Depart With Dignity

Every Soldier is entitled to Depart with Dignity from the Canadian Armed Forces. Based on the time the member as served, they have certain entitlements. Here is a reference to those entitlements.

As a Policy, the Debney Junior Ranks Mess (and Debney Combined Mess is willing to assist any member and Depart with Dignity (DWD) Committe by providing a space and venue for a cerimony.

Item A- Chief of Defence Staff (for eligible members)

Eligible members are entitled to a Certificate of Service and Service Pin. It is the responsibility of the Releasing OR or DWD Committee to reach out to the CDS Office.

Item AA- Canadian Flag (25+ years of service)

For members who have served 25 or more years, they are entitled to a Canadian Flag that has been flown at their Unit, Base, or Wing. Flags flown on The Peace Tower have a 20+ waiting period and Flags flow on either the East or West Block have an 11+ year waiting period. Parliament Hill flags are limited to one per household.

Item B- Prime Minister's Congratulatory Letter (20+ years of service)

For members who have served 20 or more years, they are entitled to a congratulatory letter from the Prime Minister of Canada. It is the responsibility of the releasing unit OR or DWD Committee to forward a request letter to the Prime Minister's Office Attn: Special Messages. Letter must be submitted at least 30 days before required. The letter must be on CAF Letter head and must contain: (Letter must be mailed or faxed)

• Members rank

• Member's full name

• Member's dates of service

• Member's preferred language

• Date letter is required

• Name and address of requestor

Item C- Provincial Premier's Congratulatory Letter (15+ years of service)

For members who have served 15 or more years, they are entitled to a congratulatory letter from their Provincial Premier. It is the responsibility of the releasing unit OR or DWD Committee to forward a request letter to the Provincial Premier’s Office. Letter must be submitted at least 30 days before required. The letter must contain: (Alberta email contact is premier@gov.ab.ca)

• Members rank

• Member's full name

• Members spouse and number of children (if applicable)

• Member's dates of service, with years of service

• Member's preferred language

• Brief description of member's career

• Brief description of member's personal traits and work ethic

• Brief description of members' retirement plans

• Date letter is required

Item D- Mayoral Congratulatory Letter (15+ years service)

For members who have served 15 or more years, they are entitled to a congratulatory letter from their Mayor of their city/town/municipality. It is the responsibility of the releasing unit OR or DWD Committee to forward a request letter to the Mayors Office. Letters from the Mayor’s Office should be reserved for those members who have been an active member in their local community or otherwise have contributed to the benefit thereof. Letter must be submitted at least 30 days before required. The letter must contain:

• Members rank

• Member's full name

• Members spouse and number of children (if applicable)

• Member's dates of service, with years of service

• Member's preferred language

• Brief description of member's career

• Brief description of member's personal traits and work ethic

• Brief description of members' retirement plans

• Date letter is required

Item E- Respective Canadian Forces Branch Certificate

CMS - MARGEN 019-08 gives details for requesting Naval Environmental Certificates

CLS - CANFORGEN 172/05 CLS 022/05 091414Z NOV 05

CAS - CANFORGEN 122/04 CAS 059 151827Z SEP 04

Item F- Mess Gift

In order to request a DWD gift from the Debney Junior Ranks Mess please refer to the Debney JR Gift Fund page

For more information or letter templates, contact your local Orderly Room.

Information published by Supervising Officer 2Lt Sawan 19 Oct 2021.