General (ret’d) Walter Natynczyk, CMM, MSC, CD
32nd Vimy Award Laureate
The Conference of Defence Associations Institute is happy to announce the 2024 Laureate of the Vimy Award, General (ret’d) Walt Natynczyk for his significant and outstanding contributions to Canadian security and defence and to the promotion and preservation of Canadian democratic values.
General Walter Natynczyk’s career and service to the nation have been exemplary, culminating with the roles of Chief of the Defence Staff, President of the Canadian Space Agency, and Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs.
Known to most in the Canadian Armed Forces as “Uncle Walt”, he demonstrated a rare humility and a human touch in everything he did. He was the type of leader who interacted with the newly enlisted private or aspiring cadet with the same degree of respect and demeanour as his counterparts, flag officers, public officials, and those of other nations of highest rank.
General Natynczyk’s work with charities has also been notable. He serves today on the Board of the Veteran Centre of Excellence for Chronic Pain, a non-for-profit funded by Veterans Affairs Canada. He is an advisor for the Homes for Heroes Foundation, which has built three small home villages for homeless Veterans. Finally, he is serving as the Honorary President of Last Post Fund, a not-or-profit foundation that ensures disadvantaged Veterans receive a respectful burial.
Join us at the Vimy Gala
Vimy Gala
November 6, 2024
Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, ON
Join us for the 32nd edition of the Vimy Gala, Canada’s premier defence and security recognition event. This prestigious black-tie evening brings together Senators, Members of Parliament, foreign dignitaries, senior public servants, top military officials, and influential business leaders to honor the memory of Canada’s fallen heroes and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Canadians in defence and security.
The evening includes a cocktail reception and a gourmet 3-course dinner, culminating in the presentation of the esteemed Vimy Award. This Gala is a rare opportunity to pay tribute to exceptional leadership and dedication to Canadian security in an atmosphere of elegance and camaraderie.
Only 3 tables remain! For sponsorship details, please contact Jennifer Giguere at jennifer@cdainstitute.ca.
Vimy Award Laureates (1991-2023)
1991 Joe Clark, Right Honourable | 1992 John de Chastelain, General |1993 Lewis MacKenzie, Major-General |1994 William Howard, Major-General | 1995 Roméo Dallaire, Major-Général |1996 Jack Granatstein, Doctor | 1997 Brian Dickson, Right Honourable | 1998 Larry Murray, Vice-Admiral | 1999 Charles H. Belzile, Lieutenant-général | 2000 Barnett Danson, Right Honourable | 2001 Leonard Birchall, Air Commodore | 2002 John Allen Fraser, Colonel, the Honourable | 2003 Paul David Manson, General | 2004 David Bercuson, Doctor | 2005 Gordon Hamilton Southam | 2006 David Fraser, Brigadier-General | 2007 Ray Henault, General | 2008 Rick Hillier, General | 2009 William Kenneth MacDonald, Warrant Officer | 2010 Adrienne Clarkson, Right Honourable | 2011 Jonathan Vance, Major-General | 2012 Federick Mannix, Honorary Colonel | 2013 Don Macnamara, Brigadier-General | 2014 Blake Goldring, Honorary Colonel | 2015 Hugh Segal, Senator | 2016 James Boutilier, Doctor | 2017 William Graham, Right Honourable | 2018 Christine Whitecross, Lieutenant-General | 2019 Richard Fadden, OC |2020 J.O. Michel Maisonneuve, Lieutenant-général | 2023 Ambassador Jacqueline O’Neill
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