RMR Officer Earns Canadian Army Commendation
Photo Credit: Private (Pte) Joshua Schultz, Directorate Army Public Affairs
Westmount, Quebec – 27 September 2026: Earlier this month, Major Matthew Szostak, an officer of The Royal Montreal Regiment (RMR) currently serving on Class B service with the Canadian Rangers, was presented with the Commander Canadian Army Commendation by Commander Canadian Army Lieutenant-General Mike Wright and Canadian Army Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Chris Robin.
The commendation recognized work Major Szostak undertook while still a Captain, when he distinguished himself through his central role in the development and implementation of the Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR) Data Vault.
Serving as an Information Management Officer, Major Szostak went well beyond the normal expectations of his position to help turn the project into a practical national capability. As the principal lead, he coordinated with stakeholders across Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups, working to standardize training nationally and helping future users prepare for the transition to the new platform.
The challenge was more than simply introducing a new digital tool. Implementing a system across geographically dispersed organizations requires coordination, common procedures, effective training and, perhaps most importantly, ensuring that the people who will ultimately use the system understand how it will improve the way they work. Major Szostak played a key role in bringing those pieces together.
His efforts formed part of the Canadian Armed Forces’ continuing digital transformation and earned particular praise from senior leadership within the Canadian Rangers Directorate. The citation accompanying his commendation highlighted his initiative, dedication and professionalism, noting the impact of his work well beyond the immediate responsibilities of his appointment.
For members of the RMR family, Major Szostak’s recognition is also another example of the contribution our soldiers and officers continue to make while serving throughout the Canadian Army. Reserve service routinely takes RMR members well beyond the armoury in Westmount, where they bring their experience and leadership to formations, headquarters, schools and operations across Canada and abroad.
Major Szostak’s work with the Canadian Rangers is firmly within that tradition: identify a problem, take ownership, bring people together and leave the organization better than you found it.
His Commander Canadian Army Commendation is a well-deserved recognition of that contribution and brings great credit to Major Szostak, the Canadian Rangers, and the RMR.
