 October, 2019. Photos by : Avr Melissa Gloude Garrison Imaging Petawawa.

About Liz Hoffman

The DND/CAF Ombudsman award is named after Liz Hoffman, a dedicated investigator and known mentor in the office.

According to the Ombudsman’s Office, Hoffman was known to be a “tremendous force” for positive change for CAF members and DND civilian employees and to have a deep sense of fairness and justice. The awards have been presented in her name since 2006.

Above image: 2019 recipients and special guests, from left to right: Mr. Gregory A. Lick (Ombudsman), Dr. Andrea Hoffman, Chief Warrant Officer Martin Rousseau, Lieutenant-Commander Chris Knowlton, Brigadier-General Simon Trudeau (Canadian Forces Provost Marshal), Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Nancy Lachance, Chief Warrant Officer Robert Hains, Master Seaman River Leggat, Major-General Guy Chapdelaine (Chaplain General of the Canadian Armed Forces), Chief Warrant Officer David Ridley, Commodore Christopher Robinson (Director General Naval Strategic Readiness), Ms. Felicia Arsenault, and Commander Sheyla Dussault.

Last Year’s Recipients

In 2023, four members from the defence community, three members of the Defence Team and a military spouse, were bestowed the award:

Sailor First Class Matthew Raniowski: In recognition of exceptional community development, resolving conflict, and contributing to the well-being of the Defence community. Matthew Raniowski works tirelessly to support persons with disabilities in the Canadian Armed Forces. He promotes positive change within the CAF and DND by ensuring the voices of every member are heard with respect to policy developments.
Ms. Lana Costello: In recognition of exceptional community development, resolving conflict and contributing to the well-being of the Defence community. As the National Civilian Co-Chair of the Defense Advisory Group for Persons with Disabilities (DAGPwD) at CFB Halifax, Lana Costello has dedicated countless hours to promoting accessibility and inclusion in support of persons with disabilities.
Mrs. Alyssa Truong: In recognition of exceptional community development, resolving conflict, and contributing to the well-being of the Defence community. Mrs. Truong is a Canadian Armed Forces Spousal community leader who embodies its first ethical principle of “Respecting the Dignity of All Persons.”
Ms. Alli Jones: In recognition of exceptional community development, resolving conflict, and contributing to the well-being of the Defence community, Ms. Jones is an “outside-the-box” thinker who never fails to step into challenging situations, particularly where injustice or unfairness exists.

This Year’s Awards

The awards will be presented to this year’s recipients at a ceremony in Ottawa on October 17, 2024. The deadline to submit a nomination is March 30, 2024.To nominate someone or learn more about the award, visit the Ombudsman website here.