Maj. Rev. Jim Short recently received a Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Short said he was "touched" to get the medal, which honours significant contributions and achievements by Canadians and commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne.
"I was delightfully surprised. It wasn't anything I had expected," said Short. "It was a great honour."
He received the medal a few weeks ago from Senator Larry Campbell.
Short, a longtime Canadian Army reservist, spent seven months in Afghanistan in 2008 as a military chaplain. His role included providing moral and spiritual guidance to leaders and to counsel and support soldiers. He presided over ramp ceremonies for 19 soldiers killed there.
He was nominated for the medal by the military.
Short received the medal "for his selfless devotion to soldier wellness, his tremendous impact on humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, and outstanding community outreach activities with soldiers and families throughout the province of B.C.," said Col. Brian Gagne, Brigade Commander of 39 Canadian Brigade Group.
Short, along with Jim Ingram from the Ladner Legion, organized a tribute at last year's Remembrance Day ceremony in Ladner to honour the Canadian military personnel killed in Afghanistan.
Short has ministered at Ladner United Church since 2001.
Â¥ Delta-Richmond East MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay will also be honouring 30 constituents with medals.
The medals will be awarded to citizens that have made a significant contribution either to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community within Canada; or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada, and was living on Feb. 6, 2012.
Nominations must be submitted by June 15. Nomination forms can be obtained at Findlay's office, 202-5000 Bridge St., Ladner, or through her website at www.kerrylynnefindlaymp.ca.
