The Conference of Defence Associations (CDA) has announced that Garth Pritchard has been selected as the recipient of the Ross Munro Media Award for 2003. Out of the large and excellent list of nominees the selection committee has also concluded that Matthew Fisher (Global National – CanWest) and Robert Roy (Stornoway Productions) are deserving of honourable mention.
The CMEA had submitted a nomination of Mr.Garth Pritchard on a recommendation of 1 Combat Engineer Regiment that was based on their experience with him in Afghanistan. A symbolic testimony of the respect and admiration that the Canadian Military Engineers have for of Mr.. Pritchard is seen in his formal induction into the “Order of the Pukka Sapper” by 1CER in June 2003 in Edmonton. This award is an unique method whereby the Canadian Military Engineers can honour those who display the traits with which we comport ourselves. The ceremony made Mr. Pritchard a “Honourary Sapper” - a gesture of utmost respect and a rare honour.
Mr. Garth Pritchard, a native of Dartmouth, NS has, over the years, produced some outstanding work on the activities of the Canadian military. He has reported on Canadian defence issues from such places as Somalia, Croatia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan and his work clearly shows how he has earned the respect of the members of the Canadian Forces. In 2002, in Afghanistan during Operation APPOLO, Mr. Pritchard gained special access to 3PPCLI Battle Group for a period of three months - recording neverbefore- seen events and accumulating stunning first-hand accounts and images of the war on terrorism. This emotion-laden series comprises Chasing Shadows, Waging Peace, and the very powerful and moving Friendly Fire and offers an exclusive look inside Canada’s military and the harsh impact of war. Chasing Shadows and Friendly Fire first aired on History Television on Remembrance Day 2002 and Waging Peace aired with the other two in its debut on the same network in January 2003.
The Ross Munro Media Award was initiated in 2002 by the CDA in concert with the Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute. Its purpose is to annually recognize one Canadian journalist who has made a significant and outstanding contribution to the general public's understanding of Canada’s defence and security issues. A recipient of this award has produced outstanding work, for public consumption, on the efforts of the Canadian armed forces in preserving Canadian democratic values.
The Ross Munro Media Award selection committee was composed of Lieutenant- General Richard J. Evraire, CMM, CD (Retd), CDA Chairman; Mr. Peter Kent, President of the Canadian War Correspondents Associations; Lieutenant- Colonel Bob Lockhart (Retd); and Mr.Stuart Robertson of the firm O'Donnell, Robertson & Sanfilippo.
The award will be presented at the CDA’s annual Vimy Award Dinner on 21 November 2003 at the Museum of Civilizations, Gatineau, Québec. For details concerning the Vimy Dinner and the Ross Munro Award, go to www.cda-cdai.ca or email projectofficer@cdacdai.ca.