Joint Task Force Two Members Receive U.S. Presidential Unit Citation
Members of the Canadian Forces unit (CF) Joint Task Force Two (JTF 2) received the United States Presidential Unit Citation from President George W. Bush. Personnel from JTF 2 received the citation for their outstanding contribution to the multi-national Special Operations Forces task force in Afghanistan. “ This citation from the United States signifies the outstanding counter-terrorism and special operations capability that has been developed by the Canadian Forces,” said Defence Minister Bill Graham. “JTF 2 has played a critical role in Canada's contribution to the war against terrorism and will continue to be an important part of our domestic security.” “The presentation of the U.S. Presidential Unit Citation to members of JTF 2 brings important recognition to a group of incredible Canadian Forces members whose accomplishments normally cannot be publicly recognized in the interest of national security,” said General Ray Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff. “Canadians should be very proud of this specialized Canadian military unit.” The President of the United States presented the Presidential Unit Citation to the Commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force – SOUTH (JSOTF-SOUTH) for its success during operations in Afghanistan. The United States Presidential Unit Citation is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and allied nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after 7 December 1941. The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions as to set it apart and above other units participating in the same campaign. JTF 2 is the Canadian Forces Special Operations unit responsible for federal counter-terrorist operations. It provides a force capable of rendering armed assistance in the resolution of an incident that is affecting, or has the potential to affect, the national interest. The primary focus is counter-terrorism, however, the unit can expect to be employed on other high value strategic tasks. |