The Canadian Forces Unit Commendation award is presented in three elements. The second part, pictured, is a twelve-sided gold-colored medallion bearing the symbols of the three services: the anchor, the crossed swords, and the flying eagle topped by the royal crown. Top-level Canadian Armed Forces personnel presented the award to the 284th Air Support Operations Squadron during a ceremony at Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range, Kansas, Oct. 1, 2024. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy)

The Canadian Forces Unit Commendation award, pictured, is presented in three elements. The first part is a scroll inscribed with a citation in both official languages and signed by the chief of the Defense Staff. The second part is a twelve-sided gold-colored medallion bearing the symbols of the three services: the anchor, the crossed swords, and the flying eagle topped by the royal crown. The third element is a special commemorative flag also showing the three symbols. Top-level Canadian Armed Forces personnel presented the award to the 284th Air Support Operations Squadron during a ceremony at Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range, Kansas, Oct. 1, 2024. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy)

From left: Canadian Maj. Gen. John Errington, commander of the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre; and Chief Warrant Officer Pascal Gagne, Sergeant Major of the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre, present the flag element of the Canadian Forces Unit Commendation award to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin Thomas, commander of the 284th Air Support Operations Squadron, during a ceremony at Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range, Kansas, Oct. 1, 2024. Errington and Gagne presented the award to the 284th ASOS for their part in helping the Canadian Armed Forces Joint Terminal Attack Controller program regain NATO accreditation in 2022. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy)

Canadian Maj. Gen. John Errington, commander of the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre, addresses the audience during a ceremony whereby the Canadian Forces Unit Commendation award was presented to the 284th Air Support Operations Squadron, 184th Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, at Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range, Kansas, Oct. 1, 2024. The 284th ASOS was nominated for the award for helping the Canadian Armed Forces restore their Joint Terminal Attack Controller program’s NATO accreditation in 2022. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy)

Austrian Wachtmeister A. Hedayat, a medic with the of the 4. Panzergrenadierbrigade, talks with Vermont State Command Chief Master Sgt. Jillian Rolla after being presented with the Vermont Distinguished Service Medal at Hörsching Barracks, Hörsching, Austria, Sept. 9, 2024. Shevchik was there recognize one of their members for performing life saving actions during a visit to Vermont. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ryan Campbell)

A F-35A Lightning II from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing - flown by Capt. Melanie “MACH” Kluesner from the F-35 Demo Team - puts on a demonstration during Airpower, the largest air show in Europe, Hinterstoisser Air Base, Zeltweg, Austria, Sept. 7, 2024. Airpower was the largest air show in Europe in 2024 with over 300,000 spectators during the two day event. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ryan Campbell)